New year, new resolutions, and the irresistible lure of new movies in January 2026. The year 2025 teased and captivated with Sinners, a dark moral tale, Frankenstein, stitching terror into modernity, Thunderbolts*, a glittering parade of heroics. Now, January 2026 will arrive not with a whisper but a roar, as these seven films refuse to be ignored.

1. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple marks the highly anticipated fourth installment of the 28 Days Later franchise, following 28 Years Later from June 2025. Fans are eager to return to a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by the Rage Virus. The continuation promises new thrills, deeper mythology, and the return of iconic characters like Dr. Kelson.

Spike, the intrepid messenger, journeys through ruin and menace, confronting evolved 'Infected' and a cult led by the enigmatic Sir Jimmy Crystal. Ralph Fiennes and Jack O'Connell elevate the dread, lending weight and human torment to every encounter.

Fans are particularly excited about the direction of Nia DaCosta, who expanded the presence of the 'Infected"' and intensified the survival horror elements. Returning actor Cillian Murphy adds further appeal, promising the emotional depth and tension that defined the franchise.

The United Kingdom release on January 14, 2026, followed by the United States on January 16, 2026, has already generated buzz. With Sony Pictures distributing the film exclusively in theaters, audiences are eager for the full cinematic experience.

2. Mercy

Mercy is a near-future sci-fi action thriller directed by Timur Bekmambetov, exploring high-stakes justice in a technologically advanced world. The film immediately intrigues audiences with its premise of a detective racing against time.

The plot follows a detective accused of murdering his wife, forced to prove his innocence within ninety minutes before an advanced AI Judge renders a verdict. Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson lead a talented ensemble cast, intensifying the suspense and emotional stakes.

Originally scheduled for August 2025, the release was pushed to January 23, 2026, with a theatrical debut before streaming on Prime Video via Amazon MGM Studios.

3. Primate

Primate leaps onto screens as a visceral, primal horror tale. Hawaii’s tropical beauty becomes a cage, where familial love is tested against feral instincts and merciless terror.

The plot follows a family whose rescued pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies during a tropical vacation. Johnny Sequoyah, Troy Kotsur, and Jessica Alexander lead the cast, portraying the family’s terror, resilience, and desperate fight for survival.

Director Johannes Roberts channels Cujo’s malevolent tension, weaving suspense and terror into every scene. In addition to that, Paramount Pictures releases Primate theatrically on January 9, 2026, promising an unflinching proposal of survival.

4. Shelter

Shelter is an action-thriller releasing theatrically on January 30, 2026. Jason Statham stars as Mason, a reclusive man whose life changes after rescuing a young girl during a violent storm on a Scottish island.

Mason is forced to confront his past as an elite operative while protecting the girl. Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach play key roles, heightening the story’s tension and stakes.

Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, known for Greenland and Angel Has Fallen, the film features intense action sequences and dramatic suspense. Statham’s dedication amid multiple 2026 projects adds authenticity to his performance.

The R-rated film premieres in the United States, United Kingdom, and India on January 30, 2026. Distributed by Black Bear Pictures, it will have an exclusive theatrical run before moving to digital platforms.

5. Greenland 2: Migration

Greenland 2: Migration is a post-apocalyptic survival thriller releasing on January 9, 2026. Five years after the Clarke comet devastated Earth, the Garrity family must leave their bunker when safety collapses.

John Garrity, Allison Garrity, and Nathan Garrity, portrayed by Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, and Roman Griffin Davis, face a frozen, radiation-scarred European wasteland. Their journey demands survival, strategy, and courage against relentless environmental threats.

The film is distributed by Lionsgate in the United States and STX internationally. With a $90 million budget, principal photography took place across the United Kingdom and Iceland, enhancing the visual realism of the perilous journey.

Roman Griffin Davis succeeds Roger Dale Floyd as Nathan Garrity, bringing fresh energy to the role. The film promises thrilling survival action, emotional intensity, and high-stakes storytelling that defines modern post-apocalyptic cinema.

6. People We Meet on Vacation

People We Meet on Vacation is a romantic comedy releasing on January 9, 2026, based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel. The story explores a decade-long friendship between Poppy and Alex.

After a falling out two years prior, Poppy persuades Alex to embark on one last summer trip. Tom Blyth and Emily Bader portray longing, awkward charm, and unspoken desire, while supporting actors enrich the narrative.

The Netflix original film premieres exclusively on the streaming platform. The adaptation is the first of five Emily Henry novels to reach screens. The teaser, set to Taylor Swift’s 'August,' amplified anticipation, hinting at nostalgia, romance

7. Send Help

Send Help is a darkly comedic survival horror thriller releasing January 30, 2026. The film marks Sam Raimi’s return to the genre since Drag Me to Hell, which has sparked a domino of excitement in thriller fanatics.

After a plane crash strands them on a remote island, Linda Liddle and Bradley Preston become the only survivors. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien portray a shifting power dynamic fueled by survival instincts and psychological tension.

With 20th Century Studios backing a theatrical release, Send Help embraces comparisons to Cast Away and Misery. Raimi’s dark humor ensures the struggle for survival remains vicious, ironic, and unsettlingly entertaining, setting the score for January 2026.

Which January 2026 movie are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui