The Most Anticipated Movies of January 2026

The start of 2026 brings a diverse slate of cinematic releases ranging from high stakes survival sequels to intimate romantic adaptations. Film enthusiasts can look forward to the return of iconic horror franchises and the latest collaborations between Hollywood legends on streaming platforms. This month features a mix of theatrical experiences and home viewing options designed to kick off the new year with intense storytelling. Audiences will see major stars like Gerard Butler and Matt Damon taking on high pressure roles across various genres.

‘Greenland 2: Migration’ (2026)

Lionsgate is scheduled to release ‘Greenland 2 Migration’ on January 9, 2026 as a direct sequel to the 2020 survival hit. Director Ric Roman Waugh returns to lead stars Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin through a devastated landscape after the comet impact. The story picks up with the Garrity family as they leave their specialized bunker in Greenland to navigate the remains of a ruined world in search of a new home. This installment focuses on their dangerous trek across the globe to find safety in a permanently changed environment.

‘People We Meet on Vacation’ (2026)

Netflix will premiere the adaptation of ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ on January 9, 2026 for subscribers worldwide. Directed by Brett Haley the film brings the best selling novel by Emily Henry to the screen with Emily Bader and Tom Blyth in the lead roles alongside Jameela Jamil and Sarah Catherine Hook. The narrative explores the complex relationship between two best friends who reconnect during their annual summer getaway and question their romantic potential. As they travel together the pair must confront their history and decide if their connection is purely platonic or something more significant.

’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ (2026)

The horror franchise expands with ’28 Years Later The Bone Temple’ arriving in theaters on January 16, 2026. This installment follows the events of the previous 2025 sequel and is directed by Nia DaCosta while Cillian Murphy serves as an executive producer. The plot follows a new group of survivors including characters played by Ralph Fiennes and Alfie Williams as they navigate the long term effects of the rage virus. This entry promises to explore the atmospheric and brutal reality of a society that has been permanently changed by the infection over several decades.

‘The Rip’ (2026)

The project was first previewed during the Netflix TUDUM event in May 2025 where audiences caught a glimpse of the chemistry between the leads. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for the crime thriller ‘The Rip’ which is set to debut on the streaming service on January 16, 2026. Director Joe Carnahan helms the story about a specialized team of Miami police officers who stumble upon a massive amount of hidden cash in a derelict house. Tension mounts as the officers find themselves targeted by outside forces while internal trust begins to dissolve over the discovery of the money. The film serves as a high stakes look at greed and loyalty within the law enforcement community of South Florida.

‘Send Help’ (2026)

Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi who is known for the film ‘Drag Me to Hell’ returns to the director’s chair for ‘Send Help’ which hits theaters on January 30, 2026. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien star as two colleagues who find themselves as the only survivors of a catastrophic plane crash on a remote island. Stranded in the wilderness the two must overcome their personal differences and strained relationship to withstand the harsh environment. This survival thriller marks a major collaboration between the director and stars to bring a tense character driven narrative to the big screen.

Tell us which of these films you are planning to watch in the comments.