New year, same problem: too many movies, not enough nights. January comes in hot with a mix of big swings and sneaky sleepers—exactly the kind of lineup that turns “I’ll wait for streaming” into “fine, I’ll go tonight.” January is supposed to be the month where Hollywood exhales—dump-month lore, post-holiday hangover, the calendar quietly turning over. But this one doesn’t feel quiet at all: between franchise thunder and lean, mean genre swings, the first slate of the year is already daring you to get off the couch and back into a dark room with a big screen.
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From two zombie thrillers to two generation-spanning family dramas, a highly-awaited book adaptation, and a mockumentary starring pop star Charli XCX, January delivers an eclectic lineup. There are plenty of new films to seek out that haven’t been discussed as much as they should be as we enter the new year.
“We Bury the Dead”
Daisy Ridley stars as a woman looking for his husband in the zombie film, “We Bury The Dead.” Directed by Zak Hilditch (“These Final Hours”), the survival film takes place in the aftermath of a disastrous military experiment. Mark Coles Smith and Brenton Thwaites also star.
Release Date: In theaters January 2 via Vertical.
“The Plague”
In his feature film debut, writer and director Charlie Polinger explores the psychological anxiety of an all-boys water polo camp. The film follows a socially anxious 12-year-old boy who is drawn into a cruel tradition. The film had its premiere at Cannes and stars Everett Blunk, Kayo Martin, Kenny Rasmussen, and Joel Edgerton.
Release Date: In theaters January 2 via IFC Films.
“The Dutchman”
André Holland leads a sprawling ensemble cast in “The Dutchman.” Directed by Andre Gaines and co-written by Gaines and Qasim Basir, the film is an adaptation of Amiri Baraka’s play of the same name. Holland stars as a businessman dealing with the crumbling of his marriage as he’s ensnared in a game of cat and mouse with a mysterious woman over the course of one night. Kate Mara, Zazie Beetz, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Aldis Hodge, and Lauren E. Banks round out the cast.
Release Date: In theaters January 2 via Rouge Pictures.
“Primate”
Directed by Johannes Roberts (“47 Meters Down”), his latest film, “Primate,” leans into unexpected horrors. The film follows a family on vacation, where their adopted chimpanzee becomes violent after a run-in with a wild animal. The film premiered at the 2025 Fantastic Fest and stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur.
Release Date: In theaters January 9 via Paramount Pictures.
“Young Mothers”
The Dardenne Brothers return with the familial drama, “Young Mothers.” The film follows five teenage mothers, all residing in a maternity shelter in Belgium, as they strive for a better future for themselves and their children. The film, starring Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan, and Samia Hilmi, won the Best Screenplay award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Release Date: In theaters January 9 via Music Box Films.
