Every time a new year begins, there are certainly many upcoming movies from various genres that are exciting to watch. Many movie franchise fans are especially excited right now. And if you want the full big-screen experience instead of watching Netflix movies at home, January is the perfect time to head to the cinema for louder sound, bigger visuals, and that unbeatable opening-night atmosphere.
So, what movies will be showing in theaters throughout January 2026? Here’s the full rundown along with their synopses. As the best new movies to add to your list!
Upcoming Recommended 2026 Movie Releases to Watch
Here are several upcoming 2026 movies which is interesting to watch recommendations:
1. Spiderman: Brand New Day
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In 2026, many films will hit theaters, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day stands out as one of the most highly anticipated. This film marks the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker, alongside Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. Produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, the movie serves as a continuation of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
The film introduces the opening chapter of a new Spider-Man trilogy, offering a fresher storyline following the major consequences of the previous film. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, the movie promises a new exploration of Peter Parker’s journey in Phase Six of the MCU.
2. Avengers: Doomsday
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For Marvel fans, aside from the Spiderman franchise, the arrival of Avengers: Doomsday is certainly something to look forward to. Although Marvel has not released an official synopsis yet, the film will likely connect closely to the multiverse concept, where multiple parallel worlds collide and unleash massive chaos that threatens the universe’s balance.
Interestingly, Avengers: Doomsday is rumored to feature an alternate version of Doctor Doom who bears a resemblance to Tony Stark. This character could emerge as the main threat with more complex and dangerous and push the Avengers into a conflict on an unprecedented scale.
3. Scream 7
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After the success of the previous films, Scream 7 arrives as a recommended new release that once again brings the iconic terror of Ghostface. The film serves as a sequel to Scream VI and highlights the return of Sidney Prescott, who is now trying to live a quiet life in a small town.
However, that peace does not last long when Ghostface reappears and targets Tatum, Sidney’s daughter, as the main victim. Sidney is forced to confront the nightmare she has long tried to forget, to protect her family,
4. Super Mario Galaxy
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Adapted from the legendary video game, Super Mario Galaxy became a recommended new release that brings Mario’s adventure to a much grander scale. In this film, Mario sets off on a mission through outer space to rescue Princess Peach after Bowser kidnaps her and steals a Power Star from the Comet Observatory.
Along the way, Mario meets Rosalina and the Lumas, they help him explore unique and challenging galaxies. Together, they must face various enemies and stop Bowser’s plan using the Galaxy Reactor to destroy the universe.
5. Ready or Not 2
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The next movie recommendation in 2026 will be Ready or Not 2. This film serves as the plot that continues the terror from its first installment. After surviving the deadly game, Grace must face the bigger consequence. Although they try to distance themselves from that dark world, the threat re-emerges when their younger sibling becomes the next target.
To save her sibling, Grace is forced to once again confront the dangerous system and the sinister families behind the sadistic game. With much higher stakes, Ready or Not 2 promises intense tension along with adrenaline-filled action that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
6. Star Wars: The Mandalorian dan Grogu
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Another recommended movie to watch is Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Especially for Star Wars fans that anticipated the iconic Mandalorian series continuance. This live action movie is scheduled at the cinema on 22 May 2026 and directed by Jon Favreau.
The story is set between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. The film once again features Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, alongside Grogue in a Post-Empire galaxy. The strong bond between the lone bounty hunter and the mysterious little creature once again becomes the heart of the story.
7. Greenland 2: Migration
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A disaster thriller film that continues the story of Earth’s destruction, following the impact of the Clarke comet. After successfully surviving in a Greenland bunker, the Garrity family and other survivors faced the harsh reality. Which is their shelter is no longer safe for long-term habitation.
For the sake of survival, they must embark on a dangerous migration across a devastated Europe in search of a new habitable place. This journey is filled with threats, ranging from extreme natural conditions and limited resources to increasingly brutal human conflicts.