May 2026 Movie Rankings: Every Theatrical Release I Saw, Ranked Worst to Best

During May 2026, I watched 16 movies in theaters using my Regal Unlimited subscription. From major releases like Michael and The Mandalorian and Grogu to smaller independent films such as Saccharine and Is God Is, here's my ranking of every movie I saw this month, from worst to best.

If you missed it, check out my April 2026 movie rankings where I reviewed Hokum, The Drama, and other theatrical releases.

Warning: there are minimal spoilers ahead.

16. Animal Farm ★☆☆☆☆

If George Orwell wasn't already rolling in his grave watching 2026 unfold...

We've seen Andy Serkis do incredible things with roles in franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And now we've seen him disrespect George Orwell with a "retelling" of Animal Farm that introduces a new protagonist and completely misses the message of the original story. It's one thing to modernize a plot, or even make complex themes more palatable for children, but this was a major swing and miss. Animal Fart Joke, now playing in a theatre near you.

15. Saccharine ★★☆☆☆

A disgusting body horror with a shocking final scene (a.k.a. Why Did I Watch This?)

The premise of this Australian film had me hooked immediately. Eating human ashes as a new weight loss craze? Excuse me? My local Regal wasn't showing this one, so I took a short road trip. Perhaps it's a bad sign when the only available showtime is 9 PM on opening weekend. As the movie progressed, it became clear that my theatre would remain empty. Admittedly, it's unfair to criticize a film for lack of visual appeal when grotesque imagery is presented so intentionally, but Saccharine was almost too uncomfortable to feel legitimately entertaining. If you do choose to brave the unpleasantness here, however, be sure to stay until the credits roll.

14. In the Grey ★★⯪☆☆

Guy Ritchie drastically reinvents the wheel with yet another action thriller. *Sarcasm*

In a word? Forgettable. This film had a limited run at my local Regal, largely due to poor numbers at the box office. In The Grey appears destined to become Ritchie's worst box office performance since 2008, despite Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill at the helm. If you enter this film expecting to be entertained, there's no reason you shouldn't be successful. Characters discuss devious plans at breakneck speed. Comedic elements almost always land. There are bullets and explosions. Eventually, though, you'll forget a movie featuring Superman and Mysterio ever existed.

13. The Devil Wears Prada 2 ★★⯪☆☆

"I always knew that you would end up doing something great."
"You forgot I existed."
"Right, but... before that, I knew."

Look what TJ Maxx dragged in: another cash grab film. Admittedly, I am not the target audience here, as I am thoroughly uneducated on the world of fashion. However, the 2006 edition starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway remains a classic for many reasons. Twenty years later, unfortunately, its sequel is devoid of every element that made the original so compelling. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, we are treated to watered-down character dynamics and regurgitated plot points. It isn't an Animal Fart Joke level of catastrophic by any means, but after two decades, the fans truly deserved better.

12. Mortal Kombat II ★★★☆☆

Johnny Cage doesn't have any powers. He's just incredibly handsome.

Small disclaimer: I have never once played a Mortal Kombat game. I did watch the 2021 film in preparation for the release of Mortal Kombat II, yet undoubtedly there were references flying over my head and context that couldn't possibly make sense to someone strolling into a theatre without prior knowledge of the franchise. Was this film essentially two hours of... well, relentless combat? Absolutely. If you're looking for some sort of narrative depth, look elsewhere. However, director Simon McQuoid has created a visual spectacle, with plenty of humor thrown in along the way. Fans of the genre (and more specifically, of the gaming franchise) will likely find a fair amount to appreciate in this installment.

11. Passenger ★★★☆☆

130 million people take road trips every year. 15,400 of them are never seen again.

Quite honestly, the trailer for this film does an amazing job of establishing a level of terror that can't possibly be sustained for 94 minutes. What we find below the surface is essentially your run-of-the-mill horror flick. A supernatural presence stalking a random couple because they chose to investigate a crash on their road trip. Don't ever stop. Unfortunately, viewers never fully understand the origins of the "Passenger", nor do we find much chemistry between the newly-engaged Maddie and Tyler. After being treated to some truly haunting films in April (Hokum and Lee Cronin's The Mummy come to mind), this one lands in the lower echelon of May's theatrical releases.

10. Deep Water ★★★☆☆

"Way out of your league."
"Wait, what if I've got a great personality?"
"You don't."

If you type Deep Water into a search engine, you're likely to find a 2022 "erotic psychological thriller" starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. While I haven't seen that film, I have seen the 2026 impostor about a plane crash-landing in shark-infested waters. In this situation, you might question why a "5" is desperately trying to land a "9", rather than fearing for his life. You might question how the survivors manage to use cellular devices after days spent stranded at sea. If you manage to turn off the logical part of your brain, however, you might also have some fun with a cornucopia of tonal inconsistencies here. Somebody needs to sign that shark up for Roarball immediately (iykyk).

9. The Breadwinner ★★★⯪✩

"Spelling is unpredictable, man. That was a wild ride. That's not how I spell it."

Systematic. S-Y-S-T-E-M-A-T-I-C. Quite frankly, The Breadwinner is one of the most unpretentious comedies you'll see this year. Take your spouse. Take your kids. Take your incompetent roofer. If you enjoyed the trailer, you'll probably enjoy this film. If you didn't enjoy the trailer, you may still find yourself laughing at Nate Bargatze's pronunciation of "Lactaid." Does the movie rely on familiar sitcom tropes and follow a predictable narrative? Absolutely. Nonetheless, there's something endearing about a story that embraces simplicity without striving to be more than it is. Bargatze and company aren't reinventing comedy, yet they manage to deliver a pleasant, family-friendly afternoon in this one.

8. Backrooms ★★★⯪✩

If you're not careful and you noclip out of reality in the wrong areas, you'll end up in the Backrooms...

The 21st century is alive and well, as a random 4chan thread from 2019 evolved into a full-length horror film directed by a famous YouTuber. 20-year-old Kane Parsons had full creative liberty with this one, and quite honestly, I wish he would have done more. The opening sequence is beautifully shot, an erratic first-person look at a character scrambling through the Backrooms, fearing for (and ultimately losing) their life. As the plot progresses, viewers are subsequently treated to plenty of suspense-building, strange content. Unfortunately, the horror aspect never reaches its full potential, as the majority of this film simply isn't that scary. It's still an enjoyable watch, but as the kids say these days, it was mid.

7. Is God Is ★★★⯪✩

Is God a woman who implores her daughters to kill their father for attempting to burn her alive two decades ago? 

Enter the cinematic adaptation of Aleshea Harris' 2018 play Is God Is. Truthfully, I'm not sure what to make of this film. The premise is undeniably intriguing, and the content has proved thought-provoking enough to remain in the forefront of my mind long after the final credits rolled. Nonetheless, there is a moral dilemma surrounding our rooting interest as viewers. Is "an eye for an eye" truly appropriate? Prepare to squirm when Racine and Anaia encounter their half-brothers, one of whom is convinced they are strippers hired by their father as an early birthday present. Without revealing the climax, a full circle moment sees this story end on a painfully heavy note.

6. I Love Boosters ★★★⯪✩

Fashion. Forward. Philanthropy.

Charming. Unique. Confusing. Gross. Just a few of the adjectives that come to mind while attempting to describe Boots Riley's I Love Boosters. In many ways, I went into this film with low expectations, anticipating something similar to Forbidden Fruits, which rests firmly outside of my genre wheelhouse. But then I witnessed demoniac oral sex and $100,000 skin suits. This 105-minute ride requires a certain level of open-mindedness. By the end of the journey, there will be two potential reactions. Person One will ask, "What the hell did I just watch?" Person Two will applaud the creativity of this project and start inquiring about portable teleportation devices as a future method of transportation. I am choosing the latter.

5. Billie Eilish -- Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) ★★★★☆

James Cameron: The Terminator, Titanic, Avatar, and now... William Eyelash.

Ranking a concert film amidst a crowded month of movie releases is quite challenging, but a project that genuinely seems fresh and innovative remains worthy of praise. To be honest, there are still moments where the 3D aspect feels unnecessary. Generally speaking, Billie Eilish might not top the list of artists whose music could benefit from ambitious visuals. However, it's clear from her ability to enlist the help of an A-list director that she has come a long way from that initial release of "Ocean Eyes" over a decade ago. Fans of the young star (and/or her brother, Finneas) should be Happier Than Ever enjoying Eilish on the big screen.

4. The Sheep Detectives ★★★★☆

"I still think it was the maid."

Hugh Jackman leaves his Wolverine claws behind to read murder mystery novels to a flock of sheep. What could possibly go wrong in that environment? Yikes. When George Hardy is murdered (not really a spoiler, I promise), his flock must inherit the bravery of a chicken, literally crossing the road to investigate their shepherd's mysterious death. Despite its subject matter, The Sheep Detectives is easily classified as a "feel-good" film -- a unique, family-friendly "whodunit" that somehow keeps a smile on your face throughout. Animation be darned, it also feels like a treat to see Logan and Professor X reunited. Everything is better with Patrick Stewart.

3. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu ★★★★☆

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

It's difficult for me to remain unbiased here. Growing up in the era of Star Wars prequels, I frequently revisited George Lucas' original trilogy and counted down the days until Revenge of the Sith finally released in theatres. Since Disney's acquisition of the franchise in 2012, however, my passion for the series has faded significantly. Oversaturation for the sake of revenue has become a legitimate problem. Nonetheless, the first theatrical Star Wars release of the 2020s proved both nostalgic and intriguing. To be transparent, I've only seen Season One of The Mandalorian, yet Jon Favreau and company are able to weave together a captivating tale without necessitating much context. Any plot or pacing issues are quickly resolved by the undeniable cuteness of "Baby Yoda" (Grogu).

And now for the hilarious transition you've all been waiting for...

Keep on with "The Force", don't stop. Don't stop 'til you get enough.

2. Michael ★★★★⯪

Hee-hee. Shamone. Owww.

Seventeen years after his death, the King of Pop's remarkable career is revitalized by his nephew in the musical biopic Michael. In my estimation, Jaafar Jackson does an admirable job bringing his uncle's story to life. Of course, the statistics speak volumes. Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time. Michael Jackson received 13 Grammy Awards and posted 17 songs atop the Billboard Hot 100 (including The Jackson 5). This film tells the story of his upbringing, from a contentious relationship with his abusive father to his ultimate breakthrough as a solo artist. The sole downside -- this biopic ends rather abruptly as Michael departs on the Bad World Tour in 1988. A controversial, polarizing figure? Absolutely. A thoroughly intriguing, behind-the-scenes look at an undeniable talent? Also yes. 

1. Obsession ★★★★★

"I'm just kidding, guys. I'm just kidding. Heheheh. Come on, it's a joke. I'm just joking... okay, fine. I'm not joking. Deal with it."

Where to begin with Curry Barker's Obsession? Yes, it is absolutely worth the hype. I caught this film on a random Wednesday night at a theatre that tends to look as though it hasn't recovered from the pandemic. That. Room. Was. Packed. We've all heard the expression "Be careful what you wish for", but typically, our wishes don't have such extreme repercussions. Admittedly, Bear's initial plight is relatable from the perspective "I desperately wish this person loved me", but in retrospect, breaking a One-Wish Willow and requesting a billion dollars is absolutely the smarter play. Major props to Inde Navarrette for her Oscar-worthy performance as Freaky Nikki. My favorite movie released in May: Obsession by a landslide.

In summary...

May 2026 turned out to be a surprisingly diverse month for moviegoers, with standout releases like Obsession, Michael, and The Mandalorian and Grogu leading the pack. Whether you're interested in horror, science fiction, animation, or music-focused films, there was something worthwhile playing in theaters this month. 

What were your favorite movies released in May 2026?