Ryan Reynolds' underrated fantasy film to find a new home on Netflix in April 2026

Netflix adds a fresh batch of licensed movies to its platform every month, and it’s honestly one of the best feelings for anyone who loves films. It’s just something about that little thrill of discovering something new or something you forgot you loved without ever leaving your couch.

Some of these movies make you laugh out loud, others tug at your heartstrings, and a few completely surprise you with stories you never saw coming. Each new title feels like a tiny invitation to escape into another world, if only for a couple of hours. This April, Netflix will reportedly be adding one of Ryan Reynolds' most underrated films to its library.

It's a fantasy movie you probably missed when it hit theaters back in May 2024. No worries, though! You'll finally get a chance to catch it from the comfort of your own home very soon.

IF starring Ryan Reynolds is reportedly set for an April 2026 release on Netflix

As reported by What's On Netflix, IF will be making its way to Netflix in April. The exact release date is Thursday, April 9, 2026. While we don't know the exact time that the movie will drop on the platform, there's a good chance it will be available at 12:00 a.m. PT/3:00 a.m. ET. That's the usual time Netflix rolls out new content.

As of right now, IF is already available to watch on several different streaming platforms. They are Paramount+, Prime Video, and MGM+. It's unclear if it will be removed from any of those services once it lands on Netflix, but we thought this was worth bringing up.

IF (sometimes marketed as Imaginary Friends) is a live-action/animated fantasy comedy flick that appeals to audiences of all ages. Directed by John Krasinski and co-produced by Reynolds, the film combines real-life actors with imaginative animated characters in a way that is both charming and visually playful.

The story centers on Bea (Cailey Fleming), a 12-year-old girl navigating a difficult period in her life. Her father is hospitalized, and she moves in with her grandmother. But she's still carrying the weight of her mother’s death years earlier and the stress of her family situation. Suddenly, her life takes a magical turn when she discovers she can see imaginary friends (IFs). They're colorful, quirky creatures left behind by children who have grown up.

Bea then meets Cal (Reynolds), her neighbor who can also see IFs. Cal has spent years helping these forgotten friends find new children before they fade away completely. Initially unsure of what to make of this magical world, Bea slowly warms up to the idea of helping these forgotten companions. She joins Cal on his mission, and together they embark on a whimsical adventure that is full of laughter and unexpected surprises.

Besides Reynolds and Fleming, the IF cast is brought to life by a star-studded voice ensemble that includes Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, George Clooney, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, Awkwafina, and others. Each actor gives personality and depth to the imaginary friends, making them as memorable and engaging as the human characters.

Below, we shared the exciting official trailer for IF. Check it out for a sneak peek!

As you can see from the trailer above, it offers a glimpse into the film’s vibrant, imaginative world and also showcases the imaginary creatures. Overall, IF is the perfect film to watch with the whole family on movie night. It's only 1 hour and 44 minutes long, making it a perfectly paced adventure that keeps everyone entertained from start to finish without overstaying its welcome.