Back in 2023, The Super Mario Bros. Movie became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, earning over $1.3 billion at the global box office. Fast forward to this month, and its highly anticipated sequel hopes to replicate that success. Can any other movie this month come close to giving it a run for its money?
We gathered the most noteworthy movies hitting theaters (and streaming) in April and asked you to vote on the ones you were most interested in. Read on to see what made the top five!
No. 1
Release Date: April 24, 2026
Fresh off Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Samara Weaving returns to the big screen alongside Jason Segel in this darkly comedic thriller. The film follows a married couple retreating to a secluded cabin to repair their relationship, unaware that each secretly plans to murder the other. A sharp premise, two charismatic leads, and a deliciously twisted setup make this film one of April’s most anticipated.
No. 2
Release Date: April 3, 2026 on Hulu
Debuting on Hulu, this stoner comedy fever dream follows a group of high college students whose simple mission, retrieving their pizza delivery, becomes an odyssey up two flights of stairs. Surreal, silly, and fully leaning into its concept, it’s poised to be a cult‑favorite midnight movie.
No. 3
Release Date: April 24, 2026
Director Antoine Fuqua brings the life of Michael Jackson to the big screen in a biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late singer. The film explores both the global superstardom and the personal struggles of the legendary performer. With a powerhouse supporting cast (Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Larenz Tate), fans are excited to see the King of Pop portrayed on the big screen.
No. 4
Release Date: April 1, 2026
This sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes inspiration from the beloved Wii game Super Mario Galaxy. Fans of the franchise can expect the new film to follow Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad as they travel through space to rescue Princess Rosalina from Bowser Jr.’s control. The first film made over $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office, so the sequel definitely has big shoes to fill.
No. 5
(Photo by Vertical Entertainment)
Release Date: April 17, 2026
A surprise entry in the top five, The Whistler is a supernatural thriller arriving in mid-April. After premiering at Fantaspoa, the film follows a grieving couple (Diane Guerrero and Juan Pablo Raba) who encounter a sinister cult on a remote Venezuelan farm.
Thumbnail images by IFC
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