Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases of April 2016

While Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele’s acclaimed sketch comedy series has ended, their movie careers are just getting started. “Keanu” marks the duo’s big screen debut as leading men and the premise alone already has us laughing. Centered on a plot to rescue an adorable kitten from lethal gang members, this action comedy promises to encompass all of the edgy, absurd, and clever humor we associate with these incredibly funny guys. Hang in there, kitty, Key and Peele are coming!

Featuring Tina Fey’s witty sense of humor, Ellie Kemper’s unparalleled lovability, and a breakout performance from Titus Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” stood out as one of last year’s best new comedies. In an age where it’s easy to focus on everything negative, this show acted as a ray of sunshine. We can’t wait to binge-watch season two on Netflix and see what happens next to our favorite Mole Woman. Whatever lies ahead, we’re sure it will involve laughs, heart, and of course “Peeno Noir.”

It’s been almost four years since Deftones’ last studio album and almost three years since the untimely death of bassist Chi Cheng. Fans of this alternative metal band have been dying to download their eighth album, whose title, “Gore,” was confirmed this past January. In February, we were treated to a kickass single from the album called “Prayers/Triangles.” Deftones have seemingly taken their time getting this record just right, which has us optimistic that “Gore” will fly higher than a flamingo.

A new movie from writer/director Richard Linklater? You bet we want some! Where Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused” focused on growing up in the 1970’s, this baseball dramedy will take nostalgic audiences back to the 80’s. Since the story follows a young man entering college, Linklater has described “Everybody Wants Some” as a spiritual sequel to his Best Picture nominated “Boyhood.” Having made one great film after another, we’re confident that Linklater will deliver another smart, funny, and honest coming-of-age tale complete with a killer soundtrack.

Although this hit HBO comedy had a stellar first season, season two was arguably an upgrade. Thomas Middleditch’s Richard in particular came into his own last year, which only made the character’s misfortune in last season’s finale all the more disappointing. Season three is bound to be an uphill battle for the timid computer geek, but more struggle should make for greater comedic possibilities. Whether Richard rises up or falls flat on his face, we’re eager to get back to Silicon Valley.

With colorful characters, humorous writing, and lively animation, the “Ratchet & Clank” games already feel like interactive movies. James Arnold Taylor and David Kaye will return as the destructive duo in this cinematic reimagining, which also features the voices of Paul Giamatti, Rosario Dawson, and Sylvester Stallone. Although video game movies rarely succeed, “Ratchet & Clank” might be the rare exception that captures the spirit of its source material. The franchise’s wit and self-aware humor are certainly on display in the trailer. Even if the movie isn’t out of this world, the PS4 tie-in should still be a blast.

Finally, it’s time to do another barrel roll! In recent years, several enduring Nintendo franchises have masterfully combined traditional gameplay with innovative new ideas. Hopefully “Star Fox Zero” is no exception. Judging from its glorious gameplay footage, this Wii U title has the potential to be the most mind-blowing Arwing experience ever. After waiting nearly ten years for an all-new “Star Fox” game, we couldn’t be more excited to catch up with the entire crew…well, for the most part.

Granted, live-action remakes of animated Disney classics don’t always hit it out of the park. Yet, Jon Favreau’s adaptation of “The Jungle Book” looks like a rousing, atmospheric, and visually stunning adventure for the whole family. What’s more, the casting seems dead-on with Ben Kingsley as Bagherra, Idris Elba as Shere Khan and Bill Murray as Baloo. How has Bill Murray never played a bear before?! If it can maintain the heart and charm of the original while also offering something fresh, “The Jungle Book” is sure to have the bear necessities.

As difficult and frustrating as “Dark Souls III” is certain to be, that’s still not going to stop any of us diehard fans from preordering a copy. From “Demon’s Souls” to “Bloodborne,” the developers at FromSoftware continually find new ways to top themselves. Based solely on its opening cinematic, this role-playing game appears to be their most epic endeavor yet in terms of sheer scale. Expanding upon character customization options and weapons, we’re confident something gigantic lies on the horizon.

Fresh off an Emmy win for Outstanding Drama Series and a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, we’re impatiently counting down the days until Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and hopefully Jon Snow return to television. What will make this sixth season especially interesting is that George R.R. Martin STILL hasn’t finished writing the next book in his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. So even “Game of Thrones” experts don’t know what to expect. All we know for sure is that winter is coming…in April.

Do you agree with our list? What release has you the most pumped up for April? Use the link in the description below to vote for the most anticipated releases of May 2016. For more eagerly awaited Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.