5 Films In UK Cinemas In the Last Week of January 2026

There is a particular atmosphere that permeates the British cinema landscape during the final week of January. The festive decorations have long since been relegated to the loft, the initial burst of New Year optimism has often been replaced by the biting reality of a UK winter, and we find ourselves in that fascinating crossroads of the cinematic calendar.

It is a period where the prestige of the awards season begins to collide with the bold, experimental, and sometimes wonderfully strange offerings of the new year. As we look toward the week commencing 26 January 2026, the schedule is looking remarkably robust, offering a slate that promises to challenge, entertain, and perhaps even provoke a few heated debates in the foyer.

At UK Film Review, we are always looking for those titles that demand to be seen on the largest screen possible, and this upcoming week is no exception. From Shakespearean reimaginings to political biopics and high-concept thrillers, the diversity on display is a testament to the health of the industry. I have been poring over the release schedules, and while I haven’t yet had the pleasure of sitting in the dark with these specific titles (no invites for this guy), the anticipation is palpable. Here are the five films I am most looking forward to as we close out the month.

UK Release Date: January 26th, 2026

It feels almost reductive to call any version of Hamlet “just another adaptation.” Shakespeare’s “The Dane” is the mountain every great actor eventually wants to climb, but the buzz surrounding this 2026 iteration is particularly loud. What has me incredibly excited is the prospect of seeing #RizAhmed tackle the role. Ahmed is an actor of such immense, twitchy energy and profound intellectual depth that he feels tailor-made for the Prince of Denmark.

This production, directed by Aneil Karia, reportedly moves away from the stuffy, period-accurate stagings of old and instead leans into a contemporary, urban setting. The idea of Hamlet as a modern psychological thriller, set against the backdrop of a restless, claustrophobic London, is a masterstroke. We have seen many versions of this story, but the combination of Ahmed’s intensity and Karia’s visceral #filmmaking style suggests something that will feel vital and immediate. It isn’t just about the “To be or not to be” monologue; it’s about how that existential dread translates to the 21st century. I suspect this will be the version that a whole new generation of filmgoers points to as their definitive Hamlet.

UK Release Date: January 30th, 2026

Biopics of living political figures are always a bit of a tightrope walk. They run the risk of being either too flattering or too dismissive, but Melania looks set to be one of the most talked-about films of the year regardless of where it lands. Shifting the focus away from the chaotic centre of the American political storm and onto the enigmatic figure of Melania Trump is a fascinating narrative choice.

The film promises to trace her journey from her origins in Slovenia to the heights of the fashion world and eventually the White House. What intrigues me most is the tone. Will it be a sharp, satirical look at the “American Dream” gone strange, or a more sombre, internal character study of a woman who remains largely a mystery to the public despite being one of the most photographed people on the planet? In an era of extreme political polarisation, a film like Melania is a lightning rod. I am fascinated to see how British audiences react to this story, and whether it can strip away the headlines to find the human being underneath the iconography.

UK Release Date: January 28th, 2026

If you are looking for something that leans into the darker, more unsettling corners of the genre, Primate may be the one to watch. In her review, Hope Madden said:

The film follows Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) home from college. She’s summering with family—dad (Troy Kotsur, CODA), little sister (Gia Hunter), and Ben, the family’s beloved chimpanzee, in their incredibly impressive compound on the side of a cliff in Hawaii.

Like any monster movie worth its chlorine, Primate is a survival tale. Quickly, the partiers assess the danger and jump into the pool because chimps can’t swim. Did you know that? I didn’t know it. Is it even true?

UK Release Date: January 30th, 2026

One cannot discuss the final week of January without mentioning Shelter. This film has been on my radar for months, largely due to its intriguing premise and the pedigree of the talent involved. A recluse on a remote Scottish island rescues a girl from the sea, unleashing a perilous sequence of events that culminate in an attack on his home, compelling him to face his turbulent history.

UK Release Date: January 26th, 2026

Finally, we have Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper. As their marriage unravels, Alex faces middle age and divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene. Meanwhile, his wife Tess confronts sacrifices made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and identities.

As we move toward the end of the month, the sheer range of storytelling on offer in UK cinemas is breathtaking. We have the weight of classical literature in Hamlet, the contemporary intrigue of Melania, the visceral thrills of Primate and Shelter, and the soulful, creative exploration of Is This Thing On?.

It is easy to get caught up in the digital world, but there is no substitute for the experience of the cinema—the hushed silence before the film starts, the shared gasps of a crowd, and the long walk to the car or the bus station afterwards, processing what you have just seen. These five films represent why we do what we do at UK Film Review. They represent the diversity of thought and the bravery of filmmakers who are still willing to take risks. I don’t know yet which of these will be “film of the month” on the next UK Film Club Podcast, but I do know that the last week of January is going to be a very busy, very rewarding time to be a film lover in the UK.