May 2026 streaming releases you can’t miss on Criterion Channel and

The Criterion Channel rolls out its May 2026 slate on May 1, anchoring the month with a curated block of classic office‑romance films ranging from Lloyd Bacon’s pre‑code “The Office Wife” to Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment” [1]. At the same time, HBO Max Australia adds a fresh comedy series, “Make That Movie,” debuting May 28, starring Australian comedian Sam Campbell as a fictionalized version of himself [2].

Criterion’s lineup leans heavily on nostalgia and remake pairings. Viewers can watch the 1946 noir “The Postman Always Rings Twice” alongside its 1981 remake, and enjoy horror duels such as the original “The Thing from Another World” paired with John Carpenter’s 1982 “The Thing” [1]. The channel also highlights a Caribbean activist cinema showcase titled “You Don’t Get Freedom, You Take Freedom,” headlined by Med Hondo’s 1979 documentary “West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty,” and includes works by Jacques Arcelin and Arnold Antonin [1]. For arthouse fans, new additions include Lav Diaz’s epic “Magellan,” Hlynur Pálmason’s “The Love that Remains” (premiering May 12), and Thierry Frémaux’s “Lumière, Le Cinema!, Le Cinema!” [1].

“Make That Movie” brings a mock‑documentary vibe to HBO Max, following Campbell’s fictional director‑turned‑idea‑hunter as he and a quirky production team attempt to turn strangers’ wild film concepts into reality. The series packs six episodes with a blend of absurd premises—such as a heist thriller where a couple can transform into snakes one at a time—and a heavy dose of cringe comedy reminiscent of Tim Robinson and Nathan Fielder [2]. Although the show is limited to Channel 4 in the UK and HBO Max Australia, it quickly rose to #5 on Australian streaming charts, according to FlixPatrol [2].

Both releases illustrate how streaming platforms are diversifying their May offerings: Criterion leans into classic cinema and curated retrospectives, while HBO Max experiments with original, genre‑bending comedy. The contrast underscores a broader trend of niche curation meeting bold new content, giving subscribers more reasons to stay engaged.

As May unfolds, the real question is whether the limited‑region release of “Make That Movie” will prompt broader distribution, and how audiences will respond to Criterion’s mix of nostalgia and activist cinema in a streaming‑first world.