From Super Mario Galaxy to Project Hail Mary: Your UAE weekend watchlist

Dubai: Whether you are heading to the cinema or staying in for a streaming marathon, this weekend has plenty to keep you entertained.

Here is everything new worth watching right now.

Genre: Animated Adventure Comedy

Release Date: 3 April 2026

Starring: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key

Mario and Luigi are pulled deep into space where the rules they know no longer apply. What starts as a rescue mission quickly spirals into something far bigger, as a growing cosmic threat causes entire worlds to collapse around them. The sequel to the 2023 blockbuster goes bigger, bolder and further into the Nintendo universe than ever before.

Genre: Science Fiction

Release Date: 3 April 2026

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub

An astronaut wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he is there. As fragmented memories slowly return, he pieces together a terrifying reality: he is humanity's last hope against a planetary crisis, and he is completely on his own. Based on Andy Weir's beloved novel and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Genre: Dark Comedy Horror

Release Date: 2 April 2026

Starring: Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood

The darkly funny horror sequel returns with a stacked cast and the same gleefully unhinged energy as the original. Just when distance from past trauma feels possible, a new high-stakes situation emerges where survival means navigating hidden rules and shifting intentions. Every decision counts, and nothing is quite what it seems.

Genre: Comedy Drama

Release Date: 2 April 2026

Starring: Regional ensemble cast

An Arabic-language comedy-drama that weaves together interconnected everyday stories with humour and emotional warmth. Small misunderstandings and personal struggles gradually build into something deeper, revealing the hidden pressures that lie beneath even the most ordinary relationships. A strong pick if you are after something closer to home this weekend.

Genre: Slasher Horror

Release date: March 19

Starring: Courteney Cox, Neve Campbell, Isabel May

Years after leaving Woodsboro, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a quiet life with her husband and three daughters. However, her peace is shattered when a new Ghostface emerges, specifically targeting her eldest daughter, Tatum (Isabel May). 

To protect her family, Sidney must confront traumatic shadows from her past as the killer uses psychological AI deepfakes of fallen friends to hunt them. It is an intense, legacy-focused showdown that finally centers on Sidney’s role as a protector.

XO, Kitty Season 3 (Netflix) 

Genre: Teen Romantic Comedy Drama

Release Date: 2 April 2026

Starring: Anna Cathcart, Minyeong Choi, Gia Kim

Kitty Song Covey is back and her life abroad is getting more complicated by the episode. Relationships deepen, feelings get messier and the line between love and identity becomes harder to navigate. Perfect weekend comfort viewing.

Genre: Animated Comedy

Release Date: 2 April 2026

Starring: Michael Godere, Chris Diamantopoulos

The animal criminals are back and their heists are getting more elaborate. Trust issues, teamwork failures and plans that never quite go as intended make for a consistently funny watch that works just as well for adults as it does for kids.

Genre: Action / Noir

Release Date: 3 April 2026

Starring: Woo Do-hwan, Lee Sang-yi

The gritty Korean hit is back! Following the events of the first season, the two boxers-turned-vigilantes find themselves drawn into a even more dangerous criminal underworld. The fight choreography is top-tier—perfect for an action-packed Saturday night.

Genre: Animated Action

Release Date: 6 April 2026

Starring: Sam Witwer

Darth Maul is rebuilding his influence in the criminal underworld following the fall of the Sith, working through strategy, manipulation and carefully placed alliances as larger galactic forces begin to stir around him. A must for Star Wars fans and a compelling watch even if you are coming in fresh.

Genre: Superhero Drama

Ongoing, weekly episodes

Starring: Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll Matt

Murdock is back and the moral stakes have never been higher. Balancing life as both a lawyer and a vigilante, he finds himself pushed into increasingly difficult territory where the line between justice and revenge grows harder to hold. One of the better Marvel series in recent memory and well worth keeping up with week to week.

Areeba Hashmi is a trainee at Gulf News.