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New in April 2021: The best shows and movies on Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime

What to watch in April 2021

With revealing documentaries, nostalgic science fiction, family-friendly series, and no shortage of action and adventure, the top streaming services are offering plenty of content for all tastes this April. It’s time to look ahead, plan your viewing schedule, and get excited for new content as well as some old favorites.

Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video feature plenty of new additions to their ever-growing catalogs in April 2021. We’re searched through the lists to highlight some of the most worthwhile series and films you won’t want to miss this month.

Best April 2021 Disney+ releases

Star Wars, April 2

Disney+ is adding a plethora of old Star Wars content this month, and while it’s not necessarily of the best quality, it's full of nostalgia and a fascinating look at what George Lucas was hoping the future of Star Wars would look like in the 80s. Ewok fans rejoice, as there are two seasons of the 1985 animated show coming as well as two made-for-TV movies: “Caravan of Courage” and “Ewoks: Battle for Endor.”

Fans can enjoy the first two volumes of the 2003 animated series “The Clone Wars” as well as “The Story of the Faithful Wookiee,” an animated short that was part of the absurd Holiday Special and featured the debut of Boba Fett.

National Geographic: Earth Moods Volume I, April 16

This exploration of nature hopes to provide viewers with a beautiful and calming escape for the mind and spirit. Traveling around the world to stunning landscapes from glaciers to rain forests, this meditative series offers a welcome retreat for anyone who wants to dive into nature or just seek some peace and quiet.

Big Shot: Series Premiere, April 16

While we won’t claim the setup of this series is particularly original — it sounds like “The Mighty Ducks” but for basketball — we are excited for John Stamos in the lead role of this family-friendly comedy. He plays a former NCAA coach relegated to lead a team of high school students at an all-girls school. Don’t expect to be shocked by the transformation that happens to a hotheaded coach who lacks empathy, but we do anticipate lots of charm and delight.

Secrets of the Whales: Premiere, April 22

A special Earth Day release, this much-anticipated documentary from executive producer James Cameron explores deep into the lives of whales, including new challenges and threats to their way of life. Filmed across 3 years in 24 different locations, this movie is expected to offer some jaw-dropping images and beautiful insights — particularly since Cameron has been dedicated to advancing film technology, specifically when shooting underwater. 

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: Finale, April 23

We already indulged in the premiere of this series, the second MCU TV show for Disney+, and we’re quite excited to see where it goes. Each episode is a bit longer than the previous entries of “WandaVision,” but the series is shorter, culminating its six-episode run on April 23. We expect some big battles and reveals, as well as teases and hints at future projects. 

Marvel Studios: Assembled, April 30

A new episode in this fledgling series will pop up after each new MCU entry is complete, detailing the creation of the film or series and revealing insights and ideas. Fans already enjoyed an hour-long look at the making of “WandaVision” earlier this month, and one week after the conclusion of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” viewers can reveal behind-the-scenes.

Best April 2021 Hulu releases

WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn, April 2

This riveting documentary explores the rise and fall of WeWork, an overvalued startup that serves as a cautionary tale for many. It follows founder Adam Neumann, who promised idealism with a newfound way to work, collaborate, and grow. As we know, however, what was being sold wasn’t what transpired, and this doc looks to be simultaneously satisfying and infuriating for viewers. 

Hysterical: Series Premiere, April 3            

We’re ready for plenty of laughs with this new documentary chronicling the rise and success of female comedians in a male-dominated industry. Directed by Andrea Nevins, this doc takes viewers backstage with some beloved entertainers, revealing their respective journeys and ideas about the world of comedy. Among the many comedians featured are Nikki Glaser, Margaret Cho, Rachael Feinstein, and Sherri Shepherd.

Sasquatch: Documentary Series Premiere, April 20

Is Bigfoot real? That’s the question at the heart of this three-part documentary series from the Duplass brothers, who have run a recent streak of impressive docuseries. It investigates the grisly death of three men in California about 30 years ago. Based on the trailer, the tone indulges in hope, playing with investigative tropes and not taking itself too seriously. Even those who aren’t particularly interested in conspiracy theories may be compelled.

Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World, April 22

This documentary releases on Earth Day, considering the present state of the planet and what the future holds. The three-part series follows environmental activist Greta Thunberg and her idealistic quest to save the world. With a focus on slowing the steady rise of the Earth’s temperature, we travel around the world focusing on what we need to change and seeing the already-dangerous consequences that are taking place.

Wild Mountain Thyme, April 25

It’s springtime and love is in the air with this romantic comedy starring two charming leads in Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan. Set in picturesque Ireland, the family drama unfolds over land ownership, but the real focus is the silly and corny love story that blossoms. It’s pretty well agreed that this film is not particularly great, but it’s so dedicated to its absurd, unbelievable romance that it's sure to become an unforgettable guilty pleasure.

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 4 Premiere, April 28

At long last, the fourth season of the dystopian Hulu original series “The Handmaid's Tale” returns at the end of the month. A strong third season culminated in August 2019, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the series's return. We’re ready for the drama, however unsettling and ominous it may be.

Best April 2021 Amazon Prime releases

That Thing You Do!, April 1

It’s over 25 years old, but it is a film that still gets us stirred up and feeling the beat. The story follows a band that makes it big following the success of their massively popular single, from which the title is derived. Unfortunately, fame gets in the way of love and friendship, and their rise is followed by a precipitous fall and, later, a hopeful reunion. The title song is undeniably catchy, and Tom Hanks is great as their slick-talking manager.

Unhinged, April 2

This entry isn’t going to win any awards, but it will definitely satisfy a particular crowd for its unrelenting absurdity and dedication to the genre. Instead of the rom-com concept in “Wild Mountain Thyme,” “Unhinged” is a tense thriller starring Russel Crowe as an angry truck driver with a case of road rage. It proves to be a fun, guilty pleasure that looks to take itself seriously — likely leading to more than a few laughs.

THEM: Limited Series, April 9

We’re curious about this limited horror anthology series helmed by Little Marvin and Lena Waithe that continues a recent crop of horror stories centered around Black people and experiences where terrors include both real racism and otherworldly scares. Reminiscent of Jordan Peele's films and HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” these stories aim to weave violent/paranormal tales with the actual terrors of our time.

Spontaneous, April 12

On the surface, this gory comedy-horror slash love-story looks wildly entertaining and escapist. However, it’s not too hard to deduce the inspiration for this film where high school students live every day as it might be their last. In Spontaneous, students are suddenly exploding, leading classmates to rethink their outlook on life - and two teens to fall in love.

Frank Of Ireland: Season 1, April 16

For something a little lighter this month, check out this Amazon Prime original comedy series from the brothers Gleeson. This six-episode first season follows a misanthropic and narcissist 32-year-old who is single and lives with his mother. Domhnall Gleeson stars as his goofy friend, and comedy ensues as Brian tries to get a grip of reality — and his feelings. 

Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, April 30

The month concludes with a film that might just be the most anticipated on the list. Based on Tom Clancy's thriller, “Without Remorse” stars Michael B. Jordan as a Navy Seal who discovers an internal conspiracy while on a quest for revenge. Jordan dazzles in every role, and while he’s had some dramatic turns, we’re excited for a starring heroic vehicle with plenty of action and tension.

More shows to watch on Disney+ in April 2021

April 2

  • Disney Secrets of Sulphur Springs: No Time Like the Present, Season 1
  • Disney Walk the Prank, Season 1-3
  • Higglytown Heroes, Season 1-2
  • The Island at the Top of the World
  • Third Man on the Mountain
  • The Last Ice
  • Made in a Day, Season 1
  • Secrets of the Zoo, Season 4
  • Sharks of the Bermuda Triangle
  • The Big Year
  • Night at the Museum
  • Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
  • Caravan of Courage
  • Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
  • Star Wars: Clone Wars – Volume I & II
  • Star Wars: Ewoks, Season 1-2
  • The Story of the Faithful Wookiee
  • The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: New Episode
  • The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Episode 102, “Dusters”

April 9

  • Disney Future-Worm!
  • Disney Kick Buttowki: Suburban Daredevil, Season 1-2
  • Disney Secrets of Sulphur Springs: Time After Time, Season 1 Finale
  • Man of the House
  • Mark Twain and Me
  • Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
  • Cesar Millan: The Real Story
  • The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: New Episode
  • The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Episode 103, “Breakaway”

April 16

  • Treasure Buddies
  • White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf
  • Primal Survivor, Season 5
  • The Kid Who Would Be King
  • RIO
  • Earth Moods: Premiere
  • The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: New Episode
  • The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Episode 104, “Hockey Moms”

April 23

  • Disney Junior Puppy Dog Pals, Season 3
  • Disney Liv and Maddie: Season 1-3
  • Disney Liv and Maddie: Cali Style, Season 4
  • Disney My Music Story: Sukima Switch
  • Being the Queen
  • Baby’s Day Out
  • The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Episode 105, “Cherry Picker”
  • Big Shot: Episode 102, “The Marvyn Korn Effect”

April 30

  • Adventures in Wonderland
  • Disney Ducktales, Season 3
  • Disney Junior Mira
  • Oklahoma!
  • The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Episode 106, “Spirit of the Ducks”
  • Big Shot: Episode 103, “TCKS”

More shows to watch on Hulu in April 2021

April 1

  • Amy Schumer Learns to Cook: Complete Season 1
  • Caribbean Life: Complete Seasons 18 & 19
  • Chopped: Complete Season 44
  • Chopped Sweets: Complete Season 1
  • Christina On The Coast: Complete Season 2
  • Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Complete Seasons 34 & 35
  • Doubling Down with the Derricos: Complete Season 1
  • Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Complete Season 1
  • Guy’s Grocery Games: Complete Season 22
  • Naked and Afraid XL: Complete Season 6
  • Say Yes to the Dress: Complete Season 19
  • Tournament of Champions: Complete Season 1
  • Undercover Billionaire: Complete Season 1
  • UniKitty: Complete Season 3
  • Vegas Chef Prizefight: Complete Season 1
  • Worst Cooks in America: Complete Season 18
  • Higurashi: When They Cry: Season 1, Episodes 1-12
  • 2012
  • 28 Days Later 
  • A Hologram for the King 
  • A Low Down Dirty Shame
  • A Simple Plan
  • The Abyss
  • Before We Go
  • Bug
  • Bulworth
  • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
  • Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter
  • Changing Lanes
  • Chappaquiddick
  • Chato’s Land
  • Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin
  • Cohen and Tate
  • The Color Purple
  • The Dead Zone
  • The Devil’s Double
  • Devil in a Blue Dress
  • Die Hard
  • Die Hard With A Vengeance
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  • Dude, Where’s My Car? 
  • Four Weddings and a Funeral
  • Frankie & Alice
  • Friends With Benefits
  • Garden State
  • The Gift
  • Girl with a Pearl Earring
  • Guess Who
  • Hancock
  • The Hunting Party
  • In The Mix
  • Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport
  • Lady in a Cage
  • Larry The Cable Guy: Health Inspector
  • Life Of Crime
  • Live Free Or Die Hard
  • Mad Max
  • Madea Goes To Jail
  • The Man Who Could Cheat Death
  • The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
  • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
  • Monster’s Ball
  • Motel Hell
  • Napoleon Dynamite
  • Never Back Down
  • New in Town
  • Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
  • The Out-Of-Towners
  • The Pawnbroker
  • Platoon
  • The Polar Express
  • The Preacher’s Wife
  • The Program
  • Ramona and Beezus
  • The Replacement Killers
  • Rio
  • The Sandlot
  • Scary Movie 4
  • Sex And The City
  • Sex And The City 2
  • Shaft
  • Shrek 2 
  • The Skull
  • Sleeping With The Enemy
  • Sliver
  • So I Married an Axe Murderer
  • Star Trek: Generations
  • Step Up Revolution
  • The Sum of All Fears
  • That Thing You Do!
  • The Upside
  • Vanilla Sky
  • Virtuosity
  • Waiting to Exhale
  • War
  • Warriors of Virtue
  • What About Bob?
  • Where the Heart Is
  • Young Sherlock Holmes

April 2

  • Law & Order: Organized Crime: Series Premiere (NBC)
  • Manifest: Season 3 Premiere (NBC)
  • The Moody’s: Season 2 Finale (Fox)
  • Real Housewives of New York City: Complete Season 12 (Bravo)

April 3

  • Blair Witch

April 5

  • Girl

April 7

  • Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World: Season 1, Episodes 1-2

April 8

  • Home Economics: Series Premiere (ABC)

April 9

  • Everything’s Gonna Be Okay: Season 2 Premiere
  • Rebel: Series Premiere
  • The Standard
  • Stars Fell on Alabama

April 10

  • The Day I Became a God: Season 1, Episodes 1-12
  • Desierto
  • Knuckledust

April 12

  • Paranormal Activity 4

April 15

  • The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Complete Season 10

April 16

  • Fly Like a Girl
  • Songbird

April 17

  • Modern Persuasion
  • Thelma

April 21

  • Cruel Summer: Series Premiere (Freeform)

April 23

  • A Place of No Words

April 26

  • The Oscars Red Carpet Show: Special (ABC)
  • The 93rd Oscars: Special (ABC)

April 28

  • Arrival

April 30

  • The Judge

More shows to watch on Amazon Prime in April 2021

April 1

  • A Hologram For The King 
  • Anna Karenina
  • Art of Falling in Love
  • A Simple Plan
  • Because I Said So
  • Bob Roberts
  • Brüno
  • Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter
  • Chato’s Land
  • Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’
  • Cohen And Tate
  • Devil In A Blue Dress
  • Did You Hear About The Morgans?
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  • Evan Almighty
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
  • Four Weddings And A Funeral
  • Frankie & Alice
  • Girl With A Pearl Earring
  • Gunfighters Of Abilene
  • Hancock
  • Head Of State
  • How To Train Your Dragon
  • Inception
  • Johnny English
  • Lady In A Cage
  • Larry Crowne
  • League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen
  • Lords Of Dogtown
  • Love in Harmony Valley
  • Madea’s Big Happy Family
  • Madea Goes To Jail
  • Mad Max
  • Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
  • Men Of Honor
  • Milk
  • Minority Report
  • Monster’s Ball
  • Moonrise Kingdom
  • Motel Hell
  • My Cousin Vinny
  • New In Town
  • Open Range
  • Platoon
  • Shaft
  • Shooter
  • Sleeping With The Enemy
  • Smiley Face Killers
  • So I Married An Axe Murderer
  • The Abyss 
  • The Dead Zone
  • The Devil’s Double
  • The Gift
  • The Happening
  • The Hunting Party
  • The Lincoln Lawyer
  • The Man Who Could Cheat Death
  • The Pawnbroker
  • The Program
  • The Replacement Killers
  • The Skull
  • The Sum Of All Fears
  • Untraceable
  • Valerie
  • Waiting To Exhale
  • What About Bob?
  • Aber Bergen: Season 1
  • After the First 48: Season 1
  • Anne+: Season 1
  • Couples Therapy: Season 1
  • Creepshow: Season 1 
  • Engine Masters: Season 1
  • Garfield & Friends: Season 1
  • Ice Road Truckers: Season 1 
  • Jacqueline and Jilly: Season 1
  • Keeping Faith: Season 1
  • Rectify: Season 1
  • Survivor’s Remorse: Seasons 1-4
  • The Adventures of Napkin Man: Season 1
  • The Restaurant: Season 1

April 3

  • Blair Witch

April 7

  • Girl From Monaco
  • High-Rise
  • Pulse
  • Ragnarok
  • The Answer Man
  • The Priest
  • Trollhunter

April 12

  • Paranormal Activity 4

April 14

  • Cézanne Et Moi
  • Terror’s Advocate

April 16

  • Somewhere
  • Wander

April 21

  • Merantau
  • Muay Thai Giant
  • The Hero Of Color City
  • Venus And Serena

April 26

  • The Artist

April 28

  • Arrival 
  • Barry Munday
  • Harlem Aria
  • Kiltro
  • The Commune
  • The Warlords

 

Anthony Marcusa is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. 

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. 

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