Honestly, walking into a theater in mid-January usually feels like rummaging through a clearance bin. You expect the leftovers from Christmas or the weird "dump month" horror flicks that studios didn't know what to do with. But 2026 is hitting differently. Right now, the marquee lights are actually glowing with some heavy hitters that have some serious legs. If you're standing in a lobby wondering what movies are showing in theaters right now, you've basically got a choice between James Cameron’s blue-tinted obsession, some surprisingly dark animation, and a brand-new horror sequel that just dropped today.
It’s January 16. That means the big news is Nia DaCosta’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It just arrived, and people are already talking about whether it lives up to the Danny Boyle original. But let’s be real—most of the world is still caught in the gravitational pull of Pandora.
The Heavyweights Holding On
You can’t talk about the current box office without mentioning Avatar: Fire and Ash. It’s been out for nearly a month, but it’s still the 800-pound gorilla in the room. James Cameron has this weird magic where he makes people want to see the same movie four times in IMAX. If you haven't seen it yet, or if you're one of those people who just likes the "vibes" of Pandora, it's still occupying the biggest screens in every multiplex.
Then there’s Zootopia 2. Disney really leaned into the nostalgia for this one, and it’s paying off. It’s been out since late November, but it's still pulling in families who have already seen it twice. It’s weirdly consistent. It’s the kind of movie that just stays in theaters forever because there’s nothing else for the kids to see until the next big Spring break release.
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The Survival Hits
- Greenland 2: Migration: Gerard Butler is back doing what he does best—looking stressed while the world ends. This one hit theaters on January 9 and it’s doing surprisingly well for a sequel to a movie that originally went mostly to streaming.
- The Housemaid: This Lionsgate thriller has been a sleeper hit. People are actually showing up for mid-budget adult dramas again, which is kinda refreshing to see.
- Marty Supreme: A24’s latest venture featuring Timothée Chalamet. It’s stylized, it’s fast-paced, and it’s definitely the "cool kid" choice if you’re at the cinema tonight.
New This Weekend: January 16 Releases
The big one is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. This isn't just another zombie movie. It’s a direct continuation of the "rage virus" lore, and Nia DaCosta has brought a really specific, almost haunting aesthetic to it. Ralph Fiennes is in it, which instantly elevates the stakes. If you like your horror with a side of genuine existential dread, this is your pick.
Also opening today is Hamnet. If you’re a fan of Paul Mescal or Jessie Buckley, you probably already have your tickets. It’s a period piece based on the Maggie O'Farrell novel about Shakespeare’s son. It’s heavy. Bring tissues. Like, the whole box. Honestly, it’s the exact opposite of an Avatar experience, but it’s the kind of film that wins awards.
For something a bit more... "January," there’s Charlie the Wonderdog. It’s an animated flick featuring Owen Wilson. Is it going to change your life? Probably not. Will it keep a seven-year-old quiet for 90 minutes while you eat overpriced popcorn? Absolutely.
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The Weird and the Wonderful
If you’re at a theater that does limited releases or indie runs, look for Primate. It came out last week and it’s basically about a pet monkey that goes rabid. It sounds ridiculous, but Johannes Roberts directed it, and the practical effects are actually pretty gnarly. It’s got a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is wild for a "killer monkey" movie.
There’s also a musical biopic that just started its wide expansion: The Testament of Ann Lee. Amanda Seyfried plays the leader of the Shakers. It’s a musical, it’s a period drama, and it’s very, very female-centric in a way that feels unique for this time of year. David Cale provides some much-needed comic relief in what is otherwise a pretty intense look at religious history.
What You Should Actually Go See
Look, your choice depends on your mood, but if you want the "event" experience, it's still Avatar: Fire and Ash in 3D. If you want to feel something deeply uncomfortable, go for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
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For those who are just tired of the blockbusters, The Housemaid is the best "adult" movie currently playing. It’s got that sharp, biting tension that makes you forget you’re sitting in a room with 100 strangers.
Quick Advice for Your Trip:
- Check the format: If you’re seeing The Bone Temple, try to find a theater with a great sound system. The score is half the experience.
- Timing: Matinees for Zootopia 2 are still packed. If you want a quiet theater, go after 8 PM.
- The "Wait for Streaming" list: Charlie the Wonderdog and Anaconda (which is still hanging around) are perfectly fine for your couch in three months. Don't waste the $15 if you're on a budget.
The theatrical landscape right now is surprisingly robust. We aren't in the doldrums of the early 2010s where January was a graveyard. Between the high-concept sci-fi and the visceral horror of the 28 Days universe, there’s actually a reason to put on a coat and head to the cinema.
Check your local listings for specific showtimes, as many theaters are starting to phase out the holiday holdovers like Wicked: For Good to make room for the February romantic comedies and actioners like Mercy starring Chris Pratt, which drops next week.
Next Steps for You:
Check the Fandango or AMC app right now to see if 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has any Dolby Cinema seats left for the 7:00 PM showing, as these opening night slots are filling up fast.