This weekend brings a handful of fresh theatrical releases and streaming debuts that will shape box-office chatter and social feeds for weeks. From A24 horror to a Colleen Hoover adaptation and a comedy headlined by a rising stand-up star, these films mark the start of a busy spring release schedule that builds toward high-profile tentpoles in April and May.
New this weekend (March)
Undertone
Spider-Verse producers noncommittal on Kevin Feige-style leadership of Sony’s Spider-Man reboot
How to make a killing review: serial killer drama wastes its chilling premise
Release: now in the US and several territories; UK on April 10
Spider-Man release date set: first cast, plot details for Marvel’s new film
A24 Backrooms trailer debuts with chilling tension: early viewers hail it as flawless
A24’s latest horror seeks to unsettle audiences through sound design and creeping atmosphere rather than jump scares. The story centers on Evy (Nina Kiri), a podcast co-host and skeptic who deliberately plays ten recordings of a supernatural voice in a row — and then finds herself entangled with something inexplicable. Early critical response has been broadly positive, with a roughly 77% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes at launch.
How to Make a Killing
Release: now worldwide
Glen Powell leads this darkly comic thriller as Becket Redfellow, a working-class man excluded from a wealthy family who plots to claim what he believes is his rightful inheritance. The film mixes caper elements with satirical takes on privilege and greed. Reviews have been mixed so far: critics gave it a lukewarm reception, with a Rotten Tomatoes score near 43%.
Reminders of Him
Release: now worldwide
Adapted from a Colleen Hoover novel, this drama follows Kenna (Maika Monroe), who returns home after serving time in prison and tries to reconnect with the daughter she never met. The film leans into emotional reconciliation and the complications of starting over. Critical reactions are split — the film held about a 61% score on Rotten Tomatoes shortly after release — leaving room for audiences to decide.
The Breadwinner
Release: now worldwide
Comedian Nate Bargatze makes his feature-film debut in a family comedy from Sony. He plays a stay-at-home dad who must navigate chaos when his wife travels for a major TV opportunity; Mandy Moore co-stars. The film’s trailer attracted strong online interest, but as of mid-March there were few critical reviews available to gauge broader opinion.
- Why this matters now: these releases set the tone for spring box-office trends and will influence early awards-season conversations for certain genres.
- Who should pay attention: horror fans to judge A24’s next move; readers of Hoover’s books curious about adaptations; viewers looking for lighter fare from stand-up talent.
Next up: late March — a packed week
Project Hail Mary
Release: March 20 worldwide
Ryan Gosling stars in this big-budget adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestseller about an unlikely astronaut on a one-way mission to save the sun. The film mixes large-scale sci-fi spectacle with an intimate survival story and teases unexpected alliances and scientific problem-solving that should appeal to mainstream and genre audiences alike.
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
Release: March 20 worldwide
The sequel continues the story of Grace (Samara Weaving), picking up after the violent events of the first film. Expect the same black-comic tone and gory set pieces, with new threats introduced via a shadowy Council and the return of familial betrayals that drive the plot.
They Will Kill You
Release: March 27 worldwide
Zazie Beetz leads an action-horror with sharp comedic edges set inside an eerie Manhattan tower. The premise — a housekeeper discovers the building harbors a dangerous cult — sets up a claustrophobic, genre-blending thriller with a strong ensemble.
April highlights
April’s slate pivots from franchise and auteur fare to broad-audience tentpoles and auteur-driven projects.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — April 1: the follow-up to the billion-dollar animated adaptation expands the video-game world with new characters and cosmic set pieces aimed at families.
- The Drama — April 3: a black romantic comedy starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson that trades on star chemistry and a late-breaking secret to explore relationships under pressure.
- Lee Cronin’s The Mummy — April 17: a fresh, horror-forward take on the classic monster story with a domestic twist — a family’s long-lost child returns and brings terror with her.
- Michael — April 24: Antoine Fuqua directs a Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, aiming to dramatize the performer’s ascent and early career.
May: big tentpoles and genre variety
May’s schedule blends legacy sequels, music films, and franchise installments that could dominate summer conversation.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 — May 1: a legacy sequel reuniting Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep as the fashion world grapples with modern upheaval.
- Hokum — May 1: Adam Scott leads a supernatural story set in rural Ireland, leaning into psychological dread.
- Mortal Kombat II — May 8: a pre-summer action entry focused on Johnny Cage’s arc, expanding the game adaptation’s mythology.
- Billie Eilish: Hit Me Soft and Hard — May 8: a 3D concert film directed by James Cameron, presenting the singer’s tour in an immersive format.
- The Mandalorian & Grogu — May 22: a theatrical continuation of the hit Disney+ series, returning the duo to larger-scale storytelling.
- Backrooms — May 29: A24 adapts the internet creepypasta-turned-viral short into a feature led by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
- Power Ballad — May 29: a music-driven comedy pairing Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas that centers on friendship strained by sudden pop success.
Quick viewing guide for the next three months
- Want scares and atmosphere: start with Undertone and Backrooms — A24’s younger horror slate favors mood over spectacle.
- Looking for mainstream crowd-pleasers: Project Hail Mary and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie are the big-budget options likely to draw families and general audiences.
- For serialized fandom: The Mandalorian & Grogu will be essential for Star Wars viewers tracking the franchise’s theatrical strategy.
- Curious about adaptations: Reminders of Him and Michael show how studios are continuing to mine books and celebrity biographies for cinema.
Spring’s release calendar is crowded and varied — from intimate dramas to franchise fireworks. Over the coming weeks, critics’ scores, audience word-of-mouth, and early box-office returns will determine which films become talking points through summer. Check local listings for exact dates and regional availability.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.