Netflix is usually a grab bag of bad and good. Some months we see an influx of excellent classic films we could watch over and over. Other months we’re bombarded with a wonderful array of their new original content. And of course, while we say hello to all the new stuff, we’re forced to say goodbye to some of our older favorites.
April, however, is probably one of the best months yet. We’re losing a couple good ones like House M.D., The X-Files, and Menace II Society, but we’re gaining so, so much, including a brand new stand-up special from one of our favorite comedians, several excellent pieces of original content, and some killer classics. Everyone is getting something this month:
A Nightmare on Elm Street
April 1
There are a total of nine movies in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Some are good, and some are pretty awful. But none beat the original, which on the first of the month will make its way to Netflix. This ‘80s supernatural slasher classic stars Robert Englund as Freddy Kruger, a ghastly and horrifying serial killer who stalks and kills people in their dreams, and thus, kills them in real life. Crazy concept, right? And none in the franchise are quite as horrifying as the original. Viewers can also look forward to Johnny Depp in his first ever feature film appearance.
Cool Runnings
April 1
“Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time! Cool Runnings!” Yes, that’s right, this classic masterpiece from your childhood about Jamaica’s first-ever national bobsled team is coming to Netflix in April. The film stars the late, great John Candy as Irv Blitzer, a disgraced former bobsled Olympian who agrees to coach the team, as well as Leon, Doug E. Doug. Rawl D. Lewis, and Malik Yoba as our bobsled heroes. Beauty and the Beast is cool and all, but this one is one of Disney’s best classics. Enjoy!
Schindler’s List
April 1
And speaking of Disney classics… Just kidding! Schindler’s List is perhaps one of the most powerful WWII-era films of all time. Written by Steven Zaillian (American Gangster, Money Ball, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) and directed by Steven Spielberg (Every Good Movie Ever Made), Schindler’s List is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman with a factory in Poland who spent the duration of the war paying off the Nazis in order to employ Jews and keep them out of the death camps. The film, shot in black and white, is a historical drama, but is honestly compelling enough to be classified as a horror story based on real events. It’s long, it’s not fun and cheerful, and it won’t make you feel good. But it’s also earth-shatteringly brilliant and worth every one of its 196-minute runtime.
Louis C.K. 2017
April 4
And speaking of black and white historical dramas… Just kidding again! Ahhh, twice in one story?! We’re on a roll. Anyway, after Netflix subscribers were treated to Dave Chappelle’s new releases (yes, plural) this month, they are going to get a brand new stand-up special from the one and only Louis C.K., aptly titled Louis C.K. 2017, which on April 4 will be available to stream.
The Get Down Season 2
April 7
The Get Down was a solid Netflix Original that debuted last August. The story follows a group of aspiring MCs as they battle their way to the top of the totem pole in late-1970s New York City. Season two hits Netflix on 4/7, and if it’s anything like the first, we’ll be putting it first on our list of must-binge TV for the month.
Win it All
April 7
This Netflix Original, starring Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele) and Jake Johnson (New Girl, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates), tells the story of Eddie Garrett (Johnson), a compulsive gambler who decides to hold a duffel bag for a friend who’s going to prison. Though he doesn’t know what’s in the bag at first, Garrett’s curiosity gets the best of him and he realizes he’s holding onto a lot of cash. And if you know anything about compulsive gamblers, you know that’s probably the last thing you want to trust them with. Anyway, as expected, Garrett gambles away his acquaintances money and has a very short window of time to get it all back. We’ve only seen previews, but it definitely looks promising.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return
April 14
MST3K is a cult classic. First airing in November 1988, the show features a janitor being held hostage. He creates a few robot companions and watches B-grade movies with them. We know that sounds stupid, but it is hands down one of the funniest shows ever made. After being canceled in 1997 and then again in 1999, the show was picked up by Netflix after Joel Hodgson, the man who plays Joel the janitor, ran a successful crowd-funding campaign to make it possible. And now we have the beauty of MST3K back where it belongs!
Slam
April 15
Nick Hornby is perhaps one of the best writers of our generation. Responsible for such works as High Fidelity and About a Boy, he now is behind Slam, a film based on his novel of the same name, and it tells the story of Sam Jones, a troubled 16-year-old skateboarder who is absolutely horrified of becoming a father after his girlfriend becomes pregnant. The book is an excellent and very real look at teenage pregnancy, brought to us in a way that only Hornby is capable. This particular Netflix Original is interesting because it’s Netflix’s first attempt at a global launch for an Italian feature film—AKA, expect subtitles.
Bill Nye Saves the World
April 21
The news dropped back in August that Bill Nye would be coming to the streaming giant. Lo and behold, Bill Nye Saves the World Season 1 is coming to Netflix on 4/21, and it looks absolutely epic. From what we can tell, Nye will discuss things like climate change, GMO’s, alternative medicine, and other controversial issues. It will feature a supporting cast, as well as special guests like Zach Braff and Steve Aoki. Aside from answering all our need-to-know questions, Nye will also conduct live science experiments for us to ogle and applaud. Either way, you can count us in!
The Prestige
April 21
Another well-regarded classic, The Prestige takes place in the late 19th century and tells the story of two competing magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) who work tirelessly to out-stage each other during their routines. However, what begins as a healthy rivalry quickly turns into something much, much more horrific. It only got a PG-13 rating, but it doesn’t make it any less incredible of a film.
Also an Amazon Prime member? Check out what’s new on Prime Video this month.
