Week two of January is where the movie slate really starts to heat up. Between theatrical releases, limited runs, and digital premieres, this week delivers a wide range of genres — from romance and disaster thrillers to psychological horror and indie dramas.
🎬 New Movie Releases This Week
January 9
- People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix)
- Greenland 2: Migration (Theaters)
- Primate (Theaters)
- Starbright (Limited Theaters)
- I Was a Stranger (Limited Theaters)
- Dead Man’s Wire (Limited Theaters)
- Oscar Shaw (VOD / Digital)
- Is This Thing On? (Expanded Release)
- Relentless (VOD)
- Sleepwalker (VOD / Digital)
- My Neighbor Adolf (NY only)
- Magellan (NY & LA)
- Rosemead (Expanded Release)
- The Chronology of Water (Expanded Release)
- All That’s Left of You (Limited Theaters)
- OBEX (Limited Theaters)
- Young Mothers (Limited Theaters)
January 13
- The Internship (VOD / Digital)
🌟 The Movies I’m Most Excited About
This week has several standout picks for me.
People We Meet on Vacation immediately grabbed my attention. It’s a romantic comedy about two childhood best friends who make a deal to meet somewhere in the world once a year, navigating relationships and life until they begin to see each other as more than friends. I’m not usually a huge romance-movie person, but this one genuinely pulled at my heartstrings — I already want them to end up together.
Greenland 2: Migration is another must-watch. If you’ve seen the first Greenland, this sequel feels like a natural continuation. The Garrity family returns, and from the previews alone, the stakes look even higher. Same action and adventure — just more danger, more pressure, and more emotional weight.
Dead Man’s Wire is one I’m really hoping plays near me. Even with a limited theatrical release, I’m determined to catch this one. Knowing it’s based on a true story immediately hooked me, and honestly? I was already upset watching the trailer. The emotional tension alone makes this feel like a must-see.
And surprisingly, the movie I’m most excited about this week is Primate. The moment I saw it was a thriller, I was locked in. But once the preview revealed that Ben is no longer “man’s best friend”? Baby. A family rescue pet turning into something far more sinister? I’m seated.
👀 The Ones I’m Curious About
Oscar Shaw, I Was a Stranger, Starbright, and Sleepwalker all landed in my curiosity category.
Oscar Shaw caught my attention because of its cast — Tyrese Gibson and Michael Jai White are names I recognize, and I’m especially interested to see Michael Jai White in a role outside what I usually expect from him.
I Was a Stranger looks emotionally heavy, in the best way. From the preview alone, it feels like one of those films that might quietly wreck me — and I mean that as a compliment.
Starbright left me with so many questions. The trailer felt like Disney princess energy mixed with crime drama, and while I’m still confused, I’m definitely intrigued enough to want answers.
Sleepwalker is another one I’m watching closely. A psychological thriller starring Hayden Panettiere? Say less. That alone puts it on my radar.
⏸️ The Ones I’m Skipping (For Now)
A few films are being skipped simply due to location limitations, including Magellan and My Neighbor Adolf, which are only playing in select cities. Once they receive expanded releases, I’ll absolutely circle back.
I’m also holding off (for now) on The Chronology of Water and OBEX. Don’t get me wrong — both previews intrigued me. The Chronology of Water especially felt overwhelming at first, with so many moving parts, but after researching the story further, I think it could end up being one that really surprises me later this month.
As for OBEX, I understood the concept from the trailer and found it interesting, but with its limited release, it’s more of a “watch later” situation unless it expands or becomes available digitally.
▶️ What I’ll Be Watching First
Surprisingly, Primate is my top pick for what I’ll be watching first.
The mix of thriller elements, devastation, betrayal, and emotional fallout — all tied to a family pet — feels intense in the best way. If you’ve seen the trailer, you already understand why this one shot straight to the top of my list.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Week two delivers what week one couldn’t — volume and variety. There’s truly something for everyone this week, from romance and disaster films to indie dramas and psychological thrillers. Compared to the lighter first week of January, this lineup feels like the real kickoff for 2026 movies.
And I’m excited to see how it all plays out.
The Rooted Lens 
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