Honestly, January used to be the place where studios sent movies to die. The "dump month" reputation was real. But walking into a theater in 2026 feels different. Right now, we’re seeing a bizarre, high-stakes mix of survival sequels, niche horror that’s actually pulling numbers, and holdover blockbusters that refuse to leave the top spot.
If you're asking what are the newest movies out this week, you've likely seen the posters for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple or heard the buzz about Paramount’s weird chimp-horror flick Primate. We aren't just getting the leftovers anymore.
The Heavy Hitters in Theaters Right Now
The big story this weekend is the return of a legendary horror franchise. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple just hit theaters on January 16, 2026. This isn't just another zombie movie; it’s Nia DaCosta taking the reins of the world Danny Boyle and Alex Garland built decades ago. Cillian Murphy is back as Jim, which is the main reason people are actually showing up. It’s gritty, it’s bleak, and it’s currently the most talked-about release for anyone into post-apocalyptic survival.
Then there’s the surprising success of Primate. Directed by Johannes Roberts, this movie released on January 9 and has been holding its own at the box office. It stars Troy Kotsur and Johnny Sequoyah, following a family reunion in Hawaii that goes south because of a pet chimpanzee. It sounds like a B-movie premise, but it’s played straight as natural horror, and audiences are weirdly into it.
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Box Office Leaders
While new stuff is dropping, James Cameron is still looming over everything. Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently in its fourth weekend and still holds the #1 spot. It’s sitting at over $342 million domestically. It’s a beast. Even if you want something new, you’re still competing with the blue people for IMAX seats.
Here’s the breakdown of what’s actually pulling in cash as of mid-January:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (Holding strong at #1)
- Primate (A solid #2 for the new releases)
- The Housemaid (The Sydney Sweeney thriller that’s still showing legs)
- Zootopia 2 (The go-to for families right now)
Newest Movies Out on Streaming (Netflix, Disney+, and More)
Not everyone wants to drop $20 on popcorn. If you’re staying home, the options for what are the newest movies out on streaming are actually pretty decent this month.
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Netflix just released The RIP on January 16. It’s a star-studded crime thriller that’s basically designed for the "Netflix Top 10" algorithm. It’s fast-paced and perfect for a Friday night when you don't want to think too hard.
Over on Disney+, the big news isn't a new movie, but Dust Bunny finally becoming available for digital rental and purchase. It’s a Bryan Fuller project starring Mads Mikkelsen as a hitman hired by a little girl to kill the monster under her bed. It’s weird, it’s stylish, and it’s a must-watch if you liked Hannibal or Pushing Daisies.
What to Queue Up This Weekend
- People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix): This one dropped January 9. If you’ve read the Emily Henry book, you know what you’re getting. It’s the ultimate "cozy" movie for a cold January afternoon.
- The Big Fake (Netflix): Released January 23. This is a mockumentary style that's been getting some traction for its satirical take on influencer culture.
- Greenland 2: Migration: While it had a theatrical run starting January 9, keep an eye on VOD platforms. The Gerard Butler survival sequel is exactly what you expect—lots of running from natural disasters, but with more snow this time.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Releases
There’s a misconception that if a movie comes out in January, it sucks. That’s a 2010 mindset. In 2026, we’re seeing "prestige horror" and "mid-budget thrillers" find massive success in this window.
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Take The Chronology of Water, for example. Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut (starring Imogen Poots) expanded into more theaters on January 9. This is a heavy, biographical psychological drama. It’s the kind of movie that would have been buried ten years ago, but now it’s a centerpiece for cinephiles who are tired of superheroes.
Also, don't sleep on Send Help. Sam Raimi is back in the director's chair for this survival horror starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. It’s officially out on January 30, but the previews are already starting. It’s about two colleagues stranded on an island after a plane crash, and knowing Raimi, it’s going to get much darker than just "looking for coconuts."
Practical Tips for Your Next Movie Night
If you're heading out to see what are the newest movies out, check the formats. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was shot specifically for large-format screens. Seeing it on a standard screen is fine, but you lose that scale of the "Bone Temple" itself.
For streaming, double-check your subscriptions. A lot of the "new" releases this month are actually licensed content moving between platforms. For example, Venom: Let There Be Carnage just hit Disney+ and Hulu, which is great if you missed it, but it’s obviously not a "new" 2026 film.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Book IMAX tickets now if you want to see 28 Years Later this weekend; the "Cillian Murphy factor" is keeping prime time slots sold out.
- Check Shudder on January 23 for Mother of Flies if you want something truly indie and unsettling that isn't playing in the big chains.
- Set a reminder for January 30 for Markiplier’s Iron Lung movie. It’s a sci-fi horror based on the indie game, and the hype among younger audiences is massive—it might actually challenge the big studio films for the top spot.