All the Sci-Fi Movies and Shows You Can Stream This Week at Home or Watch in Theaters, Including ‘Mercy’
The final full week of January 2026 brings a diverse slate of speculative fiction, ranging from high-budget theatrical thrillers to thought-provoking television dramas. Audiences can expect a mix of futuristic crime stories, biological mysteries, and the return of long-standing scientific documentaries across theaters and streaming platforms. These releases explore various facets of the genre, including technological advancements and supernatural phenomena. Each project offers a unique perspective on how science and speculation intersect with human experience and societal evolution.
‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ (2025)
Releasing in limited theaters on January 19, 2026, ‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ continues the story of the undead idol group Franchouchou. This installment follows the girls as they navigate new supernatural challenges and musical milestones in the Saga Prefecture. The film blends elements of fantasy and horror with its core idol-focused comedy premise. Fans of the original series will see the characters tackle speculative obstacles while maintaining their zombie identities.
‘Mercy’ (2026)
‘Mercy’ arrives in theaters on January 23, 2026, offering a high-stakes blend of action and science fiction. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the film stars Chris Pratt as a detective accused of a crime in a future where capital punishment is common. The narrative follows his struggle to prove his innocence while navigating a society governed by harsh judicial technologies. This wide release marks a significant addition to the sci-fi thriller landscape of the year.
‘Return to Silent Hill’ (2026)
‘Return to Silent Hill’ debuts in theaters on January 23, 2026, as a psychological horror film with supernatural and speculative elements. Based on the video game ‘Silent Hill 2’, the plot centers on James Sunderland as he searches for his lost love in a fog-shrouded town. The story explores a distorted reality filled with symbolic monsters and psychological manifestations. This wide release aims to translate the atmospheric tension of the source material into a cinematic experience.
‘NOVA’ (1974–)
The legendary science documentary series ‘NOVA’ continues its 52nd season on PBS this week. Each episode utilizes cinematic production and expert interviews to explain complex scientific concepts to a general audience. The current season investigates a variety of topics, including environmental changes, technological breakthroughs, and astronomical discoveries. While primarily a factual program, it provides the scientific foundation that often inspires speculative fiction creators.
‘The Beauty’ (2026–)
‘The Beauty’ premieres on FX this week, adapting the acclaimed comic book series into a live-action biological thriller. The story focuses on a world where a sexually transmitted disease makes people physically beautiful but carries a lethal price. Detectives Foster and Vaughn investigate the social and political conspiracies surrounding the virus and its origins. The show examines the societal obsession with aesthetics through a lens of speculative medical science.
‘Steal’ (2026–)
‘Steal’ launches its first season on Prime Video, focusing on a group of specialists performing high-stakes heists. The series incorporates modern digital exploits and advanced security systems that border on futuristic technology. Viewers follow the team as they navigate complex electronic barriers and utilize speculative surveillance tools to achieve their goals. The show blends traditional crime drama with a tech-heavy approach to modern thievery.
Share which of these sci-fi and speculative releases you are most excited to watch in the comments.