At first glance, the titles scheduled for release this first month of 2026 appear to be better than those at the same time in years past. January and February are traditionally treated as “clearinghouse” months for their B-grade material, or stuff that was determined not worthy of peak summer or late fall release.

Here’s the reason I’m optimistic about this January: Only two titles listed here are from a major studio. Everything else is from an upstart or independent looking to make a mark or, in Netflix’s case, isn’t concerned with box office returns.

Please note, all release dates are subject to change.

Jan. 2

A scene from “The Dutchman.” (Spencer Pazer/Rogue Pictures/Washington Square Films)

Based on the 1964 play and 1967 movie of the same name, this thriller from Andre Gaines stars Andre Holland and Kate Mara as two strangers who meet on a subway train. The first two incarnations leaned heavily into politics and race relations, subjects that have never been more relevant than today. (Rogue Pictures/Washington Square Films)

Jan. 9

Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), in "People We Meet on Vacation." (Michele K. Short/Netflix)

Sounding like a cross between “Same Time, Next Year” and “Palm Springs,” this romantic comedy stars relative unknowns Emily Bader and Tom Blyth. Two platonic friends meet annually for vacation until they figure out the platonic thing is no longer working. (Netflix)

‘Greenland 2: Migration’

A scene from "Greenland 2: Migration." (Lionsgate)

This sequel to the not-terrible 2020 original stars returning leads Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin, a husband and wife trying to survive in the wake of a comet that struck Earth five years earlier. (Lionsgate)

Jan. 16

JD Byrne (Ben Affleck, L) and Dane Dumars (Matt Damon), in “The Rip.” (Claire Folger/Netflix)

The 16th movie in which they’ve acted, directed, wrote, or produced together, “The Rip” is the first action flick starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The pair star as Miami detectives who uncover a mysterious stash of cash worth millions. Suggesting “Serpico” by way of “American Gangster,” they come under scrutiny of their bosses and coworkers. (Netflix)

‘Dead Man’s Wire’

A scene from "Dead Man's Wire." (Row K Entertainment)

In this fact-based dramatic thriller, Bill Skarsgard stars as Tony Kiritsis, a financially strapped Indiana man who, in 1997, kidnapped his corrupt mortgage broker Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery). The photo capturing the actual event won the Pulitzer Prize. (Row K Entertainment)

Jan. 23

Chris Pratt stars in "Mercy." (MGM)

This one looks great: “Minority Report” squared. Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson star in this sci-fi thriller about a detective being accused of killing his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an AI judge. If not, he will be executed. The movie is directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the Russian filmmaker of the “Night Watch” franchise and the superb “Wanted” film starring Angelina Jolie. (MGM)

‘H Is for Hawk’

Helen Macdonald (Claire Foy), in “H Is for Hawk.” (Roadside Attractions/MovieStillsDB)

Shown to Academy Award voters and press for 2025 Top 10 considerations, this adaptation of the titular memoir by Helen Macdonald is a sneakily effective tour de force. After the death of her father, photographer Alisdair (Brendan Gleeson), professor Helen (Claire Foy) bonds with an aggressive goshawk to the detriment of her career and perhaps her mental health. (Roadside Attractions)

Jan. 28

A scene from "The Wrecking Crew." (Amazon Prime)

This mismatched buddy action comedy stars Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as Hawaiian-born half brothers. Momoa is a loose-cannon policeman, and Bautista plays a highly disciplined former Navy SEAL. They team up to ferret out their father’s murderer. (Amazon Prime)

Jan. 30

First lady Melania Trump in "Melania." (Amazon/MGM)

Coming out on top in a bidding war that included Disney and Paramount, Amazon paid $40 million for distribution rights to this latest documentary from director Brett Ratner. Certain to fuel heated watercooler discussion, it follows the once and future First Lady Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration. (Amazon/MGM)

‘The Moment’

Charli XCX stars as her fictionalized self, in "The Moment." (A24)

Owing a great deal to the “Spinal Tap” flicks, this musical mockumentary is produced, conceived, and stars singer Charli XCX as a fictionalized version of herself. As she prepares for her first tour as a headliner, Charli must overcome one comically unforeseen obstacle after another. (A24)

‘Send Help’

Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams), in "Send Help." (20th Century Fox)

Rachel McAdams steps far outside her usual comfort zone by starring opposite Dylan O’Brien in this survival action thriller directed by Sam Raimi. After a private plane carrying them crashes into the ocean, a put-upon office drone (McAdams) turns the tables on her bullying boss (O’Brien). (20th Century)

‘Shelter’

Mason’s employer (Bill Nighy, L) and Michael Mason (Jason Statham), in “Shelter.” (Black Bear Pictures/MovieStillsDB)

Looking a lot like every other Jason Statham action movie, “Shelter” finds Statham breaking bad as an assassin waging battle against his former employer while protecting an informant (Bodhi Rae Breathnach, “Hamnet”). (Black Bear Pictures)

‘World Breaker’

Poster for the sci-fi action movie “Worldbreaker.” (Aura Entertainment)

This sci-fi action flick deserves points for originality and audacity. Presented out of sequence, it has a father (Luke Evans) telling his daughter (Billie Boullet) about the bravery of her mother (Milla Jovovich), who fought a war against beings that resembled arachnids. (Aura Entertainment)

What to Watch For

I’ve already seen “H Is for Hawk” (which made its way on to my 2025 Top 10). It’s a touching, yet risk-taking fact-based drama about a woman coming to terms with her father’s death by bonding with a bird of prey.

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