Every week brings a fresh lineup of cinematic offerings, from blockbuster theatrical releases to streaming favorites, inviting film lovers to explore new stories and genres. As we step into 2026, audiences are treated to an eclectic mix of intense thrillers, innovative horror, heartfelt biopics, and offbeat comedies—offering something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to the cinema, browsing through on-demand titles, or scrolling through your favorite streaming service, there’s no shortage of compelling films to catch up on. Here’s a detailed guide to what’s new in theaters, what’s available to rent or buy, and the hidden gems streaming across various platforms, all curated to help you decide your next viewing adventure.
In Theaters This Weekend
My Top Pick: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
If you thought the first 28 Years Later divided critics and audiences alike, prepare for an even more unpredictable ride with The Bone Temple. Directed by Nia DaCosta, this sequel continues the saga of a long-dead zombie IP, yet it boldly diverges from straightforward horror to deliver a blend of dark humor, surreal imagery, and philosophical musings. As part of a planned trilogy, it pushes the boundaries of conventional zombie storytelling, leaving viewers with a sense of disorientation and fascination.
The film’s plot centers around Ralph Fiennes’s character, Dr. Kelson, a scientist whose life takes a dramatic turn through an unexpected relationship that threatens to reshape global perceptions. Meanwhile, we meet Alfie Williams’s Spike, whose encounter with Jack O’Connell’s Jimmy Crystal spirals into a nightmare. Jimmy, newly grown into a twisted cult leader, contrasts sharply with Dr. Kelson, an ardent scientist convinced he can reverse the virus’s effects. This interplay between conflicting ideologies and moral ambiguities forms the core of the film’s compelling narrative.
What makes this film stand out? It’s the combination of its wild tonal shifts—oscillating from hilarious moments to graphic violence—that keeps audiences on the edge. The film features some of the most disturbing yet surreal scenes in recent cinema, with human sacrifices, zombie head-rippings, and absurd dance sequences with naked zombies while New Wave vinyl spins in the background. Yet, amidst the chaos, DaCosta’s direction and Alex Garland’s razor-sharp screenplay maintain a coherent and thematically rich story that explores trauma, identity, and the nature of humanity.
Ralph Fiennes excels here, offering one of his most intense performances, beautifully balancing scientific skepticism and emotional vulnerability. The film’s standout scene—a hilarious yet bizarre musical interlude—prompted a thunderous applause from the opening-night crowd, cementing its status as a wild, crowd-pleasing experience. Critics have lauded its audacity; the Los Angeles Times’ Amy Nicholson describes it as “gruesomely both low and highbrow,” while AV Club’s Jesse Hassenger praises how DaCosta masterfully extracts dark humor from a series that could have easily devolved into chaos.
Additional Highlights in Theaters
- Dead Man’s Wire: Gus Van Sant’s latest marks his return to feature films after 2018. Inspired by true events, it vividly captures the tension of a 1970s hostage crisis, vividly recreating the period through grainy footage and authentic production design. Bill Skarsgård delivers a compelling, anxious performance as Tony Kiritsis, a man who, in 1977, held a mortgage company executive hostage with a sawed-off shotgun wired to his neck. The film examines themes of corporate greed and societal obsession with media heroism, set against a gritty back-drop reminiscent of Sidney Lumet’s thrillers. Critics have praised its meticulous craft and nostalgic yet timely storytelling.
- Twinless: An emotionally powerful drama about two men (played by Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney), who bond over grief after losing their respective twins. As the story unfolds, it takes a dark turn, exploring issues of identity, loss, and revenge. O’Brien’s dual role showcases his range and depth as an actor, making it one of the year’s most riveting performances.
- Bone Lake: A horror-comedy where a romantic getaway at a secluded lake house turns sinister. The couple must share space with an attractive and enigmatic pair, leading to tense confrontations and question marks about trust and authenticity. It’s a light, entertaining diversion with some campy acting but a memorable poster that captures the film’s provocative tone.
- The Running Man: A reimagining of Stephen King’s 1982 novel, this adaptation stars Glen Powell in a gritty, modern take. It borrows thematic elements from John Carpenter’s The Thing and Assault on Precinct 13, with police corruption, suspicion, and survival at its core. Initially promising, critics found it somewhat tepid, citing a failure to fully engage with the source material’s social commentary.
Newly Available for Rent or Purchase
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My Recommended Pick: Song Sung Blue
This isn’t your typical Neil Diamond biopic. Instead, Song Sung Blue is a heartfelt, quirky narrative inspired by a true story that’s previously been explored in a documentary of the same name. It’s about two performers—played convincingly by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman—who, facing life’s setbacks, come together to form a Neil Diamond tribute band. Their journey echoes a universal message: it’s never too late to chase your dreams and find joy in unexpected places.
The film vividly captures the spirit of working-class musicians, with enthusiastic performances of Diamond’s iconic hits. Hudson’s portrayal is especially praised, earning her accolades this awards season. Jackman, fresh from a Broadway run, delivers a performance that feels stagey yet sincere, adding to the film’s charm. While tonal shifts can be chaotic—oscillating between comedy and poignancy—the movie ultimately celebrates resilience and the power of music to unite and heal.
Critics’ thoughts: The response has been mixed, with some describing it as “hitting all the wrong notes” (AP’s Mark Kennedy), while others praise Hudson’s compelling performance (Variety’s Owen Gleiberman). It’s available now to rent or buy across major platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video.
Additional Options to Consider
- Rental Family: Brendan Fraser stars in this gentle, emotionally resonant tale about an actor working as a stand-in for strangers in Japan. Mixed reviews acknowledge its sentimental tone, but Fraser’s performance is widely appreciated. It’s now accessible for rent or purchase on most VOD services.
Streaming Spotlight: Films Available on Platforms You Already Use
My Top Streaming Pick: The Rip
Starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, The Rip is a gritty, character-driven cop thriller available on Netflix. Loosely based on a true story, it features a team of Miami police officers uncovering millions in cash, leading to suspicion, deception, and moral ambiguity.
The plot mimics the tense atmosphere of classic ’70s crime dramas, echoing filmmakers like John Carpenter. Its narrative, enriched by sharp dialogue and a tense score, explores themes of trust, corruption, and survival in a corrupt system. Critics have called it a “smart entry into the overused cop genre,” with praise for the chemistry between the leads and its modern twist on familiar tropes. It’s now streaming on Netflix, making it easily accessible for viewers looking for a high-octane, morally complex thriller.
Other Noteworthy Streaming Titles
- Black Phone 2: A supernatural horror sequel that takes a darker turn, with Gwen, now 15, haunted by visions and calls from a mysterious black phone. As her brother Finn helps investigate, they encounter a more powerful Grabber in death. The film capitalizes on its eerie atmosphere, though it falls short of the original’s storytelling impact. Currently streaming on Peacock.
- Twinless: A touching yet dark tale about two men who lose their twins and form an unexpected connection. Its twist turns an emotional support story into a haunting exploration of grief and identity. Available now on Hulu.
- Bone Lake: A horror-comedy about a couples’ retreat that spirals into chaos. The film combines relationship paranoia with horror tropes, with a provocative poster that has garnered attention. Streaming on Netflix.
- The Running Man: A fresh adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, starring Glen Powell. While it offers a modern take, critics have found it somewhat uninspired, failing to explore its social implications fully. Available on Paramount+ and MGM+.
That wraps up this week’s roundup of new releases, streaming options, and hidden gems. As always, the best way to enjoy the cinematic landscape is to stay curious and keep exploring new stories. Be sure to check back next week for more reviews and recommendations to guide your next movie night. Remember, whether in theaters, on-demand, or streaming, there’s always a story waiting to be discovered.
