January is a busy time in entertainment, particularly for new movies. Now, the third weekend of the month is no different, as several new movies are coming to theaters, featuring A-list talent in front of and behind the camera. Here are five new movies to watch, starting January 15.
Nia DaCosta’s ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Is Among the Best New Movies
2025 saw the release of “28 Years Later,” the third movie in the beloved zombie franchise. Now, mere months later, comes “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” This time, Nia DaCosta sat in the director’s seat, whereas Danny Boyle directed the 2025 film.
The new “28 Years Later” installment officially opens in theaters on January 16, but there are early showings the day before. So far, critics are loving the new movie, giving it a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Cillian Murphy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chi Lewis-Parry, and Alfie Williams.
Gus Van Sant’s ‘Dead Man’s Wire’
Another of the new movies being released is “Dead Man’s Wire,” directed by Gus Van Sant. The new crime/thriller centers around a real-life hostage crisis and has strong reviews so far. Currently, it has a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.
“Dead Man’s Wire” was released to select theaters on January 9 and is expanding on January 16. It stars Dacre Montgomery, Bill Skarsgård, Cary Elwes, Al Pacino, and Colman Domingo.
Rebecca Zlotowski’s ‘A Private Life’
People looking for new movies to watch should also consider Rebecca Zlotowski’s “A Private Life.” The film was first released in France in 2025, and it’s now set to debut in American movie theaters on January 16. The movie centers around an American psychiatrist living in Paris who is investigating the tragic death of a patient.
Regarding its cast, “A Private Life” stars Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, and Vincent Lacoste. So far, it has an impressive 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This score is based on 50 reviews.
Note that the movie is opening in limited release, so it may be hard to find in theaters its first weekend.
Ryan Prows’ Horror Movie ‘Night Patrol’ Is Another New Option
Many people looking for new movies to watch are horror fans. One option set to hit movie theaters on January 16 is “Night Patrol,” directed by Ryan Prows. The movie is about an LAPD task force that becomes entangled with a group of local vampires, leading to a battle.
“Night Patrol” stars CM Punk, Justin Long, Freddie Gibbs, RJ Cyler, and Jermaine Fowler. It also has solid reviews, currently sitting at 60% on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘Lord of the Rings’ Extended Editions
Though not a new option, Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” is being re-released to theaters. According to Variety, the movie will play on January 16. After this, “The Two Towers” will play on January 17. Movie theaters will have “The Return of the King” the following day.
So far, the release of the beloved trilogy has brought in a hefty $5 million in presales, per Variety.
