April is shaping up to be an incredible year for movies. A diverse range of genres will be hitting cinemas and streaming services this month. From big-budget blockbusters directed by Hollywood legends, to an acclaimed director’s final film, and an absurd take on the superhero genre, here are the biggest and best movies releasing in April 2024.

Monkey Man – April 5

Monkey Man is putting a fresh spin of the John Wick action sub-genre. Directed, co-written, and starring Dev Patel, Monkey Man infuses its violent spectacle with Hindu mythology. The film follows a young man who sets out for revenge against the corrupt officials who murdered his mother and destroy his city. Monkey Man is a passion project for Dev Patel, taking 10 years to make. If you think Patel’s character is badass, he broke his foot in choreography rehearsals, broke his hand shooting the first fight scene, and tore his shoulder during production, and still got the film made. Monkey Man hits cinemas on April 5.

The First Omen – April 5

Like many horror franchises, sequels to the 1976 original The Omen lost their momentum with each entry. However, The First Omen, directed by Arkasha Stevenson, appears to be reprising the franchise’s strength. The first reviews for The First Omen praise it as being endlessly terrifying. A prequel to the 1976 original, critics have lauded The First Omen as the best the franchise has looked in decades. The First Omen releases in cinemas on April 5.

The People’s Joker – April 5

The People’s Joker might be the strangest take on the superhero genre since 1984’s The Toxic Avenger. The film was birthed when director Vera Drew (who stars in the film) started to re-edit Todd Phillips’ 2019 Joker. The People’s Joker is an exploration of trans-identity, masked behind an absurd parody of DC’s most iconic villain. The film is already a favourite among Letterboxd users, and is almost guaranteed to be a cult classic in the years to come. The People’s Joker releases in select cinemas on April 5.

Civil War – April 12

Director Alex Garland’s latest, and sadly his last, movie has already been positioned as the front-runner for next year’s award season, after festival screenings. Civil War follows a group of war journalists as they travel to Washington DC to interview the President amidst a civil war raging across the U.S.A. Civil War has already been lorded as one of Garland’s best films, a major feat considering his filmography includes Annihilation, and Ex-Machina. Civil War also features a phenomenal cast, which includes, Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jesse Plemons, and Nick Offerman. Civil War releases in cinemas on April 12.

Arcadian – April 12

A film that is flying under the radar of 2024’s release schedule, Arcadian is the next addition to Nic Cage’s eclectic filmography. Fans have been enjoying Cage’s new ‘I’ll make whatever I’m interested in’ approach to choosing projects. Arcadian is set in an apocalyptic world where terrifying creatures roam the Earth at night. Surviving with his two sons, the family fights to stay alive, amidst relentless horror. Arcadian releases in select cinemas on April 12.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – April 19

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is, without a doubt, April’s big spectacle blockbuster. Based on previously classified WWII missions, Guy Ritchie’s new film tells the previously unknown story of the Special Operations Executive. Formed directly by Winston Churchill, the team were tasked with sabotaging Nazi U-Boat supplies, drastically changing the course of the war. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare features a muscle-clad cast, including Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Henry Golding, Her Fiennes-Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eiza González, and Cary Elwes. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare explodes into cinemas on April 19.

Rebel Moon – Part 2: The Scargiver – April 19

After the disappointing reception to Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire (that’s a long title), Zack Snyder is hoping to put his new franchise back on track with the pre-planned sequel. Snyder shot both films back to back, so Part 2’s release was inevitable. Snyder fans are hoping the second part can redeem the director’s mature take on Star Wars. Almost all of the incredible cast are returning for the sequel, so Rebel Moon – Part 2: The Scargiver has the potential to save the franchise. Rebel Moon – Part 2: The Scargiver releases directly on Netflix on April 19.

Challengers – April 26

After an giving an amazing performance in Dune: Part Two, Zendaya is moving to the world of sports biopics. After an injury stops her career in its tracks, pro-Tennis player Tashi (Zendaya) coaches her husband in a challenger event against a once promising star, his former best-friend and her ex-partner. Challengers is directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for his work on Oscar nominated Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria, and Bones and All.

Boy Kills World – April 26

Closing out April’s major releases is Boy Kills World. This ultra-violent extravaganza, starring Bill Skarsgård, follows a deaf boy who learns to fight under a mysterious shaman to exact revenge for his murdered family. The first trailer highlights Boy Kills World‘s absurd action, blending the intensity of John Wick with the surreal comedy of Guns Akimbo. The trailer perfectly sums up the film’s tone, when it accentuates a critic’s comments, describing the film as an “R-rated Looney Tunes on acid.” Boy Kills World bleeds into cinemas on April 26.