3 underrated films to check out in May 2025

      April was a significant month for Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan. Their latest horror film, Sinners, debuted with an impressive $48 million in domestic earnings, surpassing A Minecraft Movie for the top position. With positive word of mouth and critical praise, Sinners has the potential to amass over $200 million at the box office, a remarkable achievement for an original horror film.

      May marks the beginning of the summer blockbuster period, starting with Marvel's Thunderbolts. Following that, Tom Cruise will premiere Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning three weeks later. These two films are expected to dominate box office sales throughout May. Nevertheless, several smaller releases in May may catch your interest. We recommend a quirky comedy, an action-packed airplane thriller, and a folk horror film.

      Once you’re finished here, be sure to check out the best new movies available for streaming this week, along with the top films on Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

      Friendship (available in theaters May 9)

      SNL really missed the mark with Tim Robinson. The renowned sketch show let go of Robinson after just one season as a performer, although he remained a writer for an additional four years. Robinson’s unique and offbeat humor has flourished on Netflix’s I Think You Should Leave. Now, he takes to the big screen in the new comedy, Friendship.

      A24 has been intentionally vague about the plot, which is a refreshing change from studios that often reveal significant story elements in trailers. The story follows Craig Waterman (Robinson), who becomes enamored with his new neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd). As Craig attempts to forge a friendship, things go awry and threaten to upend their lives. Initial reviews have likened it to a 97-minute ITYSL sketch, and if that's accurate, fans can look forward to a delightful experience.

      Fight or Flight (available in theaters May 9)

      Fight or Flight — imagine John Wick on a plane? Sort of. With John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk involved in Fight or Flight, the comparison makes sense. However, Bullet Train might be a better reference point. Nonetheless, Fight or Flight is a comedic action film featuring entertaining sequences and intense hand-to-hand combat.

      Josh Hartnett portrays Lucas Reyes, a mercenary tasked with capturing a black hat terrorist. Lucas learns that his target will be on a plane. If he successfully brings the terrorist back alive, he will reclaim his life. However, this task is complicated by the fact that the plane is filled with assassins eager to kill the terrorist for a bounty.

      The Severed Sun (available in theaters and on digital May 16)

      In the best possible way, The Severed Sun resembles a smaller, more gruesome Robert Eggers film. Set in a secluded religious community, Magpie becomes an outcast after murdering her abusive husband. Unbeknownst to her, this act of violence awakens a supernatural being known as the Beast.

      The Beast then unleashes chaos on the community, resulting in a violent witch hunt that divides the group. The Severed Sun features Emma Appleton, Lewis Gribben, Toby Stephens, and Barney Harris. It is a bloody folk horror film with some genuinely frightening moments.