It is that weird, freezing middle of January where everyone is usually still recovering from the holidays. You’d think the theaters would be empty. But honestly? The vibe is different right now. A bunch of new movies just came out this week, and they aren't just the typical "January dump" leftovers that studios are trying to hide.
From a long-awaited zombie sequel that’s finally hitting theaters to a gritty Netflix thriller that brings back one of Hollywood’s most iconic duos, there is a lot to sift through. If you’re staring at your phone trying to decide whether to hit the cinema or stay on the couch, here is the real deal on what is playing and whether it’s actually good.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Takes Over
Let’s talk about the big one. Sony Pictures just dropped 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple on January 16, and it’s already creating a massive stir. This isn't just another cash-grab sequel. It’s part of a new trilogy, and it’s moving the story into some pretty dark, almost religious-horror territory.
Ralph Fiennes is back as Dr. Ian Kelson. He’s joined by Jack O’Connell, who is basically becoming the new king of genre films after Sinners last year. The plot? It follows a character named Spike (Alfie Williams) who gets tangled up with a sadistic cult while the zombie infection continues to evolve.
Nia DaCosta took over the director’s chair from Danny Boyle for this installment. Some critics were worried because her work on The Marvels was a bit of a rollercoaster, but early word is that she’s leaning hard into the violence and atmosphere. Box office analysts like those at Boxoffice Pro expect this to finally topple Avatar: Fire and Ash from the number one spot after its month-long reign. If you want something that’s going to make you jump and probably lose a little sleep, this is the one.
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The Rip: The Damon and Affleck Reunion You Didn't See Coming
If you'd rather stay home and you have a Netflix sub, The Rip just landed today, January 16. It’s directed by Joe Carnahan—the guy who did The Grey and Smokin' Aces—so you know it’s going to be loud and intense.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck aren't just producing this; they’re starring in it. They play two Miami cops who find a massive pile of cash in a derelict house. Naturally, things go south. Fast. The chemistry between those two is basically a cheat code at this point. You believe they’re friends because, well, they are.
Some reviews, like the one from Region Free, suggest the movie feels like a throwback to those gritty 2000s thrillers. It doesn't try to be "preachy" or tackle every social issue under the sun. It’s just a solid, heat-soaked crime flick. It might be a little "traditional" for some, but if you miss the days when thrillers were just about high stakes and great dialogue, you’ll probably love it.
The Housemaid: A Different Kind of Thriller
Then there is The Housemaid. It technically had a limited run around Christmas, but it’s seeing a much wider expansion this weekend. This is an adaptation of the Freida McFadden novel that everyone was reading a couple of years ago.
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Sydney Sweeney plays Millie, a woman living out of her car who gets a job working for a wealthy family. Amanda Seyfried plays the wife, Nina, who is... let’s just say "emotionally unstable." It’s campy. It’s sexy. It’s a bit of a slow burn that turns into a full-on explosion by the third act. Critics have pointed out that the exposition dump in the middle slows things down, but the performances from Sweeney and Seyfried are supposedly "sizzling." It’s definitely catering to that Gone Girl or A Simple Favor crowd.
Streaming vs. Theaters: The Tug of War
It’s interesting to see how the industry is splitting things up right now. You’ve got huge theatrical events like The Bone Temple competing against "prestige" streaming releases.
Even some movies that came out a week or two ago are still holding strong. Greenland 2: Migration with Gerard Butler is still pulling in crowds who want that disaster-movie adrenaline. And for the rom-com fans, People We Meet on Vacation—the Emily Henry adaptation—is still a huge hit on Netflix.
The box office is actually up about 15% compared to this time last year. People are going back to theaters, but they’re being picky. They want the big "IP" like Avatar or 28 Years Later, or they want something that feels like a genuine event.
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What You Should Actually Watch
Honestly, it depends on your mood. If you want to see a masterpiece of visual effects, Avatar: Fire and Ash is still in theaters and it’s still spectacular. If you want to be terrified, go see The Bone Temple.
But if you just want to hang out on your couch with some popcorn and watch two of the best actors of our generation yell at each other, The Rip is the move.
There are also a few "sleeper" hits worth checking out if you can find them:
- A Private Life: A heavy-hitting drama about a psychiatrist that just hit limited release.
- All You Need Is Kill: An animated fantasy sports adaptation that is way weirder (and cooler) than it sounds.
- Primate: If you liked the "Apes" movies but want more horror, this is your pick.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Local Showtimes: If you’re going for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, try to find an IMAX or Dolby screen. The sound design in these movies is half the experience.
- Queue Up Netflix: Add The Rip to your list now so the algorithm doesn't bury it under 400 documentaries you don't want to see.
- Read the Book First?: If you’re eyeing The Housemaid, the book is a fast read. It’s fun to see how they handled the big twists on screen compared to the page.
- Watch the Trailer for The Moment: It hits theaters on January 30. It’s a mockumentary starring Charli XCX and it’s going to be all over social media in two weeks. Get ahead of it.