Top 10 Movies To Watch This Week on Netflix | May 12, 2025

Looking for something to watch? From action-packed thrillers to heartfelt comedies, Netflix’s latest lineup is stacked with star-studded hits, cult favorites, and some unexpected gems. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, gasp, or just kick back with some animated fun, this week’s picks deliver variety and excitement. We’ve rounded up the top 10 movies streaming on Netflix right now—so clear your queue and let’s dive in.

Exterritorial

Look, Exterritorial is not your average action thriller. It’s the kind of movie that grabs you by the collar in the first ten minutes and doesn’t let go. Jeanne Goursaud is an absolute force as Sara Wulf, a former Special Forces operative who’s dealing with severe PTSD while trying to find her missing son. And where does she have to search? Oh, just the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt—because nothing’s ever simple.

But this is more than just another “mom on a mission” story. Sara’s not just fighting the bad guys; she’s battling her mind, dealing with the trauma she’s been through, and trying to stay focused on finding her kid. The action is intense—brutal hand-to-hand fights and tense, paranoid chases. But it’s the emotional weight that keeps you hooked. You’re not just rooting for her to beat the bad guys but for her to keep it together. If you liked Taken or John Wick but want something with a little more emotional depth, Exterritorial is your new obsession. It’s a thriller with something to say, and that’s rare.

Where the Crawdads Sing

You’re missing out if you haven’t seen Where the Crawdads Sing yet. This kind of movie makes you feel like you’ve been living in the misty marshlands of North Carolina. Daisy Edgar-Jones is a powerhouse as Kya, a young girl abandoned by her family who grows up alone, surviving on her wits and whatever the marsh can provide. It’s haunting, it’s poetic, and it’s honestly a gut-punch in the best way.

The movie’s a mix of coming-of-age drama and courtroom thriller. One minute, you’re watching Kya quietly sketching the marsh creatures she loves, and the next, she’s on trial for murder. Reese Witherspoon produced this one, and it shows that there’s this rich, atmospheric vibe to the whole thing.

And the mystery isn’t just about who killed the guy—it’s about who Kya is and whether the world will ever truly see her for more than just “the Marsh Girl.”If you loved To Kill a Mockingbird or Big Little Lies, this one’s right up your alley. It’s a slow burn, but it’s worth it for the emotional rollercoaster it takes you on.

The Equalizer 2

Denzel Washington is back in The Equalizer 2, and honestly, the guy is just as badass as ever. This time around, he’s not just helping out strangers—he’s out for revenge. When his close friend Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) is killed, Robert McCall is done playing nice. And by “playing nice,” I mean giving criminals one last chance to do the right thing before they destroy them.

If you’ve seen the first one, you know McCall’s got this whole “justice on my own terms” vibe going. But this sequel digs a little deeper. It’s not just about saving people—it’s about loyalty, loss, and how violence has a cost, even for a guy who’s good at it. There are some brutal fight scenes (Denzel in a storm on a dock—trust me, it’s epic), but these quiet moments also hit just as hard. Bottom line? If you’re into gritty, smart action movies where the good guy’s not exactly squeaky clean, The Equalizer 2 is a solid pick. And Denzel’s performance? Still top-tier.

Fast X

Fast X is exactly what you’d expect from the Fast & Furious series—ridiculous stunts, high-speed chases, and a plot that doesn’t just go off the rails, it builds a new track in mid-air. But that’s what makes it awesome. Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is back, and this time he’s up against Dante Reyes, played by Jason Momoa, who is having the time of his life as a flamboyant, vengeance-driven villain.

Let’s be real: if you’re watching Fast X, you’re not here for a deep story. You’re here for muscle cars driving out of airplanes, physics-defying action sequences, and a family that seems to grow by three new members every movie. But what makes this one stand out is that it tries to get a bit emotional. There’s this whole “legacy and revenge” theme running through it, and they even give Dom a few moments to be more than just the gruff, mumbling hero. If you’ve followed this series since the beginning, Fast X is a giant, wild, adrenaline-filled family reunion. And if you haven’t? Well, buckle up.

The Heartbreak Kid

Ben Stiller is at his most hilariously awkward in The Heartbreak Kid. He plays Eddie, a guy who rushes into marriage with Lila (Malin Åkerman) after a whirlwind romance, only to realize—during their honeymoon, no less—that he’s made a huge mistake. And then, just to make things worse, he falls for another woman, Miranda (Michelle Monaghan), while he’s supposed to enjoy marital bliss.

Directed by the Farrelly brothers, this movie is a masterclass in uncomfortable comedy. Stiller is perfect as the guy who’s always one terrible decision away from total disaster. Åkerman is hilarious as his completely unhinged bride, going from sweet to borderline insane faster than you can say “bad honeymoon.”

But for all the chaos and cringy laughs, there’s a little bit of a message here about what happens when you mistake infatuation for love—and how badly things can go when you’re not honest with yourself. It’s brutal, funny, and the perfect pick for a night when you want to watch a trainwreck you can’t look away from.

Paul

Paul is the kind of movie that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. You’ve got Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two British nerds on a road trip across the U.S. who accidentally pick up Paul, a foul-mouthed, wisecracking alien voiced by Seth Rogen. And Paul isn’t your typical alien—he’s sarcastic, loves to party, and has been hiding out at Area 51 for decades.

The movie is a love letter to sci-fi fans. There are so many little references to classic alien film that you’ll lose count, but it’s just plain fun even if you’re not a total geek. Pegg and Frost are always a great comedy duo, and adding Rogen as this laid-back, totally relatable alien is just genius.

But it’s not all jokes and wild antics. Underneath all the humor, Paul is about friendship, acceptance, and being a little weird in a world that tries to make you fit in. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the sci-fi references, or to see a stoned alien, this one’s a blast.

Sisters

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are comedy gold, and Sisters is them unleashed. They play, well, sisters—Maura (Poehler) is the responsible, slightly uptight one, while Kate (Fey) is the wild child who can’t get her life together. When their parents decide to sell their childhood home, the two decide to throw one last, absolutely ridiculous house party to relive their glory days. But this isn’t just some generic party movie. Fey and Poehler have such natural chemistry that you could probably watch them read a grocery list and still be laughing.

The movie’s hilarious because it’s unfiltered. Whether it’s Maura awkwardly trying to flirt or Kate struggling to act like a grown-up for once, every scene is packed with over-the-top but somehow relatable chaos. And beneath all the comedy, there’s a pretty sweet message about sisterhood. Sure, they drive each other crazy, but at the end of the day, they’ve always got each other’s backs. If you’re in the mood for a wild, laugh-out-loud comedy with a bit of heart, Sisters is a perfect pick.

Twilight

Love it, hate it, or are secretly obsessed with it—Twilight is one of those movies that you’ve at least heard of. Kristen Stewart plays Bella Swan, an awkward high schooler who falls for Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a brooding, sparkly-skinned vampire with serious trust issues. It’s dramatic, a little cheesy, and pretty much the definition of a guilty pleasure.

The thing about Twilight is that it’s way more than just a vampire romance—it’s a full-on phenomenon. This movie kicked off a global obsession, with fans choosing sides between Team Edward (the broody vampire) and Team Jacob (the shirtless werewolf). It’s got the kind of melodrama you can’t look away from, with lines that are so over-the-top you’ll be quoting them for days.

But underneath the teenage angst and the sparkling skin, Twilight is actually a pretty classic love story about feeling out of place and finding someone who sees you differently. Sure, it’s a little ridiculous—but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Whether you’re re-watching it for nostalgia or rolling your eyes while secretly loving every second, Twilight is a must.

The Secret Life of Pets

Ever wonder what your pets are up to when you’re not home? Well, The Secret Life of Pets has a pretty wild answer. This animated comedy takes you into the hidden world of Max (voiced by Louis C.K.), a loyal terrier who’s got a pretty sweet life with his owner—until she brings home a massive, slobbery rescue dog named Duke (Eric Stonestreet). The two immediately butt heads, but when they get lost in the city, they have to team up to survive.

The movie’s a total blast because it’s packed with hilarious characters—there’s Gidget, the fluffiest little ball of energy with a surprisingly fierce attitude (voiced by Jenny Slate), and Snowball, an unhinged but somehow adorable bunny voiced by Kevin Hart. It’s got everything you’d want in a feel-good animated flick: colorful visuals, fast-paced adventure, and enough jokes to keep both kids and adults laughing.

But it’s not just chaos and animal hijinks—there’s actually a pretty sweet message about friendship, loyalty, and finding family in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a pet owner who’s always wondered what your furry friends do when you’re away, or you just need a light, hilarious pick-me-up, this one’s perfect.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

If you grew up mashing buttons on a Nintendo controller or screamed in frustration playing Mario Kart, then The Super Mario Bros. Movie is made for you. This animated adventure follows Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day) as they get sucked into the Mushroom Kingdom, where they have to rescue Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and face off against the fire-breathing menace, Bowser (Jack Black).

The movie is a total love letter to fans of the classic video game series. It’s packed with little Easter eggs—everything from power-up mushrooms to those infuriating green pipes you always miss. But even if you’ve never played the games, it’s still a hilarious, action-packed adventure with gorgeous animation and some entertaining voice performances.

Jack Black as Bowser is perfect; he’s menacing but also weirdly charming, and there’s even a musical number that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or someone who loves a good, colorful adventure, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is an absolute blast.

Wrap-Up

So that’s the lineup! Whether you’re in the mood to go full-on action with Exterritorial, revisit the marshy mystery of Where the Crawdads Sing, or laugh your head off with Sisters, Netflix is bringing the heat this week. And honestly, that’s just scratching the surface—there’s a little bit of something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, pick a title (or three), and let Netflix do the heavy lifting. Movie night is officially handled.