January Movie Release Schedule
This breakdown is for films releasing in theaters in January of this year. I will pepper in some streaming releases that I find notable, but that will not be an extensive list.
This is mostly for films either releasing wide or limited releases to watch out for and hope that your local theater will show. As these things are constantly being updated and tweaked, I may miss something. For streamlined release lists of all films releasing in the U.S., please see here or here.
JANUARY 3RD
Se7en (Theaters - 30 Year Anniverary IMAX Re-Release)
Two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.
For the 30th anniversary, David Fincher’s beloved Se7en will be heading back into select theaters.
The Damned (Theaters, limited)
A 19th-century widow has to make an impossible choice when, during an especially cruel winter, a foreign ship sinks off the coast of her Icelandic fishing village.
I can’t say I’ve heard too much about this film. It seems like it will be a decent enough horror film sneaking its way into the beginning of the year.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix)
Gromit’s concerned that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions, which proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own.
This latest installment is already beloved by many, another winner in the Wallace and Gromit franchise.
JANUARY 8TH
Paprika (Theaters, limited - Re-Release)
When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patients' dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist, Paprika, can stop it.
A highly rated wild ride of a film by Satoshi Kon, who did other iconic works such as Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers.
JANUARY 10TH
Better Man (Theaters)
A singular profile of British pop superstar Robbie Williams.
It is a certainly interesting take on the biopic, allowing the musical artist to play themselves and through the guise of a human-postured chimp.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (Theaters)
Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
Diane Warren: Relentless (Theaters, limited)
The untold story of a legendary songwriter.
A legend in the world of Academy Awards enthusiasts, as she has been nominated over a dozen times and hasn’t managed to snag any competitive wins. It looks like nothing is going to stop her (now).
Hard Truths (Theaters)
Pansy, angry and depressed, lashes out at family and strangers. Her constant criticism isolates her, except from her cheerful sister Chantal, who remains sympathetic despite their differences.
A highly rated dramedy featuring a phenomenal performance by Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
The Last Showgirl (Theaters)
A seasoned showgirl must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run.
A starring vehicle for Pamela Anderson, who is given a chance to really show what she can do.
JANUARY 11TH
Talk To Me (Theaters - IMAX Re-Release)
When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
A surprising hit of 2023, Talk To Me is an instant classic modern horror that could be fun to revisit on the big screen, especially for those who only caught it at home.
JANUARY 13TH
Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (Theaters, limited)
Wendy Darling strikes out in an attempt to rescue her brother Michael from ‘the clutches of the evil Peter Pan.’
A horror re-telling of Peter Pan, much in line with Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey and The Mean One. If you enjoy that kind of low-budget goofy fairy tale horror, this is for you.
JANUARY 16TH
Unstoppable (Prime Video)
Centers around the life of wrestler Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg and won a national championship in 2011 while competing at Arizona State University.
From early reviews, this seems to be a pretty by-the-book inspirational sports drama, but if you love sports films, this seems like it can be a solid choice for you.
JANUARY 17TH
One of Them Days (Theater)
When best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
This looks like a hilarious ‘all in one day’ romp that should be a good time, especially with the charismatic Keke Palmer in the lead.
Wolf Man (Theaters)
A family at a remote farmhouse is attacked by an unseen animal, but as the night stretches on, the father begins to transform into something unrecognizable.
This is being adapted by Leigh Whannell, who adapted The Invisible Man to moderate success five years prior. Like with that, it looks like this will be something quite different compared to its source material.
September 5 (Theaters)
During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group.
This seems to be a decent enough dramatic thriller that is enjoyable for most.
I’m Still Here (Theaters, limited)
A mother is forced to reinvent herself when her family’s life is shattered by an act of arbitrary violence during the tightening grip of a military dictatorship in Brazil, 1971.
A massive hit for those who have had early access via festivals and such, with what is supposed to be a truly breathtaking performance from Fernanda Torres. Fortunately, I’ll have my local arthouse cinema playing this one later on in February, and I’ll be sure to check it out.
Sing Sing (Theaters, limited - Re-Release)
Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.
What is considered to be one of the best films of 2024 (with an incredible performance by Colman Domingo) that barely anyone got a chance to see, Sing Sing had a strange release last summer. It was considered a ‘wide’ release and yet barely anyone was showing it. Let’s hope this rerelease is much wider because I would love to see this myself.
JANUARY 19TH
The Goonies (Theaters - 40 Year Anniversary Re-Release)
A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate’s long-lost treasure.
The 80’s classic is sailing into theaters for its big 40th, and it’s the perfect type of family action adventure film to see on the big screen. I’ll probably be giving this a big-screen watch.
JANUARY 24TH
Brave the Dark (Theaters)
Haunted by torturous childhood memories, Nate Williams finds himself engulfed in darkness. When his drama teacher, Mr. Deen bails him out of jail and takes him in, Nate must confront his past before it leads to his own destruction.
A traditional inspirational story of a troubled young person finding support from a mentor figure, with supposedly solid performances by its lead actors.
Flight Risk (Theaters)
A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.
This is a Mel Gibson thriller that doesn’t have much buzz around it yet, but if you enjoy action on planes, this might be for you.
Presence (Theaters)
A family becomes convinced they are not alone after moving into their new home in the suburbs.
This Steven Soderbergh-directed film takes place from the perspective of a ghost, which makes for an interesting concept.
Grafted (Shudder)
A bright but socially awkward exchange student takes her craving for popularity to horrifying heights.
What looks to be the first big release from Shudder for 2025, I have hopes for this beauty meets body horror story.
JANUARY 31ST
Companion (Theaters + IMAX)
A billionaire’s death sets off a chain of events for Iris and her friends during a weekend trip to his lakeside estate.
UPDATED 1/8: With a new official trailer coming out just a few weeks before its release, Companion looks like an interesting scifi film that most weren’t expecting. This trailer gives up quite a bit of information, and yet there still seems to be some mystery simmering under the surface.
Dog Man (Theaters)
Dog Man, half dog and half man, is sworn to protect and serve as he doggedly pursues the feline supervillain Petey the Cat.
Based on the Dog Man books, this will most likely be a fine family film.
Valiant One (Theaters)
With tensions between North and South Korea, a US helicopter crashes on the North Korean side, now the survivors must work together to protect a civilian tech specialist and find their way out without the help of US military support.
There isn’t much known about this movie, other than what is shown here. If you enjoy a military thriller, this might be for you.
Screamboat (Theaters, limited)
A late-night boat ride turns into a desperate fight for survival in New York City when a mischievous mouse becomes a monstrous reality.
Another goofy horror film in the vein of Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare mentioned above. However, this one takes advantage of the fact that Mickey Mouse’s Steamboat Willie design went into the public domain.
Love Me (Theaters, limited)
A buoy and a satellite meet online long after humanity's extinction. As they learn what life was like on Earth, they discover themselves and what it means to be alive and in love.
There you have it! The January 2025 wide, and notable limited or streaming releases. Again, these are not extensive lists. Please stay tuned for what’s coming in February.
