April 2026 is set to deliver a wide array of cinematic experiences, featuring everything from animated sequels and monster movie revamps to deep dives into pop star legacies. This month follows a strong March lineup that included Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!, Pixar’s Hoppers, the drama Reminders of Him, Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary, and the horror sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.

Major Animated and Genre Releases in Early April

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Arrives April 1st

The animated adventure-comedy sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, launches on April 1, 2026. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, this film continues the story from 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Based on the video game, the film sees Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad journeying into outer space. During their galactic adventure, they befriend Yoshi and encounter the extraterrestrial princess Rosalina, while facing off against Bowser and his son, Bowser Jr.

Romance and Shakespearean Tragedy Debut

April 3rd brings The Drama, a romantic comedy written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli. The plot centers on bookstore clerk Emma Harwood and British museum director Charlie Thompson, whose impending wedding is jeopardized by unsettling discoveries about each other just days before the ceremony.

The cast of The Drama also features Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Zoë Winters, Anna Baryshnikov, Michael Abbot Jr., and Hailey Gates.

Mid-Month Blockbusters and International Features

April 10th: A Day of Diverse Premieres

Four distinct films are scheduled for release on April 10, 2026, offering options across comedy, drama, horror, and biography.

  • You, Me & Tuscany: A com-com directed by Kat Coiro, following Anna, a free-spirited cook who squats in an abandoned Tuscan villa and forms a connection with Michael, the homeowner’s cousin. The cast includes Marco Calvani, Lorenzo de Moor, Nia Vardalos, and Isabella Ferrari.
  • Hamlet: Directed by Aneil Karia, this British drama modernizes Shakespeare’s tragedy in contemporary London. Prince Hamlet, driven by his father's ghost, navigates the city's underground seeking revenge and confronting his family's corruption. Stars include Art Malik, Timothy Spall, Morfydd Clark, and Joe Alwyn.
  • Faces of Death: A horror remake from director Daniel Goldhaber. The plot follows a video platform moderator who discovers a group reenacting murders from the original 1978 film, forcing her to question the reality of their actions. Dacre Montgomery and Charli XCX are among the cast.
  • Beast: A sports action drama written by Russell Crowe and David Frigerio, directed by Tyler Atkins. MMA legend Patton James returns to the cage to save his brother, reuniting with his coach Sammy to challenge the current champion, Xavier Grau. Luke Hemsworth also stars.

California Schemin’: A Musical Biopic Debut

James McAvoy makes his directorial debut with California Schemin’, a musical biographical film releasing on April 10th. The movie tells the true story of the Scottish rap duo Silibil N’Brains, who successfully posed as Americans for three years to gain credibility.

The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, features McAvoy alongside James Corden, Lucy Halliday, Rebekah Murrell, and Jennifer Winn.

Late April Horror and Musical Biographies

Lee Cronin Reimagines The Mummy

On April 17, 2026, Lee Cronin releases his supernatural horror reimagining of The Mummy franchise. This film is separate from the Brendan Fraser-led series.

The story begins when Charlie and his wife find their daughter, Katie, after an eight-year absence; she has emerged from a sarcophagus displaying strange behavior. The family reunion quickly devolves into a nightmare as disturbing secrets about Katie surface. The cast includes May Calamawy and Billie Roy.

Pop Icon Tributes Close Out the Month

The final week of April features two major biographical dramas focusing on music legends.

Mother Mary (April 24): David Lowery directs this psychological drama thriller starring Anne Hathaway as the pop singer Mother Mary and Michaela Coel as fashion designer Sam Anselm. The film explores the psychosexual affair between the two women when Mary requires a dress for her upcoming tour. Hunter Schafer and FKA Twigs also feature.

Michael (April 24): Antoine Fuqua directs this musical biographical drama chronicling the life of Michael Jackson. The film covers his early career with the Jackson 5 through the beginning of his solo success. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller plays John Branca.