New Sci-Fi Movies and Shows To Watch This Week at Home or in Theaters, Including ‘NOVA’
The upcoming week of January 19, 2026, brings a diverse selection of science fiction and speculative content to theaters and streaming platforms. From high-tech thrillers and psychological horror to scientific documentaries and medical conspiracies, the lineup offers something for various sub-genre enthusiasts. Theatrical releases provide large-scale action and supernatural mysteries, while television offerings delve into analytical drama and digital heists. These titles explore the boundaries of technology, biology, and the human condition.
‘Mercy’ (2026)
‘Mercy’ is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on January 23, 2026, starring Chris Pratt as a detective in the near future. The story follows a law enforcement officer who finds himself accused of a violent crime and must navigate a high-tech judicial system to prove his innocence. This sci-fi action thriller explores themes of justice and redemption within a society increasingly reliant on surveillance and digital evidence. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the narrative integrates high-stakes drama with speculative technology and futuristic law enforcement concepts.
‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ (2025)
‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise’ arrives in limited theatrical release on January 19, 2026, continuing the unique blend of idol music and supernatural horror. The plot centers on a group of girls resurrected as zombies who must perform as a musical group to save the Saga Prefecture from obscurity. This film incorporates speculative biological elements and fantastical world-building typical of the genre’s more experimental entries. It serves as a major cinematic expansion of the franchise, mixing comedy with the speculative science of reanimation.
‘Return to Silent Hill’ (2026)
‘Return to Silent Hill’ debuts in theaters on January 23, 2026, marking a new cinematic entry for the renowned psychological horror franchise. The story follows a man who returns to a mysterious town in search of his lost love, only to encounter terrifying creatures and a distorted reality. While primarily a horror mystery, the film utilizes supernatural aspects and alternative dimensions that align closely with speculative fiction themes. This adaptation aims to translate the atmosphere and lore of the original video game source material to the big screen for a global audience.
‘NOVA’ (1974)
‘NOVA’ returns to PBS this week with its fifty-second season, continuing its long-standing tradition as a cornerstone of science broadcasting. The documentary series investigates various breakthroughs in technology, physics, and biological sciences to explain complex concepts to the public. Each episode provides an in-depth look at how scientific discovery impacts the modern world and shapes future possibilities for humanity. Though not a work of fiction, its focus on empirical science provides the foundational concepts and theories often explored within the sci-fi genre.
‘The Beauty’ (2026)
‘The Beauty’ premieres its first season on FX, adapting the narrative from the acclaimed graphic novel series. The story centers on a mysterious, sexually transmitted disease that makes those infected physically beautiful but carries a hidden, lethal cost. As two detectives investigate the biological phenomenon, they uncover a massive conspiracy involving corporate and political interests. The show merges medical speculation with the thriller genre to examine societal obsession with aesthetics and the consequences of biological engineering.
‘Steal’ (2026)
‘Steal’ launches its inaugural season on Prime Video, focusing on a group of specialists executing high-stakes heists against modern security infrastructures. The series incorporates advanced security systems and digital exploits to navigate complex architectural and technological barriers. By showcasing cutting-edge surveillance and futuristic infiltration methods, the show occupies a tech-adjacent space within the thriller category. Viewers can expect a narrative driven by technical precision, digital forensics, and the use of advanced hacking tools.
Share which of these upcoming sci-fi and speculative releases you are most excited to watch in the comments.
