A fresh year is a time for new beginnings and for Hollywood to treat us to exciting new films to kick off the entertainment calendar. While January was once considered a quieter month for movies, recent years have brought some compelling offerings, from blockbuster hits to indie gems. With so many choices coming your way in January 2025, movie lovers of all tastes are in for a treat. Whether you’re into high-octane action, heartfelt dramas, or quirky comedies, this month has a lot to offer. Get ready to mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and explore ten incredible films hitting theaters or streaming platforms that you absolutely can’t miss this January.

1. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (January 10, 2025)

Gerard Butler returns as Big Nick O’Brien in this action-packed sequel to the 2018 heist thriller Den of Thieves. This time, the stakes are higher as Big Nick hunts down criminal mastermind Donnie Wilson, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr., who’s escaped to Europe for another heist. Packed with intense shootouts, gritty confrontations, and twists, this film promises more of the high-stakes tension and edge-of-your-seat action that made the first movie a hit.

If you love clever crime dramas with gruff anti-heroes, this one is tailor-made for you. The international setting adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the story. Action fans, prepare for a wild ride.

2. Hard Truths (January 10, 2025)

For those seeking a more profound and emotional experience, Hard Truths brings award-worthy drama to the big screen. Directed by Mike Leigh, this film follows a middle-aged woman, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, as she wrestles with depression and anger that impact her closest relationships. With glowing early reviews praising its sharp writing and powerhouse performances, this film is already being touted as a possible awards-season contender.

Fans of deeply human stories that explore complex emotions will find Hard Truths to be a cinematic masterpiece you don’t want to miss.

3. Wolf Man (January 17, 2025)

Horror takes center stage with Leigh Whannell's Wolf Man. Known for breathing new life into The Invisible Man, Whannell brings his visionary touch to the classic tale of werewolves. Christopher Abbott stars as a troubled man who begins experiencing harrowing transformations after encountering a mysterious creature.

Whannell’s modernized take on this dark, mythological tale promises both gut-wrenching scares and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of horror that balances psychological complexity with gruesome spectacle, Wolf Man might just be the highlight of your January movie nights.

4. Back in Action (January 17, 2025)

Cameron Diaz is back! This action-comedy pairs Diaz, coming out of retirement, with Jamie Foxx as two former spies who are forced out of hiding after their secrets are exposed. With Glenn Close and Kyle Chandler rounding out the star-studded cast, Back in Action promises espionage, laughs, and chemistry to spare.

Whether you’re a fan of witty banter, explosive stunts, or Diaz’s much-missed comedic timing, this Netflix release will make for a fun, family-friendly evening.

5. Flight Risk (January 24, 2025)

If you’re into mystery and thrills, Mark Wahlberg’s Flight Risk is just what you need. Wahlberg plays a pilot tasked with transporting a government witness to trial. But here’s the twist: he’s secretly an assassin assigned to eliminate the very passenger he’s supposed to protect. Tension builds as secrets unravel mid-flight, turning this action-thriller into a nail-biting adventure.

The confined space of an airplane adds a claustrophobic edge to the fast-paced story. Fans of movies like Non-Stop or Air Force One will feel right at home with this one.

6. Presence (January 24, 2025)

Presence offers an eerie take on the haunted-house genre by presenting the entire film from the ghost’s perspective. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this experimental horror flick follows a family that’s terrorized by supernatural forces lurking in their new suburban home.

Soderbergh’s knack for innovative storytelling ensures that Presence will be unlike anything you’ve seen before. Horror lovers who crave eerie atmospheres and creative filmmaking techniques should definitely add this to their watchlist.

7. Brave The Dark (January 24, 2025)

Jared Harris stars in Brave the Dark, a heartfelt drama about a teacher helping a troubled teen escape his difficult past. Set in 1980s Pennsylvania and brimming with emotional depth, this film explores themes of resilience, mentorship, and second chances.

With echoes of Good Will Hunting, this inspirational tale is perfect for anyone seeking a feel-good yet thought-provoking experience. Expect heartfelt performances and a story that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

8. Companion (January 31, 2025)

Something sinister brews in Companion, a sci-fi thriller that keeps its secrets close to the chest. Sophie Thatcher stars as a woman living with a partner who might not be entirely human. With eerie sequences and a slow-burn style, Companion explores unsettling ideas about love, control, and identity.

This thought-provoking thriller blends its psychological themes with a chilling atmosphere, making it perfect for fans of high-concept sci-fi like Ex Machina.

9. Love Me (January 31, 2025)

Love Me brings a unique twist to the sci-fi genre, telling the story of a buoy and a satellite that form an emotional bond in a post-human world. Starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun, this experimental film pushes the boundaries of storytelling with its whimsical yet poignant premise.

For moviegoers looking to explore profound themes of connection and loneliness in unexpected ways, Love Me is a must-watch.

10. Dog Man (January 31, 2025)

Closing out January on a lighthearted note, Dog Man combines laugh-out-loud comedy with family-friendly adventure. Based on the popular graphic novels, this animated film follows a police dog who gets the brain of a human police officer after an accident.

Expect clever jokes, vibrant animation, and plenty of heartfelt moments. Kids and adults alike will love watching this lovable canine hero tackle hilarious challenges while staying true to his doggy instincts.

January 2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable month for movie lovers, offering an eclectic mix of pulse-pounding action, spine-chilling horror, deeply emotional dramas, and whimsical adventures. Whether you prefer watching on the big screen or from the comfort of your couch, there’s something to look forward to every week. These ten films prove that the first month of the year can deliver unforgettable cinematic moments. Now we're just waiting on Summer 2025 releases.