2026 is off to a flying start with numerous new films arriving in cinemas, and this week is no different, with another selection of great films being released.
Iron Lung is a video game adaptation from popular YouTuber Markiplier, who wrote, directed, and stars in this tense sci-fi horror.
Is This Thing On is a comedy-drama starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, which is loosely based on John Bishop’s transition into becoming a comedian following his divorce.
Primate is an animal horror about a loving chimpanzee who becomes rabid and turns on the family who took him in.
Jason Statham stars in Shelter, an action film about a recluse on a Scottish island who gets wrapped up in a massive conflict that ends up on his doorstep.
Kangaroo is a quirky comedy based on a true story about a disgraced TV presenter who forms an unlikely friendship with a young indigenous girl and begins a huge operation to rescue and care for orphaned baby kangaroos.
Send Help is a highly anticipated new horror thriller directed by Sam Raimi. The film follows an obnoxious boss (Dylan O’Brien) and his overworked and underappreciated employee (Rachel McAdams) as tragedy strikes, and they end up trapped on an island together, and the power dynamics start to shift.
Following on from the new additions, this is all of the unique listings playing between Friday, the 30th of January, and Thursday, the 5th of February.
Stick Man + The Gruffalo’s Child
Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Julia Donaldson’s stories are always a hit among young children, and with that in mind, The Arc has added a special double-bill showing of two of the best stories throughout the coming week.
Sentimental Value
All Week
Sentimental Value is a dramatic tragedy story about two sisters who reunite with their estranged father. The film is up for multiple awards at the Oscars, and as such, The Flower Bowl has seen fit to bring it back for the week.
Melania
All Week
Most of the cinemas in Preston have decided to steer clear of Melania Trump’s new documentary film, but Odeon will be playing it throughout the week for any curious cinema enthusiasts. The film explores the 20 days prior to Trump being re-elected in 2024, from the perspective of his wife, Melania.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Vue will continue to mark the LOTR anniversary with the final entry in the original trilogy also playing from Friday.
Room on the Broom + The Highway Rat
All Week
Vue is also hosting a double bill of Julia Donaldson stories, but if Stick Man and The Gruffalo’s Child are not to your toddlers’ liking, Vue has an entirely different selection.
Speed
Saturday, Sunday
The Arc continues to mark the New Year with its ongoing 90s Film Festival, this week highlighting Speed starring Keanu Reeves.
Pets on a Train
Saturday, Sunday
This French animated adventure film follows a group of animals trapped on a high-speed train. With everyone in imminent danger, it’s up to a raccoon named Falcon to save the day.
A Tooth Fairy Tale
Saturday, Sunday
A Tooth Fairy Tale returns to the Odeon as part of their Kid’s Club this week. An animated fantasy film about a Tooth Fairy, a troll, and a goblin who must unite their abilities to face a threat that could destroy their magical worlds.
Stitch Head
Saturday, Sunday
Stitch Head is another new release, but it appears to have an extremely limited release window. A kids’ animated film akin to the Hotel Transylvania films.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
Saturday, Sunday
Gabby’s Dollhouse is an incredibly popular children’s show on Netflix at present, and as such, the team behind the show have adapted it into a live-action film for the big screen that is sure to delight little ones.
Scream Unseen
Monday
Odeon is hosting yet another Scream Unseen event this coming week, with a new mystery horror film getting a special early release screening.
Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio
Tuesday
This film takes a deep dive into the life of one of the most famous painters of all time. It is being hosted by The Arc Cinema as part of their special events live features, and appears to be exclusively available to view at that site this week.
Nuremberg
Tuesday
Odeon’s Silver Cinema this week is Nuremberg. A psychological thriller starring Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, and Rami Malek. The film follows a World War II psychiatrist who interviews Nazi leaders ahead of the Nuremberg trials.
100 Nights of Hero
Tuesday
100 Nights of Hero has made the rounds at film festivals, and now arrives for a limited release at Vue. The film is based on a book by writer Isabel Greenberg. It’s a historical fantasy with some well-known faces sprinkled in for good measure.
Bugonia
Thursday
Another contender in this upcoming awards season, Bugonia is a new collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and actor Emma Stone. Following their previous success with Poor Things, it makes sense to see this duo continue their winning combination.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Thursday
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is the third and final film following the events of the hit series. Many of the original cast return for what promises to be a thrilling end to the period drama.
R.E.M. X Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr.
Thursday
Buster Keaton’s 1924 film, Sherlock Jr., was a silent film from an age gone by in Hollywood. But, decades later, the film has been remastered and synced with music from the iconic band, R.E.M. to transform this piece of history into something very new.
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