Top Streaming Hits Dominating Netflix Charts in May 2026
By Published May 1, 2026, 12:12 PM EDT Greg is a Lead TV Writer & Critic at Screen Rant with expertise in new streaming releases. He's published over 2800 articles at SR, including weekly recommendation guides and dozens of reviews on . He previously worked in Development at ABC Television & Lawrence Bender Productions.
Greg majored in Film Production at Chapman University's Dodge College. Greg also has years of broadcast TV production experience at major networks such as NBC, TNT, and ESPN. He currently lives in Greater Boston. Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
The biggest hit shows on right now are already dominating global streaming charts heading into the first weekend of May 2026. All recent releases, with our top choice just dropping on Thursday, April 30, these three Netflix original series are all either critically acclaimed, top trending worldwide, or both, making them the very best choices to binge-watch tonight.
Netflix has remained sharp and consistent with its 2026 slate of new series, offering some brand-new titles such as Dan Levy's comedy series Big Mistakes, the Harlan Coben thriller Run Away, and the highly anticipated adaptation of Lord of the Flies, which arrives next week. In addition, Netflix has also expanded some of its most promising and celebrated TV franchises, such as Bridgerton and Beef, which are worth checking out as well.
That said, there are really only three top TV streaming choices on Netflix right now if you're looking for the latest and greatest on the streamer, all of which are surging in viewership today. ScreenRant's premier choice is a long-awaited remake of a Denzel Washington-led classic, while our other two recommendations include the return of a hilarious and lighthearted sports comedy series and a gripping 6-part thriller that's held the #1 worldwide rank for over a week.
Unchosen
when it arrived on Netflix over 10 days ago due to its short 6-episode runtime and its notable cast led by Asa Butterfield and Molly Windsor. However, the fact that it has held the #1 worldwide spot on Netflix's viewership charts for so long has been a surprise, considering its audience score of 42%.
While viewers and critics were divided on the series, there's no question that Unchosen has stirred up quite the buzz throughout the final days of April 2026 and looks to maintain its streaming dominance into the new month. The story follows a devoted wife and mother named Rosie, who is stuck in a conservative cult. Rosie encounters a mysterious man, who she discovers is an escaped convict, and their fierce connection sparks a new life of danger and freedom within Rosie.
Running Point
Another top streaming hit during the closing days of April 2026 was , which returned for its second season on April 23. Created by some of the most elite comedic minds in the industry, including Ike Barinholtz and Mindy Kaling, Running Point is loosely based on the real-life owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss, who was also depicted in the canceled HBO Max series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
Unlike Unchosen, Running Point is both a streaming hit and a critic-approved series on Netflix, earning a solid score of 84%. Even though Running Point is a sports-themed show centered on a basketball team, the series is more about the people behind the scenes and the connections that are made off the court. This means that viewers don't need to consider themselves big sports fans to dive into Running Point, as it is accessible and enjoyable to just about anyone who enjoys a heartfelt comedy show, similar to Ted Lasso.
Man On Fire
Without question, heading into the weekend. Already surging up to Netflix's #1 worldwide spot on Friday, May 1, Man on Fire has officially dethroned Unchosen as the most-watched show on the streamer right now, a rank it will likely hold onto heading into next week.
Subscribe to our newsletter for Netflix hit picks and context
Join our newsletter for curated Netflix coverage that explains why hits like Man on Fire, Running Point, and Unchosen are trending, offers expert picks and context, and helps you decide what to watch next. Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our and . You can unsubscribe anytime.
Led by one of the biggest rising stars in Hollywood right now, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (known for Wonder Man and The Matrix Resurrections), Man on Fire brings a new spark to the one-person-army action epic and carries the torch of the 2004 blockbuster starring Denzel Washington. Both are based on the 1980 thriller novel by A.J. Quinnell and follow a revenge-fueled mercenary looking for a kidnapped young girl. Featuring supporting performances by Alice Braga and Bobby Cannavale, Man on Fire is the best new show on Netflix right now, set to dominate this weekend.
Expand Collapse
Follow Followed Like Share Close Trending Now
