Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases of January 2018

We’d say that the past year flew by quickly, but it feels like we say that every January. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anticipated Releases of January 2018. For this list, we’re taking a look at new releases in the realms of movies, music, and video games, as well as premieres of new TV series and new seasons of ongoing series. #10: 60th Annual Grammy Awards Release Date: January 28, 2018 For the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, music’s biggest night will move from Staples Center in Los Angeles to Madison Square Garden in New York City. James Corden is returning to host, however, meaning we can expect an inspired mix of singing and comedy. Jay-Z scored the most nominations this time with a total of eight, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar nabbed seven and Bruno Mars followed close behind with six. Speaking of Bruno, can anything top his tribute to Prince from last year? Well in any case, we can count on seeing several standout performances throughout the ceremony. #9: “The Alienist” Release Date: January 22, 2018 Based on Caleb Carr’s celebrated 1994 novel, this television series sets itself in an especially gothic-looking 1896 New York. Daniel Brühl stars as Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a criminal psychologist tasked with uncovering the dangerous mind behind several ghastly murders. Also among the impressive ensemble are Luke Evans as a newspaper illustrator and Dakota Fanning as a police station secretary. With Cary Fukunaga of “True Detective” at the helm, “The Alienist” is sure to be a disturbing, visually interesting, and unique take on the serial killer genre. #8: “Portlandia” – Season 8 Release Date: January 18, 2018 “Portlandia” has stood out as one of the most original sketch comedy programs of the 21st century. The final season will see the return of memorable guest stars like Jeff Goldblum and Kumail Nanjiani, as well as fresh blood like Rachel Bloom, Terry Crews, and Rashida Jones. Of course, stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein are also back to provide their most memorable characters with a proper sendoff. It might be ending, but we’ll always think of this Peabody Award-winning show whenever we binge-watch Battlestar Galactica, or… go to a doily store. #7: “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” Release Date: January 26, 2018 [U.S.] While we’re eager to see how things turn out for Thomas and the Gladers in this final chapter of “The Maze Runner” trilogy, it’s the behind the scenes drama that has really peaked our interest. “The Death Cure” is an uncomfortably sinister title given this film’s troubled production. Originally set to come out last February, filming was delayed after star Dylan O’Brien suffered a serious and potentially life-threatening head injury in a vehicle accident onset. Although O’Brien had to take a few months off, he returned fully recovered to finish this one last mission. #6: “M A N I A” by Fall Out Boy Release Date: January 19, 2018 Initially set to come out last September, Fall Out Boy’s seventh studio album will finally hit this month. It’s easy for kids to feel like they don’t fit in, especially when their parents are monsters. That’s the concept behind the music video for “Young and Menace,” the album’s lead single. The second single, “Champion,” contains a similar message, giving young rebels the encouragement to push themselves. With identifiable themes and an electrifying sound, “Mania” will make you believe that a llama can skateboard… Wait, what? #5: “Paddington 2” Release Date: January 12, 2018 (U.S.) The original “Paddington” lovingly captured the spirit of its timeless protagonist, delighting audiences of all ages. While its predecessor set the bar pretty high, many have singled out “Paddington 2” as one of the rare sequels that’s even better. Following its premiere in the United Kingdom in November 2017, the film received universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The reviews have particularly praised the film’s heart, humor, and beary titular character. So pack a marmalade sandwich and buy a ticket. #4: “Monster Hunter: World” Release Date: January 26, 2018 “Monster Hunter: World” – it’s a title that sounds so simple, and yet... SO epic. Despite being the fifth main entry in the series, this action role-playing video game will also offer a few firsts. Most notably, the developers have incorporated a drop-in/drop-out system, allowing players to aid each other in combat. With vast open world areas and cross-region cooperative play, this might be the franchise’s most all-encompassing title to date. Oh, and for PS4 owners, how would you like to play as Aloy from “Horizon Zero Dawn?” #3: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” Release Date: January 17, 2018 “The People v. O. J. Simpson” breathed new life into the true crime genre, winning nine Primetime Emmys. Where the debut season was essentially a courtroom drama, “American Crime Story” will take a different approach in season two. Darren Criss plays Andrew Cunanan, the notorious serial killer who assassinated fashion designer Gianni Versace. Whether you’re familiar with this infamous murder or are learning about it for the first time, you can bet this will make for yet another fascinating addition to the FX anthology series. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to catch up with Ricky Martin! #2: “Insidious: The Last Key” Release Date: January 5, 2018 [U.S.] “The Last Key” is the fourth entry in the “Insidious” series - although it should be noted that it’s technically the second chapter chronologically. For most horror franchises, this is usually where things start to get really stale, but this instalment actually has us intrigued with its premise, which not only delves deeper into Elise Rainier’s story, but into The Further as well. On top of that, Blumhouse Productions has been on a winning streak lately with hits like “Get Out,” “Split,” and “Happy Death Day.” Thus, there should still be plenty to unlock here. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Proud Mary” Release Date: January 12, 2018 [U.S.] “The Commuter” Release Date: January 12, 2018 [U.S.] "Dragon Ball FighterZ" Release Date: January 26, 2018 [U.S.] #1: “The X-Files” – Season 11 Release Date: January 3, 2018 This groundbreaking sci-fi series returned for a tenth season in 2016. While the results were admittedly mixed, seeing Fox Mulder and Dana Scully again gave us all the nostalgic feels. Consisting of ten episodes, this upcoming season will revolve around the search for Mulder and Scully's missing son. Since Season 10’s mythology episodes were considered low points, it’s encouraging to know that this season will primarily put emphasis on standalone episodes. Hopefully we’ll get more stories like “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster” and fewer like “Babylon.”