Theater counts: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple takes over as North America’s widest release

January 15, 2026

Avatar: Fire and Ash scored another box office victory last weekend, earning $21.5 million in its fourth frame and boosting its North American total to nearly $343 million. As of Wednesday, the film also propelled the Avatar franchise to a staggering $6.48 billion overall. This weekend, a mix of new releases and anniversary titles returns audiences to theaters.

Making its start in 3,506 theaters this weekend is the latest in the 28 Days Later franchise with the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. In the continuation of the epic story, Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship with consequences that could change the world as they know it, and Spike’s encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can’t escape. Its predecessor, 28 Years Later opened just last June and raked in over $70 million during its seven-week domestic run. The second film is directed by Nia DaCosta and stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Williams.

Debuting in 1,230 theaters across North America this weekend is family-friendly adventure, Charlie the Wonderdog. The film follows Charlie, a dog that gains superpowers after aliens abduct his owner. Together, they battle an evil cat threatening humanity, while the dog becomes a famous superhero.

Coming back to theaters for its 20th anniversary is the 2005 animated comedy-adventure, Madagascar. The film, which features the voices of Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett-Smith, was a success at the global box office, picking up over $556 million, while spawning three follow-up films in the Madagascar franchise, leading to a worldwide franchise total of $2.27 billion. The original movie will once again be available on the big screen, this time in 1,083 movie houses.

Making its theatrical debut in 800 locations is the horror feature, Night Patrol. The film follows an LAPD officer who must put aside his differences with the area’s street gangs when he discovers a local police task force is harboring a horrific secret that endangers the residents of the housing projects he grew up in.

Expected to arrive in approximately 760 locations is the latest from GKIDS with the release of their Japanese sci-fi animated film, All You Need is Kill. The film is an adaptation of the popular light novel of the same name, written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.

Rounding out this weekend’s five widest releases is the former champ, Avatar: Fire and Ash, after shedding 400 locations but still playing in a hefty 3,300 theaters. The Housemaid and Zootopia 2 follow closely in third and fourth, screening in 3,101 and 3,100 cinemas, respectively. Meanwhile, last weekend’s newcomer, Primate, retains its opening theater count of 2,964 as it enters its second weekend.

Looking ahead to next weekend, we see the release of Mercy, starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson. The science-fiction feature set in 2029 Los Angeles is projected to launch in approximately 3,000 locations. Other movies opening next weekend include Clika, opening in approximately 500 cinemas, while The Testament of Ann Lee will expand into about 500 locations.

Filed under: Theater Counts