Here Are the Top 15 Most-Popular Movies on IMDb This Week, with a Fan-Favorite Thriller On Top

The box office and streaming platforms are currently dominated by a diverse mix of high-octane thrillers, controversial documentaries, and auteur-driven dramas. From the latest collaborations of Hollywood legends to fresh adaptations of literary classics, audiences are engaging with a wide spectrum of cinematic storytelling. This week’s most popular films reflect a strong interest in star-studded ensembles and gripping psychological narratives.

‘Bugonia’ (2025)

Yorgos Lanthimos reunites with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in this sci-fi comedy based on the South Korean film ‘Save the Green Planet!’. The narrative follows two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a high-profile CEO, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying the Earth. As the situation escalates, the lines between delusion and reality blur in typical Lanthimos fashion. The film explores themes of paranoia and environmental collapse through a darkly satirical lens.

‘Shelter’ (2026)

Jason Statham stars as Michael Mason, a former government assassin living in self-imposed isolation on a remote Scottish island. His quiet existence guarding an abandoned lighthouse is shattered when he rescues a young girl named Jessie from a shipwreck. Mason is forced to utilize his lethal skills to protect the child when a retrieval team led by his former handlers arrives to eliminate them. Director Ric Roman Waugh delivers a gritty action thriller that emphasizes survival tactics and close-quarters combat.

‘The Drama’ (2026)

Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, this A24 production stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a couple whose relationship spirals out of control days before their wedding. The plot creates an atmosphere of unease as hidden secrets and character flaws are exposed under the pressure of the impending nuptials. Borgli utilizes his signature style of cringe comedy mixed with psychological thriller elements to deconstruct modern romance. Critics have highlighted the intense chemistry and uncomfortable tension between the two leads.

‘Dracula’ (2026)

Luc Besson returns to the director’s chair with a sweeping, romantic reimagining of the classic vampire mythos. Caleb Landry Jones delivers a haunting performance as the titular Count, portraying him as a tragic figure driven by eternal love rather than pure malice. The film focuses heavily on the origin story of Dracula and his centuries-long search for the reincarnation of his deceased wife. Visually opulent, the production leans into gothic aesthetics to create a fairy-tale atmosphere that sets it apart from recent horror adaptations.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

Ryan Coogler directs this supernatural horror thriller set in the Jim Crow-era South, starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers. Returning to their hometown to leave their troubled past behind, the brothers discover that a malevolent ancient force is preying upon the community. The film blends historical drama with vampire lore, creating a unique and terrifying mythology rooted in American history. Coogler’s direction builds a palpable sense of dread, supported by Jordan’s intense and physical performances.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson directs this star-studded adaptation inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel ‘Vineland’. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Bob, a former revolutionary living off the grid who is forced to confront his past when his nemesis, played by Sean Penn, resurfaces. The narrative weaves together political satire, family drama, and thriller elements as Bob tries to protect his daughter, played by newcomer Chase Infiniti. The film is noted for its sprawling ensemble cast and Anderson’s intricate examination of 1980s counterculture and Reagan-era politics.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

Timothée Chalamet transforms into Marty Reisman in this fast-paced sports drama directed by Josh Safdie. Set in the 1950s, the film chronicles the rise of the ping pong hustler who became an unlikely champion in the world of professional table tennis. Safdie brings his chaotic, high-energy visual style to the sport, capturing the intensity of the matches and the eccentricity of the characters involved. The supporting cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler, the Creator, adds to the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of the New York game scene.

‘The Rip’ (2026)

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite on screen as Miami police officers in this crime thriller directed by Joe Carnahan. The story centers on a tactical narcotics team that discovers a massive stash of money during a raid, leading to a breakdown of trust within the unit. As paranoia sets in, the officers must navigate a web of corruption while being hunted by outside forces who want the money back. The film blends intense action sequences with a character-driven study of loyalty and greed.

‘Wuthering Heights’ (2026)

Emerald Fennell offers a bold and stylized adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic gothic novel. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as the tormented lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, bringing a modern intensity to the 19th-century tale of obsession and revenge. Fennell’s direction emphasizes the psychological toxicity of their relationship, using stark visual contrasts to mirror the desolate moors. The casting choices and contemporary tone have sparked significant conversation regarding the interpretation of the source material.

‘Hamnet’ (2025)

Chloé Zhao directs this emotional historical drama based on the best-selling novel by Maggie O’Farrell. Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley star as William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, as they grapple with the devastating loss of their only son, Hamnet. The film creates a lyrical and intimate portrait of grief, exploring how the tragedy influenced the playwright’s creation of his most famous work, ‘Hamlet’. Zhao’s naturalistic approach grounds the period setting in raw, human emotion.

‘The Wrecking Crew’ (2026)

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista team up in this buddy action comedy directed by Ángel Manuel Soto. The plot follows two estranged half-brothers—one a loose-cannon police detective and the other a disciplined Navy SEAL—who must work together to solve their father’s murder. Filled with explosive set pieces and banter, the film capitalizes on the physical imposingness and comedic chemistry of its two leads. It pays homage to classic 80s action movies while delivering modern stunts and visual effects.

‘Send Help’ (2026)

Sam Raimi returns to his horror roots with this dark survival comedy starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. McAdams plays a capable employee who becomes stranded on a deserted island with her incompetent and arrogant boss, played by O’Brien, after a plane crash. As they struggle to survive the elements and each other, the power dynamics shift in terrifying and hilarious ways. Raimi infuses the survival narrative with his signature blend of gore, slapstick, and suspense.

‘Iron Lung’ (2026)

Adapted from the viral indie horror game, this film is written, directed by, and stars Mark Fischbach, known online as Markiplier. The claustrophobic story takes place entirely within a small submarine navigating an ocean of blood on an alien moon. As the protagonist photographs the surroundings to pay off his freedom, the vessel begins to fail, and unknown entities lurk in the sanguine depths. The movie aims to replicate the game’s dread-inducing atmosphere and minimal narrative style.

‘Melania’ (2026)

This documentary offers a polarizing look at the former First Lady during the transitional period before her return to the White House. Directed by Brett Ratner, the film provides access to Melania Trump’s private world as she prepares for the inauguration, presenting her perspective on her role and public image. Critics have been divided, with some viewing it as a rare insight into a guarded figure and others dismissing it as a curated image-building exercise. The release has generated significant discourse regarding the intersection of entertainment and political messaging.

‘The Housemaid’ (2025)

Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried star in this psychological thriller directed by Paul Feig, based on the novel by Freida McFadden. Sweeney plays Millie, a young woman seeking a fresh start who takes a job as a live-in maid for a wealthy couple, only to discover that the family’s perfection is a façade. As Millie digs deeper into the household’s secrets, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of manipulation with the lady of the house, played by Seyfried. The film is praised for its twisty plot and the tension-filled performances of its lead actresses.

Tell us which movie you are most excited to watch in the comments.