Finding a flick shouldn't be a chore. But if you’re looking for movies playing in Raleigh NC right now, you might feel like you’re just staring at a generic list of sequels and superhero reboots. Honestly, the Raleigh film scene is weirdly fragmented. You've got the massive multiplexes in North Hills and Brier Creek, sure, but then there’s the soulful, slightly sticky floors of the indie houses that actually give this city its character.
It's January 2026. The holiday blockbusters are starting to lose their steam, and we're entering that strange "dump month" period where studios hide their tax write-offs. Or at least, that’s the myth. In reality, Raleigh is currently hosting some of the most technical, high-scale cinema events we've seen in years, especially with the 2026 Lord of the Rings reissue hitting the giant screens.
The Big Screen Heavyweights
If you want to feel the floor vibrate, you go to Marbles. It’s not just for kids, even though it’s literally attached to a museum for them. The Marbles IMAX is the only "Certified Giant Screen" in the area, and they are currently leaning hard into the nostalgia factor.
Right now, they are running the Lord of the Rings (2026 Event). We’re talking The Fellowship of the Ring on January 16 and 23, followed by The Two Towers on the 17 and 25. If you haven't seen the Battle of Helm’s Deep on a screen three stories tall, have you even lived in Wake County? It’s immersive. It’s loud. It’s exactly why people still pay for theater tickets instead of waiting for the stream.
Over at AMC Southpoint 17 (yeah, technically Durham, but we all drive there) and Regal North Hills, the lineup is dominated by Avatar: Fire and Ash. James Cameron is still sucking all the oxygen out of the room with those 3-hour runtimes. But there’s also 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which just dropped and is proving that the zombie genre still has some bite left, specifically with Nia DaCosta at the helm.
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Where to Find the Weird Stuff
The Alamo Drafthouse on New Bern Ave is basically the high church of Raleigh cinema. They don't just show movies; they curate "experiences." This month is particularly chaotic in a good way. You've got the Twilight Saga movie parties—complete with props and themed cocktails—running alongside some seriously deep cuts.
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch is playing on Jan 21 for "Weird Wednesday."
- The Elephant Man is showing Jan 30 via the Grindhouse Club.
- Twin Peaks marathons are happening every Saturday this month, covering episodes 7 through 17 across the last half of January.
Honestly, the Video Vortex bar inside the Alamo is worth the trip alone. You can rent a VHS tape for free. Who even has a VCR? Apparently, enough people in Raleigh to keep that dream alive.
The Independent Heartbeat: Rialto and Beyond
The Rialto Theatre on Glenwood is the survivor. It almost closed, then it didn't, and now it’s this hybrid venue for live music and cult cinema. They are keeping the torch lit for The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday night (The Low Down Cheap Little Punks are still doing the shadowcast).
But look closer at their calendar. They’ve got a screening of The Princess Bride on Jan 22 and 25, and Stephen King's Misery on Jan 28. It’s the kind of place where you go when you’re tired of the "corporate" feel of the big chains. No reclining heated seats here, just history and local beer.
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If you’re hunting for the new prestige indies, keep an eye out for The Testament of Ann Lee starring Amanda Seyfried. It starts on January 23. It’s a biopic about the founder of the Shakers, and the buzz is already pointing toward award season 2027.
Current Movies Playing in Raleigh NC: The January 2026 Shortlist
This isn't everything, but it's the stuff actually worth your gas money this week.
The Blockbusters
Avatar: Fire and Ash – Still dominating IMAX and Dolby screens.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – The big horror draw right now.
Greenland 2: Migration – For those who need a solid disaster flick.
Zootopia 2 – Keeping the parents sane on Saturday afternoons.
The Limited & Special Engagements
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2026 Reissue) – Playing at Marbles IMAX and select Regal locations.
Iron Lung – Based on the viral game, playing at Alamo and Cinemark Bistro.
Is This Thing On? – The new comedy about a guy using stand-up to process a divorce. It’s better than it sounds.
No Other Choice – Park Chan-wook’s latest. It’s intense, Korean with subtitles, and showing at Cinemark Bistro Raleigh.
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Why Your Movie Choice Matters
Raleigh is a "test market" for a lot of distributors. When we show up for things like the Gundam double features or the A/V Geeks religious film nights (Jan 20 at Alamo), it signals that there’s a hunger for things that aren't just Marvel.
The biggest misconception is that "nothing is playing" during the winter. You just have to look past the marquee at the local mall. The real gems are usually tucked away in the "Artisan" section of the AMC app or on the paper calendars taped to the door at the Rialto.
Actionable Next Steps for Raleigh Film Fans:
- Check the Marbles IMAX calendar immediately if you want Lord of the Rings tickets; they sell out weeks in advance because of the limited "two showtimes only" rule.
- Download the Alamo Drafthouse app and join the Victory rewards. They often do "Secret Screenings" where you pay $5 and have no idea what the movie is until it starts.
- Visit the Video Vortex at the Alamo to grab a physical copy of a movie you can't find on streaming—yes, they still have a massive collection of rarities.
- Support the Rialto on a weekday. The weekend shows are fine, but those Tuesday/Wednesday screenings are what keep the lights on for the oldest theater in town.
Grab some popcorn (and maybe a local IPA at the Alamo). The seats are waiting.