10 Movies You Must See in Theaters This April: The Hottest New Releases Worth the Ticket

Secure your seats! The theaters are heating up this April, with movies expected to be blockbusters. And while the month will be April, these new releases are no April Fool’s joke. With movies stretching across various genres, one trip to your local AMC, Cinemark or Regal Cinemas just won’t be enough. Comedy, biopics, horror, romance, drama and the list goes on, with movies that make every weekend in April a must-see. Get your planner in hand because by the end of this article, you’ll have ten movies written down on your calendar.

1. ‘Michael’ (April 24)

One name, one King of Pop, Michael Jackson himself, brings the crowd. April 24 will be no exception. “Michael” is a musical biographical drama that follows Jackson’s life from his early days as a member of the Jackson 5 to the legend he became. The film is set to dissect angles that go beyond the stages, studios, performances and fame. Many are expecting this film to dig deeper and highlight important aspects of Jackson’s life that have never been publicly discussed.

What makes this film a little more special is the fact that Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will be acting as the King of Pop. Additionally, Nia Long, Coleman Domingo, Miles Teller and Kendrick Sampson are among the various actors who will star in the film. “Michael” is directed by icon Antoine Fuqua, who has played a huge role in films like “Training Day,” “The Equalizer 2&3,” and “Southpaw.” Fans globally are anticipating honoring Jackson’s legacy by watching “Michael” upon its release.

2. ‘Over Your Dead Body’ (April 24)

Plot twists, the unexpected and on the edge of your seat is an understatement to say the least. “Over Your Dead Body” is releasing on April 24, and the thriller is highly anticipated. The film’s plot centers on a married couple who venture to a secluded cabin in an effort to repair their strained relationship. However, the plot intensifies as each is secretly planning to kill the other. The cast includes Jason Segel, Nikolai Kinski, Samara Weaving, Paul Guilfoyle, Jake Curran and many more. If you’re interested in an intersection of comedy, thriller and drama, make sure to add this to your calendar and watch list.

3. ‘Exit 8’ (April 10)

When it comes to underrated films, “Exit 8” is on the list. The movie was originally released in Japan in 2025, with a limited release in North America. It also premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and drew attention from many. Evidently, leading to the film finally being released on a much wider scale in the U.S., on April 10, thanks to distributor NEON. “Exit 8” is a psychological horror-thriller based on a popular Japanese video game.

The film’s climax begins as a man is stuck in a subway and desperately tries to find exit 8. However, it’s no easy journey as he has rules that he must abide by. He can’t overlook anything that seems strange. If so, he’ll revert to the beginning of his escape journey. The film is an hour and 35 minutes long, focusing on whether the main character will reach his goal and escape. Previous viewers have already rated the movie positively, and Rotten Tomatoes has even scored the film a 97%. “Exit 8” sounds like the kind of film for those who love a thrill-packed ride.

4. ‘The Yeti’ (April 10)

Who doesn’t love a good adventure, both in real time and on screen? “The Yeti” is a film that most people may not have heard of, but that’s why this list is beneficial. Releasing April 10, “The Yeti” is limited to select theaters, so check your area. If you are lucky enough to have “The Yeti” play in a theater near you, please go visit. You’ll watch members of a rescue team find a scary, ancient monster-looking creature while searching for two missing people in Alaska.

5. ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ (April 1)

You may have already seen great advertising for this movie, but in case you haven’t, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is releasing on the 1st of April, and nope, it’s not a joke. It’s the most highly anticipated animated movie of the spring. From children to adults, even I’m ready to take my place in the theater and watch. The movie is based on both the 2007 and its 2010 sequel. The movie has some big names beyond the animation. Jack Black, Donald Glover, Chris Pratt and Brie Larson are just a few to mention.

6. ‘The Drama’ (April 3)

Despite its name, “The Drama” is a movie filled with romance on a new level, and the drama, no pun intended, is only a fraction of it. The film stars two pioneers of the film industry, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, who act as a newly engaged couple (Emma and Charlie). They are dealing with some interesting new information about Emma’s past right before they vow. An entertaining plot, especially since it’s been reported that Zendaya recently tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, Tom Holland. Though we can’t confirm or deny this. “The Drama” is set for release in theaters on April 3.

7. ‘You, Me & Tuscany’ (April 10)

It seems like love is in the air this April, with another romance comedy releasing just days after The Drama. Halle Bailey plays Anna, who meets an Italian man and decides to head to Tuscany to stay in his village without authorization. Anna (Halle Bailey) gets caught by the man’s mother and tries convincing her that she’s his fiancée. From there, an unexpected love story begins involving the man’s cousin.

8. Mother Mary (April 17)

Coming to a theater near you, Mother Mary, set to release on April 17, features the story of a pop star who finds her way back to an estranged former costume designer. The film is a musical and psychological drama that delves into the dark realities of a superstar with a complex relationship with a former designer. Mother Mary features original music from well-known artists such as FKA Twigs and Charlie XCX, and the show’s biggest character is played by Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway.

9. ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ (All of April)

Coming back even hotter, “Ready or Not” has released a sequel to their 2019 film. Fans are anticipating a horror that’s loaded with jokes, attacks, hiding spots and certainly survival. In case you missed it, the first “Ready or Not” movie is available to watch on Hulu. It involves the main character, Grace, finding the love of her life, getting married and happily living in luxury.

The only problem is, it’s mandatory that Grace hide from her in-laws from midnight until dawn as they are attempting to hunt her down with guns and other dangerous weapons. The movie becomes an hour-and-a-half-long film that keeps viewers interested in whether she will survive.

Without spoiling the first movie for you, I’ll let you know a little bit about the sequel (“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come”). It releases at the end of March but is available in U.S. theaters throughout April. “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” surrounds Grace reaching the next level of this hellish game. She must “claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world,” according to IMDB.

10. ‘A Great Awakening’ (April 3)

Last but certainly not least, history is being revisited and brought to life in a film releasing on April 3. “A Great Awakening” is classified as a drama film. It takes a dive into the relationship between preacher George Whitefield and founding father Benjamin Franklin during the Great Awakening. The film will depict how the American colonies were reunited prior to the American Revolution. 

Just as we mentioned earlier, with this list, every weekend in April is booked with a movie to see. Don’t bat an eye, get to the theaters, and enjoy the best of April’s theatrical movie releases.

Featured image credit: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate