As 2026 kicks off, movie lovers have plenty to look forward to. January is shaping up to be a powerful month with a diverse lineup of thrillers, dramas, sci-fi adventures, emotional indies, and anniversary re-releases of iconic classics.
From gripping psychological journeys to large-scale post-apocalyptic survival, each film offers something unique for audiences worldwide.
This guide provides a detailed look at the new narrative features and special cinematic events scheduled to light up theaters and digital platforms throughout the first month of the year.
Here is your detailed guide to the Best Movies Releasing in January 2026.
Release Date: January 9, 2026 (Theatrical)
The sequel to the surprise 2020 disaster hit brings audiences back to a fractured, post-apocalyptic world.
The film follows the Garrity family—led by Gerard Butler as John Garrity and Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity—as they are forced to emerge from the relative safety of their bunker in Greenland. The core tension shifts from surviving the comet strike to surviving the shattered world itself, embarking on a treacherous journey to find a new, permanent haven.
Director Ric Roman Waugh returns, known for his ability to blend large-scale action with intimate family drama (as seen in Kandahar). The returning lead cast ensures continuity in the emotionally grounded narrative. The sequel promises a high-stakes, survival-driven thriller as the family navigates the new global landscape.
Release Date: January 9, 2026 (Theatrical)
This character-driven drama explores the often-complex dynamics between a mother and her adult daughter across cultural divides.
Set against the backdrop of a snow-swept Winnipeg, the story begins when school teacher Sumi (Leere Park) is hospitalized after an accident, falling into a coma. Her anxious mother, Sara (Kim Ho-jung), flies in from Seoul. While residing in her comatose daughter's apartment, Sara begins to uncover layers of Sumi's life, including exploring her daughter’s dating life through an app, revealing just how much she didn't truly know her daughter.
Filmmaker Vision: Directed by Johnny Ma, the film is anticipated to deliver a poignant and nuanced look at cultural differences, grief, and the unexpected ways communication and understanding can bloom when traditional avenues are closed.
Release Date: January 2, 2026 (Wider North American Release)
This psychological thriller explores the dark side of adolescent traditions and the fear of the unknown.
Set in the summer of 2003 at an all-boys water polo camp, the story centers on a socially anxious twelve-year-old who becomes entangled in a cruel camp tradition: targeting an outcast with an imaginary illness they dub "The Plague." As the lines between the cruel game and genuine reality blur, the protagonist fears the "joke" may be concealing something much more sinister and real.
The film stars Joel Edgerton (known for his roles in The Great Gatsby and Warrior) and is directed and written by Charlie Polinger, who also directed the acclaimed short The Masque of the Red Death.
Release Date: January 9, 2026 (Theatrical)
A thriller delving into the terrifying psychological landscape of a woman struggling with intensified nocturnal episodes.
The film follows Sarah (Hayden Panettiere), whose life spirals as she is increasingly haunted by terrifying visions. Her sleepwalking episodes begin to intensify dramatically, accelerating her descent into a profound darkness.
Talent: Directed by Brandon Auman, the film features a notable cast including veterans like Beverly D'Angelo and Mischa Barton, lending gravitas to the chilling premise.
Hayden Panettiere
Justin Chatwin
Beverly D’Angelo
Mischa Barton
Lori Tan Chinn
Laird Lacoste
Corinne Sweeney
Director: Brandon Auman
Studio: Brainstorm Media
A gripping psychological horror for early 2026.
Release Date: January 9, 2026 (Theatrical Nationwide)
A heartfelt modern fable about finding light in the darkest times, centered around a miraculous, cosmic event.
The story begins during a rare eclipse when a star breaks through the sky and falls to Earth. The living light is discovered by Aisling (Alexandra Dowling), a young woman burdened by loss. Word of the phenomenon spreads, drawing the attention of ruthless figures. Aisling flees, finding allies in an elder whose faith has dimmed (John Rhys-Davies) and a quiet stranger (Diego Boneta), turning a desperate chase across the city into a journey of self-discovery and grace.
Ted Levine
John Rhys-Davies
Elisabeth Rohm
Christine Ebersole
Director: Francesco Lucente
Screenwriters: Francesco Lucente, Joseph Bitonti, Olimpia Lucente
Studios: Ruby Max Entertainment, Lucente Filmed Entertainment
A poetic blend of fantasy and human drama.
Release Date: January 16, 2026 (On Demand and Digital)
This horror film taps into the chilling legacy of an ancestral curse triggered by a dark secret.
A woman finds a taped confession left by her late father, revealing a murder linked to a deep, evil force. When she notices the same disturbing darkness emerging in her young son's behavior, she must race against time to fight the malevolent entity before it consumes her family.
The film is written and directed by Will Canon, known for thrillers like Demonic. It stars Italia Ricci and Zachary Golinger (A Quiet Place Part II).
Release Date: Likely Digital/Limited Theatrical (Original 2025 release suggests limited 2026 run)
A modern, star-studded neo-Western thriller focused on the dark intersection of small-town life and the black market.
The narrative follows local outsiders and outcasts in a small South Dakota town whose lives violently intertwine after a rare, valuable artifact unexpectedly falls onto the black market, triggering a volatile chain of events.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Sydney Sweeney (known for Euphoria and Anyone But You), Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, and Eric Dane. It is written and directed by Tony Tost.
Release Date: January 13, 2026 (Digital)
A high-octane thriller about betrayal and retribution within a covert government operation.
The Internship Synopsis: The plot centers on a ruthless, highly trained assassin, raised from childhood within a top-secret $\text{CIA}$ program known only as "The Internship." Ready to dismantle the very institution that stole her youth, she leads a bloody uprising alongside her fellow "interns," forcing the $\text{CIA}$ to unleash its own lethal response to stop them.
Lizzy Greene
Megan Boone
Sky Katz
Philip Winchester
Alix Villaret
Ollie Roddy
Sullivan Stapleton
Director: James Bamford
Studio: Paramount Pictures
A gritty, modern spy-action movie with a strong female lead.
Screening Dates: January 8–11, 2026 (Limited Theatrical Engagement)
Celebrating four decades of Jim Henson’s cult classic, this is a must-see event for fantasy fans.
The beloved 1986 fantasy classic returns to cinemas for its 40th anniversary. The film follows Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) as she enters a magical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the enigmatic Goblin King (David Bowie). With its surreal characters and enchanting practical effects, the movie remains a cult favorite across generations.
The Experience: Presented by Fathom Entertainment, this special limited engagement returns the beloved 1986 film to theaters in a stunning 4K remastered format. The screenings will also include a new featurette celebrating the film's dedicated fan community.
Iconic Talent: The film stars Jennifer Connelly in her breakout role as Sarah, who must enter the twisted maze to rescue her baby brother from the enigmatic Goblin King, Jareth, famously played by the legendary David Bowie. The film is a masterclass in practical effects and puppetry from The Jim Henson Company.
Screening Date: January 16 and 23, 2026 (Limited Theatrical Engagement)
As part of a larger trilogy re-release celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring, fans will have a rare chance to see the definitive versions on the big screen.
One of the greatest fantasy films ever made returns to cinemas. The story follows Frodo Baggins as he embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. Joined by Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and his friends, Frodo begins a legendary adventure that shaped modern cinema.
The Event: Fathom Entertainment is bringing Peter Jackson’s Extended Editions of the entire trilogy back to theaters across six nights in January 2026. The two screenings for The Fellowship of the Ring will allow fans to experience the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga—involving Frodo Baggins, Gandalf, and the forming of the Fellowship—in its full, uncut glory.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Cinematic Scale: Seeing the legendary performances from Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, and Sean Bean on the cinematic scale Peter Jackson intended is an immersive experience for both long-time fans and new audiences.
January 2026 offers a powerful mix of films—from emotional dramas and reimagined classics to action-packed survival adventures and psychological thrillers. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy, character-driven stories, or intense suspense, this month promises something exciting for every type of moviegoer.