Honestly, January used to be where movies went to die. We called it "dump month." But it’s 2026, and the old rules are basically dead. This week is proof. If you’re looking for new movies releasing this week, you’ve actually got a massive decision to make between a gritty Netflix thriller that reunites Hollywood’s favorite duo and a zombie sequel that took way too long to get here.
The big one is The Rip.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are back together. No, they aren't hunting for Southie bars or solving math equations on chalkboards this time. They are playing Miami cops. It drops on Netflix today, January 16, and the buzz is kinda wild because it’s directed by Joe Carnahan. If you saw Boss Level or The Grey, you know he doesn't do "quiet."
The Heavy Hitters: What to Watch Right Now
Let’s get into the weeds.
The Rip (Netflix)
This is the headliner. Ben Affleck plays Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, and Matt Damon is Lieutenant Dane Dumars. They find $24 million in a derelict stash house. Naturally, things go south. It’s a "trust no one" story that feels like a throwback to those 90s crime thrillers we all miss. Teyana Taylor is also in this, and early word from critics like Matthew Singer suggests she might actually steal the show from the two leads. It's R-rated, it's 133 minutes, and it's probably going to be #1 on your Netflix dashboard by dinner time.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Theatrical)
This is the one horror fans have been screaming for. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, it picks up way after the original London outbreak. Ralph Fiennes stars as Dr. Ian Kelson. Cillian Murphy is back too, which is the only reason some people are even buying a ticket. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic landscape that looks less like a city and more like a graveyard. It’s grim. It’s visceral. It’s exactly what you want from a zombie flick that isn't just another "walking dead" clone.
Dead Man's Wire (Limited/Expansion)
If you like true crime, pay attention. Bill Skarsgård plays Tony Kiritsis. It’s based on that insane 1977 kidnapping where a guy wired a sawed-off shotgun to a mortgage executive's neck and paraded him through Indianapolis. It’s directed by Gus Van Sant, so expect it to be a bit "artsy" and uncomfortable. Al Pacino is in the cast too. Yeah, Al Pacino.
Why This Weekend is Actually Unique
Usually, by mid-January, we are all just catching up on Oscar leftovers. But the 2026 schedule is weirdly stacked. You have Charlie the Wonderdog for the kids—Owen Wilson voices a dog, you know the vibe—and then you have Night Patrol, which is a weird horror-thriller hybrid starring Justin Long and CM Punk.
Diversity.
That’s the word for the new movies releasing this week. We went from a prestige Shakespeare drama like Hamnet (Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley are incredible in this, by the way) to a Japanese adaptation called All You Need Is Kill. There is no single "theme" this week. It’s just a firehose of content.
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Breaking Down the Streaming vs. Theater Choice
Look, going to the theater is expensive. Avatar: Fire and Ash is still eating up IMAX screens, and Zootopia 2 is holding onto the family crowd. If you want the "big screen" experience, 28 Years Later is the only real choice for a new release. The sound design in the "Bone Temple" sequences is meant to be felt in your chest.
But for most people? It’s a Netflix weekend.
The Rip is a massive get for streaming. It feels like a movie that should have been a summer blockbuster. The fact that you can watch Damon and Affleck trade barbs from your couch for the price of a subscription is a win. Also, if you’re into international cinema, A Private Life (Vie Privée) starring Jodie Foster is a French mystery-thriller that just hit limited screens and digital. It’s about a psychiatrist investigating a patient’s death. It’s smart, slow, and very Jodie Foster.
Hidden Gems You’ll Probably Miss
Everyone talks about the big names, but a few smaller titles are slipping through the cracks today:
- Killer Whale: It’s a VOD release. Two friends vs. an orca named Ceto. It’s basically Jaws but with a much smarter predator.
- A Useful Ghost: A Thai comedy-horror about a man whose dead wife’s spirit helps him with household chores. It’s way more emotional than the premise sounds.
- Seeds: A documentary that was Oscar-shortlisted. It’s playing at Film Forum in NYC but keep an eye out for a wider digital drop soon.
What You Should Actually Do
Don't get overwhelmed by the "New" tab.
If you want to feel something heavy, go see Hamnet. Paul Mescal is doing that "sad man" thing he does better than anyone else. If you want to shut your brain off and watch things explode, The Rip is your best bet. And if you’re feeling brave, 28 Years Later is the best horror film we've had in months.
Check your local listings for Dead Man's Wire if you’re in a major city—it's the kind of performance from Bill Skarsgård that people will be talking about during awards season next year.
Your Weekend Action Plan:
- Friday Night: Order pizza and stream The Rip on Netflix. It’s the easiest way to start the weekend.
- Saturday Afternoon: Catch a matinee of 28 Years Later. The visuals are too good for a small screen.
- Sunday: If you’re still in a movie mood, look for A Useful Ghost or Killer Whale on digital for a weird double feature.
The "January Slump" is officially over. 2026 is starting with a bang, or at least with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon yelling at each other in a Miami humidity. Enjoy it.
Next Steps for Your Movie Marathon:
- Check your local theater's showtimes for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple to see if any IMAX slots are still open.
- Add The Rip to your Netflix "My List" right now so you don't have to hunt for it when you're ready to watch.
- Verify which VOD platforms (Prime, Apple TV, or YouTube) have Killer Whale available in your region for a cheap rental option.