All the Sci-Fi Movies and Shows You Can Stream This Week at Home or Watch in Theaters, Including ‘Mercy’

Late January 2026 promises a wide range of exciting science fiction and fantasy entertainment, from big-screen thrillers to compelling TV series. Viewers can look forward to stories about futuristic crimes, intriguing biological puzzles, and the continuation of popular science documentaries, all available in theaters and through streaming services. These new releases delve into themes like technology, the supernatural, and how science impacts our lives and the future of society, each offering a fresh and unique take on these ideas.

‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ (2025)

‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ is coming to select theaters on January 19, 2026, and picks up where the original series left off. The movie follows the zombie idol group Franchouchou as they face new supernatural problems and achieve even bigger musical successes in Saga Prefecture. It’s a funny, action-packed adventure that mixes fantasy, horror, and the unique charm of the idol genre, and fans can expect to see their favorite characters dealing with strange challenges – all while still being zombies!

‘Mercy’ (2026)

The new action-sci-fi thriller, ‘Mercy’, will be released in theaters on January 23, 2026. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the film stars Chris Pratt as a detective wrongly accused of a crime in a future with frequent use of the death penalty. The story follows his fight to clear his name while dealing with a strict and technologically advanced justice system. ‘Mercy’ is expected to be a major sci-fi release this year.

‘Return to Silent Hill’ (2026)

The psychological horror film ‘Return to Silent Hill’ will be released in theaters on January 23, 2026. Inspired by the video game ‘Silent Hill 2’, the movie follows James Sunderland’s journey to find his missing beloved in a mysterious, fog-filled town. The story delves into a warped and unsettling world, featuring creatures that represent inner demons and psychological struggles. The filmmakers hope to capture the intense and eerie atmosphere of the original game for audiences on the big screen.

‘NOVA’ (1974–)

As a total movie buff, I’ve always appreciated how ‘NOVA’ breaks down complicated science in a way everyone can understand. It’s been around for 52 seasons now on PBS, and it’s still fantastic! They use really beautiful visuals and talk to the leading experts to explain everything from what’s happening with our environment to the latest tech and discoveries about space. It’s a documentary series, so it’s all facts, but I’ve noticed so many sci-fi movies and shows clearly get their inspiration from the groundwork ‘NOVA’ lays – it’s amazing to see!

‘The Beauty’ (2026–)

I’m so excited for ‘The Beauty’ to finally premiere on FX this week! It’s based on this amazing comic book, and it’s a really gripping thriller. Basically, there’s this disease that spreads through intimacy and makes people incredibly beautiful, but there’s a deadly catch. The show follows detectives Foster and Vaughn as they try to uncover the truth behind the virus – and the secrets and power struggles surrounding it. It’s a really interesting take on how obsessed our society is with looks, and it explores all that through a really cool, sci-fi medical mystery.

‘Steal’ (2026–)

As a total cinema and TV buff, I’m really excited about ‘Steal’ which just dropped on Prime Video! It’s all about a crew of incredibly skilled people pulling off some seriously risky heists. What I love is that it’s not your typical crime show – it dives deep into the world of digital hacking and security systems that feel like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie. You follow this team as they try to bypass all these crazy electronic defenses and use really advanced surveillance tech to get the job done. It’s a great mix of classic heist thrills with a really modern, tech-focused spin.

Share which of these sci-fi and speculative releases you are most excited to watch in the comments.

2026-01-20 21:14