Netflix subscribers had a plethora of new movies to choose from in April 2024, making it one of the best months for film lovers so far that year. From rom-coms to sci-fi epics to forgotten spy thrillers, there was something for everyone on the streaming platform. Among the dozens of new releases, ten movies stood out above the rest, offering captivating stories and talented performances.
One standout film was “Anyone But You,” a rom-com that took the box office by storm in 2023. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the film follows Bea and Ben as they navigate a twist of fate that leads them to pose as a couple at an Australian wedding. Directed by Will Gluck, the movie cleverly weaves in elements of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” creating a charming and entertaining story that captivated audiences worldwide.
“Rebel Moon: Part Two: The Scargiver,” directed by Zack Snyder, offered a visually captivating and engaging sequel to the Rebel Moon saga. Led by Sofia Boutella, the film follows Kora as she battles against the tyrannical Admiral Atticus Noble in a cosmic battle for freedom. The movie delves deeper into the characters’ pasts, setting the stage for a monumental clash between rebels and oppressors.
“Suzume,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, delivered a visually stunning animated film that blends fantasy, romance, and drama into a gripping narrative. The story follows a young girl on an extraordinary adventure to close portals linking Earth to the sky, showcasing beautiful scenery and lovable characters along the way.
“Anna,” a highly stylized film from Luc Besson, tells the story of a fashion model with a secret life as a government assassin. Released in 2019, the movie found new life on Netflix, offering a gripping journey through espionage and high-stakes missions. With a stellar cast including Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, and Cillian Murphy, the film keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
“City Hunter,” a live-action adaptation of the classic manga series, brought viewers into the perilous world of Ryo Saeba as he navigates the criminal underworld of Shinjuku. The film promises a thrilling blend of action and humor, appealing to longtime fans of the manga series and newcomers alike.
“Freud’s Last Session,” starring Anthony Hopkins as Sigmund Freud and Matthew Goode as C.S. Lewis, captured a historic collision of minds in 1939 England. The intellectually stimulating drama delves into profound debates on faith, humanity, and personal history, offering a compelling exploration of belief and the human condition.
“King Richard,” a biographical drama starring Will Smith, tells the inspiring story of Richard Williams, the father who shaped Venus and Serena Williams into tennis champions. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film highlights the power of family, perseverance, and belief in the impossible, paying tribute to the man behind the famous athletes.
“Strange Way of Life,” directed by Pedro Almodóvar, reunites Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal in a poignant story of friendship, betrayal, and romance. Set in the remote town of Bitter Creek, the film explores unresolved issues and the passage of time in a desolate desert backdrop, adding a poignant chapter to Almodóvar’s diverse filmography.
“Scoop,” directed by Philip Martin, dives into the tense preparations behind Prince Andrew’s explosive 2019 Newsnight interview. Featuring Gillian Anderson as journalist Emily Maitlis and Billie Piper as interview booker Sam McAlister, the film celebrates the relentless women behind the scenes who shaped one of the decade’s biggest news stories.
“The Little Things,” a murder-mystery thriller starring Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, and Rami Malek, captures a murky world of crime and redemption. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film builds tension as Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon hunts a serial killer, challenging moral compasses and blurring the lines between right and wrong in a haunting exploration of obsession and justice.
