January is usually the time when Hollywood dumps its leftovers. You know the drill. It’s cold outside, the big Oscar hopefuls are already playing in New York and LA, and the multiplex is full of low-budget horror that didn't quite make the cut for October. But honestly? 2026 is looking a little different. The mix of massive holdovers like Avatar: Fire and Ash and some genuinely weird, high-concept horror suggests the "January slump" might be dead.
If you’ve stepped into a cinema lately, you’ve probably seen James Cameron’s blue people still hogging the IMAX screens. It’s been weeks, yet Avatar: Fire and Ash is still pulling in millions. People just can’t quit Pandora, and Zoe Saldaña is officially the highest-grossing actor in history because of it. It’s a lot to process.
New Movies in Theaters: The Big Hits and Weird Horrors
The landscape right now is dominated by a few heavy hitters that have managed to survive the post-holiday drop-off. We’re also seeing a surge in "natural horror"—basically movies where animals or nature decide they’ve had enough of us.
Primate is the big surprise of the week. Directed by Johannes Roberts, it follows a family reunion in Hawaii that goes south when a pet chimpanzee named Ben decides to stop being friendly. It’s brutal. It’s also surprisingly successful at the box office, currently sitting near the top of the domestic charts despite being a mid-budget thriller. People like watching things go wrong in paradise, I guess.
Then you have Greenland 2: Migration. Gerard Butler is back doing what he does best: surviving. If you saw the first one, you know the Garrity family made it to a bunker. Now, they have to leave that safety and trek across a frozen wasteland. It’s a sequel that actually feels earned because the world-building is so bleak.
💡 You might also like: Is Steven Weber Leaving Chicago Med? What Really Happened With Dean Archer
Why Horror is Owning January
Horror is the lifeblood of the winter season. It’s cheap to make and easy to sell. This month, we have a bizarrely specific trend of "creature features" and psychological dread.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: This is the one everyone is talking about. Nia DaCosta is directing, and Alex Garland wrote the script. It’s a direct continuation of the story that started decades ago. Ralph Fiennes plays Dr. Ian Kelson, and yes, Cillian Murphy is back as Jim. It hits theaters January 16, and the hype is through the roof.
- We Bury the Dead: Daisy Ridley stars in this one. It’s a survival thriller set in the aftermath of a catastrophic event. It’s quieter than the zombie epics but arguably more terrifying because it focuses on the grief and the literal task of moving bodies.
- Return to Silent Hill: If you’re a gamer, you’ve been waiting for this. Christophe Gans is back in the director's chair. It’s based on Silent Hill 2, which most fans consider the best story in the franchise. Jeremy Irvine plays James, the guy who gets a letter from his dead wife and—against all common sense—decides to go find her in the world's foggiest town. It’s out January 23.
The Oscar Contenders and Hidden Gems
While the blockbusters pay the bills, January is also when the "prestige" films finally expand to theaters in smaller cities. You don't have to live in Manhattan to see the stuff that's going to be nominated for Best Picture anymore.
The Chronology of Water is Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, and it’s finally getting a wider release. It stars Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch, based on her memoir. It’s a heavy, visceral drama about swimming, trauma, and finding a voice. It’s not a "popcorn" movie, but it’s the kind of film that sticks with you for days.
Jodie Foster is also back on the big screen in A Private Life. She plays a psychiatrist investigating the death of a patient. It’s a French black comedy that premiered at Cannes last year. It’s smart, cynical, and reminds you why Foster is a legend.
📖 Related: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
Don't Overlook the Documentaries
Sometimes the real world is weirder than a chimpanzee attack. Chain Reactions is a documentary celebrating 50 years of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. It’s a deep look at how Tobe Hooper’s film changed horror forever. If you’re a cinephile, this is a must-watch in a theater just to see those classic clips on a big screen.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Box Office
There’s a common misconception that if a movie isn't #1, it's a failure. That's just not true in 2026. The Housemaid has been out for nearly a month and is still holding strong in the top five. It’s a Lionsgate thriller that cost a fraction of Avatar but is turning a massive profit.
Success now is about "legs." How many weekends can a movie stay in the top ten? Marty Supreme, the A24 film starring Timothée Chalamet, is a perfect example. It’s not breaking records, but it has a dedicated audience that keeps showing up week after week. It’s a ping-pong biopic (weird, right?) that’s actually quite charming.
How to Choose Your Next Movie
If you're staring at the theater marquee and can't decide, break it down by your mood.
👉 See also: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
If you want pure spectacle and haven't seen it yet, go for Avatar: Fire and Ash. Just do it in IMAX. If you want to be stressed out and jump in your seat, Primate or 28 Years Later (once it drops) are your best bets. For something that makes you think, look for The Chronology of Water.
Also, check for Fathom Events. They’ve been re-releasing the Lord of the Rings extended editions this month. There is nothing like seeing The Two Towers on a 60-foot screen with a theater full of fans. It beats Netflix every single time.
Actionable Steps for Your Weekend
Before you head out, do these three things:
- Check the Format: Don't waste money on a 3D ticket for a movie that wasn't filmed for it. Avatar is the only one right now that truly demands the extra cost.
- Look for Matinees: With ticket prices hitting $18 in some cities, the 11:00 AM screening is your friend.
- Verify the Release Date: Many movies listed online for January are "limited," meaning they might only be in 10 theaters nationwide. Use a site like Fandango to ensure it's actually playing near you before you drive across town.
The theater experience is changing, but it's far from over. Whether it's a zombie apocalypse in the UK or a survival trek in Greenland, there's a reason we still like sitting in the dark with strangers.