A whole new era is here. For the past several years, our monthly column the Nerd’s Watch has been the place to find out all the best genre titles coming to the biggest streaming services. It wasn’t a complete list. We just posted the titles we think you’d care about, but it was still long and frankly, hard to pick out the best of the best.
Well, last month, that changed. What follows isn’t a list of all the best stuff streaming on all the big streaming services. We’ve looked at all those lists and come up with a few dozen titles that we think are noteworthy this month. Some are new, some are old, but either way, we’ll tell you why you should care. Or at least joke about it. So sit back, grab your remote, and get ready for the new and improved Nerd’s Watch highlighting the best movies and shows coming to streamers this month.
Conan the Destroyer (April 1 on Netflix)
You’re about to read an article with a lot of great Arnold Schwarzenegger movies and one of the best is this incredible 1984 fantasy film. Just as epic and awesome as movies like this get.
Fantasy sports movies starring Kevin Costner (April 1 on Netflix)
Clearly, we’re mainly referring to Field of Dreams here. An all-time sports classic. But also, the film Draft Day is coming to Netflix and Peacock April 1. You may not think that Kevin Costner film, about a general manager on the day of the NFL Draft, is also fantasy, but if you know the NFL, seeing something good happen to the Cleveland Browns is clearly a fantasy. (Sorry Browns fans. But seriously, Draft Day is such an under-appreciated personal favorite of mine, I wanted to let people know about it.)
Arrival (April 1 on Hulu and Paramount+)
Before he tackled Dune, Denis Villeneuve made another all-timer sci-fi film starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, who deal with mysterious alien ships arriving on Earth. It’s magic.
Interstellar (April 1 on Hulu and Peacock)
Having seen a recent resurgence after its 10-year anniversary, Christopher Nolan’s space drama starring Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, and many more hits two streamers.
Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Jurassic Park III (April 1 on Hulu)
The first one is a classic, the second one is a huge step down, but mainly we’re putting these here so you do a marathon and see things from our perspective. Jurassic Park III is underrated.
21 and 22 Jump Street (April 1 on Hulu)
A little off the sci-fi bandwagon, but these beyond hilarious comedies starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill have the kind of energy and excitement you simply can’t ignore in a movie.
Wes Anderson marathon (April 4 on Hulu)
Okay, five movies from the talented director are coming to Hulu this month, and while they aren’t all sci-fi, they are all varying degrees of incredible. There’s Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums—both masterpieces. There’s Fantastic Mr. Fox— amazing. Then also The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited—not as great as the rest, but super solid.
The Handmaid’s Tale (April 8 on Hulu)
Yes, it’s still on the air and this month marks the start of its final season. What’s in store for Gilead? Watch and find out.
In a Violent Nature (April 22 on Hulu)
One of 2024’s breakout horror films was this twist on the genre, which follows a psycho killer, not his victims. It was previously on Shudder but is now on Hulu.
Not Just A Goof (April 7 on Disney+)
The Goofy Movie celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and this is a brand new documentary all about it. Hopefully, it’s half as good as the episode of Atlanta with a similar spin.
The Abyss 4K (April 11 on Disney+)
Seeing classic James Cameron films in 4K is a rare treat, especially when it’s one that took forever to be transferred. But now, the 4K of The Abyss is coming to streaming, and even if your TV can’t handle it, The Abyss is a fantastic film.
Andor (April 22 on Disney+)
The second and final season of the Star Wars prequel show kicks off with the first of four three-episode mini movies following the exploits of newly minted rebel, Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna.
Logan (April 1 on Max)
He may not have gotten his own chair last week, but Hugh Jackman’s Logan did get an epic send-off in this 2017 film by James Mangold.
The Terminator (April 1 on Max)
More James Cameron, more Arnold Schwarzenegger. This time it’s their first collaboration, the film that jump-started each of their careers. This sci-fi dystopian action film still packs a punch.
Y2K (April 4 on Max)
Here’s one you may have missed recently but you should check it out. Kyle Mooney directs Rachel Zegler and others in this period sci-fi comedy about what Y2K could’ve been if the machines revolted.
Face/Off (April 1 on Peacock)
You could argue director John Woo and stars John Travolta and Nicolas Cage were all at their peak in this delightful sci-fi action film about two rivals who switch faces.
The animated How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy (April 1 on Peacock)
To prep for the live-action remake, why not take a trip back to Berk with all three of the animated Dragon films: How To Train Your Dragon, How To Train Your Dragon 2, and How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
Mother! (April 15 on Peacock)
Jennifer Lawrence is a woman going mad in this shocking, hard to watch, but incredible movie from director Darren Aronofsky.
Her (April 1 on Paramount+)
In 2013, the idea of a man falling in love with a faceless artificial intelligence seemed ridiculous. Twelve years later, the Spike Jonze-directed film starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson is more plausible than ever.
Shaolin Soccer (April 1 on Paramount+)
Stephen Chow writes, directs, and stars in this bonkers mashup of underdog sports movie and high-octane martial arts movie. It has to be seen to be believed.
Team America: World Police (April 1 on Paramount+)
After the South Park musical, you got the sense there was no way Trey Parker and Matt Stone would ever top themselves. But then they did a puppet musical with hardcore sex, violence, and songs about AIDS. But it’s good.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (April 1 on Paramount+)
After you watch The Terminator on Max, jump over to Paramount+ to watch its superior sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Seriously, does anyone not think T2 is better than the already awesome original?
The Running Man (April 1 on Paramount+)
With the first trailer for the Edgar Wright/Glen Powell remake imminent, why not go back to the Arnold Schwarzenegger original that pre-dated reality TV game shows?
Lesser Michael Myers (April 1 on Shudder)
We know every iconic slasher has good and bad outings, and some of Michael Myers’ less-beloved ones are coming to Shudder. Still, he’s Michael Myers, so even a bad movie is kind of fun. There’s Halloween H20, Halloween VI: The Curse of Michael Myers, and Halloween: Resurrection
Fright Night (April 1 on Shudder)
The 1985 original, not the 2011 remake. Perfect if you’re feeling like doing a little light vampire hunting.
Crimson Peak (April 1 on Shudder)
Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, and Charlie Hunnam star in this sumptuous gothic romance from the master, Guillermo del Toro.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
