Cinema and Series Highlights for April 2026

April 2026 promises an exciting lineup of films and series, starting with the highly anticipated The Drama by Kristoffer Borgli and concluding with the unexpected sequel to a beloved classic. This month features a blend of auteur-driven stories, nostalgic 80s vibes, a significant biopic, and some festival gems. The official selection for the Cannes Film Festival 2026 will be revealed on April 9.

Films of April 2026

April 1

The Drama – Kristoffer Borgli

In The Drama, Emma and Charlie appear to be the perfect couple until an unexpected revelation just a week before their wedding shakes their relationship to its core. This film marks Kristoffer Borgli's first collaboration with A24, featuring performances from Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Early reviews describe it as a subversive black comedy that straddles the line between Albert Brooks and Ingmar Bergman. Following this, the duo will star together in Nolan's L’Odyssée, making The Drama a must-see for early April.

Yellow Letters – Ilker Çatak

Set in Ankara, Yellow Letters tells the story of Aziz, a university professor who receives an arbitrary dismissal letter for criticizing the government, followed by his actress wife Derya facing a similar fate. Forced to flee to Istanbul, their political engagement tests their marriage. Director Ilker Çatak, known for La Salle des profs, solidifies his reputation as a powerful voice in contemporary European cinema, with this film winning the Golden Bear at the 2026 Berlinale.

Compostelle – Yann Samuell

Inspired by true events, this film follows Alexandra Lamy as she embarks on the Camino de Santiago, delivering a bright narrative to welcome the spring.

April 8

Le Cri des gardes – Claire Denis

In West Africa, a public works site run by expatriates faces a crisis when a man demands the return of his brother's body, who died on the job. Claire Denis adapts Bernard-Marie Koltès' Combat de nègre et de chiens, marking her return to Africa after thirty-seven years since Chocolat. This film, featuring Isaach de Bankolé alongside Matt Dillon and Tom Blyth, is expected to be a standout auteur piece this month.

Romería – Carla Simón

Marina, an 18-year-old adopted girl, must reconnect with her biological father's family to obtain a crucial document for her studies. Guided by her mother's diary, she travels to meet relatives she has never known. The director of Été 93 delivers a sensitive and sunny exploration of memory and family secrets, competing at Cannes 2025.

Un dernier pour la route – Francesco Sossai

This Italian dramedy will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025, representing the week's European gem.

April 9 – Cannes Rendezvous

The official selection for the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be announced on April 9 during a press conference in Paris. Park Chan-wook will preside over the jury, with Eye Haïdara hosting the ceremonies. Barbra Streisand will receive the honorary Palme d’Or. The festival runs from May 12 to 23, opening with La Vénus électrique by Pierre Salvadori. John Travolta will present his directorial debut, Vol de nuit pour Los Angeles, in the Cannes Première section. Highly anticipated films in competition include new works by James Gray, Joel Coen, Terrence Malick, Pedro Almodóvar, Cristian Mungiu, and Nicolas Winding Refn.

April 15

Juste une illusion – Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache

Set in 1985 in the suburbs of Paris, the film follows Vincent, nearly 13, navigating the complexities of adolescence amid family conflicts. With a cast including Louis Garrel and Camille Cottin, early screenings have garnered enthusiastic responses, positioning it among the duo's best works alongside Intouchables and Le Sens de la fête. This film is poised to be the French surprise of the month.

Bagarre – Julien Royal

Naim, a gentle giant, finds himself in a street fighting service to cover his sick dog’s veterinary bills. As he learns that conflicts can be resolved through dialogue, he struggles to make himself heard. This energetic Marseille action-comedy features Nassim Lyes, Ramzy Bedia, and Audrey Lamy.

Le Réveil de la momie – Lee Cronin

This horror film follows a young girl who mysteriously reappears eight years after vanishing in the Egyptian desert, leading her family into a nightmare as they seek to uncover the truth.

April 22

Drunken Noodles – Lucio Castro

Set in New York during the summer, this film follows Adnan, a young Argentine art student, as he navigates a series of artistic and erotic encounters that blur the lines between his past and present. Lucio Castro’s narrative unfolds in four non-linear segments, blending realism with subtle fantasy.

Michael – Antoine Fuqua

Chronicling Michael Jackson's journey from the Jackson Five to the release of Off the Wall in 1979, this biopic stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael, alongside Colman Domingo and Nia Long. The film explores the making of a pop legend amidst the pressures of fame and family.

Caravane – Zuzana Kirchnerová

Ester, a single mother of a son with intellectual disabilities, dreams of carefree days in Italy but finds herself in a dilapidated caravan after a crisis. An impulsive road trip ensues when a young hitchhiker joins them, forming an unlikely yet sincere trio.

April 29

Le Diable s’habille en Prada 2 – David Frankel

Two decades after the original, Miranda Priestly must save Runway from a crisis threatening the future of print media, seeking funding from her former assistant, Andrea Sachs. Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway reprise their roles, alongside Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, with a special appearance by Lady Gaga, making this a highly anticipated sequel.

Vivaldi et moi – Damiano Michieletto

Set in early 18th century Venice, this film explores the life of Cecilia, a virtuoso violinist at an orphanage, whose fate changes with the arrival of Antonio Vivaldi. This is the directorial debut of opera director Damiano Michieletto, adapted from Tiziano Scarpa’s novel Stabat Mater.

Series of April 2026

April is set to be a remarkable month for series as well, with the return of Euphoria after a four-year hiatus, the finale of The Boys, and new offerings including Richard Gadd's Half Man. European productions on Arte are also set to rival major streaming platforms.

HBO Max

Euphoria Season 3 – Starting April 13

The most anticipated return of the year, Euphoria resumes five years after high school as Rue, Jules, Cassie, Nate, and others face adulthood. Filmed in 65mm, a first for a scripted series, it features Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney, along with guest appearances from Rosalía and Sharon Stone.

Half Man – Starting April 24

Richard Gadd returns with Jamie Bell in this story of two men whose reunion at a wedding ignites a violent confrontation that forces them to confront their tumultuous past, produced by the BBC and HBO.

Hacks Season 5 – Starting April 9

The final season of Hacks sees Jean Smart reprising her role as Deborah Vance, grappling with the paradoxes of a successful career and a fleeting personal life.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 – Weekly episodes on Disney+

As Wilson Fisk tightens his grip on New York, Matt Murdock fights against the corrupt empire of the Kingpin. Featuring Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, this season has received a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Prime Video

The Boys Season 5 – Starting April 8

In a world dominated by the Protectors, Hughie and others find themselves imprisoned in a Freedom Camp. Butcher returns with a virus capable of annihilating all Supes in this thrilling final season.

Intraçables – Starting April 17

This French police thriller, created by Ami Cohen and Raphaël Meyer, stars Sofia Essaïdi and Irène Jacob and has been selected for the official French competition at Séries Mania 2025.

The House of the Spirits – Starting April 29

An adaptation of Isabel Allende's novel, this family saga spans generations, exploring themes of passion, politics, and magical powers in a South American country marked by historical violence.

Netflix

Acharnés Season 2 – April 16

The return of Lee Sung Jin's series featuring Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan, as new tensions and camps emerge, maintaining its original intensity.

Big Mistakes – April 9

A criminal comedy created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott, this new series is highly anticipated in the American comedy landscape.

Stranger Things: Chronicles of 1985 – April 23

This animated spin-off of Stranger Things is set between seasons 2 and 3, exploring the fringes of the original series while preserving its aesthetic and codes.

Arte

Etty – Thursdays, May 21 and 28, already on arte.tv

Set in Amsterdam in 1941, this series follows Etty Hillesum, a Jewish student whose encounters with a therapist inspire her to keep a journal amid the Nazi threat. Adapted by Hagai Levi, this series has been selected for Séries Mania 2026.

Reykjavik Fusion – Streaming from April 16, airing on April 23

This series follows Jonas, a talented chef recently released from prison, who accepts dirty money to open a restaurant in Reykjavik, risking his freedom and that of his loved ones. With Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, it consists of six episodes.

Des gens bien – Streaming from April 23

This series explores the lives of ordinary people, highlighting their struggles and triumphs in a contemporary setting.