April Fools’ Day is a time for pranks, laughs, and surprises, but when Hollywood gets involved, the results can be anything from hilarious to horrifying. Over the years, filmmakers have taken inspiration from this mischievous holiday to craft movies that play with deception, suspense, and humor. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or a chilling scare, these five movies deliver the unexpected in honor of April 1st.

1. April Fool’s Day (1986)

A cult classic among horror fans, April Fool’s Day follows a group of college students who gather at a secluded island mansion for a weekend getaway. What begins as a series of practical jokes quickly turns sinister when the guests start disappearing one by one. The film cleverly plays with audience expectations, leading to a twist ending that solidified its reputation as a must-watch April Fools’ horror flick.

2. Slaughter High (1986)

Released the same year as April Fool’s Day, Slaughter High is another slasher film with a prank-gone-wrong premise. When a group of former high school classmates reunites at their old school, they become the targets of a masked killer seeking revenge for a cruel April Fools’ prank from their past. With its over-the-top kills and campy atmosphere, this film is a fun, nostalgic throwback for slasher fans.

3. Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)

For those who prefer their April Fools’ entertainment on the comedic side, Bad Grandpa is a hidden-camera comedy that turns pranks into an art form. Starring Johnny Knoxville in heavy prosthetics as the crude yet lovable Irving Zisman, the movie blends outrageous scripted sequences with real-life reactions from unsuspecting bystanders. It’s the ultimate prankster’s movie and perfect for April 1st laughs.

4. The House on Sorority Row (1983)

This underrated horror gem revolves around a group of sorority sisters who pull a prank on their housemother, only for it to go terribly wrong. Believing they’ve accidentally killed her, the girls try to cover up their mistake—until a masked killer begins hunting them down. A gripping whodunit with eerie suspense, this film captures the dark side of April Fools’ antics.

5. April Fool’s Day (2008)

This lesser-known remake of the 1986 classic updates the story with a fresh twist. In this version, a group of wealthy young adults play an elaborate April Fools’ prank that goes tragically wrong, leading to a revenge-fueled murder spree. While it didn’t reach the cult status of the original, it still offers enough suspense and shocking moments to keep viewers engaged.

April Fools’ Day movies capture the spirit of mischief, whether through dark humor, slasher thrills, or jaw-dropping pranks. Whether you prefer to laugh or scream, these films are a perfect way to celebrate the holiday with some cinematic fun. So grab some popcorn, and get ready for a few surprises—just don’t trust everything you see!

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