As we enter the new year, cinema enthusiasts are in for a treat, with a range of thrilling, heartfelt, and mind-bending films set to hit theaters throughout January 2025. From eagerly awaited sequels to gripping thrillers and captivating documentaries, this list will guide you through the most exciting movies coming to theaters near you.
In the first month of 2025, moviegoers will experience a diverse selection of genres—from gothic horrors and psychological thrillers to indie dramas and biographical masterpieces. Whether you’re a fan of gripping horror or heartwarming family films, January is packed with releases that promise to make your theater experience unforgettable.
The Most Exciting Movies Coming to Theaters in January 2025
1. Nosferatu (Available Now)
- Genre: Gothic Horror
- Director: Robert Eggers
- Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult
- Release Date: Out Now (Worldwide)
If you’re a fan of gothic horror, don’t miss Nosferatu, Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the classic Dracula story. This chilling film takes inspiration from Bram Stoker’s novel and brings it into the modern era with stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere. Set against a grim backdrop, the story follows Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), a young woman caught in the obsessive grip of the vampiric Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). As Orlok’s infatuation grows, the couple seeks the help of various individuals to protect Ellen from the relentless monster. Critics have praised the film’s chilling ambiance, earning it a solid 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. 2073 (Available Now)
- Genre: Documentary/Science Fiction
- Director: Asif Kapadia
- Starring: N/A
- Release Date: Available Now (US and UK)
2073 is a visionary documentary by award-winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia, blending archival footage with a fictional sci-fi narrative. This thought-provoking documentary aims to warn humanity about the challenges we face in the future. Through an eerie combination of real-world footage and speculative storytelling, the film delves into the pressing environmental issues and global concerns threatening the planet. Though the reviews have been mixed, with a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains a timely and reflective watch for those interested in humanity’s future.
3. We Live in Time (Available Now)
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Director: N/A
- Starring: Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield
- Release Date: Available Now (US and UK), January 16 (Australia)
Two of Britain’s most celebrated actors, Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, star in We Live in Time, a moving dramedy from the famed A24 studio. This emotionally charged film follows Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield), two individuals who cross paths and fall in love, only to face deeply challenging moments that test the limits of their relationship. Critics have lauded the chemistry between the leads and the poignant exploration of love and loss. If you enjoy indie films that tug at your heartstrings, this is one to catch.
4. Companion (January 9 – Australia, January 31 – US & UK)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Director: N/A
- Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid
- Release Date: January 9 (Australia), January 31 (US & UK)
Companion is a psychological thriller that’s bound to leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The film follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid), two individuals who venture into a weekend getaway to a billionaire’s lakeside estate. As the weekend unfolds, their seemingly perfect trip quickly devolves into a nightmare of twists, turns, and unsettling surprises. With its dark and intense atmosphere, this thriller is sure to keep you guessing until the very end.
5. Conclave (Available Now)
- Genre: Religious Thriller
- Director: Edward Berger
- Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci
- Release Date: Available Now (US and UK), January 9 (Australia)
From Edward Berger, director of All Quiet on the Western Front, comes Conclave, a gripping thriller set in the heart of the Vatican. Based on Robert Harris’ best-selling novel, Conclave revolves around the search for a new Pope following the death of the current pontiff. Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, a key figure leading the process, who uncovers a dark conspiracy within the church. With an exceptional cast and a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Conclave is a must-watch for fans of religious and political intrigue.
6. Babygirl (January 10 – UK, January 30 – Australia)
- Genre: Romance Thriller
- Director: N/A
- Starring: Nicole Kidman
- Release Date: January 10 (UK), January 30 (Australia)
Babygirl brings us another intense romantic thriller from A24, starring Nicole Kidman as a successful CEO who embarks on an illicit affair with a young intern. As their passionate relationship unfolds, it threatens to ruin everything she’s worked for, both professionally and personally. Critics have praised the film’s exploration of power dynamics and its ability to keep the audience on edge throughout. If you love complex relationships and morally gray characters, this one’s for you.
7. A Real Pain (Available Now)
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- Director: Jesse Eisenberg
- Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin
- Release Date: Available Now (US), January 10 (UK)
In A Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg directs and stars in a quirky yet heartfelt comedy-drama. The film follows two cousins (played by Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) who reunite to tour Poland in honor of their recently deceased grandmother. With its blend of humor and deep family dynamics, A Real Pain explores the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. The film received positive reviews, earning a remarkable 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, making it one of the most anticipated releases this month.
8. Paddington in Peru (Available Now – UK & Australia, January 17 – US)
- Genre: Family, Adventure
- Director: N/A
- Starring: N/A
- Release Date: Available Now (UK and Australia), January 17 (US)
Paddington in Peru marks the return of everyone’s favorite marmalade-loving bear in this heartwarming adventure. Paddington, along with the Brown family, travels to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy. However, things take an unexpected turn when they discover she’s gone missing in the Peruvian jungle. As they embark on a thrilling quest to find her, they encounter a series of humorous and heartwarming challenges. While it may not be as strong as its predecessors, Paddington in Peru still boasts a delightful 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a perfect family movie for all ages.
9. Wolf Man (January 16 – Australia, January 17 – US & UK)
- Genre: Supernatural Horror
- Director: Leigh Whannell
- Starring: Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott
- Release Date: January 16 (Australia), January 17 (US & UK)
Leigh Whannell, known for his successful Invisible Man remake, brings us Wolf Man, a supernatural horror film that reimagines the classic werewolf story. Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott star as Charlotte and Blake, a married couple who move to Oregon and are soon confronted by a terrifying supernatural force. As Blake undergoes a horrific transformation into a werewolf, Charlotte must fight to protect her family. With Whannell’s knack for suspenseful storytelling and great performances from the cast, Wolf Man is poised to be a must-see for horror fans.
10. A Complete Unknown (January 17 – UK, January 22 – Australia)
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Director: James Mangold
- Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning
- Release Date: January 17 (UK), January 22 (Australia)
In A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance as legendary musician Bob Dylan in this biographical drama. Set during the 1960s, the film captures Dylan’s rise to fame and the controversies that surrounded him. With an ensemble cast featuring Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Boyd Holbrook, A Complete Unknown is already generating buzz as a strong contender for next year’s awards season. Despite its mixed critical reception, the movie promises to be an essential watch for fans of Dylan and biographical dramas.
11. Better Man (January 17 – US)
- Genre: Biographical Musical
- Director: Michael Gracey
- Starring: Jonno Davies
- Release Date: January 17 (US)
Better Man is a unique biographical film about UK popstar Robbie Williams, directed by Michael Gracey, best known for The Greatest Showman. The film explores Williams’ meteoric rise to fame, his fall from grace, and eventual resurgence. However, instead of hiring an A-list actor to portray Williams, the film uses motion capture technology to digitally turn him into a chimpanzee, a visual representation of how Williams perceives himself. This audacious approach has sparked both intrigue and debate, but the film’s 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating suggests it may be a hit among audiences.
12. The Brutalist (January 23 – Australia, January 24 – UK)
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Director: Brady Corbet
- Starring: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce
- Release Date: January 23 (Australia), January 24 (UK)
The Brutalist is a three-hour epic that examines the life of visionary architect László Toth (Adrien Brody). After escaping post-war Europe, László relocates to the US to rebuild his life, career, and marriage. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce, and boasts a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the month.
13. September 5 (January 24 – UK, January 30 – Australia)
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Director: N/A
- Starring: John Magaro, Peter Sarsgaard
- Release Date: January 24 (UK), January 30 (Australia)
Set against the backdrop of the 1972 Munich Olympics, September 5 is a harrowing drama inspired by true events. The film follows a US sports broadcasting team that pivots to cover a hostage situation involving Israeli athletes during the Olympics. With a strong critical reception (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), September 5 promises to be a poignant and gripping experience.
14. Saturday Night (January 31 – UK)
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Director: Jason Reitman
- Starring: Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons
- Release Date: January 31 (UK)
Saturday Night tells the behind-the-scenes story of the early days of Saturday Night Live, showcasing the 90 minutes leading up to the series’ first-ever show. With an ensemble cast that includes Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons, and Willem Dafoe, this movie promises to offer a hilarious and emotional glimpse into the creation of an iconic TV show. With its strong Rotten Tomatoes scores (78% critical, 84% audience), Saturday Night is sure to be a hit.
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These are just some of the standout movies hitting theaters in January 2025. From thrilling documentaries and intense dramas to heartwarming family films and supernatural horror, there’s something for every moviegoer this month. Whether you’re looking for a deep cinematic experience or a fun, feel-good adventure, January’s releases won’t disappoint. So, grab your popcorn and prepare for an unforgettable theater experience!