While January's usually a slower month for movies, following hot on the heels of December's big hits and Oscar contenders, this month is bringing some science fiction and fantasy hits for genre fans. Big names like Marvel and Mamoru Hosoda are bringing new stories to the screen with the long-awaited Morbius and Belle, while classic fantasy The King's Daughter is a return to form for the genre. But January's also a month for foreign films, children's movies and even horror stories, with King Car, the latest Hotel Transylvania movie and Arctic Void.
Though January's movies may run the genre gamut, the month also features some running themes for a sense of continuity this season. This month's films tell stories about accepting the monster inside, both vampire and human, and finding your metaphorical or literal voice. Here are all of the science fiction and fantasy movies to watch out for in January of 2022.
King Car
King Car gives viewers a superhero film unlike any other. After discovering that he can communicate with cars, a young man uses his supernatural powers to lead his working-class community in their fight for survival. King Car may feature a goofy gimmick, but the ultimate message is empowering the underdog and tackling capitalism. This Brazilian film uses magical realism for a novel science fiction story that packs a punch.
Directed by Renata Pinheiro, King Car stars Matheus Nachtergaele, Luciano Pedro Jr, Jules Elting, Clara Pinheiro, Adélio Lima and Ane Oliva. The movie has its US premiere in select theaters and releases on VOD Jan. 7.
Belle
Mamoru Hosoda's Belle follows high school student Suzu who has lost her ability to sing after the traumatic death of her mother. After joining the virtual game U, Suzu adopts the name Belle and finds that she can sing again in the anonymous world. She develops a following, performing in the virtual world until one of her concerts is interrupted by a dragon. Despite the destruction it's caused, Belle/Suzu befriends the dragon and learns to stand up for herself and her friends.
Belle draws its name and some plot inspiration from the story of Beauty and the Beast, but this movie isn't merely an adaptation. The integration of digital selves and navigating identities in the computer age makes Belle an entirely new story. Coupled with the gorgeous animation Hosoda is known for, Belle is a promising combination of fantasy and sci-fi and a must-watch for the new year.
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, the English voice cast of Belle includes Kylie McNeill, Paul Castro Jr., Chace Crawford, Jessica DiCicco, Brandon Engman, Manny Jacinto, Hunter Schafer and Cristina Vee Valenzuela. The movie hits theaters Jan. 14.
Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
The fourth installment in the Hotel Transylvania franchise, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania introduces a "monsterfication ray" that flips the beloved characters' monster status. With all-too-normal Drac learning to live without his vampire powers and Johnny getting to experience his monster-side, the family must find a way to transform back into their real selves. Though originally slated for release last October, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania features many returning cast members and is sure to delight fans of the franchise.
Directed by Derek Drymon and Jennifer Kluska, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania stars Brian Hull, Andy Samberg and Selena Gomez. The film comes to Prime Video Jan. 14.
Arctic Void
On the distinctly more horror and less family-friendly end of the spectrum, Arctic Void promises viewers a spooky, supernatural story this January. On a trip to the Arctic, the power fails and most of the ship's crew go missing. Forced onto land, the three remaining passengers must survive the elements and wildlife in order to figure out the mystery that befell their crew and, hopefully, escape the outpost. This independent sci-fi thriller is sure to bring goosebumps this winter.
Directed by Darren Mann, Artic Void stars Michael Weaver, Tim Grifin, Justin Huen, Rune Temte, Thea Sofie Lock Næs and Ingrid Liavag. The movie comes to theaters and VOD Jan. 14.
The Tiger Rising
Based on the popular children's book of the same name, The Tiger Rising follows a young boy who is suffering from the recent loss of his mother and constant bullying at school. After he finds a tiger locked up in the woods, the boy accidentally opens up to a neighborhood girl. Together, the children must contend with what they should do with their secret tiger. While predominately a drama, The Tiger Rising features scenes from the boy's imagination, bringing moments of magical realism into the story that touches on the fantastical.
Directed by Ray Giarratana, The Tiger Rising stars Christian Convery, Madalen Mills, Queen Latifah, Sam Trammell, Katharine McPhee and Dennis Quaid. The movie comes to theaters Jan. 21.
The King's Daughter
The King's Daughter is a gleaming piece of historical fiction, focusing on Pierce Brosnan's King Louis XIV and his illegitimate daughter, but with a twist. The King has captured a mermaid in his quest for immortality and is using her life force to keep himself young. After his daughter discovers his secret, the family is forced to deal with what this secret means. The King's Daughter has been in production for years, so it's good to see the gilded movie finally come to theaters. And the focus on mermaids is a refreshing turn for the world of fantastical creatures that are so frequently bent toward vampires.
Directed by Sean McNamara, The King's Daughter stars Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, Benjamin Walker, Rachel Griffiths, Bingbing Fan and William Hurt. The movie hits theaters Jan. 21.
Morbius
Speaking of vampires, the next big Marvel movie, Morbius, follows Dr. Michael Morbius as he attempts to cure his rare blood disease using bats. When the procedure goes wrong, the doctor is left as a type of vampire while his human and monstrous sides battle for supremacy. Returning to the Spider-Man universe, Morbius is sure to be a draw for comic book fans and the hordes of people who enjoyed Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Directed by Daniel Espinosa, Morbius stars Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal and Tyrese Gibson. The movie hits theaters Jan. 28.