This is no April Fool’s joke: Netflix just added 29 new shows and movies to the streaming service today (April 1). It’s the biggest day of the month for new Netflix movies in particular, as the first of the month is when Netflix adds the majority of the classic, library titles (aka not originals) to its catalogue. But there’s even a new stand-up comedy special arriving today for good measure.
Regardless of what’s being added today, though, that’s a lot to sort through first thing in a month. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t know where to start. So I’ve already sorted through everything new on Netflix in April, and I know exactly which shows and movies you need to be adding to your watchlist and streaming today. I’ve picked five shows and movies to add to your watchlist, including a few iconic films like “American Gangster” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” I’ve also picked a few brand new Netflix Originals that are being released today.
Article continues below
Malcolm McMillan
Malcolm has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. Every week, he hunts down the top shows and movies to watch on Netflix.
5 Netflix shows and movies to stream right now
‘American Gangster’ (2007)
Genre: Crime drama biopic
What’s it about? Denzel Washington stars as a dramatized version of real-life gangster Frank Lucas. This New York criminal from North Carolina became an underworld success by smuggling heroin into the U.S. using soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. But that success got the attention of Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), whose partner just died overdosing on Frank’s “Blue Magic.”
Why you need to watch it: This might not be the greatest Denzel movie ever, but it might be his greatest performance. It’s certainly in the conversation with “Training Day” and “Malcolm X.” As good as he and Crowe are as the two leads of the film, though, the cast of this Ridley Scott movie is absolutely loaded. This movie is a must-watch on any given day, but especially today, since it’s newly added to Netflix.
Stream “American Gangster” on Netflix now
‘Everest’ (2015)
Genre: Survival biopic
What’s it about? “Everest” is based on the 1996 Everest disaster, where two expedition groups set off to reach the summit of the world’s tallest mountain and several don’t come back. It stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Robin Wright, Emily Watson, Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington and Jake Gyllenhaal, among others.
Why you should watch it: We’re constantly writing about movies at Tom’s Guide, but I swear, every time this movie is coming to Netflix (or about to leave), someone writes an article about why you need to see it. Don’t believe me? Check out this list of new Netflix thriller movies to watch this week, and you’ll see “Everest” on the list.
Stream “Everest” on Netflix now
‘Love on the Spectrum’ season 4
Genre: Reality dating series
What it’s about: This show brings together a cast of romantic hopefuls on the autism spectrum just trying to make love work. They have some help at least, thanks to neurodiversity expert and author Jennifer Cook.
Why you should watch it: “Love on the Spectrum” isn’t your typical dating show. It’s not “Love is Blind” or “The Bachelorette”; it’s not about the drama. Plus, it features a mixture of new and returning cast members, meaning that there are fan favorites to get invested in if you watch all four seasons.
Stream “Love on the Spectrum” season 4 on Netflix now
‘Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer’
Genre: Stand-up comedy special
What it’s about: English comedian Sarah Millican brings her latest special, “Late Bloomer,” to Netflix.
Why you should watch it: If you’re in the U.S., you might not be familiar with Millican’s comedic stylings, but she has been a fixture in U.K. stand-up since winning her award-winning debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2008. So yes, the references might be more aimed at a British audience, but I’m sure you’ll still find a way to laugh.
Stream“Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer’ on Netflix starting April 1
‘Smokey and the Bandit’ (1977)
Genre: Action comedy
What’s it about? Bo “The Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds) and Cledus “Snowman” Snow (Reed) are bootleggers attempting to illegally transport 400 cases of beer. Snowman drives the truck carrying the beer, and the Bandit drives a Pontiac Trans Am to distract law enforcement, particularly Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason).
Why you should watch it: This movie isn’t “Citizen Kane,” but it is a classic. It’s also a blast to watch as these two evade law enforcement, driving through the American South. If you’ve never seen this 1977 film before, now is the perfect time.
Stream “Smokey and the Bandit” on Netflix now
Everything coming to Netflix on April 1
Here’s the full list of all 29 shows and movies arriving on Netflix today:
- “The Age of Adaline”
- “Along Came Polly”
- “American Gangster”
- “Atonement”
- “Bohemian Rhapsody”
- “Eat Pray Bark”
- “Everest”
- “Happy’s Place” season 1
- “Hotel Transylvania 2”
- “It Takes a Village”
- “Kindergarten Cop”
- “Love on the Spectrum” season 4
- “Lucy”
- “Madagascar”
- “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted”
- “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”
- “Mission: Impossible”
- “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”
- “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”
- “Mission: Impossible II”
- “Mission: Impossible III”
- “Money Talks”
- “Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie”
- “Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer”
- “Smokey and the Bandit”
- “Smokey and the Bandit II”
- “St. Denis Medical” season 1
- “The Giant Falls”
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
