Here Are All the Movies Releasing in Theaters This Week, Including ‘Return to Silent Hill’

The theatrical release calendar for the third week of January 2026 presents a diverse collection of new features, documentaries, and significant cinematic re-releases. Audiences can choose from wide-release horror and action titles or seek out limited screenings of international documentaries and restored classics. This week highlights the intersection of modern storytelling and film preservation, offering content that spans several decades of global cinema history. From animated musical adventures to gritty psychological dramas, the upcoming slate caters to a wide variety of audience interests and demographic groups.

‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ (2025)

‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ arrives in limited theatrical release on January 19, 2026. This feature-length animation continues the story of the undead idol group Franchouchou as they work to revitalize the Saga Prefecture. The narrative explores new supernatural challenges and musical performances that build upon the established lore of the original television series. Fans of the franchise can expect the film to maintain its signature blend of comedy, horror, and idol culture themes. It marks a major milestone for the series as it makes its transition to the big screen.

‘The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth’ (2026)

Scheduled for a wide theatrical release on January 21, 2026, ‘The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth’ is a contemporary drama focused on moral integrity. The story follows a protagonist who must navigate a series of ethical dilemmas when the truth threatens their personal and professional standing. It examines the psychological toll of maintaining honesty in an environment that often rewards silence or deception. The film aims to provide a grounded look at the consequences of standing by one’s principles in the modern age. It features a cast of seasoned performers in a script that prioritizes character development and dialogue.

‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ (2025)

Releasing in limited theaters on January 21, 2026, ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ is a documentary that explores political dissent within the Russian Federation. The film chronicles the experiences of everyday citizens who choose to engage in activism against the prevailing political leadership. Through personal interviews and investigative footage, the production highlights the motivations and the physical risks faced by these individuals. It serves as a historical document of modern resistance and the personal stories behind public protests. The documentary provides an intimate look at the human element of large-scale geopolitical struggles.

‘Megadeth: Behind the Mask’ (2026)

‘Megadeth: Behind the Mask’ makes its limited theatrical debut on January 22, 2026, offering a comprehensive look at the history of the legendary thrash metal band. The documentary features extensive interviews with Dave Mustaine and other members to discuss the group’s four-decade career. It covers the band’s musical evolution, the creation of their most influential albums, and the challenges they faced during international tours. The film utilizes archival footage and behind-the-scenes recordings to provide fans with a detailed perspective on the band’s legacy. This release is timed to celebrate the enduring impact of the band on the heavy metal genre.

‘Mercy’ (2026)

Arriving in wide release on January 23, 2026, ‘Mercy’ is a high-concept action thriller starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson. Set in the near future, the plot follows a detective who is accused of a violent crime and must navigate a high-tech surveillance state to prove his innocence. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the film utilizes innovative visual techniques to depict a world where privacy no longer exists. The narrative balances fast-paced action sequences with speculative science fiction themes regarding the future of law enforcement. It is expected to be one of the major commercial draws of the winter season.

‘H Is for Hawk’ (2026)

‘H Is for Hawk’ enters limited release on January 23, 2026, adapting the acclaimed memoir by Helen Macdonald for the screen. The story depicts a woman’s journey through grief following the sudden death of her father as she attempts to train a northern goshawk. The film explores the primal connection between humans and the natural world, focusing on the discipline required for falconry. It highlights the parallel between the bird’s predatory nature and the protagonist’s internal struggle with loss. The production features sweeping cinematography of the English countryside and a central performance focused on emotional recovery.

‘Clika’ (2026)

The drama ‘Clika’ opens in limited theaters on January 23, 2026, focusing on the complexities of urban youth culture and social bonds. The narrative centers on a group of friends navigating the challenges of life within a specific metropolitan community. It explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the search for identity through the lens of local neighborhood dynamics. The film aims to provide a realistic and grounded portrayal of the artistic and personal aspirations of its characters. This production offers an intimate look at subcultures that are often underrepresented in mainstream theatrical cinema.

‘The Dreamer Cinderella’ (2026)

Reimagining the classic folk tale, ‘The Dreamer Cinderella’ arrives in limited release on January 23, 2026. This version of the story emphasizes the protagonist’s internal world and the power of imagination to endure hardship. While maintaining the core elements of the original narrative, the film introduces updated character motivations and a distinct visual style. It focuses on the psychological resilience required to dream of a better life while facing systemic adversity. This adaptation seeks to appeal to audiences looking for a more introspective and thematic approach to the familiar fairy tale.

‘Dooba Dooba’ (2026)

‘Dooba Dooba’ is scheduled for a limited theatrical run starting January 23, 2026. This character-driven film uses a series of interconnected vignettes to explore the lives of various residents in a bustling city. The narrative focuses on the small, seemingly insignificant moments that create connections between strangers in an urban environment. It employs a unique aesthetic and a curated soundtrack to enhance the emotional resonance of its storytelling. The film is designed to provide a contemplative look at the shared human experiences that occur within the chaos of modern life.

‘Return to Silent Hill’ (2026)

Opening in wide release on January 23, 2026, ‘Return to Silent Hill’ is a psychological horror film based on the video game ‘Silent Hill 2’. Director Christophe Gans returns to the franchise to tell the story of James Sunderland, a man who travels to the mysterious town after receiving a letter from his deceased wife. The film focuses on the atmospheric dread and the symbolic monsters that represent the protagonist’s fractured psyche. It aims to stay faithful to the source material’s tone while introducing the horror elements to a new generation of viewers. Fans of the series will recognize iconic locations and creatures throughout the narrative.

‘Conversation Piece’ (1974)

Luchino Visconti’s ‘Conversation Piece’ returns to theaters for a limited engagement starting January 23, 2026. The film stars Burt Lancaster as a retired American professor whose solitary life in a Roman palazzo is disrupted by a boisterous countess and her young companions. This 1974 masterpiece explores the collision between traditional intellectual values and the perceived decadence of the modern era. The narrative highlights the professor’s growing entanglement with the family’s chaotic personal lives and political intrigues. This re-release offers a chance to view the restored version of this intricate character study in a theatrical setting.

‘Hard Boiled’ (1992)

The 1992 Hong Kong action classic ‘Hard Boiled’ receives a special theatrical re-release on January 25, 2026. Directed by John Woo, the film follows a determined inspector, played by Chow Yun-fat, as he teams up with an undercover officer to dismantle a criminal triad. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential action films in cinema history due to its elaborate and highly stylized shootout sequences. The movie’s “gun fu” choreography and kinetic editing style have served as a blueprint for the genre for decades. This screening allows audiences to witness the film’s large-scale set pieces and intense performances on the big screen.

Tell us which of these theatrical releases you are most excited to see in the comments.