15 movies that should be on your January 2025 watchlist

2025 is here. And with the beginning of a new year, there are also new movies that come knocking. The past year has been an eventful year for cinema and this year also promises to start on a high note. There are many films from various genres that will be gracing the screens in January. From Cameron Diaz’s return to twisted retellings of children’s cartoon characters, here is a list of 15 movies that one must watch in January 2025:

1. Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare

A horror retelling of J.M. Barrie’s, Peter Pan, Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, is a British independent horror film, set to release on January 13, 2025. Directed by Scott Jeffrey and starring Martin Portlock and Megan Placito, the creepy movie revolves around Wendy (Placito), who undertakes an adventure to rescue her brother after Peter Pan (Portlock) and Tinker Bell abduct him. Watch this one to experience everyone’s beloved Peter Pan in a horrific new avatar.

2. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Directed by Christian Gudegast, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is an action crime drama that stars Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. The movie is a sequel to the 2018 Den of Thieves. Sheriff O’Brien (Butler) begins to chase down Donnie (Jackson), who is now in Europe and wants to rob the world’s biggest diamond exchange. The movie will be released on January 10, 2025, and promises to be a high-octave action movie.

3. Wolf Man

Released on January 17, 2025, Wolf Man is a horror movie directed by Leigh Whannell. Starring Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott, and others, the movie is a reboot of the 1941 movie of the same name. The plot revolves around Blake (Abbott), who moves to his childhood home in Oregon with his family after his father disappears mysteriously. When Blake is attacked by a werewolf at night, he begins to transform into a dangerous attacker. A scary must-watch.

4. Presence

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, and Chris Sullivan, Presence, is a horror movie that will release on January 24, 2025. The movie is about a family that moves into a new home and soon encounters a deadly and otherworldly presence. The Soderbergh directorial has a stellar star cast and promises unsettling horror, making it a highly anticipated and a must-watch for horror buffs.

5. Flight Risk

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and others, Flight Risk is an action thriller directed by Mel Gibson. Slated to release on January 24, 2025, the movie is about a US Marshal who is accompanying a government witness. But when the pilot who is taking them to trial turns out to be a hitman, the agent and witness must fly and keep themselves safe from the impending danger.

6. Dog Man

Directed by Peter Hastings, Dog Man, is an animated superhero comedy movie that is based on the graphic novel by Dav Pilkey. The movie features the voices of Pete Davidson, Ricky Gervais, and others. As a spin-off of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, the film is about the creation of a hybrid Dog Man after a police officer and his dog get fused during an operation. The movie promises loads of laughter and will be released on January 31, 2025.

7. One of Them Days

Starring Keke Palmer, SZA, Katt Williams, and others, One of Them Days is a comedy movie directed by Lawrence Lamont and will be released on January 17, 2025. The movie has a hilarious plot that revolves around two roommates and friends, Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who get into trouble when Alyssa’s boyfriend blows their rent money. Both find themselves going through a rollercoaster ride to make sure they avoid eviction and keep their friendship strong.

8. Back in Action

Directed by Seth Gordon and starring Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, and Glenn Close, Back in Action, is an action comedy that will release on Netflix on January 17, 2025. The movie is about two former CIA spies, Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx), who have to come back to their jobs after their secret identities are leaked. This movie is a must-watch for Diaz fans.

9. Valiant One

Directed by Steve Barnett and starring Chase Stokes, Lana Condor, and others, Valiant One, is an action thriller releasing on January 31, 2025. A US helicopter crash lands in North Korea, amidst escalating tensions between the North and South Korean sides. The survivors must now band together and get out safely before they unknowingly start a war. The movie promises to be a tense flick and is perfect for those who want a film with action and intrigue.

10. Companion

Another movie that releases on January 31 2025 is Companion, a romantic psychological thriller. Directed by Drew Hancock and starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Rupert Friend, and others, the movie is about the twisted relationship between Josh (Quaid) and Iris (Thatcher), where Josh forcefully keeps Iris close to him and forces her to perform dangerous tasks. The movie is a cunning take on love and psychology and is a must-watch.

11. Screamboat

Directed by Steven LaMorte and starring David Howard Thornton, Jesse Kove, and others, Screamboat is a slasher movie that reimagines the 1928 short film, Steamboat Willie. Releasing on January 24, 2025, the movie is described as taking place during a late-night ferry ride in New York, where a mischievous and murderous mouse attacks passengers. The movie is a twisted take on children’s beloved cartoon characters and that makes it an interesting watch.

12. September 5

A historical drama that revolves around the Munich massacre, September 5, tells audiences how the event played out through the perspective of a group of ABC Sports crew and how they covered the incident. The movie is directed by Tim Fehlbaum and stars Peter Sarsgaard, Ben Chaplin, John Magaro, and others. Watch this one for its tense blending of sport, terrorism, and journalism. The movie releases nationwide on January 17, 2025.

13. Between Borders

Starring Elizabeth Mitchell, Ana Ularu, and others, Between Borders, is a biographical drama directed by Mark Freiburger. The movie releases on January 26, 2025, and tells the true story of an Armenian family that has to move out of their home during the collapse of the Soviet Union. They must now go on a journey to find a community that they can call their own. This somber movie is a must-watch.

14. Both Eyes Open

Directed by Ariel Julia Hairston and starring Gail Bean, Taye Diggs, and others, Both Eyes Open, is a thriller movie releasing on January 17, 2025, in select theatres. The movie is about Ally, who is in an abusive relationship and finally escapes it. But she soon begins to hallucinate about her abuser and receives cryptic messages that suggest her abuser is stalking her. As Ally receives more threatening messages, she must fight for her safety.

15. Green and Gold

Starring Craig T. Nelson, Brandon Sklenar, and others, Green and Gold, is a drama that is directed by Anders Lindwall. The movie will have a limited release on January 31, 2025, the movie is about a debt-ridden farmer who is forced to wage everything on a risky Championship bet. While his granddaughter is a gifted musician who becomes friends with a famous musician and could turn around the family’s fate. The movie is a wholesome tale about family, love, and sacrifice.