New movies continue to land in theaters as we barrel our way towards the end of January. Indeed, depending on where you live, there are numerous new films for you to enjoy on a big screen near you, too.
Leading the charge for this weekend (January 23-25) is Chris Pratt's new AI crime thriller Mercy. If you're not a fan of Pratt or his back catalog, though, there are other new movies out now, as well as ones due out in the weeks ahead, that should entertain you instead. So, read on to see what's coming throughout January, February, and early March (NB: more entries will be added to this guide very soon).
New movies: January
Mercy
Release date: out now (worldwide)
Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson team up for this Amazon MGM Studios sci-fi flick that, in my view, had the makings of being another effects-heavy dud along the lines of Prime Video's abject War of the Worlds remake. Based on my colleague's Mercy review, it sounds like I was right to expect very little from it, too.
In it, Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, who's put on trial after he's accused of murdering his own wife. The twist? Raven has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to a highly-advanced artificial intelligence judge (Ferguson) he once championed, otherwise it's game over.
Marty Supreme
Release date: out now (worldwide)
Considered by many to be Timothée Chalamet's next chance to win a Best Actor Academy Award – he's already secured a Critics' Choice gong for this film – this Josh Safdie-directed sports drama, which currently holds 94% critical and 82% audience scores on RT, so it's well worth seeing.
Here, Chalamet plays US table tennis player Marty Mauser, an individual loosely inspired by real-life ping pong champion Marty Reisman, who'll stop at nothing in the pursuit of greatness. Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler Okonma, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, and Abel Ferrera are among its ensemble cast.
No Other Choice
Release date: out now (worldwide)
Fresh from playing Front Man in Squid Game on Netflix, No Other Choice sees Lee Byung-hun portray Yoo Man-su, a paper industry expert who's struggling to find work. Desperate for cash and to prove his worth to his judgmental family, Yoo does what any law-abiding citizen would do in his situation: kill off the competition.
One of the best-rated films of the year so far – No Other Choice holds 97% critical and 94% audience scores on RT – this satirical black comedy thriller is one of 2026's new movies you won't want to miss, especially if you loved Parasite.
The History of Sound
Release date: out now (worldwide)
The second Paul Mescal-starring film to drop this month – in the UK and Australia, anyway – The History of Sound tells the tale of Lionel (Mescal) and David (Josh O'Connor), who develop a deep bond over their shared love for folk music.
Following their first encounter at Boston Conservatory, the pair embark on a cross-state trip years later to collect traditional songs. Audiences have enjoyed this queer love story more (89% on RT) than critics (69%) have, so why not decide which camp you fall into now that one of January's new movies is out everywhere?
H is for Hawk
Release date: out now (US and UK); TBC (Australia)
Based on Helen Macdonald's 2014 memoir namesake, H is for Hawk stars Clare Foy as the writer and naturalist, who formed a close bond with a goshawk following the death of her father.
With a mostly positive critical rating on RT – as of January 23, it's sat on 79% – H is for Hawk appears to be a soaring and emotional film that's worth seeing, even if it doesn't pull up any trees at the worldwide box office.
Blue Moon
Release date: out now (US and UK); January 29 (Australia)
An Ethan Hawke-starring flick that's gone down well with fans (76% on RT) and critics (90%) alike and earned its fair share of award nominations, including a Best Actor Oscar nod for its leading man, Blue Moon sees the aforementioned A-lister play legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart.
On the eve of the opening night of the ground-breaking hit musical 'Oklahoma!', which his former collaborator Richard Rodgers created, Hart is forced to face his shattered self-confidence and reflect on his own career in Sardi's bar. Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott also star.
Send Help
Release date: out now (Australia); January 30 (US); February 6 (UK)
Sam Raimi occupies the director's chair once more with Send Help, a dark comedy thriller that looks like a miniaturized version of The Lord of the Flies.
The 20th Century Studios film sees Rachel McAdams play Linda, who finds herself marooned on a remote island with her misogynistic boss (Dylan O'Brien) when the latter's private jet crash lands in stormy weather. Cue a battle of wills between the work-place enemies as they attempt to help the other survive and, ultimately, try to be rescued.
Primate
Release date: out now (US and Australia); January 30 (UK)
2026 hasn't made us wait long for its first horror movie. This Lionsgate-funded endeavor, which stars Johnny Sequoyah and Jessica Alexander among others, is Cujo in all but name. Sure, it features a chimpanzee, rather than a dog, that *ahem* goes ape after being bitten by a rabid animal, but it doesn't seem to do anything unusual throughout its 90-minute runtime.
Surprisingly, though, Primate currently holds 78% critical and 71% audience scores on RT, so maybe I'm being too harsh on it...
The Moment
Release date: January 30 (US); February 20 (UK); March 5 (Australia)
Brat summer is out and satirical winter is in. From acclaimed indie studio A24, The Moment stars pop sensation Charlie XCX, who portrays a fictional version of herself as she prepares for her arena tour debut, and navigates the pressures of fame and an industry that's very much set in its ways.
The Moment won't appeal to everyone, but I'll be shocked if Charlie XCX fans don't turn this one into one of the biggest surprises of 2026.
Is This Thing On?
Release date: out now (US); January 30 (UK); February 5 (Australia)
The latest feature directed by Bradley Cooper, Is This Thing On? is a comedy-drama stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern as Alex and Tess. Reaching an amicable end of their lengthy marriage, Alex finds solace and company in the New York comedy scene, while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made to wed her former beau.
Critics and fans are in full agreement over Is This Thing On?, with its 86% and 84% RT ratings bearing testament to its entertaining and heartfelt tale.
New movies: February
The Strangers – Chapter 3
Release date: February 5 (Australia); February 6 (US and UK)
The final installment of this middling mystery-thriller film series, The Strangers – Chapter 3 will conclude Maya's multi-movie battle to defeat those pesky masked killers once and for all.
There's bound to be another sting or two in the tail for this franchise's protagonist before its final credits roll. Considering it hasn't always provided value for money, though, The Strangers' final outing might be another mixed bag for viewers.
Crime 101
Release date: February 12 (Australia); February 13 (US and UK)
Marvel actors Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry join forces for Crime 101, a forthcoming Amazon MGM Studios/Sony Pictures venture that both studios will hope to be one of early 2026's hit new movies.
In this movie adaptation of Don Winslow's novella namesake, Hemsworth plays a jewel thief named Mike, who teams up with Berry's disillusioned insurance broker Sharon to pull off the heist of a lifetime. Hot on the pair's heels is police detective Lou Lubesnick, who draws ever nearer to tracking down Mike and putting a stop to his unlawful activities. Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte round out its starry supporting cast.
Wuthering Heights
Release date: February 12 (Australia); February 13 (US and UK)
Looking for something a little more romantic for this year's Valentine's Day weekend? Let Emerald Fennell's reimagining of Emily Bronte's classic story Wuthering Heights appeal to your senses and sensibilities.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi play Cathy and Hetahcliff, whose forbidden passion for one another leads to – as the above trailer teases – all manner of steamy moments and lust-filled imagery. Will it take its place among the very best adaptations of Bronte's legendary literary tale? We'll find out in mid-February.
Goat
Release date: February 13 (US and UK); March 12 (Australia)
The second of two new movies coming to most nations from Sony Pictures in the second month of 2026, Goat is the studio's next animated feature that'll highlight its eye-popping, imaginative visuals.
Stranger Things alum Caleb McLaughlin voices Will, a small teenage, anthropomorphic goat with big dreams on becoming a world-famous roarball player. When he lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fulfil said dream, Will, well, will have to prove size doesn't matter when compared to dedication for your craft and a love of the game. A quintessential sporting underdog story that families will likely lap up.
How to Make a Killing
Release date: February 20 (US); February 26 (Australia); March 13 (UK)
Glen Powell will hope this A24 black comedy-thriller will give him the A-list boost he needs after last year's The Running Man remake underwhelmed at the box office.
How to Make a Killing follows Becket Redfellow (Powell), a blue-collar worker who was disowned by his incredibly wealthy family from birth. When the opportunity presents itself for Redfellow to acquire the inheritance he believes he deserves, he'll stop at nothing to get it – no matter how many family members stand in his way. Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, and Ed Harris are among its supporting cast.
The Testament of Ann Lee
Release date: out now (US): February 20 (UK); February 26 (Australia)
Searchlight Pictures' biographical musical drama has earned more praise from critics (89% on RT) compared to regular theater goers (63%) in the US, so its eventual arrival on British and Australian shores will ultimately determine how successful it is.
Nonetheless, the Amanda Seyfried-led movie is worth catching if you're a fan of films inspired by true events. Indeed, Seyfried stars as the founder of a sect known as The Shakers, which preached gender and social equality in a time period where such notions were unheard of. That story synopsis may sound dry, but The Testament of Ann Lee is anything but.
The Secret Agent
Release date: out now (US and Australia); February 20 (UK)
Recognized as a terrific thriller with some notable 2026 awards already under its belt, The Secret Agent is another Neon-produced film whose popularity is only likely to increase as this year's Academy Awards ceremony approaches.
Wagner Moura stars as Armando Solimões, a former professor caught up amid the movie's fictionalized retelling of the real-life Brazilian military dictatorship of the 1970s. However, as he travels to the city where his son is based, Armando soon learns he can't escape his violent past. A flick that, with a near-perfect RT critical score, is not to be missed.
Scream 7
Release date: February 26 (Australia); February 27 (US and UK)
Horror nostalgia is very much in vogue right now, and the continual success of the re-energized Scream movie franchise is proof of that.
The seventh (!) installment in the slasher film series, this year's entry reunites us with Neve Campbell's Sidney, who's forced to keep her daughter safe from yet another Ghostface killer. Another franchise veteran in Courtney Cox, plus recent starlets in Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, are also part of its extensive cast. However, recent franchise fronters Jenna Ortega and Melissa Berrera aren't back for more, which will disappoint fans of the two most recent Scream films.
New movies: March
Hoppers
Release date: March 6 (worldwide)
The next Pixar film that'll attempt to not be a box office disappointment, Hoppers introduces us to Mabel, an animal love whose consciousness is transferred into a lifelike robotic beaver when she uses an experiment piece of tech. Now able to communicate with the fauna surrounding her home town, Mabel sets out to uncover the animal kingdom's many secrets – and do a spot of environmental awareness along the way.
Will Hoppers prove that Pixar finally has its mojo back before Toy Story 5 inevitably becomes a blockbuster hit later this year? You'll be the judge of that.
The Bride!
Release date: March 6 (worldwide)
The second film inspired by the 'Frankenstein' novels to arrive in the space of four months, The Bride! will showcase Jessie Buckley's undeniable talents once more in this gothic sci-fi romance flick.
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Bride! sees Buckley play the eponymous character, a recently-deceased woman who's brought back to life by Doctor Euphronious (Anette Bening) at the behest of Frankenstein's Monster (Christian Bale), so he finally has a companion to call his own. Inevitably, sparks fly as they pair embark on a misadventure filled with, per Warner Bros. Pictures, "Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!"
Reminders of Him
Release date: March 13 (worldwide)
The latest Colleen Hoover book to be brought to the silver screen, Reminders of Him stars Maika Monroe as Kenna, who returns to her home town after a seven-year stint in jail to make up for lost time with the daughter she's never known. There, she struggles to get access to her offspring, but finds solace in former NFL player and local bar owner Ledger (Tyriq Withers), which sets this dramady's story in motion.
Hoover's other book-to-film adaptations have received mixed reviews upon release and had varying levels of success from money-spinning perspectives, too, so it's unclear how well this one will perform.
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