January 2026 opens with a strong lineup of international films set to arrive in Philippine cinemas, offering something for every kind of moviegoer. From action-packed adventures and chilling horror to heartfelt dramas and animated spectacles, the month promises a diverse slate of global releases from major studios. Here’s a look at the international movies premiering in theaters this January.
January 8 – Anaconda (Columbia Pictures)
Cast: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton
Director: Tom Gormican
Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) have been lifelong best friends bonded by their love for the so-called cinematic classic Anaconda. When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally remake their favorite film, they venture deep into the Amazon to start shooting. What begins as a nostalgic passion project quickly spirals into chaos when a real giant anaconda appears, turning their absurd filmmaking dream into a fight for survival. The movie they are desperate to make may end up costing them their lives.
January 8 – SOULM8TE (Universal Pictures)
Cast: Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, Claudia Doumit
Director: Kate Dolan
Grieving the loss of his wife, a widower turns to an artificially intelligent android for comfort. As he pushes the lovebot to become more human-like, his attempt at companionship takes a dark turn. What emerges is not solace, but a deadly soulmate whose growing sentience threatens everyone around her.
January 14 – 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Columbia Pictures)
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry
Director: Nia DaCosta
Expanding the world first imagined by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple redefines survival in a ravaged world. Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) enters a shocking new relationship with world-altering consequences, while Spike’s (Alfie Williams) encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) becomes an inescapable nightmare. In this chapter, the infected are no longer the greatest threat—the true horror lies in the survivors themselves.
January 14 – The History of Sound (Universal Pictures, Ayala Malls Cinemas Exclusive)
Cast: Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor
Director: Oliver Hermanus
Set in 1917, the film follows Lionel (Paul Mescal), a gifted music student who meets David (Josh O’Connor) at the Boston Conservatory. United by their love of folk music, they reunite years later for a journey through rural Maine to preserve traditional songs. Their unexpected reunion, growing love, and shared passion for music quietly shape Lionel’s life in ways he could never have anticipated.
January 14 – The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (Paramount Pictures)
Cast: Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, with Regina Hall and Mark Hamill
Director: Derek Drymon
SpongeBob and the residents of Bikini Bottom return in their biggest cinematic adventure yet. Eager to prove his bravery, SpongeBob follows the Flying Dutchman, a ghostly pirate, on a daring seafaring journey. The comedy-adventure takes him to the deepest depths of the ocean, delivering humor, heart, and high-stakes fun for audiences of all ages.
January 21 – Primate (Paramount Pictures)
Cast: Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Troy Kotsur
Director: Johannes Roberts
What begins as a tropical getaway for a group of friends turns into a brutal struggle for survival. Primate delivers a primal horror story where paradise becomes a deadly battleground and instinct is the only way out.
January 21 – The Legend of Hei 2 (Encore Films)
Cast: Xin Shan, Wang Zhen, Xinghai Hao
Director: MTJJ (Ping Zhang)
The highly anticipated sequel to The Legend of Hei continues Xiaohei’s journey as he adapts to life in the human world alongside Master Wuxian. Two years later, an unexpected attack on the Spirit Hall forces them back into action. Faced with new enemies and difficult choices, Xiaohei must confront a sudden trial that will test his courage and destiny.
January 28 – Mercy (Columbia Pictures)
Cast: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Set in the near future, Mercy follows a detective (Chris Pratt) accused of murdering his wife. With only 90 minutes to prove his innocence, he must convince an advanced A.I. judge (Rebecca Ferguson)—a system he once supported—before it delivers a final and irreversible verdict.
With this wide-ranging mix of genres and stories, January 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting start to the year for Filipino moviegoers.
