Top 10 Movies to Watch This Week on Netflix | May 5–11, 2025 |

1. Havoc

Tom Hardy’s long-awaited Netflix thriller Havoc finally hit streaming, and yes—it’s just as brutal as you were hoping. Directed by The Raid mastermind Gareth Evans, this one’s all about chaos, corruption, and one very bloodied cop crawling through the criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s missing son. The setup is classic noir, but the execution is pure modern action mayhem, with fight scenes that feel gritty, grounded, and absolutely savage.

Hardy plays Walker, a detective who’s not just unraveling a case—he’s physically surviving it, one broken staircase at a time. And while the plot dips into familiar territory, Evans’ direction keeps it fresh with long-take brawls, seedy backrooms, and a sense of tension that rarely lets up. It’s not for the faint of heart—there’s blood, bone crunches, and more hallway fights than Daredevil—but if you’re into stylish violence, Havoc delivers.

Also starring Jessie Mei Li (Shadow and Bone), Forest Whitaker, and Timothy Olyphant, the cast elevates the stakes. Hardy doesn’t just grunt and punch his way through the film (though there’s plenty of that); he gives Walker a weird, weary heart. Dark, violent, and relentlessly tense—this is the kind of action movie Netflix rarely gets right, but this time? They nailed it.

2. The Life List

Romantic comedy meets existential checklist in The Life List, Netflix’s latest feel-everything dramedy starring Sofia Carson. Based on the novel by Lori Nelson Spielman, the film follows Alex Rose, a career-focused woman who has to complete her childhood “life list” in order to claim her late mother’s inheritance. It’s a wild premise, but one that opens the door to a surprisingly grounded emotional journey.

As Alex tracks down old dreams—like learning to cook, getting a tattoo, or finding true love—she finds herself face-to-face with the parts of life she’s been avoiding. The tone is lighter than you’d expect for a movie that flirts with grief and regret, but it walks the line nicely. Kyle Allen plays the love interest with just enough charm to keep things interesting, and Connie Britton shows up as the perfect no-nonsense aunt figure.

The vibe is very To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Eat Pray Love, but with more self-aware humor and less globetrotting. If you’re in the mood for something optimistic without being cheesy, The Life List will hit the spot. Plus, it’s basically a rom-com about reclaiming joy—which, let’s be real, we could all use right now.

3. Back in Action

Cameron Diaz is officially out of retirement, and Back in Action proves she hasn’t lost a step. Reuniting with Jamie Foxx, the action-comedy drops them into a chaotic blend of spy hijinks and domestic drama. Diaz and Foxx play ex-CIA operatives turned suburban parents, whose quiet life implodes when their past comes knocking—and by knocking, we mean explosions, car chases, and shady villains with European accents.

There’s something delightfully retro about this one. It plays like a 2010s buddy comedy got rebooted with Netflix gloss—slick editing, fast banter, and lots of explosions. Andrew Scott (Fleabag), Kyle Chandler, and even Glenn Close round out the supporting cast, giving the movie a strangely stacked ensemble for something this silly. But it works.

Foxx and Diaz clearly enjoy working together, and their chemistry keeps things afloat when the plot goes off the rails (which it definitely does, multiple times). It’s not reinventing the genre, but it doesn’t have to—it’s popcorn fun, and you’ll finish it with a grin. Also, shout-out to Diaz’s stunt double, because wow, some of those jumps look rough.

4. Life or Something Like It

Angelina Jolie in platinum blonde curls and a white trench coat? Say no more. Life or Something Like It is a forgotten gem from 2002 that’s getting a second wind on Netflix this week—and honestly, it holds up better than you’d expect. Jolie stars as Lanie Kerrigan, a Seattle TV reporter who thinks she has it all together until a street prophet tells her she’s going to die in exactly one week.

What follows is a surprisingly tender midlife-crisis-in-your-30s story as Lanie questions every choice she’s made—her career, her relationships, even her morning coffee order. It’s part rom-com, part personal awakening, and Edward Burns plays the scruffy cameraman who just might be the key to her realizing what really matters. Think How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with a dash of The Truman Show existentialism.

Is it a little dated? Sure. But that early-2000s charm works in its favor, from the soundtrack to the fashion to the way Jolie plays her meltdown with total commitment. If you’re feeling nostalgic or just want a movie that blends humor with actual heart, this one’s worth a rewatch.

5. Carry-On

Taron Egerton trades in his Kingsman suit for a TSA uniform in Carry-On, Netflix’s under-the-radar thriller that’s more tense than it has any right to be. He plays Ethan Kopek, a rookie airport security agent who’s blackmailed by a mysterious stranger (Jason Bateman, chillingly understated) into letting a deadly package through on a Christmas Eve flight. What’s inside? That’s the million-dollar mystery.

The plot unfolds in near-real time, keeping you claustrophobically locked into Kopek’s POV as he spirals from “I got this” to “I’m definitely going to jail or worse.” Sofia Carson also stars as a fellow agent who may or may not be catching on to what’s happening, adding an extra layer of suspense. Think Uncut Gems energy, but with government uniforms and lots of baggage (literal and emotional).

It’s tight, fast-paced, and surprisingly sharp for a high-concept thriller. And while it doesn’t always stick the landing, Egerton’s performance gives it enough weight to keep you invested. Carry-On doesn’t scream blockbuster—but it’ll keep you glued to the couch, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

6. Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp

If your brain’s fried and the kids need distracting (or let’s be real—you just want some chaotic cartoon energy), Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp is a wild little surprise. This sequel to the 2017 live-action/CGI hybrid drops Woody into Camp Woo Hoo after he gets booted from his forest home. Naturally, the hyperactive bird starts wreaking havoc on bunkhouses, counselors, and anyone who dares ask for “indoor voices.”

The camp’s on the verge of being shut down by a grumpy inspector, so Woody becomes the camp’s unlikely hero… mostly by accident. It’s got all the usual slapstick antics—pie fights, high-speed canoe chases, exploding outhouses—but there’s also a surprisingly sweet message about community. Think Camp Rock meets Looney Tunes with a sugar high.

The animation is a bit cleaner than the first movie, and voice actor Eric Bauza brings plenty of manic energy to the role. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s exactly what it wants to be: loud, goofy, and relentlessly unserious. If you’ve got little ones (or just miss cartoons that go full bonkers), this one’s worth the stream.

7. The Two Popes

Yes, a movie about two elderly religious leaders talking in a garden is somehow riveting. The Two Popes is one of those rare dramas that grabs your attention with nothing more than two stellar actors and some very smart dialogue. Anthony Hopkins plays Pope Benedict XVI, a rigid traditionalist; Jonathan Pryce plays Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the progressive voice who will eventually become Pope Francis. Their conversations—sometimes combative, sometimes funny, always layered—form the heart of the film.

Set against the backdrop of the Vatican’s shifting future, the story imagines private meetings between these two men as they wrestle with faith, responsibility, and very human doubts. Director Fernando Meirelles (City of God) keeps things visually rich, while the screenplay by Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) brings surprising wit to what could’ve been a dry history lesson.

This one’s for anyone who appreciates performance-driven drama. Hopkins is razor-sharp, Pryce brings emotional warmth, and together they make ecclesiastical debate feel downright thrilling. It’s not flashy—but it’s deeply thoughtful, weirdly funny, and unexpectedly moving.

8. American Sniper

Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper returns to Netflix this week, and regardless of your take on the politics, it’s still one of the most talked-about war films of the last decade. Bradley Cooper plays Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But the movie’s real focus isn’t the battlefield—it’s what happens to a man who’s seen too much of it.

Cooper completely disappears into the role, putting on weight and dialing down his usual charm to play Kyle as a quiet, haunted figure. We see his four tours in Iraq, but also the strain it puts on his marriage (Sienna Miller plays his wife, often left behind to pick up the emotional pieces). It’s intense, sometimes unsettling, and not shy about the costs of war.

Whether you see it as a tribute, a critique, or a bit of both, American Sniper is very effective. Eastwood’s direction is spare and sharp, and the tension rarely lets up. It’s not easy viewing, but it’s the kind of movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

9. A Dog’s Way Home

Warning: This one will hit you right in the feelings—especially if you’re a dog person. A Dog’s Way Home is exactly what it sounds like: a sweet, soft-hearted story about a lost pup named Bella who travels over 400 miles to get back to her human. Along the way, she faces danger, finds friends, and inspires every adult watching to sob quietly into their hoodie.

Based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron (A Dog’s Purpose), the movie doesn’t stray too far from the formula. Bella, voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard, narrates her journey with wholesome doggo optimism. There are wolves, homeless veterans, snowy mountains, and yes, a very emotional reunion. It’s pure family-friendly fare, cheesy in places, but totally earnest.

Ashley Judd and Jonah Hauer-King play Bella’s people, but honestly, the dog is the real star. If you want a low-stakes adventure that’s all about loyalty, survival, and cute animal moments, this one’s a safe bet. Just maybe keep some tissues nearby—you’ll need them.

10. Despicable Me 4

The Minions are back—and as chaotic as ever. Despicable Me 4 just hit Netflix early, and it’s already climbing the streamer’s trending chart. Steve Carell returns as Gru, who’s now dealing with a flashy new villain named Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell) and the added chaos of raising a baby alongside his usual band of banana-colored goons.

The plot? Who even knows anymore? There’s a heist, a secret island, a parenting crisis, and probably three dozen sight gags involving fart guns. Kristen Wiig returns as Lucy, Joey King joins the cast as a punky new villain-in-training, and the animation is top-tier slapstick candy. Kids will love it, and adults won’t hate themselves for watching it. That’s a win.

Is it groundbreaking? Absolutely not. But Despicable Me 4 understands its assignment: be funny, be fast, and let the Minions wreck everything in sight. Mission accomplished.

And That’s a Wrap!

From gritty thrillers and nostalgic rom-coms to animated chaos and heartwarming dog tales, Netflix is bringing serious variety to your watchlist this week. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of your seat with popcorn in hand, this lineup’s got something for every kind of streamer. So cancel those scroll sessions—your next movie night is officially sorted.