The Weekend POURcast
Welcome to the Weekend POURcast, your boozy guide to the box office. Every Friday we look back at what happened in theaters last weekend, preview the new wide releases hitting multiplexes, flag a few fresh streaming drops, and take our best shot at predicting the top of the weekend charts. You bring the snacks, we will bring the movie talk.
Last weekend at the movies
The first weekend of 2026 belonged to the Na’vi. Again.
Avatar: Fire and Ash held the top spot for a third straight frame, pulling in about $40 million domestically and cruising past the $1 billion mark worldwide. James Cameron continues his favorite hobby, which appears to be breaking box office records whenever he feels like it.
Zootopia 2 stayed incredibly strong in second with $19 million, barely dipping from the previous weekend and pushing its global haul into Disney history territory. The Housemaid rode word of mouth and Sydney Sweeney’s rising star into third with $14.9 million, while Marty Supreme kept serving sweaty prestige sports vibes in fourth with $12.6 million. Anaconda rounded out the top five with $10 million and continues to quietly overperform for a mid budget creature feature.
Big picture, it was a healthy, crowd-pleasing start to the new year. 2026 is already tracking ahead of the same frame in 2025, which is exactly the kind of momentum theaters needed.
New in theaters this weekend
Here is what is new in wide release if you are heading out to the multiplex.
Greenland 2: Migration (PG-13, Lionsgate)
Gerard Butler is back as John Garrity in a sequel to the surprisingly emotional 2020 disaster hit. This time the family leaves the safety of their Greenland bunker and treks across a shattered Europe in search of a livable future. Early reviews say it leans harder on action and grim post apocalyptic vistas, but some critics think it loses the grounded human tension that made the first film work, calling it self serious and uneven. Still, if you want end of the world spectacle and Butler muttering his way through rubble, this is your big, loud option.
Primate (R, Paramount)
Johannes Roberts, of 47 Meters Down fame, directs this killer chimp horror movie about a family whose adopted chimp turns deadly after a rabid bite on vacation. Critics out of Fantastic Fest have been pretty positive, praising it as a tight 90 minute creature feature that delivers old school, squirm in your seat fun even if it is not reinventing the wheel. Great choice for late night crowd energy.
I Was a Stranger (PG-13, Angel)
Angel Studios expands this Syrian refugee drama into wide release after early festival buzz. The film interweaves the stories of multiple characters connected by one dangerous night, depicting the refugee crisis from several perspectives. Reviews call it powerful, tense, sometimes melodramatic, but emotionally sincere in its focus on human cost over politics. Expect tough subject matter and plenty to talk about on the ride home.
Charlie the Wonderdog (PG, Viva Pictures)
On the family side, Charlie the Wonderdog introduces kids to a regular pup who discovers superpowers and tries to protect his loved ones, only to learn that real heroism is about kindness and courage more than flashy abilities. Early word pegs it as a warm, colorful, low stress option for parents who have already taken the kids back to Zootopia 2 twice.
Dead Man’s Wire (R, Row K Entertainment)
For true crime fans, Gus Van Sant dramatizes the 1977 Tony Kiritsis hostage standoff. Bill Skarsgård and Dacre Montgomery headline what critics are calling a stylish, relentlessly tense thriller and a return to form for Van Sant. If awards chatter and sweaty, talky suspense are your thing, this is the grown up pick of the weekend.
Streaming sips: new at home
If you are staying in and mixing something from your home bar, here are a few fresh drops that keep things movie focused.
Netflix – People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
The first Emily Henry adaptation finally lands on Netflix this Friday, bringing the slow burn friends to lovers romcom to your couch. Critics are split between calling it a charming, formula friendly comfort watch and a bit of a bland When Harry Met Sally echo, but most agree the chemistry between Emily Bader and Tom Blyth carries it. Perfect for anyone who wants something cozy and travel flavored while they plan their own 2026 trips.
Disney+ – Tron: Ares
Disney is leaning into neon futures with Tron: Ares arriving on Disney+ this week, giving sci fi fans a sleek digital world to dive into without leaving the couch. Promotional materials have been playing up the AI angle and the film is positioned as a big tentpole for the streamer in early 2026.
Prime Video – Kung Fu Panda 4
Po’s latest adventure hits Prime Video as part of January’s movie lineup, a nice family friendly option tied to a beloved theatrical franchise for those who skipped it in theaters or just want a second helping of dumplings and destiny.
Box office POURcast: our top 5 prediction
Here is how we think the domestic top five shakes out for January 9 to 11. It’s post holidays and people have to see what kind of money they have left. Plus, January is usually slow, but here we go:
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Avatar: Fire and Ash – around $27 million
Holiday legs plus limited competition at its scale should keep it at number one, even with a typical third to fourth weekend drop. -
Greenland 2: Migration – around $14 million
The first film built a solid reputation on VOD and streaming, but mixed early reviews and a grim tone probably cap this one in the low to mid teens. -
Zootopia 2 – around $12 million
Families are still turning out and the drops have been incredibly gentle. Expect another strong hold as parents use it as a back to school weekend treat. -
Primate – around $9 million
Creature features with a simple hook and good buzz usually open solidly, especially with horror fans hungry for something new in January. POSSIBILITY THAT POST-HOLIDAYS, PEOPLE WANT A GOOD SCARE AGAIN, AND THIS COULD DO $29 MILLION AND MAKE IT #1. -
The Housemaid – around $7 million
Strong word of mouth and star power should keep it ahead of Marty Supreme and the rest of the pack, even as new titles crowd the board.
Final pour
Well, that’s the Weekend POURcast. Whether you are suiting up for another trip to Pandora, braving a killer chimp, or settling in with a romcom and a refill at home, this weekend offers a little bit of everything. Theatrical is starting 2026 with real momentum, streaming is lining up comfort watches, and we are here every week to help you decide what is worth your ticket or your time.
