Walk into any local multiplex right now and you'll notice something weird for January. Usually, this is the "dump month"—the time when studios hide their tax write-offs and hope nobody notices. Not this year. Honestly, the lineup for January 16, 2026, feels more like a mid-summer blockbuster season than the usual post-holiday slump. Whether you're hunting for high-octane survival horror or a family flick to keep the kids quiet for ninety minutes, the current movie in theaters now playing selection is surprisingly deep.
The Big Heavyweight: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
It’s been over two decades since Danny Boyle changed the zombie genre forever, and the newest installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is finally here. Nia DaCosta has taken the reins for this sequel, and she isn't playing it safe.
The story follows Dr. Ian Kelson, played by the ever-intense Ralph Fiennes, as he navigates a world where the "Rage" is no longer just a virus but a permanent part of the landscape. It’s gritty. It’s loud. The sound design alone is enough to make you jump out of your seat. Box office trackers like Boxoffice Pro are already predicting this will topple James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash from its four-week throne.
Why the Hype is Real
Most sequels fail because they just repeat the first movie's homework. The Bone Temple doesn't do that. It expands the lore. It asks: what happens to a civilization that has been broken for a generation?
Jack O'Connell co-stars, and his chemistry with Fiennes provides a rare emotional core in a movie that is otherwise about running for your life. If you’re a fan of the original 2002 film, you’ve probably been waiting for this for years. Go see it on the biggest screen possible. The cinematography utilizes those sweeping, desolate landscapes that made the first film iconic, but with a 2026 technical polish.
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Survival of the Fittest: Greenland 2: Migration
Gerard Butler is back as John Garrity, and he’s still having a very bad day.
Picking up five years after the comet Clarke basically erased most of civilization, Greenland 2: Migration follows the Garrity family as they finally leave their bunker. It turns out the "frozen wasteland" outside is just as dangerous as the falling rocks were in the first movie.
Ric Roman Waugh returns to direct, and he keeps the tension tight. It’s not just about the environment; it’s about the people left behind. This isn't your typical "action hero saves the day" story. It’s about a father trying to find a habitable spot in southern France while everyone else is fighting for the same scraps of land. It’s a stressful watch, but in the best way possible.
The Wild Cards and Indie Gems
If you’re not in the mood for the end of the world, there are some smaller, stranger options.
- Dead Man’s Wire: This one is for the true crime junkies. It’s the story of Tony Kiritsis, played by Bill Skarsgård, who famously wired a shotgun to a mortgage executive's neck in 1977. It’s a claustrophobic, character-driven thriller directed by Gus Van Sant.
- Charlie the Wonderdog: Owen Wilson voices a dog. It’s PG. It’s exactly what you think it is. If you have kids under ten, this is your weekend plan.
- A Private Life (Vie privée): For the subtitles-and-popcorn crowd, Jodie Foster stars in this French-language mystery as a psychiatrist investigating the suspicious death of her patient.
What People Are Actually Watching
While the new releases are grabbing headlines, don't forget that Avatar: Fire and Ash is still playing in almost every IMAX theater in the country. It’s currently sitting at a domestic total of over $344 million. James Cameron’s hold on the box office is legendary for a reason—the visual fidelity of Pandora remains the gold standard for theater-going experiences.
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Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cinema Trip
Going to the movies in 2026 isn't just about showing up. Everything is reserved seating now, so if you’re eyeing 28 Years Later, you basically have to book your tickets through an app like Fandango or AMC Theatres at least 24 hours in advance if you want a seat that isn't in the front row.
Also, keep an eye on "Limited Expansion" titles. Movies like The Chronology of Water and Rosemead are finally moving into more theaters this weekend after their initial award-season qualifying runs in December. These are the "prestige" films that usually dominate the Oscars, so if you want to be part of the conversation, now is the time to catch them.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your local listings for "Early Access" screenings. Many theaters are now doing Thursday night double-features where you can watch the original 28 Days Later right before the new sequel.
If you're planning a family outing, look for "Sensory Friendly" morning showings of Charlie the Wonderdog—they're becoming way more common and are great for kids who find the big theater environment a bit overwhelming.
Lastly, if your local cinema has a loyalty program like Regal Crown Club or A-List, use it. With ticket prices where they are in 2026, those points add up to free popcorn faster than you'd think.