7 Must-See Movies Premiering in Theaters This April

Whether you’re a fan of saucy little stories that shake small towns, wars of epic proportions that reflect society’s current descent, or blood-splattering revenge tales, April has got you covered with some must-see films — ones that are worthy of the silver screen (and Nicole Kidman’s glorious welcome to AMC theaters).

‘Monkey Man’ | April 5

In his feature film directorial debut, Dev Patel stars as an anonymous young man who unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt individuals who murdered his mother and continue to victimize the powerless. It’s an action thriller with intense combat sequences and a strong sociopolitical commentary at the center. 

‘Wicked Little Letters’ | April 5

Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley star as adversaries in this cinematic interpretation of a true story that shook a little English town back in the day. When Littlehampton residents, including the busybody and conservative Edith (Colman), begin to receive letters full of hilarious profanities, the rowdy Irish Rose (Buckley) is charged with the crime. Yet something doesn’t smell right, leading the local town’s women to investigate. 

‘Civil War’ | April 12

In a dystopian future that seems not too intangible given the divided nation we currently live in, a team of military-embedded journalists race to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House. The upcoming movie stars Kirsten Dunts, Nick Offerman, Wanger Moura, Jefferson White, and Nelson Lee. Alex Garland, the visionary director behind Ex Machina, Annihilation, and Never Let Go directed and penned the screenplay. 

‘Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead’ | April 12

The remake of the 1991 classic follows Tanya, who — when her mother jets off for a last-minute retreat — is left behind with a babysitter who arrives at her door only to unexpectedly pass away. The upcoming remake stars Jermaine Fowler, June Squib, Nicole Richie, Iantha Richardson, and Tyriq Withers. 

‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ | April 19 

The upcoming explosion-filled, gun-firing, arrow-shooting, combat-loaded dramatic war film follows a small group of highly skilled soldiers hired by the British military to strike against German forces behind enemy lines during World War II. The stocked ensemble includes Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Eiza González, Cary Elwes (Saw, The Princess Bride), Babs Olusanmokun (Dune, Black Mirror), and Henry Golding. Guy Ritchie of Sherlock Holmes and The Gentlemen directs.

‘Abigail’ | April 19

What’s creepier than an innocent-looking young ballerina who turns out to be a merciless, blood-sucking vampire? The upcoming horror follows a group of criminals who kidnap the ballerina daughter of a wealthy and powerful underworld figure — only to discover that they have locked themselves inside with no normal adolescent girl. The film stars Alisha Weir (Matilda: The Musical) as Abigail alongside Giancarlo Esposito, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Matthew Goode, Kevin Durand, and the late Angus Cloud. 

‘Challengers’ | April 26

We get to see Zendaya in a love triangle. Sold. Tashi (Zendaya) is a former tennis champion turned coach who is married to a player on a losing streak. Her strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a turn to the messy when he has to face off against his former bestie and her ex. The film also stars Josh O’Connor (God’s Own Country, Emma, The Crown) and Mike Faist (West Side Story) as the competing tennis players and former friends.