Universal's historical drama 'Hamnet' has successfully reclaimed the top spot at the UK and Ireland box office, demonstrating enduring popularity among cinemagoers. The film's strong performance, alongside new entries and consistent holdovers, paints a vibrant picture of the regional film market. From dramatic adaptations to animated family features and K-pop concert experiences, a diverse array of cinematic offerings continues to attract audiences, highlighting the varied tastes of the public and the dynamic nature of film distribution across the region. Upcoming releases promise even more variety, catering to horror enthusiasts, arthouse patrons, and fans of international cinema.
Film Releases and Box Office Performance Across the UK and Ireland
In a significant cinematic update as of February 3, 2026, Universal Pictures' acclaimed production, 'Hamnet,' has once again dominated the box office charts in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The film garnered an impressive £1.41 million ($1.92 million) over the recent period, elevating its cumulative earnings to a substantial £14.84 million ($20.18 million).
Closely trailing 'Hamnet' was Lionsgate U.K.'s thriller, 'The Housemaid,' which pulled in $1.91 million during the same frame, pushing its total gross to a formidable $38.7 million.
The debut films also made their mark. Black Bear's 'Shelter' secured the third position with a strong opening of $1.3 million, while 'Iron Lung' premiered in fourth place, earning $1.2 million.
Among the films maintaining their presence on the charts, Disney's animated sequel 'Zootopia 2' held firm at No. 5, adding $1.1 million to its impressive total of $44.3 million. 'Avatar: Fire And Ash' landed at No. 6, accumulating $1.01 million, with its overall collection reaching $56.1 million.
Further down the rankings, Entertainment Film Distributors' 'Marty Supreme' earned $936,826, contributing to its total of $20.1 million. Paramount's 'Primate' secured $896,588 at No. 8. Sony's horror sequel '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' took No. 9 with $832,917, bringing its cume to $9.4 million. Rounding out the top ten, Disney's 'Is This Thing On?' registered $818,486.
The commencement of February brought a diverse wave of new releases. Horror aficionados were treated to 'The Strangers – Chapter 3,' the latest installment in the home-invasion series, alongside Sam Raimi’s 'Send Help.' Event cinema continued to thrive with CinemaLive's unique presentation of R.E.M.'s music paired with Buster Keaton’s classic silent film 'Sherlock Jr.'
Looking ahead, Friday's releases are set to include Universal’s 'Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience,' a concert film featuring the global K-pop sensation, launching in over 100 locations. Bollywood fans can anticipate 'Vadh 2' from Yash Raj Films, while Radiance Films is reintroducing the classic Hollywood thriller 'The Stunt Man.'
Shakespeare's work receives a modern interpretation with Universal’s 'Hamlet,' starring Riz Ahmed, Morfydd Clark, and Joe Alwyn. Mubi's 'My Father’s Shadow,' directed by Akinola Davies Jr., promises a critically acclaimed drama. Family audiences can look forward to Magic Light Pictures’ animated feature 'The Scarecrows’ Wedding,' featuring Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson, and Rob Brydon, premiering in more than 300 cinemas. Vue Lumière’s romantic period piece '100 Nights of Hero,' starring Emma Corrin and Nicholas Galitzine, targets the arthouse demographic.
Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, 'The Chronology of Water,' distributed by BFI, will have a more limited release, as will Park Circus' 'Twinless,' starring Dylan O’Brien, and Conic's 'The Shepherd and the Bear' by Max Keegan. The slate is completed by niche and event releases such as Anime Ltd’s animated 'Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline' and Trafalgar Releasing's Royal Opera House ballet presentation, 'Woolf Works – ROH, London 2026.'
The sustained success of 'Hamnet' and the strong performances of new and returning films highlight the robust and varied appetite for cinema across the UK and Ireland. The upcoming releases, spanning multiple genres and catering to diverse audiences, underscore the dynamic and evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, promising continued engagement and excitement for film enthusiasts. This vibrant market demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of cinema in drawing audiences with both critically acclaimed dramas and popular blockbusters.