Hollywood is currently in that weird, post-holiday hangover phase where the massive blockbusters are finally starting to lose their steam and the "dump month" releases are crawling into theaters. Honestly, January is usually where movies go to die, but 2026 is feeling a bit different. You’ve still got the blue-tinted giant that is James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash loitering at the top of the box office for its fourth week, but the new stuff is starting to get weird. Like, rabid monkey weird.
If you’re standing in a lobby right now looking at a digital poster board trying to figure out what movies are in the cinema now, you basically have three choices: holdovers from Christmas, a very intense survival sequel, or a horror movie about a primate.
The Big Dogs Still Barking
Let’s be real, most people are still catching up on the December leftovers. Avatar: Fire and Ash is still the undisputed king, pulling in over $21 million this past weekend alone. It’s been out for a month, but the visuals are still the main reason people are paying for the "luxury" loungers. If you haven't seen it, you probably know the drill—more Pandora, more emotional stakes, and a lot of fire this time around.
Then there’s Zootopia 2. It’s still hanging on in the top five, mostly because parents are desperate to get their kids out of the house during the winter slump. It’s crossed the $370 million mark domestically, which is wild for a sequel that felt like it took forever to actually get made.
Marty Supreme, that A24 flick starring Timothée Chalamet, is also surprisingly sticky. It’s not a typical "blockbuster," but the word of mouth has been huge. People are obsessed with the vibe. It’s one of those movies that makes you feel cooler just for sitting through it.
The New Blood: Survival and Monkeys
This past weekend (January 9th) saw the release of Greenland 2: Migration. If you remember the first one from 2020, it was that Gerard Butler disaster movie that was actually way better than it had any right to be. This one jumps ahead five years. The Garrity family leaves their bunker because, well, you can't stay underground forever.
It’s a bit bleaker than the first one. They’re trying to get to a crater in France. Critics aren’t exactly over the moon—it’s sitting at about 56% on Rotten Tomatoes—but if you want to see Gerard Butler look stressed and protect his family from a frozen wasteland, it hits the spot. It’s a solid "popcorn and forget" kind of afternoon.
And then there’s Primate. This is the one people are actually talking about. Directed by Johannes Roberts (the guy who did 47 Meters Down), it’s basically a creature feature where a pet monkey gets rabies and starts tearing a group of friends apart.
It sounds like a B-movie, and it kind of is, but it’s sitting at a 92% critical score right now. Why? Because they used practical effects. The monkey looks terrifyingly real, not like some rubbery CGI mess. It’s the first real horror hit of 2026. If you’re into "Cujo" vibes but with more climbing, this is your best bet for what movies are in the cinema now.
Small Gems and Limited Runs
If you live in a city with one of those "prestige" theaters that serves kale salads, you might find No Other Choice. It’s a South Korean satirical thriller from Lee Byung-hun (the Front Man from Squid Game). It’s about a guy who gets laid off and decides the only way to get his job back is to literally kill the competition. It’s dark. It’s funny. It’s basically Parasite meets The Office. It’s only in about 150 theaters, so check your local listings before you drive across town.
There’s also Hamnet. It’s a Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley vehicle about Shakespeare’s son. It’s heavy, it’s beautiful, and it’ll probably get Mescal another award nomination because that’s just what he does now.
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What's Dropping This Friday?
If none of that sounds good, just wait until January 16th. We’re getting 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Nia DaCosta is directing this one, and Ralph Fiennes is in the cast. Cillian Murphy is producing and supposedly has a cameo. The hype is through the roof. It’s the second part of the new trilogy, following up on last year’s 28 Years Later.
Also, for the kids (or the kids at heart), Charlie the Wonderdog opens wide this weekend. It’s an animated flick with Owen Wilson voicing the lead. Expect a lot of "Wow" jokes and generic life lessons.
Actionable Next Steps for Moviegoers
Don't just walk into the theater and pick whatever has the shortest line. Use these tips to actually enjoy your night:
- Check for Fathom Events: This week specifically, there are special screenings of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (January 12th and 16th). These are usually the extended editions and they look incredible on a big screen.
- Verify the Format: If you're seeing Avatar or Greenland 2, try to find an IMAX or Dolby Cinema screen. The sound design in Migration is actually its best feature.
- Skip the Previews: Most theaters are running 20-25 minutes of trailers now. If your ticket says 7:00 PM, the movie isn't starting until 7:22 PM. Plan your popcorn run accordingly.
- Look for Bundles: Fandango is currently running a "2 for $20" deal for Mercy and Crime 101 if you book early.
- Support the Indies: If No Other Choice is playing near you, go see it. We need more weird, original movies to balance out the endless sequels.
Whether you're looking for a good cry at Hamnet or a good jump-scare with a rabid monkey in Primate, the current lineup is surprisingly diverse for the middle of winter. Grab the extra-large soda—you're going to need the caffeine to get through the 3-hour Avatar runtime.