The box office landscape shifted dramatically on January 17, 2026, with the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which has successfully dethroned Avatar: Fire and Ash after a solid four-week run at the top. The latest installment in the 28 Days Later franchise made an impressive debut, earning $5.5 million on its opening day.
Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as Dr. Ian Kelson in this twisted and brutal continuation, and his performance has been highlighted as one of the year’s most compelling. Critics have praised Fiennes for delivering what has been described as the “craziest performance of the year,” marking a significant moment for the franchise.
In a closely contested box office race, Avatar: Fire and Ash slipped to second place, bringing in $3.2 million during its fifth Friday in theaters. Despite its drop, the film remains a strong contender, having enjoyed substantial earnings since its release.
The re-release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring for its 25th anniversary took third place, contributing over $3.16 million to its box office total. The enduring popularity of the trilogy has kept it relevant, attracting audiences both new and old.
Following closely in fourth position was Disney’s Zootopia 2, which garnered $1.9 million on its eighth Friday in theaters. This sequel continues to draw in families and fans of the original film.
Finally, Marty Supreme, which recently earned Timothée Chalamet a Golden Globe, secured fifth place with over $1.6 million. This performance underscores Chalamet’s growing influence in the industry.
As the box office battle continues, audiences can expect an exciting competition in the weeks ahead. The shifting dynamics among these films reflect changing viewer preferences and highlight the evolving landscape of cinema.
