Netflix dropped 75 new releases on Friday alone, with 65 of those being films — and the platform’s Irish library is pulling out all the stops this month. From a zombie sequel that already has viewers divided to an Oscar-nominated Irish animation making a quiet comeback, there’s plenty worth sorting through. Here’s what actually landed on the platform this week, ranked by what people are actually watching.
Top Film in Ireland: Apex · New Release May 1: Glory · New Release May 4: Dr. Seuss’s Horton! · New Release May 7: The Chestnut Man · Ireland #2: Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill
Quick snapshot
- Netflix added 65 new movies on May 1, 2026 (What’s on Netflix)
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl tops Rotten Tomatoes’ Netflix list for April 2026 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple features Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes (TV Guide)
- Exact view counts for new Hindi films on the platform
- Whether certain regional exclusives will expand beyond Ireland
- Full cast details for lesser-known additions from smaller markets
- May 1, 2026: 75 new releases hit Netflix (What’s on Netflix)
- May 4, 2026: Dr. Seuss’s Horton! arrives (What’s on Netflix)
- May 7, 2026: The Chestnut Man premieres (Rotten Tomatoes)
- New additions expected to shift rankings as weekend viewing data comes in (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Rotten Tomatoes updating its top 100 Netflix list in coming weeks (Rotten Tomatoes)
This key-facts table provides direct links to the primary sources used throughout this article, enabling quick verification of each claim.
| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Netflix browse page | netflix.com/browse |
| New on Netflix May 2026 | Netflix Tudum |
| Ireland Top 10 chart | Netflix Tudum |
| Rotten Tomatoes new releases | Rotten Tomatoes |
| JustWatch Ireland releases | JustWatch |
What are the top 10 films on Netflix right now?
The platform’s top rankings this month reflect a mix of recent blockbusters and critically acclaimed holdovers. Rotten Tomatoes ranks 100 top Netflix movies by Tomatometer scores, and for April 2026, the list shows some clear standouts (Rotten Tomatoes).
Ireland Top 10 chart
Apex currently sits at #1 on Netflix Ireland, with Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill holding strong at #2. For Irish viewers specifically, the platform’s algorithm is surfacing action titles and documentary content as the weekend draw (Netflix Tudum).
- Ireland #1: Apex
- Ireland #2: Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill
- Ireland #4: Roommates
- Ireland #5: The Interpreter
Global popular movies
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl claims the top spot globally, with Ben Whitehead and Peter Kay leading the voice cast. The Perfect Neighbor sits at #2, while Godzilla Minus One holds #3 on the Rotten Tomatoes rankings (Rotten Tomatoes).
The pattern here is straightforward: family-friendly animation and thriller content are driving the most engagement right now, with prestige drama taking a back seat.
What’s the newest release on Netflix?
Netflix pushed out 75 new releases on Friday May 1, 2026 — 65 of those were films, marking one of the platform’s busiest single-day additions this year (What’s on Netflix).
May 2026 new additions
Three titles stand out from the recent wave of arrivals. Glory landed on May 1, Dr. Seuss’s Horton! arrived May 4, and The Chestnut Man premiered May 7 — giving viewers a steady stream of fresh content across genres (Netflix Tudum).
- May 1: Glory
- May 4: Dr. Seuss’s Horton!
- May 6: Countdown: Rousey vs. Carano
- May 7: The Chestnut Man
Recent streaming arrivals
Beyond the headline releases, several established titles have joined the library this week. Jennifer’s Body, Green Book, and Borat all appeared in the recent additions queue, giving subscribers more options for weekend rewatch sessions (Netflix browse).
May is shaping up to be Netflix’s heaviest release month of 2026 so far — if you haven’t scrolled past something good, check the new additions list rather than revisiting the same titles.
What’s trending on Netflix Ireland?
Netflix Ireland’s Top 10 chart gives a real-time picture of what viewers in the country are actually watching — and the rankings shift quickly once the weekend data comes in (Netflix Tudum).
Current Ireland rankings
Roommates is sitting at #4 and The Interpreter at #5, suggesting comedy and thriller content are resonating with Irish audiences right now. The full chart updates daily based on viewing hours, giving a cleaner picture than follower counts or social buzz.
Popular watches
The Untold documentary series continues to perform well — Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill has held the #2 position for several days. Action titles and true crime are consistently overrepresented in Irish viewing patterns compared to the global Netflix average.
If you’re looking for what’s actually popular rather than what’s recommended, the Ireland Top 10 page updates every 24 hours — it’s the most reliable signal for what’s working in your region.
What movies is everyone watching on Netflix?
Beyond the charts, some titles are generating word-of-mouth buzz that doesn’t always match the algorithmic rankings. TV Guide highlights 56 best movies on Netflix right now, with a focus on recent releases and sequels (TV Guide).
Most popular right now
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has emerged as the most-discussed new arrival. Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland return to the zombie horror franchise with this ambitious follow-up, featuring Jodie Comer as Isla and Alfie Williams as Spike (TV Guide).
“Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland return to the game-changing zombie horror of 28 Days Later with this ambitious and unpredictable follow-up.”
— Liam Mathews, TV Guide
“If you don’t have a kid, you might consider picking one up to watch My Father’s Dragon, the latest animated film from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon.”
— TV Guide Editorial
Critically acclaimed options
For those prioritizing quality over hype, My Father’s Dragon offers family-friendly animation from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon. The studio’s previous films — Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells — all earned Oscar nominations, and My Father’s Dragon carries that pedigree (TV Guide).
My Father’s Dragon is a quiet gem that often gets buried under louder blockbusters — if you have kids or just want a break from action, it’s worth 90 minutes.
What movie should I watch tonight on Netflix?
The answer depends on your mood and who’s watching. JustWatch provides a day-by-day timeline of new releases specifically for Netflix Ireland, making it easier to spot fresh content without endless scrolling (JustWatch).
Good films at the moment
The Godfather holds a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and remains a reliable choice for drama fans. Marriage Story and Uncut Gems both sit at 90%, offering strong alternatives for viewers who want critically validated content (The Irish Road Trip).
New Irish drama
Netflix Ireland’s recommendations lean toward Irish and Irish-adjacent content for viewers in the market. The platform has been gradually adding more regional titles, though the selection remains smaller than what’s available in the UK or US.
For Irish drama specifically, you’ll find more curated lists on dedicated sites like The Irish Road Trip than in Netflix’s own recommendations — the algorithm prioritizes popularity over regional relevance.
Upcoming releases and what’s coming next
Looking ahead, Rotten Tomatoes tracks a slate of titles heading to Netflix. Merrily We Roll Along arrives April 4, A Quiet Place Part II on April 11, and Noah Kahan: Out of Body on April 13 — rounding out a month that already looks packed (Rotten Tomatoes).
- April 4, 2026: Merrily We Roll Along
- April 11, 2026: A Quiet Place Part II
- April 24, 2026: Apex
- April 26, 2026: Bugonia
The pattern here is straightforward: Netflix is front-loading May with quantity, but June and July are shaping up to bring more prestige titles. If you’re patient, the best additions may be a few weeks away.
How the Ireland list compares to global rankings
Ireland’s Netflix library shares most titles with the global offering, but regional recommendations differ. Netflix Ireland highlights classics like The Godfather (97%) while global lists emphasize newer arrivals like Wallace & Gromit at #1 — a meaningful contrast in editorial philosophy (The Irish Road Trip).
The Irish-specific curation tends to surface older, higher-rated films while downplaying the latest releases — likely reflecting the preferences of users who have been on the platform longer or a deliberate editorial choice by Netflix Ireland’s content team.
Related reading: Netflix UK prices
Apex leads the Ireland charts this week, but the best films on Netflix Ireland reveal even stronger contenders like Glory and hidden gems.
Frequently asked questions
What are Netflix new releases this month?
Netflix added 65 new movies on May 1, 2026 alone, with titles including Glory (May 1), Dr. Seuss’s Horton! (May 4), and The Chestnut Man (May 7). The platform typically refreshes its library every Friday with new additions.
What new movies on Netflix 2026?
Recent 2026 releases include 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Chestnut Man. Rotten Tomatoes tracks 100 top Netflix movies, updated regularly based on new arrivals and performance.
Are there new Bollywood movies on Netflix?
Netflix regularly adds Hindi-language and Bollywood content, though specific titles vary by region. Exact view counts and availability for new Hindi films can be harder to confirm — JustWatch Ireland provides the most reliable regional tracking for new additions.
What is the new Irish drama on Netflix?
My Father’s Dragon, from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, is the most prominent Irish title currently on Netflix. The studio’s previous films Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells are also available and come highly recommended for animation fans.
How often does Netflix add new films?
Netflix typically adds new content every Friday, with larger drops at the start of each month. JustWatch tracks these additions daily for Ireland specifically, making it easier to stay current without checking the platform constantly.
What are the best new films on Netflix this week?
Based on current rankings, the best-performing new films include 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple for thriller fans, My Father’s Dragon for family viewing, and The Godfather for classic drama. Rotten Tomatoes and TV Guide both maintain curated lists of top Netflix movies.
Is there a top 10 Netflix movies ever list?
Rotten Tomatoes ranks 100 top Netflix movies by Tomatometer scores, though this reflects quality ratings rather than all-time popularity. Netflix’s own Ireland Top 10 chart shows what’s currently being watched, which is a better signal for trending content than historical rankings.
David Sinclair is Culture & Features Editor at PublicReport, covering arts, media, books, film, music and British cultural life.