Spring is springing, and the weather isn’t the only thing blooming! This April, get ready to cultivate a cinematic garden of epic proportions. We’ve hand-picked 16 films – from laugh-out-loud comedies to heart-pounding thrillers – that will have you glued to the screen like a bee to a freshly opened blossom.
So, grab your popcorn (or plant-based alternative, we don’t judge!), dim the lights, and prepare to be swept away by 16 Best Films to Watch in April.
16 Best Films to Watch in April
Rebel Moon – Part 2: The Caregiver
“Rebel Moon – Part 2: The Caregiver” is the perfect movie in April for its captivating plot that blends action, drama, and suspense seamlessly. Set in a futuristic world where rebellion and hope collide, the story follows the journey of The Caregiver, a character who embodies resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
As she navigates through challenges and confronts powerful adversaries, viewers are drawn into a thrilling narrative filled with unexpected twists and heartfelt moments. With its compelling storyline and dynamic characters, “Rebel Moon – Part 2: The Caregiver” promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and leave them eagerly anticipating each new development, making it a must-watch film for April entertainment.
What Jennifer Did
“What Jennifer Did” is a gripping true-crime documentary that unravels a web of lies and shocking secrets. The story revolves around Jennifer Pan, a Canadian woman whose seemingly ordinary life turns dark. When her parents are brutally attacked in their home, Jennifer’s frantic 911 call sets off a chain of events that exposes a chilling truth.
As detectives delve deeper, they uncover a meticulously planned murder plot, betrayal, and unexpected twists. With police interrogation footage and interviews, the film peels back the layers of deception, leaving viewers stunned and questioning the boundaries of trust and family bonds. Premiering on Netflix this April, “What Jennifer Did” is a haunting exploration of human frailty and the devastating consequences of desperate choices.
Singin’ in the Rain
“Singin’ in the Rain” is a delightful cinematic gem that transports viewers to the glitzy world of 1920s Hollywood. Set against the transition from silent films to talkies, the film follows the charismatic Don Lockwood (played by Gene Kelly) and his glamorous on-screen partner, Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). Their chemistry dazzles audiences, but their relationship is far from harmonious behind the scenes.
When talking pictures emerge, Lina’s excruciatingly shrill voice threatens their careers. Enter Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), a talented singer with dreams of stardom. As Don and Kathy’s relationship blossoms, they salvage Lina’s career by dubbing her voice. With toe-tapping musical numbers, witty humor, and endearing romance, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a timeless celebration of love, resilience, and the magic of cinema.
Coup de Chance
Woody Allen’s out with a new movie, Coup de Chance, and this time, it’s a French affair! This is his first film, which is not in English, set in the beautiful city of Paris.
The story follows Fanny, an art dealer played by Lou de Laâge, married to the wealthy Jean (Melvil Poupaud). When she bumps into an old flame, Alain (Niels Schneider), a writer with a thing for her since school, gets complicated. Their old spark ignites, and Fanny wonders if she should ditch her fancy life for a fresh start with Alain.
But here’s the twist: Fanny might not have considered how far her husband might go to keep her. Coup de Chance starts light and fun, but reviewers say it turns surprisingly dark! Even though it’s not a completely new idea for Allen, critics praise the movie’s energy and lively French cast. Sounds like everyone involved had a blast making this movie!
The Godfather
Al Pacino for Godfather fans! This month marks the return of a classic – The Godfather, but this time, we’re looking back at the movie that started it all. The film dives into the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia clan in New York City.
At the center is Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the Godfather himself. His daughter Connie’s getting married, and it’s a big family gathering. People come to Vito with favors, like a movie role for a singer or revenge for a wronged friend. But Vito doesn’t give handouts for free – everything comes with a price.
Things get messy when a rival gang tries to muscle in on Vito’s business. Vito refuses to play ball, and war erupts on New York’s streets. Vito’s youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), tries to stay out of it, but when his father gets attacked, he gets pulled into the family business.
The Godfather is a gangster film but also a story about family, loyalty, and the price of power. It’s a complex movie, but you’ll recognize iconic lines and scenes even if you haven’t seen it before.
Also Read: 30 Best Mafia Shows on Netflix: A Comprehensive Guide
North by Northwest (1959)
Roger Thornhill (played by Cary Grant), an unsuspecting New York advertising executive, becomes entangled in a web of espionage. Mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies, he’s thrust into a perilous cross-country chase. Along the way, he encounters Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), a mysterious and alluring woman who aids him in his desperate struggle for survival.
The film features unforgettable sequences, including the famous crop-duster chase and the climactic showdown at Mount Rushmore.
“North by Northwest” masterfully combines romance, mystery, and suspense, making it a thrilling and captivating watch.
Also Read: 18 Best Royal Family Shows on Netflix: Comprehensive Guide
Ponyo
This Studio Ghibli anime movie is a perfect pick for the whole family.
The story follows Sosuke, a curious five-year-old boy who lives by the sea. One day, he finds a magical goldfish trapped in a jar on the beach. Feeling sorry for her, he rescues her and names her Ponyo. But Ponyo’s no ordinary goldfish – she’s actually a princess from the ocean who longs to become human! With a little magic (and a lick on Sosuke’s finger!), Ponyo starts to transform.
Ponyo and Sosuke are best friends, but Ponyo’s dad, the grumpy sea wizard, isn’t too happy about his daughter hanging out with a human. He tries to take Ponyo back home, but Ponyo is determined to stay with Sosuke. Their friendship throws the balance between the ocean and the land into chaos, with hilarious and heartwarming consequences!
Ponyo is a visually stunning movie, filled with colorful characters and beautiful underwater scenes. It’s a story about friendship, courage, and the importance of protecting the ocean.
The Breakfast Club
Five students from different social circles – the brain, the athlete, the princess, the basket case, and the criminal – get together in Saturday detention. At first, they can’t stand each other, trading insults and stereotypes.
But as the hours drag on, something unexpected happens. They start to open up, sharing secrets and realizing they have more in common than they thought. The jock isn’t just about sports, the princess feels pressure to be perfect, and the brain is a nervous wreck under his cool exterior. The Breakfast Club is a funny and touching look at high school life, reminding us that labels don’t tell the whole story. By the end of detention, these five unlikely friends learn a valuable lesson about judging people and the power of connection.
Spirited Away
It’s a Japanese animated adventure perfect for fantasy fans of all ages!
Follow Chihiro, a grumpy 10-year-old who’s none too thrilled about moving to a new town. Lost and grumpy (classic moving day mood!), Chihiro and her parents stumble upon a creepy, abandoned amusement park. Big mistake! It turns out this isn’t your average park – it’s the spirit world, filled with strange creatures and powerful witches.
Things get even weirder when Chihiro’s parents greedily gobble up some mysterious food and turn into pigs! Uh oh! Now, all alone, Chihiro has to find a way to save her parents and escape this wacky spirit world. Luckily, she meets a mysterious boy named Haku who helps her get a job working in a giant bathhouse for spirits (yep, you read that right!). But this isn’t exactly a relaxing spa day. The bathhouse is run by the grumpy witch Yubaba, and Chihiro must work hard and be brave enough to survive.
Spirited Away is a visually stunning movie filled with fantastical creatures, delicious-looking bathhouse food (though maybe not for pigs!), and a heartwarming story about courage, friendship, and staying true to yourself.
2001: A Space Odyssey
This sci-fi classic by Stanley Kubrick isn’t your typical alien encounter flick. It’s a trippy journey that explores the vastness of space, the origins of humanity, and what the future might hold.
The movie jumps between different eras, starting with a group of ape-like creatures millions of years ago. A mysterious black monolith appears, sparking a change in their behavior and leading them to use tools for the first time. Fast forward to the future, and we find humans on the moon, where they discover another monolith. This one triggers a powerful signal that sends a spaceship, the Discovery One, hurtling toward Jupiter.
On board the Discovery One are astronauts Dave Bowman and Frank Poole and a super-intelligent computer named HAL 9000. HAL seems helpful initially, but things go awry when he develops a taste for… well, let’s say he doesn’t play well with others. Bowman is left to unravel the mysteries of the monoliths and what they mean for humanity’s place in the universe.
2001: A Space Odyssey is a visually stunning film, filled with iconic special effects that were groundbreaking for its time. The story is open to interpretation, leaving viewers pondering big questions about life, evolution, and technology.
The Princess Bride
This April, cheer for Buttercup (Robin Wright) in The Princess Bride. She’s no ordinary princess – she’s forced to marry a jerk prince (boo!) but gets kidnapped by a hilarious trio (intrigue!). Her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes), a farmhand-turned-mysterious-man-in-black (swoon!), must rescue her. Expect sword fights, giants, rodents of unusual size, and the most romantic line ever: “As you wish.” It’s a fun-filled adventure perfect for a classic date or family movie night!
Suzume
Suzume, a 17-year-old high school girl, stumbles upon a mysterious door in the mountains. Curiosity gets the best of her, and when she opens it, she unleashes a disaster – earthquakes start rocking all over Japan! Uh oh! Now, Suzume and a mysterious young man named Souta must travel across the country, closing these magical doors to stop the earthquakes and save Japan.
Suzume’s journey is filled with breathtaking landscapes, fantastical creatures, and a heartwarming story about friendship and facing your fears.
Renfield
This fresh take on Dracula’s story isn’t your typical monster mash. We meet Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), not as a creepy castle dweller, but as a weary fast-food employee… who also happens to be the Overworked Assistant of Dracula (Nicolas Cage).
Tired of fetching bloodthirsty snacks and dodging the boss’s narcissistic rants, Renfield seeks help at a… wait for it… support group for people in codependent relationships! Hilarity ensues as he uses the group’s guidance to navigate his toxic work situation with the undead. Expect laugh-out-loud moments, gory action, and a surprisingly sweet twist on the classic monster tale.
Showing Up
Artist’s hustle anyone? Let’s look into the life of Lizzy (Michelle Williams) in Showing Up, a quirky drama hitting theaters this April. Lizzy’s a sculptor juggling her upcoming art show with the daily dramas of family, friends, and a quirky job at a local art school. It’s not all meltdowns and deadlines though – there’s humor and heart as Lizzy navigates the chaos with a quiet determination. This slice-of-life film is perfect for anyone who’s ever juggled their passions with the messiness of everyday life.
Casablanca
This timeless classic, set against the backdrop of World War II, tells the story of a love triangle involving an American expatriate, a beautiful woman, and the intrigue of wartime Casablanca. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s chemistry is electric, and the film’s iconic lines and unforgettable music make it a must-watch for any romantic.
Before Sunrise
A poetic and intimate exploration of love, “Before Sunrise” follows two strangers, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), who meet on a train in Europe. They decide to spend a magical night together in Vienna, sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears. The film captures the fleeting nature of connection and leaves you yearning for more.
