Here Are the Top 15 Most-Popular Movies on IMDb This Week, with the Damon-Affleck Action Thriller on Top

Right now, movies are a mix of big sequels everyone’s waiting for, adaptations of popular books with famous actors, and completely new, creative stories. People are really excited about upcoming films that either reimagine well-known series or break new ground with original ideas. We’re seeing a wide variety of films, from intense thrillers set in the future to moving stories based on the past, all from talented directors. These are the movies everyone is talking about and searching for, and they’re likely to define what we watch for years to come.

‘Bugonia’ (2025)

Okay, so I just saw this new film starring Emma Stone, and it’s… something else. It’s directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and if you’re familiar with his work, you know to expect the unexpected. This one’s a sci-fi comedy about a couple of conspiracy theorists who think a powerful CEO is actually an alien bent on destroying the world, so naturally, they kidnap her. It’s a really wild ride, and honestly, it reminded me a bit of a South Korean film called ‘Save the Green Planet!’. It’s got this incredibly dark sense of humor, but it’s also cleverly poking fun at society and how easily we fall into paranoia and distrust. Stone is fantastic, as always, and she’s joined by Jesse Plemons – it’s clearly a team they enjoy working with. It’s a very stylized film, and definitely ambitious – a unique viewing experience, to say the least.

‘The Running Man’ (2025)

Edgar Wright’s new film, based on the Stephen King novel, stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards. The story takes place in a dark future where a dangerous game show forces a man to evade professional killers for a chance to win money. With a strong cast including Michael Cera, Josh Brolin, and Lee Pace, this fast-paced thriller is grittier and more faithful to the original book than the 1987 film. It also offers a critical look at our society’s fascination with violent shows and the problem of inequality.

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

Detective Benoit Blanc is back for another thrilling mystery, the third film in the popular series directed by Rian Johnson. Daniel Craig stars alongside a large and talented cast, including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, and Andrew Scott. The movie centers on Blanc as he unravels a complicated murder case with a group of wealthy and suspicious individuals. Like previous films, this installment cleverly twists traditional mystery conventions and offers insightful commentary on society. It will be released on a major streaming platform, making its intricate story available to viewers worldwide.

‘Rental Family’ (2025)

Brendan Fraser plays a down-on-his-luck actor in Tokyo who discovers a new career path with a unique agency: they rent out people to be temporary family members. He takes on different roles, stepping in as a stand-in for relatives that people are missing or have lost touch with. The film looks at this interesting Japanese practice of professional companions and explores feelings of loneliness and the need for connection. Director Hikari skillfully mixes drama and subtle humor to show the emotional toll these performances take. The film also features strong performances from Akira Emoto and Takehiro Hira, enriching this story focused on its characters.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

I’m really excited about this new movie! Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are teaming up again, and they always deliver something special. It’s a spooky thriller set way back in the 1930s, during the Jim Crow era in the South. The story centers on twin brothers who go back to their family home and stumble into something seriously creepy. It’s got this really unsettling, Southern Gothic vibe, mixing in old folklore to build the tension. Delroy Lindo and Hailee Steinfeld are also in it, which is awesome, and they help make the whole story feel really rooted in that time period. It seems like it’s going to explore how the past can haunt you, all wrapped up in a thrilling horror story.

’28 Years Later’ (2025)

Director Danny Boyle revisits the world of his hit survival thriller with this long-awaited sequel. Set almost thirty years after the original outbreak, the film shows how people have tried to rebuild their lives in the UK. Cillian Murphy returns as Jim, and he’s joined by Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. This movie kicks off a planned trilogy that will delve deeper into the story’s universe, focusing on the ongoing fight for survival in a dangerous and unstable world.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

James Cameron continues the story of ‘Avatar’ with his third film, diving back into the world of Pandora. This installment introduces a new Na’vi clan, the “Ash People,” who offer a different, more aggressive side to the planet’s native inhabitants. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña reprise their roles as Jake Sully and Neytiri, now focused on protecting their family amidst escalating conflicts. The film uses groundbreaking technology to bring to life stunning new environments, including volcanoes and underwater landscapes. Ultimately, the movie expands on the rich culture of the Na’vi and intensifies the fight for Pandora’s survival.

‘Hamnet’ (2025)

This film, inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, tells a story about Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. Jessie Buckley plays Agnes as she deals with the heartbreaking death of her son, Hamnet, from the plague. Paul Mescal is Shakespeare, and the movie shows how he copes with his sorrow by pouring it into his writing. The film looks at the personal struggles and relationships behind Shakespeare’s famous plays, offering a moving portrayal of a mother’s love and the strength people find in difficult times during the Elizabethan period.

‘The Bride!’ (2026)

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s new film offers a fresh take on the ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ story, placing it in 1930s Chicago. Christian Bale plays the monster who seeks a scientist’s help to build him a companion. Jessie Buckley stars as the reanimated woman, who quickly finds her own voice and sense of self. The movie combines classic gothic horror with the look and feel of the era, updating the famous story for modern audiences. At its heart, it’s about the protagonist’s struggle to understand who she is in a world that fears her simply for existing.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

This biographical drama stars Timothée Chalamet as Marty Reisman, a professional ping-pong player. Directed by Josh Safdie, the film offers a look into the highly competitive and unique world of table tennis in the mid-1900s. With a cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, and Tyler the Creator, the movie delves into the dedication and drive of a champion athlete and his experiences with fame in a small, dedicated sport. The filmmakers use a distinctive visual style to capture the energy and character of the real-life Reisman.

‘People We Meet on Vacation’ (2026)

Starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, this movie is based on the popular romance novel by Emily Henry. It tells the story of two best friends who are very different from each other and have taken a yearly vacation together for ten years. After a disagreement led to two years of no contact, they decide to take one last trip to finally deal with their past and what they feel for each other. The film showcases beautiful locations while exploring how their friendship changes and whether it can become something more.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this sweeping historical drama from director Paul Thomas Anderson, unfolding against a rich and complicated historical setting. The story centers on a character facing both personal and career obstacles as the world around them transforms. Newcomer Chase Infiniti appears alongside established stars Regina Hall and Sean Penn. The film is notable for its impressive visuals and careful recreation of the period, making it a major cinematic experience that blends compelling characters with a grand scale.

‘The Housemaid’ (2025)

Okay, so I just heard about this new thriller, and it sounds really good! It stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which is already a win, and it’s directed by Paul Feig. It’s based on a popular book, and the plot is about a woman trying to get her life back on track who takes a job as a live-in helper for a rich family. But things quickly get twisted – she gets pulled into all their secrets and some seriously messed-up mind games. From what I’ve gathered, it’s super atmospheric and tense, really digging into themes like class differences, jealousy, and how appearances can be deceiving. Apparently, it’s a slow burn where you realize this new job could actually be incredibly dangerous… I’m definitely adding this to my watch list!

’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ (2026)

Directed by Nia DaCosta, this movie is the second chapter in a new trilogy picking up where ’28 Years Later’ left off. It follows Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Erin Kellyman as they continue to fight for survival in a world ravaged by the Rage Virus. The story delves into how the world has changed, with new groups vying for power, and ramps up both the scares and the action. It also examines the difficult choices people make when trying to survive and expands on the broader, lasting effects of a worldwide disaster.

‘The Rip’ (2026)

In this thrilling crime story, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon team up again, this time in a film directed by Joe Carnahan. The movie follows a group of highly trained professionals who find themselves hunted after a secret operation is sabotaged by someone within their ranks. Featuring a strong cast including Scott Adkins, Teyana Taylor, and Steven Yeun, the film delivers intense action with a focus on believable tactics and the complicated relationships within the world of professional crime. It’s a compelling and gritty drama that showcases the long-standing creative partnership between Affleck and Damon.

Tell us which of these upcoming releases you are most excited to see in the comments.

2026-01-25 16:15