The 9 best films to watch in April 2022 in cinemas and on streaming - from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to The Bubble

Spring may be here and the clocks may have changed, but it’s rare if April evenings ever reach the warm summery heights of June or July.

So that means there will likely still be plenty of time for catching up on the latest movies, especially once those April showers move in.

Thankfully, there is plenty to keep film fans entertained this month, whether they opt to head out to the cinema or stay in to stream a new release.

Here are the best looking films coming out in April 2022, in cinemas and across streaming platforms.

Apollo 10½

Netflix

What is it? This animated coming-of-age science fiction film written, directed, and produced by Richard Linklater was shot in live-action, then animated using a technique similar to rotoscoping.

Linklater once again teams up with Jack Black, for a film that takes place during the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing and explores children on Earth’s fantasies about the event.

When can I watch it? 1 April

Better Nate Than Ever

Disney+

What is it? This musical family-comedy film is described as a coming-of-age story involving musical theatre and Broadway.

The story centres on the titular Nate Foster, an unpopular 13-year-old middle school student from Pittsburgh who has a goal of one day becoming a Broadway musical star.

When Nate is repeatedly overlooked, and never cast in the lead roles he deserves, he and his best friend Libby, sneak away to pursue their life’s dreams in the Big Apple.

When can I watch it? 1 April

The Bubble

Netflix

What is it? In the mood for a smart comedy featuring an all-star cast and directed and co-written by one of the leading exponents of the genre?

If so, look no further than The Bubble. It’s the brainchild of Judd Apatow, the man behind the likes of Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and stars Karen Gillan, Fred Armisen, David Duchovny and Leslie Mann as the cast and crew of the hugely successful Cliff Beasts film franchise.

During the coronavirus pandemic, they travel to England to shoot the sixth instalment but, of course, it doesn’t go quite as planned.

When can I watch it? 1 April

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Cinemas

What is it? The sequel to 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of Sonic, with the rest of the cast including James Marsden, Idris Elba and Jim Carrey also returning.

The film follows Sonic and Tails as they try to prevent Doctor Eggman and Knuckles the Echidna from finding the Master Emerald.

When can I watch it? 1 April

All the Old Knives

Amazon Prime Video

What is it? This upcoming thriller stars Chris Pine, Thandiwe Newton and Laurence Fishburne, and tells the story of ex-lovers and spies Henry and Celia, who meet over dinner to reminisce on their time together at Vienna station.

The conversation moves to the disastrous hijacking of Royal Jordanian Flight 127, which ended in the deaths of all on board.

That failure haunts the CIA to this day, and Henry seeks to close the book on that seedy chapter.

When can I watch it? 8 April

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore

Cinemas

What is it? The latest in the Harry Potter spin-off series of films, The Secrets of Dumbledore is set several years after the events of The Crimes Of Grindelwald.

It sees Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander and Jude Law’s Albus Dumbledore prepare to face the shadowy figure of Grindelwald in battle.

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen plays the villainous role, taking over from Johnny Depp, who departed the Harry Potter prequel series after losing a High Court battle against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

When can I watch it? 8 April

The Northman

Cinemas

What is it? Epic Viking saga The Northman, filmed at Belfast Harbour Studios at the end of 2020, is set for cinema release in April 2022.

From Lighthouse director Robert Eggers, it’s set at the turn of the tenth century in Iceland, and stars Alexander Skarsgård as Viking prince Amleth, who sets out on a mission of revenge after his father is murdered by his uncle.

When can I watch it? 15 April

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent

Cinemas

What is it? This black comedy action film stars Nicolas Cage as a fictionalised version of himself, who begrudgingly accepts a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a billionaire super fan.

When things take a wild turn, Nic is forced to become a version of some of his most iconic and beloved characters in order to extricate his wife and daughter from the fan, who is a notorious drug lord.

When can I watch it? 22 April

Downton Abbey: A New Era

Cinemas

What is it? Downton Abbey: A New Era is the highly anticipated cinematic return of the global period drama phenomenon which follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.

The film, written by Julian Fellowes, takes the familiar faces to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’s newly inherited villa as they try to escape a film crew at Downton.

When can I watch it? 22 April

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