8 must-see films this January 2026
With titles like “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,“ and “Wicked: For Good,” theater seats were filled once again, and 2025 was undoubtedly the year of the moviegoer. And as 2026 rolls around, both film connoisseurs and casual watchers have much to look out for.
From a comedic take on “Anaconda” to a “28 Years Later” sequel, start the year right with these January 2026 movies.
1. “The Housemaid” (Jan. 7)
Based on Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel, “The Housemaid” is an upcoming psychological thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. The film follows a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple who finds that the suburban home she now lives in isn’t as normal as she had thought it would be.
2. “Anaconda” (Jan. 8)
Taking on a lighter tone than the previous “Anaconda” films we know of, this 2026 interpretation stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd—two best friends who’ve always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite film: “Anaconda.”
Unfortunately, when they go deep into the Amazon to fulfill their dream, things get real when an actual one appears.
3. “Soulm8te” (Jan. 8)
Starring David Rysdahl, Lily Sullivan, and Claudia Doumit, “Soulm8te” follows a grief-stricken man who acquires an android to cope with the loss of his recently deceased wife. And with the film reportedly being set in the world of “M3GAN,” viewers can expect to know where the story will go.
4. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (Jan. 14)
Further delving into the world of “28 Years Later,” this upcoming sequel explores how, in the post-apocalyptic Earth, it isn’t zombies or the infected who are the most dangerous—instead, it’s the inhumanity of its survivors.
5. “The History of Sound” (Jan. 14)
Casting highly sought-after Hollywood talents Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, “The History of Sound” follows two individuals who bond over a deep love of folk music.
6. “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” (Jan. 14)
In SpongeBob’s latest Bikini Bottom journey, our favorite goofy goober, alongside his closest friends, sets out to follow The Flying Dutchman to the depths of the sea to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs.
7. “The Rip” (Jan. 16)
What would you do if you stumbled upon millions of dollars in cash? What would you do if you could keep it to yourself? “The Rip” follows a team of Miami cops led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who discover millions in cash in a derelict stash house.
But when outside forces learn about the find, an easy payday turns into a deadly game, where not even your closest team members can be trusted.
8. “Primate” (Jan. 21)
Starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, and directed by Johannes Roberts, “Primate” follows a vacation-gone-wrong among friends, when a chimp kept in captivity proves that some animals are simply meant to be left in the wild.
