As we prepare to welcome the year 2026, there are also new movies that are set to release in January that people can watch in theaters and on streaming. The titles range from sequels to beloved action movies to original genre movies from well-known filmmakers.
Here is our list of the most anticipated new movies to help guide your moviegoing plans in January 2026.
Greenland 2: Migration (January 9) - In Theaters
The sequel follows the surviving Garrity family, who must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated frozen wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
With the cult success of the first movie, there is a lot of hope that this follow-up will live up to the fun and entertainment. It was supposed to be released last year, but it was moved instead to January. Let's wait and see whether the delay will be worth it.
People We Meet on Vacation (January 9) - Netflix
People We Meet on Vacation follows Poppy, who wants to explore the world, and Alex, who prefers to stay home with a good book, but somehow they are the very best of friends. They live far apart, but for a decade, they have spent one week of summer vacation together.
Based on a best-selling novel, this has been one of the most anticipated Netflix original movie releases. Fans are hoping that this will live up to the source material and become a rewatchable rom-com for today's generation.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (January 16) - In Theaters
In the second installment, Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship, with consequences that could change the world as they know it, and Spike's encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can't escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival; the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.
The film brings back most of the cast members from the first installment, which became a hit when it was released in theaters last summer. Nia DaCosta directed the film, while original star Cillian Murphy is set to make a cameo appearance at the end.
Mercy (January 23) - In Theaters
Set in the near future, Mercy follows a detective who stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced AI Judge he once championed, before it determines his fate.
With Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson leading the cast, the original film explores the relevant themes of AI and the complexity of the technology. It promises a thrilling experience that is worthy of seeing on the big screen.
The Wrecking Crew (January 28) - Prime Video
The Wrecking Crew follows estranged half-brothers Jonny and James as they reunite after their father's mysterious death. As they search for the truth, buried secrets reveal a conspiracy threatening to tear their family apart.
The film teams up Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista in an action comedy adventure that is reminiscent of the buddy movies that we've loved in the past. The duo alone makes this worth anticipating for fans of the two actors.
Send Help (January 30) - In Theaters
Send Help follows two colleagues who become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it's a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.
This is Sam Raimi's first movie since Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and his second collaboration with Rachel McAdams. It's also a return to form for the filmmaker, who is known for horror/thriller movies, and, based on the trailer, it has the potential to be a surprise hit among audiences.
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