January brings a solid mix of films to Bahrain cinema screens, from Arabic dramas and thrillers to Hollywood blockbusters and Bollywood releases. Whether you’re after a mystery, a post-apocalyptic survival story, or a boxing biopic, there’s something worth catching this month.
Featured image credits: Greenland (via Instagram)
Release Date: 1 January 2026 | Language: Arabic
This Saudi mystery thriller centres on Nawal, a police department receptionist recruited to help investigate the death of an unidentified young woman found in the desert. As the only woman on the team, she notices details the male officers overlook, but her investigation reveals how reluctant schools and families are to discuss “sinful” girls. It’s a crime story with social commentary woven through it, starring Mila Zahrani.
Release Date: 1 January 2026 | Language: English
An American psychological drama about Jacob, who takes a job at an isolated lighthouse hoping to reconnect with an old friend. Strange events blur the line between reality and anxiety as he navigates fractured memories, romance, and an unexpected friendship with the lighthouse owner. Stars Zach Tinker and John Pyper-Ferguson.
Release Date: 1 January 2026 | Language: English
Former Navy SEAL Bruno struggles with PTSD until he meets a woman with no past. When she disappears, he’s forced back into violence to save her. It’s a straightforward action thriller with Louis Mandylor and Marko Zaror.
Release Date: 1 January 2026 | Language: Arabic
An Egyptian boy travels across Europe with his aunt, who has Down syndrome, trying to prove himself to the mother who left him. Their encounters with strangers shift his understanding of family and belonging, building to a Christmas Eve revelation that changes everything. Stars Mohamed Mamdouh and Riham Abdel Ghafour.
Release Date: 1 January 2026 | Language: Arabic
Set during the 1936 Palestinian uprising against British colonial rule, this historical drama follows Yusuf as he moves between his village and Jerusalem during a period of growing unrest. The film examines a decisive moment in the region’s history through the perspective of ordinary people caught in larger forces. Stars Kamel El Basha and Hiam Abbass.
Release Date: 1 January 2026 | Language: Hindi
A Bollywood film telling the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Dharmendra, and Agastya Nanda.
Release Date: 8 January 2026 | Language: English
Gerard Butler returns five years after a comet strike destroyed most of the planet. The Garrity family leaves their bunker in Greenland to search for a new home across a shattered world. If you watched the first film, this picks up where it left off.
Release Date: 8 January 2026 | Language: Arabic
An Egyptian comedy about Zain, an art history professor mistaken for a famous thief called “The Cat” due to their resemblance. When his fiancée is assigned to restore a painting the real thief plans to steal, Zain gets caught between danger and mistaken identity. Stars Asser Yassine and Asmaa Galal.
Release Date: 8 January 2026 | Language: Korean
A Korean drama starring Lee Byung Hun as a veteran paper mill manager who turns to violence after being laid off and humiliated by the job market. It’s a dark look at economic desperation and dignity.
Release Date: 8 January 2026 | Language: English
An animated sequel about a boy raised by dolphins who becomes the island’s hero by fighting sea monsters. Later, he searches for his true identity and discovers his family, learning that ordinary people can be heroes too.
Release Date: 15 January 2026 | Language: English
Director Nia DaCosta expands the world created in 28 Years Later, flipping the original premise. Ralph Fiennes plays Dr Kelson, who enters a relationship with major consequences, while Spike’s encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes inescapable. The twist here is that the infected are no longer the main threat; it’s the survivors themselves who pose the real danger.
Release Date: 15 January 2026 | Language: English
A boxing biopic inspired by the life of Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed, the British-Yemeni boxer who went from humble beginnings to world champion under trainer Brendan Ingle. Stars Mena Massoud, Amir El Masri, and Pierce Brosnan.
Release Date: 22 January 2026 | Language: English
A group of friends on a tropical holiday find themselves in a horror survival scenario. Stars Jessica Alexander and Johnny Sequoyah.
Bahrain has several cinema options depending on what you’re after, whether it’s IMAX, premium seating, or somewhere close to home.
Cineco Bahrain has been around since 1968 and operates five locations across Juffair, Seef, Al Hamra, Wadi Al Sail, and Al Liwan. It’s a reliable choice with a wide range of screenings.
VOX Bahrain at City Centre Bahrain in Seef and The Avenues in Manama offers premium experiences, including THEATRE, GOLD, and MAX screens with Dolby Atmos. It was the first in the Middle East to bring IMAX with Laser and Sapphire technology, and also offers 4DX for immersive, multi-sensory viewing. MAX screens feature spacious seats with extra legroom, armrests, side tables, and top-tier surround sound.
Cinépolis Bahrain has two locations at Atrium Mall in Saar and Amwaj Islands, offering modern screens and a growing selection of films.
EPIX at Dana Mall in Sanabis has 10 screens and over 1,100 seats, ranging from intimate setups to multi-level balcony seating.
Mukta Cinema Bahrain at Juffair Mall is the only Indian cinema chain operating internationally, founded by Indian filmmaker Subhash Ghai. It focuses on quality multiplex experiences at affordable prices.
Most now showing listings are available on each cinema’s website or app, so check there for showtimes and bookings.
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