April's must-see films and TV series

April, sweet sleep—but not for cinema and TV series. With the arrival of spring, many titles await viewers: directors like David Cronenberg and Luca Guadagnino finally hit theaters with their films The Shrouds and Queer, while on streaming, U.S. President Viola Davis lands on Disney+ for the action-packed G20 alongside the new season of Doctor Who starring Ncuti Gatwa. Not to mention the influence of video games on both the big and small screens, from A Minecraft Movie to the return of The Last of Us.

So, here are the films and TV series not to miss this April in theaters and on television.

A Minecraft Movie – in theaters from April 2

The connection between cinema and video games is becoming stronger than ever. There are artistic and innovative examples like Grand Theft Hamlet on Mubi, while starting April 2, the wilder and more adventurous adaptation of A Minecraft Movie hits theaters, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Directed by Jared Hess and written by Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, the film transports characters Garret Garrison, Henry, Nathalie, and Dawn directly into the world of the sandbox video game, kicking off an adventure in the imaginative Nether dimension.

The Shrouds – in theaters from April 3

Although not unanimously received as David Cronenberg’s best work, The Shrouds tells an extremely personal story for the Canadian director, making it worth watching in theaters from April 3. The film explores grief through the protagonist, Karsh, played by Vincent Cassel, who creates special shrouds that allow people to observe the decomposing bodies of their loved ones via cameras. However, things take a dark and dangerous turn when someone vandalizes the cemetery he owns, leading him to question possible conspiracies. A film that stumbles but deeply reflects on Cronenberg’s loss of his wife, Carolyn Zeifman.

Pulse – on Netflix from April 3

You can never have too many medical dramas. Netflix proves this with the release of Pulse on April 3, a story following the professional and personal lives of a group of doctors at a Miami trauma center during a hurricane. The high-stress situation will push the protagonists to their limits, as they also deal with romantic entanglements and a controversial accusation. The show is created by Zoe Robyn and features Willa Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, and Jessie T. Usher in the cast.

Dying for Sex – on Disney+ from April 4

We stay in the hospital setting but shift to a completely different tone. On April 4, Disney+ premieres Dying for Sex, starring the brilliant Michelle Williams alongside Jenny Slate. The eight-episode series follows Molly (Williams), who ends her marriage after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, embarking on an intimate exploration of her sexuality before she dies.

Death of a Unicorn – in theaters from April 10

The unusual duo of Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega hit theaters on April 10 in a new A24 film. Death of a Unicorn is a bizarre journey into a dark comedy universe, where a father and daughter head to a wealthy pharmaceutical tycoon's estate, only to accidentally run over a baby unicorn—triggering a series of unexpected consequences. This is the kind of premise that only a producer like Ari Aster (creator of Hereditary and Midsommar) could support, having previously blended humor and horror in his latest film Beau Is Afraid. The film is written and directed by Alex Scharfman and also stars Will Poulter and Richard E. Grant.

Black Mirror – on Netflix from April 10

A true throwback. On April 10, Netflix brings back Black Mirror with its seventh season. The cult series, which has lost some of its edge over time, still refuses to slow down, returning with six new episodes in its signature anthology format, continuing to explore the relationship between humans and technology. The new season will feature stars such as Paul Giamatti, Emma Corrin, Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Issa Rae. Additionally, one episode will be a sequel to the popular "USS Callister" episode—a Star Trek parody from season four. Other big Netflix releases this month include the fifth and final season of You.

G20 – on Prime Video from April 10

On Prime Video, Oscar-winner Viola Davis not only plays the President of the United States but also has to thwart a siege in which she is the primary target. She manages to evade capture by her attackers, fighting to save her family and protect her country in this adrenaline-fueled action thriller that is also a race against time. Directed by Patricia Riggen, G20 premieres on the platform on April 10.

Your Friends and Neighbors – on Apple TV+ from April 11

Your Friends and Neighbors stands out because, in an era where series are announced and canceled in the blink of an eye, Apple TV+ has already greenlit a second season. The series stars Jon Hamm as a man struggling with divorce and job loss, who resorts to stealing from his neighbors to stay afloat. His newfound thrill quickly spirals into a dangerous trap that tightens around him.

Doctor Who - from April 12 on Disney+

Ncuti Gatwa is a true gem, and anyone who has seen him as the Doctor knows it perfectly well. The star of Sex Education and Barbie has been portraying the British icon of Doctor Who since 2023 and is ready to return on April 12, even more stylish than before. This time, the companion accompanying him through the universe is Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, whom the protagonist will try to bring back home to Earth while overcoming a strange force that prevents their return and puts one of the Doctor's darkest and most dangerous enemies in their path. On Disney+, we also highlight the second season of Andor.

The Last of Us - from April 14 on Sky and NOW

The promotion of the second season of The Last of Us has already begun, but the series will return with its new seven episodes on April 14 on Sky and NOW. Taking up the video game characters of Joel and Ellie once again are Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, who are destined to face an even more dangerous world than the one we left behind in the first season, released in 2023. The series will also introduce the character of Abby, a vengeful fighter played by Kaitlyn Dever.

Queer - from April 17 in theaters

Although it was released in almost the entire world many months earlier, from April 17, it will finally be possible to see Queer by Luca Guadagnino in theaters. The recommendation is not to miss this adaptation of William S. Burroughs' classic for anything in the world. The film is both a personal and complete adaptation of the author's novel and his poetics, filtered through the lens of the director of Call Me by Your Name, in a reinterpretation that takes us to a fictional Mexico City amidst unrequited love and the obsessive search for Ayahuasca.

Étoile - from April 24 on Prime Video

Two years after the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amy and Daniel Palladino return with a new original series, Étoile, in which they bring back Luke Kirby, who previously played Lenny Bruce for them. This time, the world the couple explores in eight episodes is that of dance, with two famous ballet companies from New York and Paris swapping their most talented stars to save their historic institutions. Alongside Kirby is French icon Charlotte Gainsbourg. Prime Video, which will distribute the show from April 24, has already commissioned a second season.

Havoc – from April 25 on Netflix

After exploring the world of AI with The Creator, Gareth Evans turns to the crime thriller genre, directing the trio of protagonists Tom Hardy, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker. On April 25, the film Havoc arrives on Netflix, telling the story of a ruined detective (Hardy) struggling with the failure of a drug case. To make things right, he infiltrates the criminal underworld to pursue a new investigation.

Black Bag - from April 30 in theaters

Steven Soderbergh never stops. With an average of one film released per year, in 2025, it is the turn of Black Bag, which will arrive in Italian theaters on April 30. The spy drama stars George Woodhouse and his wife Kathryn, legendary secret agents played by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. Their marriage is put at risk by accusations of betrayal against the woman, forcing George to decide whether to remain loyal to his partner or his country.

Thunderbolts* – from April 30 in theaters

Despite the lackluster reception of Captain America: Brave New World, the arrival of the second Marvel cinematic title of the year, Thunderbolts*, cannot be ignored. In a style reminiscent of DC's Suicide Squad, this time, too, the worst of the worst are assembled to complete a dangerous mission—or at least, attempt to. Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova, and David Harbour reprises his role as Alexei "Red Guardian" Shostakov.