January 2026’s Unmissable Films: From Zombies to Survival

The calendar has turned, and with it comes a sense of renewal—and, for film enthusiasts, a rather tempting slate of releases. January’s offering is anything but dull, with a blend of high-profile sequels, inventive genre pieces, and a few surprises that could well set the tone for the year ahead. If last year’s cinematic output left you feeling a bit underwhelmed, there’s reason to be hopeful: the coming weeks look set to deliver a proper assortment of stories, styles, and stars.

Among the highlights, there’s a fresh take on a beloved zombie universe, a tongue-in-cheek pop star project, and the return of a dynamic duo whose first collaboration netted them both Oscars. The previous year may have been a mixed bag, but hidden among the less memorable titles were gems like The Secret Agent, Sinners, Train Dreams, The Ballad of Wallis Island, and Weapons. Here’s hoping January’s crop can match, or even surpass, those efforts. So, if you’re considering investing in one of those all-you-can-watch cinema passes—never mind the price tag—now might be the time.

Sequels, Spin-Offs, and Star Power

First up, ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ (13 January) sees Nia DaCosta at the helm, with Alex Garland’s pen behind the script. Garland’s track record—think Judge Dredd, Annihilation, Civil War, Ex-Machina—speaks for itself, and this time he’s expanding Danny Boyle’s undead saga. With Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes leading the cast, expect a post-apocalyptic spectacle that’s likely to draw crowds eager for another round of chaos and survival.

Next, ‘The Rip’ (16 January) offers a twist on the buddy-cop formula. Imagine Good Will Hunting, but swap the apple monologues for two seasoned Miami detectives, both in their fifties, navigating a web of corruption after a hefty sum of drug money vanishes. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite in this Netflix production, directed by Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces). The result? A gritty, action-packed tale with a bromance that’s proven its worth on screen before.

Tech Thrills and Pop Culture Satire

On 23 January, ‘Mercy’ lands with Timur Bekmambetov directing. This cyber-thriller feels particularly timely, as Chris Pratt’s character faces a race against the clock to persuade an AI judge of his innocence in his wife’s murder. Bekmambetov’s previous work is a mixed bag—he delivered the bullet-bending Wanted in 2008, but last year’s War of the Worlds with Ice Cube was, let’s say, less well received. Whether this one hits the mark remains to be seen, but the premise alone is enough to pique curiosity.

Then there’s ‘The Moment’ (30 January), which promises to fill cinemas with Gen Z chatter and the odd ‘literally’ or two. Charli XCX takes centre stage in this A24 production, blending mockumentary and reality as cameras follow her Brat tour. The film features a parade of celebrity cameos—Rosanna Arquette, Alexander Skarsgård, and Rachel Sennott among them—while poking fun at fame, fandom, and the relentless gaze of the media.

Survival, Suspense, and a Dash of Dark Humour

Rounding out the month, ‘Send Help’ (30 January) sees Sam Raimi return to his roots with a survivalist horror starring Rachel McAdams. After a plane crash leaves her character stranded on an island with her outrageously sexist boss, the pair must navigate not just the elements but their own clashing personalities. Raimi’s knack for unsettling, darkly comic storytelling—evident in films like A Simple Plan and Drag Me to Hell—suggests this one won’t be your typical castaway tale. Instead, expect a sharp, off-kilter drama that finds tension and wit in the most unlikely of places.