Lights, camera, global action! As April 2026 enters its final stretch, cinemas from New York to New Delhi, London to Lagos, and Sydney to São Paulo are welcoming a diverse slate of new releases that promise thrills, laughs, music, and pure entertainment for audiences across continents.

From Hollywood horror to Bollywood comedy-horror and prestige dramas, this week’s international movie releases offer something for every taste. At worldreport, we bring you the complete worldwide breakdown: key films, release strategies in major markets, early critic and audience buzz, global box-office forecasts, and practical viewing tips for moviegoers everywhere.

Whether you’re catching a screening in Times Square, a multiplex in Mumbai, a cinema in Dubai, or your local theater in Europe or Australia, here’s your essential guide to the biggest theatrical debuts hitting screens Friday, April 17, 2026 (with some titles rolling out Thursday, April 16 in select territories).

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

Release Date: April 17, 2026 (USA, UK, Europe, Australia, GCC); April 16 limited in India & select Asia markets Director: Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) Cast: Jack Reynor, May Calamawy, Laia Costa, Natalie Grace Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes | Rating: R

The week’s biggest horror event is here. Director Lee Cronin reimagines the classic monster as a terrifying, modern-day curse story with relentless tension and groundbreaking practical effects. After Evil Dead Rise became a global hit, expectations are high.

Early international screenings in London, Los Angeles, and Dubai have been called “properly frightening” and “the best monster movie of the decade.” Warner Bros. is rolling it out wide across 4,000+ screens in North America and strong day-and-date releases in the UK, Germany, France, Australia, and the Middle East.

Global box office forecast: $55–75 million worldwide opening weekend, with strong potential in horror-friendly markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Why global audiences are excited: Perfect date-night or group watch for fans of elevated horror. Strong appeal in the GCC and India due to the supernatural theme.

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

Release Date: April 17, 2026 (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, select Europe); April 18 in India & Asia Director: David Lowery Cast: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes | Rating: R

Anne Hathaway is generating serious Oscar buzz in this stylish, emotionally charged musical-thriller about a rock star’s meteoric rise and inner-circle darkness. Blending powerful performances, original music, and striking visuals, Mother Mary is positioned as sophisticated adult counter-programming.

International distributors are giving it a strong platform release in key arthouse and premium markets. Early word from European festivals and preview screenings in Mumbai and London is overwhelmingly positive.

Global box office outlook: $25–40 million worldwide opening, with excellent long-term hold in Europe, Australia, and urban India.

Why it travels well: Universal themes of fame, ambition, and relationships resonate across cultures.

3. Normal (Wide International Release – Action / Thriller)

Release Date: April 17, 2026 (USA, UK, GCC, Australia) Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Lena Headey, Henry Winkler Genre: Snowy revenge-action thriller

Bob Odenkirk continues his unstoppable action phase in this gripping winter-set thriller packed with intense chases and high-stakes family drama. After the global success of Nobody, international markets are eager for more.

Strong pre-sales reported in North America, UK, Germany, and the Middle East. Expected to perform especially well in action-loving territories.

Global box office forecast: $35–50 million worldwide opening weekend.

4. Bhooth Bangla (Limited-to-Wide – Indian Comedy-Horror)

Release Date: April 16–17, 2026 (India wide; USA, UK, Canada, GCC, Australia limited-to-wide expansion) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Riteish Deshmukh Genre: Comedy-Horror | Rating: PG-13

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar brings his trademark blend of laughs and chills in Bhooth Bangla. The film is already creating massive buzz among the global Indian diaspora and is expected to dominate overseas Indian markets.

Massive advance bookings in Edison NJ, London’s Southall, Dubai, Toronto, and Sydney. This is the must-watch for desi audiences worldwide this weekend.

Global box office potential: Very strong in India and among diaspora markets (USA, UK, GCC, Canada, Australia), with crossover appeal in horror-comedy territories.

5. Busboys (Wide Release – Raunchy Comedy)

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

A star-studded, over-the-top ensemble comedy about chaotic restaurant life. Targeting younger global audiences, it is expected to do solid business in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Other Notable International Releases This Week

• 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank (Limited expanding) – Quirky crime comedy with Liam Neeson
• Ballistic (Theaters + VOD in select markets) – Lena Headey action thriller
• Several Indian regional films and re-releases in diaspora-heavy territories

Global Box Office Preview: What to Expect April 17–23, 2026

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is the clear frontrunner and should lead worldwide charts with a projected $55–75 million global opening. Normal and Mother Mary will split adult international audiences, while Bhooth Bangla is poised to dominate Indian and diaspora markets.

Holdovers such as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continue to perform strongly across family markets in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. April 2026 remains one of the most varied and commercially promising months for global cinema so far this year.

Pro Tips for Moviegoers Worldwide

• Advance booking recommended: The Mummy and Bhooth Bangla are expected to sell out quickly in major cities.
• Best markets: Horror fans in Europe and the Middle East should catch The Mummy; desi audiences worldwide should prioritize Bhooth Bangla.
• Premium formats: Many theaters in the USA, UK, GCC, and Australia are offering IMAX and 4DX for The Mummy.
• Streaming watch list: Several early April titles are already moving to PVOD — check your local platforms.

What’s your must-see movie this weekend? The Mummy, Mother Mary, Normal, Bhooth Bangla, or another title? Drop your pick and your country/city in the comments below — we read every one and often highlight global reader choices in follow-up stories.

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Quick Global Navigation:

• Live International Box Office Tracker April 2026
• Full 2026 Worldwide Movie Release Calendar
• Best Horror & Comedy Films of 2026 So Far

We’ll update this post with actual global weekend numbers early next week.