Best films released in the UK this month: May 2026

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May is here, and we’re excited for what promises to be a fantastic summer movie season!

While big movies from directors like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan are planned for later this summer, May starts things off with a sequel many people are excited about: The Devil Wears Prada 2.

Star Wars is one of the most popular franchises ever created, but recent movies haven’t performed as well as previous installments. It will be fascinating to see if the success of ‘The Mandalorian’ and its character Grogu can help revive the series’ popularity.

Honestly, the streaming service is packed with good stuff this month, but I’m especially intrigued by these four new horror flicks: Hokum, Obsession, Passenger, and Backrooms. They’re all getting a lot of buzz, and from what I’ve seen, they actually look really promising!

I’m really excited about all the new movies coming out! There’s a gripping thriller with Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman that I can’t wait to see, and a surprisingly charming family film where sheep actually solve a murder – how fun is that? Plus, it’s wonderful to hear Sir Ian McKellen is giving another fantastic performance in a new role. There’s just so much good stuff coming up!

We’ve rounded up some of the best movies to watch this month to make choosing easier. You can watch our picks in the video above, or keep reading for the full list.

Best films released in the UK this month: May 2026

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Release date: Friday 1 May in cinemas

Twenty years after the popular 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, the original stars – Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt – are reuniting for a new sequel that’s already getting positive reviews.

In this installment, Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy, returning to work at Runway magazine. Meanwhile, Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly is adapting to the changing world of media, and Emily (played by Emily Blunt) now leads a financially powerful luxury brand.

Hokum

Release date: Friday 1 May in cinemas

In this horror movie directed by Damian McCarthy, Adam Scott plays Ohm Bauman, an American writer who goes to Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes. He chooses the remote and unsettling hotel where they spent their honeymoon years before.

From the moment he arrived, it was obvious something was wrong – rumors were circulating about a witch and the old honeymoon suite. Even though Ohm doesn’t believe in such things, he finds himself caught up in a frightening investigation into a disappearance.

The Sheep Detectives

Release date: Friday 8 May in cinemas

This heartwarming family film follows a group of sheep who unexpectedly assist the police in solving the mystery of their farmer’s death. Written by Craig Mazin, known for his work on Chernobyl, and starring Hugh Jackman, it’s a charming story set in the English countryside.

The film boasts an impressive voice cast featuring Sir Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Chris O’Dowd. It also includes live-action performances by Emma Thompson, Nicholas Galitzine, Nicholas Braun, and Molly Gordon.

Mortal Kombat II

Release date: Friday 8 May in cinemas

The new Mortal Kombat movie continues the story from the 2021 film, bringing back many of the same actors from that adaptation of the popular video game.

This time, the story follows Johnny Cage as he teams up with other warriors to fight against Shao Kahn, a ruthless tyrant who’s trying to conquer Earthrealm and destroy everything in its path.

The Christophers

Release date: Friday 15 May in cinemas

In this comedy-drama directed by the always-busy Steven Soderbergh, Sir Ian McKellen gives a great performance as a grumpy artist. The film also features Michaela Coel, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning.

James Corden and Gunning portray the children of Ian McKellen’s character. They enlist the help of a young artist, Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), to create forgeries of their father’s incomplete painting series, ‘The Christophers,’ hoping to increase their inheritance after his death.

Obsession

Release date: Friday 15 May in cinemas

This scary new movie, directed by former YouTuber Curry Baker, tells the story of a young man whose wish for his crush to love him goes horribly wrong. Instead of a sweet romance, she becomes dangerously obsessed with him.

Her actions become more and more unpredictable, and their friends begin to worry. This leads to a dangerous situation that ultimately ends in a violent and tragic conclusion.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

Release date: Friday 22 May in cinemas

Following the 2019 film The Rise of Skywalker, which received mixed reactions, the latest Star Wars story is a continuation of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as the main character, and Grogu – known as Baby Yoda – also returns.

Jon Favreau directed the latest installment, which follows the New Republic as they try to safeguard the ideals of the Rebellion. To do so, they seek assistance from Din Djarin, a famous Mandalorian bounty hunter, and his trainee, Grogu.

Passenger

Release date: Friday 22 May in cinemas

In this horror film directed by André Øvredal, a young couple – Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell – embark on a van life journey, but their adventure turns terrifying when they witness a deadly car crash and become haunted by a demonic presence.

The story centers around a relentless stalker who seems to be everywhere, and the terrifying results of their obsession.

Finding Emily

Release date: Friday 22 May in cinemas

In this new romantic comedy, directed by Alicia MacDonald, a musician hopelessly in love enlists the help of an ambitious psychology student. He’s trying to track down the girl of his dreams, but she accidentally gave him the wrong phone number, and they team up to find her.

Their connection ignites a funny, chaotic series of events across campus, challenging both of them and what they hope to achieve.

Tuner

Release date: Friday 29 May in cinemas

In this gripping thriller, Leo Woodall plays a piano tuner whose hearing problems get complicated when he’s pulled into a criminal world, potentially ruining his new relationship with Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu).

The film boasts a strong supporting cast featuring Dustin Hoffman and Jean Reno. Director Daniel Roher, known for his documentary work, brings a stylish energy to the film, enhanced by excellent editing and sound.

Backrooms

Release date: Friday 29 May in cinemas

This horror film stars Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor, and is directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons. It’s based on his popular YouTube series, which was inspired by ‘creepypasta’ stories.

A therapist goes to another world to find a patient who has disappeared.

Power Ballad

Release date: Friday 29 May in cinemas

John Carney, the director behind films like Once and Sing Street, presents a new movie starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. Rudd plays Rick, a wedding singer whose career has seen better days, and Jonas portrays Danny, a former boy-band star struggling to stay relevant.

The story centers around Rick, who feels he’s owed credit after Danny turns one of his songs into a popular hit, and Rick’s journey to get the recognition he thinks he’s earned.

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Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona is TopMob’s Senior Film Writer, covering new movies in theaters and on streaming platforms. He joined the site in October 2019 and has since interviewed many famous actors and reviewed a wide variety of films.

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2026-05-01 17:36