January brings a mix of new films and series across genres, from Nollywood epics and local thrillers to international horror and action releases. This month’s lineup highlights both familiar franchises and fresh stories set to premiere in cinemas and on streaming platforms.
From the continuation of beloved Nigerian fantasy Aníkúlápó to global titles like Return to Silent Hill and Dead Man’s Wire, here’s a look at what’s coming in January.
Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre
Fans of the critically acclaimed Nigerian epic fantasy series can rejoice as Aníkúlápó returns for its second season this January 30 on Netflix. Following the immense success of its debut, this continuation promises to expand further on its rich Yoruba mythology, intricate storytelling, and stunning visuals. The series has been lauded for its cultural authenticity and compelling narrative, and Season 2 is anticipated to delve deeper into the mystical world and complex characters that have captivated a global audience.
Alive Till Dawn
Nollywood unleashes a zombie invasion on January 30 with Alive Till Dawn, a high-octane genre thriller set to premiere in cinemas nationwide. Starring Uzor Arukwe, Sunshine Rosman, and Michael Dappa, the film is set in Abuja and follows a group of survivors forced to endure a single night of bloodshed, dread, and sheer survival as they battle the undead until morning. By venturing into a genre Nollywood has rarely explored, Alive Till Dawn stands out as an unusual entry in the local market.
Dead Man’s Wire
Dead Man’s Wire hits theaters worldwide on January 16. This gritty, true-crime thriller dramatizes the bizarre 1977 hostage standoff involving Tony Kiritsis, who famously wired a shotgun to a hostage’s neck and held a bank broker at gunpoint in downtown Indianapolis. The film features a star-studded cast, including Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino.
Return to Silent Hill
The Silent Hill franchise returns this January 23 with Return to Silent Hill, making its theatrical debut. This highly anticipated entry seeks to recapture the series’ signature atmosphere of chilling horror and psychological terror. The story follows James Sunderland as he ventures into the fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill in search of his lost love, Mary.
Send Help
Send Help is set to hit theaters on January 30. Directed by Sam Raimi, this darkly comedic psychological thriller unfolds on a deserted island after a plane crash, centering on two colleagues, played by Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, whose survival instincts are tested as much by each other as by the elements. The film blends tension with Raimi’s trademark humor, delivering a mix of unexpected alliances and escalating peril.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple arrives in theaters on January 16 as the second installment in the new 28 Years Later horror saga. The sequel continues the post‑apocalyptic story set decades after the Rage Virus outbreak, following survivors as they navigate a quarantined landscape where mutated threats and eerie mysteries await. The film expands on the world and characters introduced in 28 Years Later and includes the return of familiar faces.
The Rip
Closing out the list is The Rip, arriving globally on Netflix on January 16. The action thriller brings together longtime friends Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, whose off-screen relationship is one of Hollywood’s most well-known. Joined by a strong supporting cast that includes Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor, the film follows a group of police officers whose discovery of millions of dollars hidden in an abandoned house spirals into a tense game of cat and mouse, as paranoia takes hold and trust begins to fracture.
