The new year means there’s plenty to look forward to – and for movie fans, that includes an exciting lineup of new theatrical releases.
January 2026 is a huge month, with highly anticipated horror sequels, big-budget sci-fi thrillers, action-packed adventures, and thought-provoking dramas all heading to the big screen.
Here are 10 movies coming out in January 2026 that should be on your radar.
READ NEXT: Forgotten Liam Neeson thriller becomes Netflix hit
Soulm8te – January 9
A dark horror/sci-fi spin on the killer-AI genre, Soulm8te follows a man who creates an artificially intelligent partner to cope with his loss, only to find his creation turning deadly. The film stars Claudia Doumit, Lily Sullivan, and David Rysdahl. It’s one of the first major genre entries of the new year. It airs on January 9 in both the UK and the US.
Greenland 2: Migration – January 9
The family survival story continues in this disaster/action sequel as the Garrity family emerges from their bunker into a shattered world following a global catastrophe. Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin return alongside Roman Griffin Davis. It will be shown in cinemas on January 9 in both the UK and the US.
Sleepwalker – January 9
A psychological thriller centered on a grieving artist whose sleepwalking episodes spiral into terrifying visions and blurred reality. The film stars Hayden Panettiere, Justin Chatwin, Beverly D’Angelo, and Mischa Barton, offering intense mystery and suspense. It has a US release date of January 9.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – January 16
This chilling horror sequel expands the 28 Days Later universe decades later, following survivors navigating a brutal post-apocalyptic world. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Erin Kellyman.
The Rip – January 16
A gritty crime thriller featuring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as part of a Miami police team who stumble upon a massive stash of cash that tests loyalties and brings danger to the streets. With tense plot twists and simmering internal conflict, this Netflix offering promises hard-edged suspense.
Mercy – January 23
A sci-fi thriller set in a near-future justice system run by AI, Mercy follows detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt), who has only 90 minutes to prove his innocence after being accused of murdering his wife. It has a UK and US release date of January 23rd. Rebecca Ferguson co-stars as the advanced AI judge who will determine his fate in this high-concept courtroom action drama.
Return to Silent Hill – January 23
Horror fans get a return to the eerie town of Silent Hill as James Sunderland ventures back into its fog-shrouded streets after receiving a mysterious letter about his lost soulmate. The adaptation stars Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson, and Evie Templeton.
Send Help – January 30
A survival drama directed by Sam Raimi, this film pairs Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as two coworkers who survive a plane crash and must contend with isolation, danger and their strained relationship on a deserted island. Watch this film in cinemas on January 30.
Shelter – January 30
Action thriller Shelter reunites Jason Statham with a gritty revenge plot as a former assassin forced to take down his old organization to protect a young girl. Statham leads a cast including Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie, and Daniel Mays in a fast-paced fight for survival and redemption.
The Moment – January 30
An A24 comedy/drama making waves with its January release slot, The Moment stars the likes of Charli XCX, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Hailey Benton Gates, Isaac Powell, and Alexander Skarsgård.