This year, we have a lot of exciting films to look forward to in theaters—but what about films and shows to enjoy at home? For those of us who have been religiously paying our monthly subscription fees to the streaming service that has held the crown over platforms for the past decade, we might be wondering what masterpieces they have in store for us.
I’m sure Netflix must realize that they have a lot of competition this year, not only in theaters but on other streaming platforms (I mean, c’mon, HBO is remaking Harry Potter). Which means they are certain to have some treasures for us in the upcoming months.
Here are my top picks!
Movies
Apex — April 24
This survival thriller has the potential to be the first big Netflix “blockbuster” of the year. The story follows a grieving woman, played by Charlize Theron, who decides to cope by going out into the wilderness to play her own version of Survivor. Except, it apparently turns into a real battle for survival when she ends up being hunted by a sadistic man who creates a twisted cat-and-mouse game with her.
It does seem like a movie with limited characters, mainly revolving around Theron and the villain, played by Taron Egerton. But honestly, I think those two have enough talent to carry a really strong film on their own.
Add in the fact that it was filmed in the Australian wilderness, with Theron doing most of her own stunts—I think it will meet the mark for an epic Netflix film.
Remarkably Bright Creatures — May 8
This book-to-movie adaptation starring Sally Field doesn’t really fit into the mold of any typical genre, but I think that’s exactly why it could be great. It follows a widow named Tova (Sally Field) who works the night shift at an aquarium and ends up forming a friendship with an octopus (is he a talking octopus, or does she have powers? I guess we’ll find out).
It seems to be a whimsical, slower-paced film that will likely end on a heartfelt, life-lesson-type note. And honestly, I think we could all use a movie like that. Sure, it isn’t going to be filled with back-to-back action, but we have plenty of those types of films to look forward to this year.
Swapped — May 1
As someone who has never been a huge fan of animated films (don’t yell at me), I have to say that this Skydance animated film has my attention.
First off, it was directed by Nathan Greno, who also directed one of the best animated films of all time—Tangled.
Second—Michael B. Jordan is voicing the main character, and I’m all for it.
Even more so, the story actually seems pretty unique. Instead of the typical human body-swap film, this is an animal body-swap story. Yep, this movie is doing what hasn’t really been done before (at least not often)—swapping a bird with a woodland creature. And it sounds just crazy enough for me to give it a chance.
TV Shows
The Boroughs — May 21
The Duffer Brothers are back, and this time they haven’t created a story revolving around a group of kids in Hawkins. Nope—this time it’s a ragtag group of retirees facing something supernatural in the New Mexico desert.
From the sounds of it, the Duffer Brothers may have another hit, blending equal parts emotion, comedy, and, most of all, mystery. And honestly, it’s their ability to pull on our heartstrings that makes watching a horror series bearable for me.
As for the cast list, I would say it’s pretty stacked. At the top of the list for me is Alfred Molina, who some of you may know from his iconic role as Doc Ock in the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies (and now, technically, the Tom Holland ones too). Add in Geena Davis and Bill Pullman—and boom, it just became a must-watch for summer 2026.
Pride and Prejudice — Summer 2026
Yes, Netflix is taking Jane Austen’s iconic Pride and Prejudice to the next level—they’re turning it into a TV series.
This six-episode series will feature a script written by Dolly Alderton, with Euros Lyn directing. As for our two favorite characters, Emma Corrin plays Elizabeth Bennet, and Jack Lowden plays Mr. Darcy.
It’s been over two decades since Keira Knightley starred in my personal favorite rendition of Austen’s classic novel, so I suppose enough time has passed for Netflix to create yet another version. All I know is that the bar is set high for this one—and although it will be difficult to reach, I hope they pull it off.
Franchise Favorites
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 — April 23
For those of us who have been mourning the loss of Stranger Things after the finale released earlier this year—this one might help.
Our Hawkins heroes are back… but this time, they’re animated. Yep, Tales from ’85 follows Will, Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas as they embark on another adventure involving the Upside Down, set sometime between Season 2 and Season 3.
The unfortunate part is that not only do we not get to see the original live-action cast—we won’t hear their voices either, as the characters in this animated spin-off have been recast.
Will I still watch it anyway? Absolutely. I mean… the Duffer Brothers have proven they can create something special, so I’m sure it will still be great (even if it hurts a little to let go of the original cast).
Beef Season 2 — April 16
This character-driven drama returns for a second season, and after the overwhelming praise of the first season, I’m sure many people are patiently awaiting its return.
Season 2 is an anthology, so it carries over the familiar themes of emotional chaos, dark humor, rage, and connection—but tells an entirely new story with a new cast.
This time around, it follows two couples whose lives become intertwined by a conflict that spirals out of control. The cast includes several recognizable names, most notably Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, and Charles Melton.
Sweet Magnolias Season 5 — June 11
One of Netflix’s best comfort shows returns this summer for a fifth season and, of course, still includes the original trio of friends.
This season expands beyond the small town of Serenity as Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) begins a new job in New York City. As someone who has followed the ups and downs of this trio for years, I’m excited to see how their friendships hold up across distance and what new challenges arise.
So far, Netflix hasn’t announced whether this will be the final season, and my guess is they’re waiting to see how it performs before making that decision. But honestly, it’s such a heartfelt, feel-good show that I wouldn’t mind if it continued for several more seasons.
Netflix has quite a spring and summer lineup, so for those of you who don’t already have it on your subscription list, it might be a good time to add it!
