April may not be the busiest month on the release calendar this year, but it still offers a surprisingly diverse mix of films. From a beloved Nintendo franchise to indie black comedies, darker horror reimaginings and long-awaited returns, there’s something for every mood. Here are the films worth your cinema ticket this April
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 1)
April opens with the return of one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises: the sequel to 2023’s record-breaking The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Chris Pratt and Charlie Day return as Mario and Luigi, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach and Jack Black as Bowser, with Brie Larson joining the cast as Rosalina.
This time, the story moves beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into the cosmic world of the Super Mario Galaxy games. After Bowser Jr. steals Peach’s castle, Mario, Luigi and their companions are pulled into a galaxy-spanning adventure. Bigger in scale and more imaginative in setting, the film looks to build on the first movie’s success with a more expansive, visually playful journey.
The Drama (April 3)
Already sparking online conversation months ahead of its release with its engagement-style poster, A24’s The Drama arrives as one of April’s more intriguing titles. The film pairs Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as Emma and Charlie, a seemingly perfect couple whose relationship begins to unravel before their wedding.
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the story centres on a pre-wedding dinner that takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a lighthearted party game – “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” – quickly becomes unsettling when Emma reveals a dark secret from her past, quietly destabilising Charlie. Blending black humour with mounting tension, the film leans into emotional discomfort while keeping its central reveal under wraps.
Lee Cronin’s The Mummy (April 16)
Midway through the month, things take a darker turn with Lee Cronin’s horror reimagining of The Mummy. Moving away from the action-driven spectacle of earlier versions, it leans into a more intimate, unsettling approach. The story follows a family whose daughter, missing for eight years, is found inside a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus – only to return home changed.
As her presence grows increasingly disturbing, the film unfolds as psychological horror, blending grief, possession and the unknown. With a more visceral, emotionally driven tone, it reframes familiar mythology into something far more haunting.
Michael (April 22)
Meanwhile, April also marks the return of the King of Pop to cinemas with the long-anticipated biopic Michael. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film follows the life of Michael Jackson, with his nephew Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role, bringing a unique personal connection to the portrayal.
From his early days in the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global icon, the film aims to capture both his creative genius and the complexities behind his public image. At the same time, it arrives under intense scrutiny, with ongoing questions about how it addresses the controversies surrounding his legacy, which makes it one of the year’s most talked-about releases.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (April 29)
Closing out the month is the long-overdue return of The Devil Wears Prada, nearly two decades after the original left its mark on pop culture. Notably, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all reprise their roles, bringing audiences back into the world of Runway.
Directed once again by David Frankel, the sequel follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates the decline of traditional print media, now facing off against her former assistant Emily Charlton, who has risen within the world of luxury advertising. Set against a fashion industry reshaped by digital influence and shifting power dynamics, the film balances nostalgia with a contemporary edge, testing whether the original’s sharp cultural impact can still resonate today.
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