Another blockbuster-packed weekend is here! As we head into the second half of April 2026, theaters across America are rolling out a fresh wave of wide releases perfect for date nights, horror fans, music lovers, and action junkies.

From a chilling modern-day Mummy reimagining by Evil Dead Rise director Lee Cronin to Anne Hathaway’s highly anticipated musical drama Mother Mary, this week’s USA movie releases deliver something for every audience. A clickusanews we break down every major theatrical debut, including cast details, what critics are saying early, box-office forecasts, and practical tips for your weekend movie plans.

Whether you’re catching a flick in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or your local multiplex, here’s your complete, up-to-date guide to the biggest new movies hitting US theaters Friday, April 17, 2026.

1. Lee Cronin’s The Mummy (Wide Release – Horror)

Release Date: April 17, 2026 Director: Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) Cast: Jack Reynor, May Calamawy, Laia Costa, Natalie Grace Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes | Rating: R

The biggest horror bet of the month arrives this Friday. Lee Cronin ditches the action-adventure tone of past Mummy films for a straight-up terrifying, curse-driven nightmare. An ancient force is unearthed in the present day, and a family unwittingly brings a deadly supernatural threat home.

Early buzz calls it “unsettling” and “Blumhouse’s best monster movie in years.” After Evil Dead Rise opened to $24.5 million and crossed $147 million globally, Warner Bros. is hoping lightning strikes twice. Tracking currently points to a $20–28 million opening weekend, with strong potential for horror fans to turn out in droves.

Why see it? Perfect for fans of elevated horror like The Invisible Man or Smile. If you love practical effects and jump scares that linger, this is your must-watch.

Where to watch: Wide theatrical release nationwide.

2. Mother Mary (Wide Release – Drama / Music / Thriller)

Release Date: April 17, 2026 Director: David Lowery (The Green Knight, Pete’s Dragon) Cast: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, Athenna Frizzell Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes | Rating: R

Anne Hathaway delivers what early screenings call a career-best performance in this bold, stylish musical-thriller hybrid. The story follows a rock star’s meteoric rise and the dark forces swirling around her inner circle.

Blending music, psychological tension, and stunning visuals, Mother Mary is already generating Oscar buzz in certain circles. It’s positioned as sophisticated counter-programming to the horror crowd and should appeal to adult audiences looking for something more artistic.

Box office outlook: Modest $8–14 million opening as a prestige drama, but strong word-of-mouth could extend its run.

Why see it? Hathaway + Michaela Coel + David Lowery = cinematic event. If you loved A Star Is Born or The Brutalist, put this on your list.

Where to watch: Wide theatrical release.

3. Normal (Wide Release – Action / Thriller)

Release Date: April 17, 2026 Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Lena Headey, Henry Winkler Genre: Snowy revenge/action thriller

Bob Odenkirk continues his action-hero era (Nobody, Better Call Saul) in this snowy, high-stakes thriller. Details are being kept under wraps, but trailers show intense winter chases and family-under-siege vibes.

The film is generating strong pre-release hype among fans of grounded, character-driven action. With Odenkirk’s proven box-office pull in the genre, expect it to open in the $12–18 million range and play well through the spring.

Why see it? If you enjoyed Nobody or The Accountant, Normal looks like the perfect spring action fix.

Where to watch: Wide theatrical release.

4. Busboys (Wide Release – Comedy)

Release Date: April 17, 2026 Cast: Bobby Lee, Jonah Feingold, Tim Dillon, Theo Von, David Spade Genre: Raunchy ensemble comedy

A star-studded comedy about chaotic restaurant life, Busboys is bringing the laughs this weekend. Expect plenty of improv energy and over-the-top workplace humor from the stacked comedy cast.

This one is aimed squarely at younger audiences and fans of raunchy ensemble comedies. It could surprise with a solid opening if word-of-mouth is strong.

Why see it? Perfect group outing or date-night comedy. Great for fans of The Hangover or Superbad vibes.

Where to watch: Wide theatrical release.

5. 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank (Limited / Expanding – Comedy / Crime)

Release Date: April 17, 2026 Cast: Liam Neeson, Teresa Palmer, Jack Dylan Grazer, Spike Fearn Genre: Crime comedy

A quirky crime comedy following four kids who stumble into a heist plot. Early buzz calls it funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly clever.

Likely starting in limited release before expanding, this could become the sleeper hit of the weekend for audiences seeking lighter fare.

Other Notable Releases This Week (April 17–23, 2026)

• Amrum – Limited drama
• Ballistic (Theaters + VOD) – Lena Headey action thriller
• Blue Heron – Limited indie drama
• Bhooth Bangla (April 16 limited) – Indian comedy-horror starring Akshay Kumar (great for desi audiences in major metro areas)

Box Office Preview: What to Expect This Weekend

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is the clear frontrunner and should lead the box office with a projected $22–27 million opening. Normal and Mother Mary will split adult audiences, while holdovers like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (still going strong after two weeks) and The Drama continue to draw families and date-night crowds.

Overall, April 2026 remains one of the strongest months for theaters so far this year, with variety across genres keeping multiplexes busy.

Pro Tips for Moviegoers This Weekend

• Buy tickets early — The Mummy and Mother Mary are expected to sell out in major cities.
• Check local theaters for early previews or fan events (especially horror screenings of The Mummy).
• Look for matinee deals or $5 Tuesday-style promotions if your theater offers them.
• Streaming watch list: Several April early releases (like The Drama) are already hitting PVOD — check your cable provider or digital platforms.

What’s your must-see movie this weekend? Drop your pick in the comments below — The Mummy, Mother Mary, Normal, or something else? We read every comment and often feature reader choices in follow-up coverage.

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Quick Navigation:

• Live Box Office Tracker April 2026
• Full 2026 Movie Release Calendar
• Best Horror Movies of 2026 So Far

Stay tuned — we’ll update this post with actual weekend numbers on Monday!