2025 saw the release of many amazing horror films, some of which are in people’s top overall films of the year lists. Now, 2026 has arrived, and with it, a new list of horror movies to get excited about. The year is starting off with a bang as well, with several films to put on your radar if you’re a fan of the genre. An honorable mention I’d like to include is the Shudder exclusive, Mother of Flies, which is currently sitting at a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Will this year be as great as the previous? Let’s take a look at what to expect for January horror movies.
See Also: 5 Biggest Horror Games Releasing in December 2025
5. Send Help
| Release Date | January 30th |
| Director | Sam Raimi |
| Main Cast | Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien, Bruce Campbell |
| Duration | 113 minutes |
Their relationship in this film is what can potentially make or break it
Synopsis
Two colleagues become the sole survivors of a plane crash that sees them stranded on an island where they’ll have to put aside their differences to make it out alive.
Overview
I like the director and the cast. Send Help doesn’t scream “horror” to me, but we obviously don’t know what can happen on that island, nor what is on that island. The trailer shows a chaotic adventure/test of survival, however, and I love both of those. There hasn’t been much press or advertising for this film yet, and it’s coming soon. That doesn’t exactly bode well, but we have been surprised before.
4. We Bury The Dead
| Release Date | January 2nd |
| Director | Zak Hilditch |
| Main Cast | Daisy Ridley, Brenton Thwaites, Mark Coles Smith |
| Duration | 94 minutes |
Judging from the early reviews, this zombie movie is one to look out for
Synopsis
Ava enters a quarantine zone in search of her missing husband, but finds that the “harmless dead” the military spoke of are becoming more and more dangerous.
Overview
If you’re itching for a zombie film, We Bury the Dead might just be what you’re looking for. This film has made the rounds at film festivals and garnered positive word of mouth. It’s sitting at a mighty 86 at the time of writing this. Of course, that can change when the film gets a wide release, but I can’t imagine this won’t be something worthwhile to watch, especially if you’re a fan of zombie films. I’m excited to see Daisy Ridley in this leading role and a potentially thrilling ride that can rival another zombie movie on this list.
3. Return to Silent Hill
| Release Date | January 23rd |
| Director | Christophe Gans |
| Main Cast | Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Robert Strange |
| Duration | 104 minutes |
Pyramid Head here looks good
Synopsis
A man enters Silent Hill, a mysterious village, after his lost love sends him a letter.
Overview
I’d be lying if I said I was optimistic about Return to Silent Hill. Video game adaptations have been on a great run recently (except for the Five Nights at Freddys franchise), so anything is possible with this January horror movie. That being said, the first couple of looks we got from this movie haven’t been too impressive, but I’m still anticipating a decent launch, seeing as this is based on a popular franchise that has gotten a large revival in the past few years. Hopefully, the film can follow up on the Silent Hill 2 remake and deliver an amazing translation to modern day audiences.
2. Primate
| Release Date | January 9th |
| Director | Johannes Roberts |
| Main Cast | Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Troy Kotsur |
| Duration | 89 minutes |
Synopsis
A group of friends’ vacation turns deadly when the pet chimpanzee of the house they’re staying at turns deadly.
Overview
I can’t help but be very curious as to how Primate will turn out. There is a fairly decent marketing push behind this film, which conveys confidence. An intelligent monkey hell-bent on killing a bunch of traveling friends? Count me in. Apart from the murderous animal, I’m not quite sure if this film is going for more of a thrilling experience with maximum scares, or if there will be a focus on story with scares sprinkled throughout. Johannes has already worked on thrilling situations involving animals, such as 47 Meters Down, so I have faith he’ll be able to bring that excitement to Primate.
1. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
| Release Date | January 16th |
| Director | Nia Dacosta |
| Main Cast | Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell |
| Duration | 110 minutes |
Synopsis:
Following the events of 28 Years Later, Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s Gang, while Dr Kelson makings new terrifying discoveries.
Overview:
It’s hard to believe we’re getting another film in this franchise so quickly, but we are! And don’t worry, if the style of the previous film turned you off, you could still end up enjoying 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. This film will have a different director. I’d imagine she consulted with Danny Boyle quite a bit for some form of overall vision, but the style of this film should be drastically different. I enjoyed 28 Years Later, but some of the stylistic choices were a little too much for me. I’m curious to see how The Bone Temple will fare with audiences when it releases in a few weeks.
