What to watch this January: Big sequels, chilling horror, and star-studded thrillers
January is packed with must-watch movies.
Image: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels
January has long had a reputation as the quiet month for cinema. Fewer blockbusters, lower expectations and the sense that studios are just clearing their release schedules.
But January 2026 is quietly proving that theory wrong.
This month brings big sequels fans have been waiting years for, buzzy book adaptations, unsettling horror and a few star-driven thrillers that could easily dominate conversation.
If you are planning your watch list for the start of the year, here is what to look forward to.
Greenland 2: Migration (January 9)
The Garrity family is back, and the world is still very much broken. This sequel picks up after the events of Greenland, following survivors who are forced to leave the safety of underground bunkers and migrate across a devastated Europe in search of a new long-term refuge.
Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin return, which will be a big draw for fans of the first film.
What made Greenland stand out was its emotional realism rather than over-the-top spectacle, and Migration leans into that again with themes of displacement, survival and what it really means to rebuild after catastrophe.
If you enjoy disaster movies that focus on people rather than pure chaos, this one is worth booking a ticket for.
Primate (January 9)
Creature horror fans should keep Primate firmly on their radar. The film centres on a family getaway that takes a terrifying turn when they encounter an unusually intelligent and violent primate deep in the wilderness.
Rather than leaning into camp, this film plays its horror straight, focusing on tension, isolation and the unpredictability of nature.
It is the kind of stripped-back thriller that will appeal to viewers who like their scares sharp, fast and unsettling rather than drenched in gore.
People We Meet on Vacation (January 9)
Rom-com lovers finally get their turn. Based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, this adaptation follows two best friends who have taken annual holidays together for years and now find themselves confronting feelings they have carefully avoided.
Warm, funny and emotionally honest, this film is clearly aimed at fans of modern romance stories with depth.
If you loved the book or enjoy romantic films that feel grounded and relatable, this one is likely to be a comfort watch that still delivers a few emotional punches.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (January 16)
The 28 Days Later universe continues to expand with The Bone Temple, which shifts focus away from pure survival and into the long-term psychological toll of living in a world shaped by infection and fear.
This instalment digs deeper into power structures, belief systems and what people cling to when society collapses.
Fans of the franchise will appreciate the darker tone and expanded world-building, while horror audiences looking for something more thoughtful than standard zombie fare should find plenty to chew on.
The Rip (January 16)
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite for this gritty crime thriller set in Miami’s underbelly.
When a group of cops stumble upon a massive sum of hidden money, loyalty quickly fractures, and survival becomes the only goal.
This is a character-driven story filled with moral grey areas rather than flashy action. It will appeal to fans of crime dramas where relationships and choices matter just as much as the plot twists.
Mercy (January 23)
Set in a near-future justice system dominated by artificial intelligence, Mercy follows a detective accused of a violent crime who must prove his innocence in a world where algorithms decide guilt.
Starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, this film blends sci-fi concepts with a tense legal thriller structure.
It is a strong pick for viewers who enjoy speculative stories that ask uncomfortable questions about technology, power and accountability.
Return to Silent Hill (January 23)
The fog returns. Based on the iconic Silent Hill 2 game, this reboot focuses on grief, guilt and psychological horror rather than jump scares alone.
A man returns to the eerie town after receiving a letter from his lost love, only to find a nightmarish landscape that feeds on memory and trauma.
Long-time fans of the franchise will appreciate the faithful tone, while newcomers who enjoy slow, atmospheric horror will find this far more unsettling than typical supernatural thrillers.
Send Help (January 30)
Directed by Sam Raimi, Send Help strands two co-workers on a remote island after a plane crash. What starts as a survival story quickly becomes something more unpredictable as secrets, resentments and power dynamics come into play.
With Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien leading the cast, this film balances tension with moments of dark humour.
It is a smart choice for viewers who enjoy thrillers that mix character drama with suspense.
Iron Lung (January 30)
Based on the cult indie video game, Iron Lung delivers claustrophobic space horror at its most intense.
A lone operator pilots a tiny submarine through a blood-red ocean on an alien moon, guided only by instruments and unsettling sounds.
This is not a big spectacle sci-fi film. It is tense, minimalist and deeply unsettling, making it perfect for horror fans who enjoy psychological dread and experimental storytelling.
The Moment (January 30)
Rounding out the month is The Moment, a mockumentary-style film centred on a pop star preparing for a major tour.
Starring Charli XCX alongside a surprising ensemble cast, the film blurs the line between reality and performance.
Music fans and viewers who enjoy satirical takes on fame and pop culture will likely find this one especially entertaining.
January 2026 is far from a cinematic write-off.
Whether you are in the mood for high-stakes survival, smart sci-fi, unsettling horror or heartfelt romance, this month offers a surprisingly strong lineup.