6 Must-Watch Movies Coming Out In April 2026
Project Hail Mary (2026) still has its grip on us since its release last month, but now that its IMAX theaters are being swapped for new releases, we've got to look onward, too. There aren't a ton of big releases this month that'll be as impactful as Phil Lord and Chris Miller's instant success, but there are still gems worth making a trip to the theater for.
From animated sequels to the first theatrical release of a true romantic comedy we've had in the last year, April 2026 is stacked with the following releases.
April 1
From directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is one for the whole family. While it's certainly not perfect and die-hard fans might not love all the newer details, the movie is an undeniable feast for the eyes. So long as there's great animation without the use of AI, it deserves our support.
At the same time, the first one did such a solid job of providing entertainment that if nothing else, it's guaranteed not to put anyone to sleep. Critics and fans alike are praising the film's visuals, and since Hoppers (2026) didn't do as well, maybe this can get more kids to the movies.
April 3
There's that one movie every year that stirs so much discourse online, it reminds us that there's rarely ever nuance when discussing complex or controversial matters. The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, stirred conflict even before its release, with the press tour and campaigns surrounding the movie paving the way for countless opinions.
Still, the dark romance is worth watching for a myriad of reasons, particularly for the performances and social commentary on delicate subjects we don't often see in film. It's not a lighthearted movie, and it can certainly be triggering for some, but if you want something that'll make you think, look no further.
April 10
A romantic comedy in theaters and not straight to streaming? Yes, please. I used to dream of times like these. Starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, the destination rom-com is going to make for the best girls' night out. Perfect for anyone who loves lush movies set in Italy, like Letters to Juliet (2010), You, Me & Tuscany is sure to be a blast.
Because those of us who are romance fans are constantly begging for more theatrical films as well as inclusive casting, now's our time to show up and prove that we want more. These types of movies always supply the best kind of escape, and we need them now more than ever.
April 17
Another A24 film releasing this month apart from The Drama is David Lowery's Mother Mary, a psychological thriller that includes Anne Hathaway playing a pop star. Before she steps back into Andy Sachs' shoes in The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) next month, Hathaway takes us through a twisted doozy.
Judging by the trailer, the film doesn't seem appropriate for the faint-hearted, but at the same time, it looks like some sort of Phantom Thread delight for pop stars. Also starring Michaela Coel and Hunter Schafer alongside Hathaway, even if the film isn't some exceptional epic, it certainly looks like it'll keep us on the edge of our seats with tension.
April 17
The joke online right now is that this isn't Brandon Fraser's return to The Mummy 4 (2028), but rather Lee Cronin's The Mummy is darker, grittier, and far scarier. It's definitely not scaredy cat friendly, but it feels like a movie that'll be perfect for conversations among horror fans.
In theaters on the same day as Mother Mary, the film is set to be a chilling hair-raiser following a missing child who returns home with a deadly curse following her. The movie is also expected to feature body horror of sorts, so if that particular brand of horror isn't your jam, maybe tread lightly with this one.
April 24
As another film about a pop star, Michael is a long time coming. The biopic following the late Michael Jackson will star his actual nephew Jaafar Jackson, and there's plenty to look forward to with the casting alone. It isn't often that a relative gets to fill the noteworthy shoes of their family members, so the bit of authenticity we'll likely get will set it apart from other biopics.
The trailers already provide entertainment, and Antoine Fuqua's directing is sure to deliver a spectacle. If you're wary about biopics in general, the advantages of this one feel mostly promising to watch.
