January Releases
Browse the films, anniversaries, milestones, and memorable premieres that made January a part of cinema history
January Releases
January 3
The Grudge (2020)
Director: Nicolas Pesce
Cast: Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, John Cho, Betty Gilpin, Lin Shaye, Jacki Weaver
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $49.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
IMDb: 4.4/10
Synopsis
A reboot of the iconic Japanese horror franchise, The Grudge follows Detective Muldoon as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths connected to a cursed house. Anyone who enters the home becomes marked by a supernatural force that passes from victim to victim, leaving a trail of terror and tragedy.
Did You Know?
• The film serves as both a reboot and a side story connected to the events of the 2004 American remake.
• Director Nicolas Pesce wanted the movie to have a darker and more grounded tone than previous entries in the franchise.
• Horror legend Sam Raimi returned as a producer, having also produced the 2004 and 2006 films.
• The movie's curse originates from the same Japanese supernatural mythology established in Ju-On: The Grudge (2002).
January 4
Escape Room (2019)
Director: Adam Robitel
Cast: Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Nik Dodani
Budget: $9 million
Box Office: $155.7 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
IMDb: 6.4/10
🎞️ Synopsis
Six strangers receive invitations to participate in an immersive escape room with a $10,000 prize. What begins as a seemingly harmless puzzle challenge quickly turns into a deadly game of survival as they discover that every room has been designed to kill them.
Did You Know?
• Each escape room was designed around the personal traumas and experiences of the participants.
• The film's massive box-office success led to the sequel Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (2021).
• Following a tragic real-life escape room fire in Poland, the movie's release was postponed in several countries out of respect for the victims.
January 5
Freedom Writers (2007)
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Cast: Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Imelda Staunton, Scott Glenn, April L. Hernandez, Mario
Budget: $21 Million
Box Office: $43.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
IMDb: 7.6/10
Synopsis
Based on a true story, Freedom Writers follows Erin Gruwell, a young teacher who takes on a class of at-risk students in a racially divided Los Angeles high school. Through literature, writing, and encouragement, she helps her students overcome prejudice, violence, and personal struggles while inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on The Freedom Writers Diary, a collection of real journal entries written by Erin Gruwell's students.
• Hilary Swank reportedly accepted a significant pay cut because she believed strongly in the story and its message.
• Many of the students portrayed in the film were inspired by real people who attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California.
• Erin Gruwell served as a consultant during production to help ensure the film accurately reflected the students' experiences.
Awards & Recognitions
NAACP Image Awards
• Nominated — Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Richard LaGravenese)
January 7
White Noise (2005)
Director: Geoffrey Sax
Cast: Michael Keaton, Chandra West, Deborah Kara Unger, Ian McNeice
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $91.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 7%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Synopsis
After his wife dies in a tragic accident, architect Jonathan Rivers becomes obsessed with Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP), a method believed to allow communication with the dead. As he searches for messages from beyond the grave, he uncovers a sinister force that threatens both the living and the dead.
Did You Know?
The film helped popularize public interest in EVP, a paranormal theory involving voices allegedly captured on electronic recordings.
The EVP recording featured in the trailer was inspired by real recordings investigated by paranormal researchers.
Despite poor critical reviews, the film opened at No. 1 at the North American box office and became a financial success.
The movie marked one of Michael Keaton's first leading roles in a horror film.
The 355 (2022)
Director: Simon Kinberg
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong'o, Diane Kruger, Fan Bingbing, Edgar Ramírez
Budget: $75 Million
Box Office: $27.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 24%
IMDb: 5.6/10
Synopsis
When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, CIA agent Mace Brown joins forces with a team of elite international operatives to recover it. Their globe-trotting mission takes them from Paris to Morocco and Shanghai as they race against dangerous enemies and hidden agendas.
Did You Know?
• The film's title refers to "Agent 355," the codename of a female spy who worked for the Patriots during the American Revolution.
• Jessica Chastain originated the idea for the project and also served as a producer.
• The cast features multiple Academy Award winners and nominees, including Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong'o, and Jessica Chastain.
• The movie was conceived as a female-led international spy franchise inspired by classic espionage films.
January 8
Leprechaun (1992)
Director: Mark Jones
Cast: Warwick Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Ken Olandt, Mark Holton, Robert Gorman
Budget: $900,000
Box Office: $8.6 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
IMDb: 4.8/10
Synopsis
After stealing a leprechaun's pot of gold in Ireland, Dan O'Grady returns to the United States and traps the creature in his basement. Ten years later, a group of unsuspecting newcomers accidentally release the vengeful leprechaun, who embarks on a murderous quest to recover his stolen treasure.
Did You Know?
• Leprechaun marked Jennifer Aniston's film debut, a year before she became a household name on Friends.
• British actor Warwick Davis performed much of the role in full makeup and costume, helping turn the villain into a horror icon.
• The film was originally submitted to the MPAA for a PG-13 rating before being released as an R-rated horror movie.
• Vice President Dan Quayle received a special thanks credit after helping expedite Warwick Davis's work visa.
January 9
Bride Wars (2009)
Director: Gary Winick
Cast: Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Candice Bergen, Bryan Greenberg, Chris Pratt, Steve Howey
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $115.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Synopsis
Lifelong best friends Liv and Emma have dreamed of their perfect weddings since childhood. When a scheduling error books both ceremonies at New York City's Plaza Hotel on the same day, their friendship is put to the ultimate test as they engage in an increasingly outrageous battle to ensure their special day remains perfect.
Did You Know?
• The film was originally conceived as a teen comedy starring Emma Roberts and Nikki Reed before being reworked into a vehicle for Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway.
• Kate Hudson not only starred in the film but also served as one of its producers.
• Chris Pratt appears in the film several years before becoming a global star through Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World.
• Much of the film was shot in New York and Boston, with the iconic Plaza Hotel playing a central role in the story.
January 10
Batman Beyond: The Movie (1999)
🎬 Director: Curt Geda, Butch Lukic, Dan Riba
⭐ Cast: Will Friedle, Kevin Conroy, Teri Garr, Sherman Howard, Lauren Tom
💰 Budget: N/A
🎟️ Box Office: N/A (Direct-to-video / TV Movie)
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Batman Beyond Season 1)
⭐ IMDb: 7.7/10
Synopsis
Decades after Bruce Wayne retires as Batman, troubled teenager Terry McGinnis discovers the secret identity of Gotham's former Dark Knight. Under Wayne's guidance, Terry becomes the new Batman, protecting a futuristic Gotham City from a new generation of villains.
Did You Know?
• Despite its title, Batman Beyond: The Movie is actually a compilation of episodes from the first season of Batman Beyond.
• Kevin Conroy returned to voice Bruce Wayne, continuing the role he made iconic in Batman: The Animated Series.
• The series premiered before Batman: The Animated Series had fully left fans' memories, yet quickly built its own dedicated following.
• Terry McGinnis became one of DC's most popular original animated characters.
The Book of Eli (2010)
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Cast: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Michael Gambon
Budget: $80 Million
Box Office: $157.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 46%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Synopsis
Thirty years after a devastating nuclear war, a lone wanderer named Eli travels across a post-apocalyptic America carrying a sacred book that he believes holds the key to humanity's future. Pursued by a ruthless warlord determined to possess the book's power, Eli must fight to protect his mission at all costs.
Did You Know?
• Denzel Washington performed many of his own hand-to-hand combat sequences in the film.
• The movie's distinctive desaturated look was achieved using extensive digital color grading rather than shooting in black and white.
• The screenplay was written by Gary Whitta, who later co-wrote Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
• Much of the film was shot in New Mexico, where abandoned landscapes helped create the post-apocalyptic setting.
Underwater (2020)
Director: William Eubank
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Jessica Henwick, Mamoudou Athie, T.J. Miller, John Gallagher Jr.
Budget: $80 Million
Box Office: $40.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 47%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Synopsis
After a catastrophic earthquake devastates an underwater drilling facility deep in the Mariana Trench, a group of survivors must make a perilous journey across the ocean floor to reach safety. Along the way, they discover they are not alone in the depths.
Did You Know?
• The film begins almost immediately with the disaster, skipping the traditional setup found in most sci-fi horror movies.
• Director William Eubank cited Alien (1979) and The Abyss (1989) as major influences.
• The creatures in the film draw inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror mythology.
• Kristen Stewart shaved her head before filming, helping create her character's distinctive look.
January 11
Gangster Squad (2013)
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Emma Stone, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi
Budget: $60 Million
Box Office: $105.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 32%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Synopsis
In 1949 Los Angeles, a secret group of LAPD officers is assembled to take down notorious mob boss Mickey Cohen, whose criminal empire controls much of the city. Operating outside the law, the squad wages a dangerous war against organized crime.
Did You Know?
• The film is loosely based on the real-life efforts to dismantle Mickey Cohen's criminal organization.
• A theater shooting scene was removed and reshot following the 2012 Aurora tragedy.
• Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone reunited in the film after appearing together in Crazy, Stupid, Love.
• Sean Penn underwent extensive makeup transformations to portray Mickey Cohen.
January 12
Save the Last Dance (2001)
Director: Thomas Carter
Cast: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Kerry Washington, Fredro Starr, Terry Kinney
Budget: $13 Million
Box Office: $131.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Synopsis
After the death of her mother, aspiring ballerina Sara moves to Chicago to live with her father. There, she forms an unexpected bond with Derek, a talented student who introduces her to hip-hop culture while helping her rediscover her passion for dance.
Did You Know?
• This was one of Kerry Washington's first major film roles.
• Julia Stiles trained extensively to perform many of the dance sequences.
• The film became a surprise box-office hit and remained #1 for multiple weekends.
• The movie helped popularize dance-focused teen dramas in the early 2000s.
The Commuter (2018)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Sam Neill, Jonathan Banks
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $119.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
Insurance salesman Michael MacCauley finds himself caught in a deadly conspiracy after a mysterious stranger offers him a challenge during his daily train commute. As the stakes escalate, he must uncover the identity of a passenger before time runs out.
Did You Know?
• This marked the fourth collaboration between Liam Neeson and director Jaume Collet-Serra.
• Most of the train interiors were built as practical sets.
• The film combines elements of a mystery thriller and an action movie.
• Vera Farmiga's character appears for only a short time but drives the entire plot
January 14
Coach Carter (2005)
Director: Thomas Carter
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Channing Tatum, Rick Gonzalez, Ashanti
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $76.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
Based on a true story, high school basketball coach Ken Carter shocks his community when he benches his undefeated team due to poor academic performance. His controversial decision teaches his players lessons that extend far beyond the basketball court.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on the real-life story of Richmond High School coach Ken Carter.
• Channing Tatum appeared in one of his earliest film roles
• Many of the basketball scenes were performed by actors with real playing experience.
• Ken Carter served as a consultant during production.
Elektra (2005)
Director: Rob Bowman
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Goran Višnjić, Will Yun Lee, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Terence Stamp
Budget: $43 Million
Box Office: $57 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
IMDb: 4.7/10
Synopsis
After being resurrected following the events of Daredevil (2003), assassin Elektra Natchios attempts to leave her violent past behind. When she is assigned to kill a man and his daughter, she instead chooses to protect them, putting herself in the crosshairs of the deadly organization known as The Hand.
Did You Know?
• Elektra is a spin-off of Daredevil (2003), with Jennifer Garner reprising her role as the Marvel antihero.
• The film was shot primarily in Vancouver, Canada.
• Jennifer Garner performed many of her own stunt sequences and martial arts scenes
.• The character later returned to the big screen in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).
The Green Hornet (2011)
🎬 Director: Michel Gondry
⭐ Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz, Cameron Diaz, Tom Wilkinson
💰 Budget: $120 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $227.8 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 45%
⭐ IMDb: 5.8/10
Synopsis
After the death of his father, wealthy newspaper heir Britt Reid teams up with martial arts expert Kato to become the masked crime-fighting duo known as The Green Hornet. Together, they battle Los Angeles crime lord Chudnofsky while attempting to prove themselves as heroes
Did You Know?
• Director Michel Gondry was best known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind before tackling this superhero film.
• Seth Rogen co-wrote the screenplay with longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg.
• The film was also released in 3D.
• Jay Chou's portrayal of Kato introduced many Western audiences to the Taiwanese superstar.
Locked Down (2021)
🎬 Director: Doug Liman
⭐ Cast: Anne Hathaway, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ben Kingsley, Ben Stiller, Stephen Merchant
💰 Budget: N/A
🎟️ Box Office: N/A (Streaming Release)
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
⭐ IMDb: 5.4/10
Synopsis
As the COVID-19 pandemic forces London into lockdown, a couple on the verge of separation find themselves trapped together. Unexpectedly, they become involved in a high-stakes jewel heist that could change their lives forever.
Did You Know?
• The film was written, filmed, and released during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Most scenes were shot under strict health and safety protocols.
• Director Doug Liman completed production in less than a year.
• It was one of the first major Hollywood films directly inspired by pandemic lockdowns.
Scream (2022)
🎬 Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
⭐ Cast: Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell
💰 Budget: $24 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $137.7 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
⭐ IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
Twenty-five years after the original Woodsboro murders, a new Ghostface killer emerges, targeting a group of teenagers connected to the town's dark past. As the attacks escalate, legacy survivors return to confront a new generation of terror.
Did You Know?
• This was the first Scream film not directed by franchise creator Wes Craven.
• The filmmakers operated under the fake title Parkside during production to prevent leaks.
• Jenna Ortega's performance helped establish her as one of horror's new leading stars.
• The film revived the franchise after an eleven-year hiatus.
January 15
Vanishing Point (1971)
Director: Richard C. Sarafian
Cast: Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, Dean Jagger, Charlotte Rampling
Budget: $1.6 Million
Box Office: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Kowalski, a former race car driver and Vietnam veteran, accepts a challenge to deliver a white 1970 Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in record time. As he races across the American Southwest, he becomes the target of a massive police pursuit and an unlikely counterculture hero.
Did You Know?
• The film's white Dodge Challenger became one of the most iconic movie cars ever.
• Quentin Tarantino cited Vanishing Point as an influence on Death Proof.
• The movie was a modest performer upon release but later achieved cult-classic status.
• The character Super Soul became one of the most memorable radio personalities in film history.
Varsity Blues (1999)
🎬 Director: Brian Robbins
⭐ Cast: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker, Amy Smart, Ali Larter, Scott Caan
💰 Budget: $16 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $54.3 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
⭐ IMDb: 6.5/10
Synopsis
When the star quarterback of a Texas high school football team suffers a devastating injury, backup quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon is thrust into the spotlight. As pressure from the town and his demanding coach intensifies, Mox begins challenging the culture surrounding high school football.
Did You Know?
• Paul Walker broke his leg during production.
• The film was shot primarily in Austin, Texas.
• The line "I don't want your life" became one of the most quoted movie lines of the late 1990s.
• Ali Larter's whipped-cream bikini scene became a pop-culture phenomenon.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
🎬 Director: Michael Bay
⭐ Cast: John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, David Denman, Dominic Fumusa
💰 Budget: $50 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $69.4 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
⭐ IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
Based on true events, the film follows six members of a security team defending a CIA annex during the 2012 attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya. As the assault intensifies, they risk everything to protect American personnel trapped in the conflict.
Did You Know?
• John Krasinski underwent an intense physical transformation for the role.
• The film is based on Mitchell Zuckoff's bestselling nonfiction book.
• Michael Bay described it as one of the most personal projects of his career.
• Many of the military advisors involved in production had real combat experience
Serenity (2019)
🎬 Director: Steven Knight
⭐ Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke, Diane Lane, Djimon Hounsou
💰 Budget: $25 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $14.5 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 21%
⭐ IMDb: 5.4/10
Synopsis
Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain living on a tropical island, is approached by his ex-wife with a shocking request: kill her abusive husband. As he wrestles with the decision, he begins to realize that reality may not be what it seems.
Did You Know?
• The film reunited Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway after Interstellar (2014).
• Steven Knight wrote and directed the movie.
• The film was shot in Mauritius.
• Its twist ending quickly became one of the most discussed movie reveals of 2019.
January 16
Torque (2004)
Director: Joseph Kahn
Cast: Martin Henderson, Ice Cube, Monet Mazur, Jay Hernandez, Adam Scott
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $46.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
IMDb: 4.1/10
Synopsis
After returning to Los Angeles, biker Cary Ford finds himself framed for murder and pursued by both the FBI and a dangerous motorcycle gang. To clear his name, he must uncover the truth while navigating a high-speed world of rival bikers and explosive action.
Did You Know?
• The film was directed by music video veteran Joseph Kahn in his feature-film debut.
• Many critics described it as "The Fast and the Furious on motorcycles."
• The movie features exaggerated stunts that intentionally defy realism.
• Ice Cube plays the leader of the Reapers motorcycle gang.
Along Came Polly (2004)
🎬 Director: John Hamburg
⭐ Cast: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, Alec Baldwin
💰 Budget: $42 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $178.3 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
⭐ IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
Risk-averse insurance analyst Reuben Feffer has his life turned upside down when his new wife cheats on him during their honeymoon. Soon after, he reconnects with his free-spirited former classmate Polly Prince, who challenges him to embrace life's unpredictability.
Did You Know?
• Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance as Sandy Lyle became a fan favorite.
• Jennifer Aniston filmed the movie during her time starring on Friends.
• The basketball scene featuring Hoffman remains one of the film's most memorable moments.
• Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston would later reunite for other projects.
January 17
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
🎬 Director: Dennis Dugan
⭐ Cast: Chris Farley, Nicollette Sheridan, Robin Shou, Nathaniel Parker, Chris Rock
💰 Budget: $18 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $31.2 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
⭐ IMDb: 5.6/10
Synopsis
Raised by Japanese ninjas despite having little aptitude for their ways, the clumsy Haru travels to Beverly Hills to investigate a mysterious case involving counterfeit money, organized crime, and a woman in danger.
Did You Know?
• This was one of Chris Farley's final starring roles before his death later that year.
• The film pays homage to classic martial arts movies while parodying them.
• Chris Rock plays Haru's sarcastic sidekick Joey.
• The movie became a staple of 1990s comedy cable programming.
Kangaroo Jack (2003)
🎬 Director: David McNally
⭐ Cast: Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson, Estella Warren, Christopher Walken
💰 Budget: $60 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $88.9 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 8%
⭐ IMDb: 4.5/10
Synopsis
Two childhood friends are sent to Australia to deliver money for a mob boss. After a kangaroo accidentally hops away wearing their cash-filled jacket, the pair embark on a wild adventure across the Outback to recover the missing money.
Did You Know?
• The talking kangaroo appears only briefly in the movie despite dominating the marketing campaign.
• The film was originally conceived as a more adult-oriented comedy.
• Christopher Walken plays the movie's eccentric mob boss.
• Audience expectations were heavily influenced by the animated trailers.
January 18
Cloverfield (2008)
🎬 Director: Matt Reeves
⭐ Cast: Michael Stahl-David, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Odette Yustman
💰 Budget: $25 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $172.4 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
⭐ IMDb: 7.0/10
Synopsis
A group of friends attending a farewell party in New York City suddenly find themselves fighting for survival when a gigantic monster attacks Manhattan. Armed only with a handheld camera, they document the chaos unfolding around them.
Did You Know?
• The monster's appearance was kept secret throughout the marketing campaign.
• Producer J.J. Abrams conceived the project after visiting Japan and seeing the popularity of Godzilla.
• The film popularized viral marketing campaigns in Hollywood.
• The handheld-camera style was inspired by real disaster footage.
Glass (2019)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, James McAvoy, Sarah Paulson, Anya Taylor-Joy
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $247 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Synopsis
David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, whose multiple personalities include the dangerous Beast. Their confrontation eventually draws the attention of Elijah Price, setting the stage for a climactic conclusion to Shyamalan's superhero trilogy.
Did You Know?
• Glass serves as the sequel to both Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016).
• M. Night Shyamalan personally financed the film.
• James McAvoy portrays more than 20 personalities throughout the movie.
• Bruce Willis returned as David Dunn nearly two decades after Unbreakable.
January 19
Tremors (1990)
Director: Ron Underwood
Cast: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $16.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Handymen Val McKee and Earl Bassett are tired of life in the tiny desert town of Perfection, Nevada. Before they can leave, a series of mysterious deaths reveals the presence of gigantic underground creatures that hunt by sensing vibrations. The townspeople must band together to survive as the monsters close in.
Did You Know?
• The creatures were originally called "Land Sharks" before being renamed "Graboids."
• Kevin Bacon has said that Tremors is one of the films he is most proud of.
• The movie was filmed in Lone Pine, California, whose desert landscapes became a defining part of its identity.
• Reba McEntire made her feature film debut in Tremors.
Awards & Recognitions:
Saturn Awards
• Nominated — Best Horror Film
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actor (Michael Gross)
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Ernest Liu, Salma Hayek
Budget: $19 Million
Box Office: $59.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
After a violent bank robbery, fugitive brothers Seth and Richie Gecko kidnap a family and flee toward Mexico. Their escape takes an unexpected turn when they stop at a remote nightclub called the Titty Twister, only to discover it is inhabited by bloodthirsty vampires. Trapped until sunrise, the survivors must fight for their lives.
Did You Know?
• This was George Clooney's first leading role in a major Hollywood film after gaining fame on the TV series ER.
• Quentin Tarantino not only wrote the screenplay but also starred as Richie Gecko.
• Salma Hayek's snake dance scene became one of the most iconic moments of 1990s cult cinema.
• Many audiences were shocked by the film's sudden shift from crime thriller to vampire horror halfway through the story.
Awards & Recognitions:
Saturn Awards
• Won — Best Horror Film
• Won — Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Lewis)
• Nominated — Best Actor (George Clooney)
MTV Movie Awards
• Nominated — Best Breakthrough Performance (George Clooney)
January 20
Underworld: Evolution (2006)
Director: Len Wiseman
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Shane Brolly
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $113.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 17%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Synopsis
Following the events of Underworld (2003), vampire warrior Selene and hybrid Michael Corvin uncover the origins of the centuries-long war between vampires and Lycans. As ancient secrets come to light, they must face powerful enemies determined to control the future of both species.
Did You Know?
• Kate Beckinsale performed many of her own stunts during production.
• Director Len Wiseman and Kate Beckinsale were married at the time of filming.
• The movie expands the mythology introduced in the first Underworld, exploring the origins of both vampire and Lycan bloodlines.
• Much of the film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, with extensive use of practical sets and visual effects.
Missing (2023)
Director: Will Merrick, Nick Johnson
Cast: Storm Reid, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney, Nia Long
Budget: $7 Million
Box Office: $48.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Synopsis
When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June Allen uses technology, social media, surveillance footage, and online clues to launch her own investigation. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that make the case far more complicated than she ever imagined.
Did You Know?
• Missing is a standalone sequel to Searching (2018), though it features an entirely new story and characters.
• The entire film is told through computer screens, smartphones, security cameras, video calls, and social media feeds.
• Directors Will Merrick and Nick Johnson previously worked as editors on Searching before making their directorial debut with Missing.
• The film contains several hidden references and easter eggs connecting it to the universe of Searching.
January 22
Legion (2010)
Director: Scott Stewart
Cast: Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Adrianne Palicki, Charles S. Dutton
Budget: $26 Million
Box Office: $67.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
IMDb: 5.3/10
Synopsis
When God loses faith in humanity, He sends a legion of angels to bring about the apocalypse. The Archangel Michael defies Heaven's orders and travels to a remote desert diner to protect a pregnant waitress whose unborn child may be humanity's last hope. As angels and possessed humans attack from all sides, a small group of strangers must fight for survival.
Did You Know?
• Legion marked the feature directorial debut of visual effects artist Scott Stewart, who had previously worked on films such as Iron Man and Pirates of the Caribbean.
• The film's iconic "creepy grandmother" sequence became one of the movie's most memorable horror scenes.
• Paul Bettany would later play another celestial-inspired character when he portrayed Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• The movie was filmed primarily in New Mexico.
The 5th Wave (2016)
Director: J Blakeson
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Alex Roe, Maika Monroe, Liev Schreiber, Maria Bello
Budget: $38 Million
Box Office: $109.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
IMDb: 5.2/10
Synopsis
After four devastating waves of alien attacks leave Earth on the brink of extinction, teenager Cassie Sullivan desperately searches for her younger brother. As humanity prepares for a mysterious fifth wave, Cassie must decide who she can trust in a world where anyone could be the enemy.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on Rick Yancey's bestselling 2013 young-adult novel of the same name.
• Chloë Grace Moretz was only 18 years old when she carried the film as its lead star
• Producer Tobey Maguire acquired the rights to the novel before its publication.
• The movie was intended to launch a franchise, but its mixed reception prevented adaptations of the remaining books in the trilogy.
January 23
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Director: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Elden Henson, William Lee Scott, Eric Stoltz
Budget: $13 Million
Box Office: $96.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 34%
IMDb: 7.6/10
Synopsis
Evan Treborn has suffered blackouts throughout his life, losing memories of traumatic events from his childhood. As an adult, he discovers he can travel back in time by reading his old journals, allowing him to alter the past. However, every change creates unexpected consequences, leading to increasingly devastating alternate realities.
Did You Know?
• Ashton Kutcher personally fought for the darker ending used in the Director's Cut.
• The title comes from the Butterfly Effect theory, where small actions can lead to massive consequences over time.
• Several alternate endings were filmed, including one considered too dark for the theatrical release.
• The film was shot primarily in Vancouver, Canada.
Awards & Recognitions:
Saturn Awards
• Nominated — Best Science Fiction Film
Teen Choice Awards
• Nominated — Choice Movie Actor: Drama (Ashton Kutcher)
• Nominated — Choice Movie: Drama/Thriller
January 25
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman
Cast: Rod Taylor, Betty Lou Gerson, Cate Bauer, Ben Wright, Martha Wentworth
Budget: $4 Million
Box Office: $303 Million (including multiple re-releases)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
When the evil Cruella de Vil plots to steal a litter of Dalmatian puppies to make a fur coat, devoted parents Pongo and Perdita set out on a daring rescue mission. Along the way, they receive help from animals across England in an adventure that becomes one of Disney's most beloved animated classics.
Did You Know?
• The film was the first Disney animated feature to use Xerox technology, allowing animators to transfer drawings directly to cels and significantly reduce production costs.
• More than 6 million Dalmatian spots were drawn for the movie.
• Walt Disney was initially concerned that animating so many spotted dogs would be impossible.
• Cruella de Vil is widely considered one of the greatest villains in Disney history.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Original Song ("Cruella de Vil") (shortlisted but not nominated in the final category)
BAFTA Awards
• Nominated — Best Animated Film (retrospective recognition)
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
Director: Tommy Wirkola
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen, Peter Stormare, Thomas Mann
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $226.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
Fifteen years after escaping the infamous gingerbread house, Hansel and Gretel have become legendary witch hunters. As children continue disappearing from a nearby village, the siblings are drawn into a deadly battle against a powerful coven of witches and uncover shocking secrets about their own past.
Did You Know?
• Hansel suffers from diabetes as a result of being force-fed candy by the witch during his childhood. This detail was inspired by the original fairy tale.
• The film was shot primarily in Germany, giving it an authentic European fairy-tale atmosphere.
• Producer Will Ferrell was involved behind the scenes through his production company.
• The movie was released in both 2D and 3D formats
January 26
Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
Thomas leads the remaining Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends and uncover the truth behind WCKD, they must infiltrate the heavily fortified Last City, facing impossible odds and devastating sacrifices along the way.
Synopsis
After stealing a leprechaun's pot of gold in Ireland, Dan O'Grady returns to the United States and traps the creature in his basement. Ten years later, a group of unsuspecting newcomers accidentally release the vengeful leprechaun, who embarks on a murderous quest to recover his stolen treasure.
Did You Know?
• Production was delayed for nearly a year after Dylan O'Brien suffered serious injuries during filming and needed time to recover.
• The film was shot primarily in Cape Town, South Africa.
• At 143 minutes, it is the longest film in the Maze Runner trilogy
• This was the final installment in the Maze Runner franchise based on James Dashner's bestselling novels.
Awards & Recognitions:
Teen Choice Awards
• Nominated — Choice Movie: Action
• Nominated — Choice Movie Actor: Action (Dylan O'Brien)
• Nominated — Choice Movie: Ship (Dylan O'Brien & Kaya Scodelario)
• Nominated — Choice Movie Villain (Aidan Gillen)
Man on a Ledge (2012)
Director: Asger Leth
Cast: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Génesis Rodríguez, Ed Harris
Budget: $42 Million
Box Office: $47.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Synopsis
Escaped convict Nick Cassidy steps onto the ledge of a Manhattan hotel, seemingly preparing to jump. As police negotiator Lydia Mercer attempts to talk him down, a far more elaborate plan unfolds involving a diamond heist, corruption, and a quest to clear his name.
Did You Know?
• The film marked the feature directorial debut of Danish filmmaker Asger Leth.
• Much of the suspense was created using practical ledge sets built several stories above the ground.
• Sam Worthington performed many of the film's physically demanding sequences himself.
• The story was inspired by classic heist thrillers and hostage-negotiation dramas.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Thomas Kretschmann, Amanda Brugel
Budget: $8 Million
Box Office: $5.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
While vacationing at an exclusive resort in the fictional country of La Tolqa, struggling writer James Foster and his wife become entangled with a mysterious couple. After a tragic accident, James discovers a disturbing legal system that allows the wealthy to escape punishment through a horrifying process involving cloning, violence, and moral corruption.
Did You Know?
• The film was written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg.
• The movie was originally given an NC-17 rating before being edited to secure an R rating for theatrical release.
• Much of the film was shot in Croatia, whose coastal locations doubled as the fictional resort destination.
• Mia Goth's unsettling performance as Gabi became one of the most praised aspects of the film.
January 27
Before Sunrise (1995)
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl, Karl Bruckschwaiger
Budget: $2.5 Million
Box Office: $5.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
IMDb: 8.1/10
Synopsis
While traveling through Europe, American student Jesse meets French student Céline on a train bound for Vienna. Drawn to each other instantly, they spend a single night wandering the city, discussing life, love, dreams, and their future, knowing they may never see each other again.
Did You Know?
• Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy all contributed ideas and dialogue that shaped the film's naturalistic conversations.
• The movie was inspired by a real encounter Richard Linklater had with a woman he met in Philadelphia and spent an evening walking with.
• Much of the film was shot on location throughout Vienna, Austria.
• Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke would later receive Academy Award nominations for co-writing the sequels Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
Awards & Recognitions:
Berlin International Film Festival
• Won — Silver Bear for Best Director (Richard Linklater)
Independent Spirit Awards
• Nominated — Best Director (Richard Linklater)
• Nominated — Best Screenplay
Big Momma's House 2 (2006)
Director: John Whitesell
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Emily Procter, Nia Long, Zachary Levi, Kat Dennings, Chloë Grace Moretz
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $141.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 6%
IMDb: 4.8/10
Synopsis
FBI agent Malcolm Turner once again goes undercover as Big Momma. This time, he takes a job as a nanny in the home of a computer expert suspected of involvement in a national security case. While investigating the family, Malcolm finds himself balancing espionage, parenting, and plenty of chaotic situations.
Did You Know?
• Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, and Jascha Washington were the only principal cast members to return from the original Big Momma's House (2000).
• The film featured early big-screen appearances by future stars Zachary Levi, Kat Dennings, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
• Much of the movie was filmed in California, including locations in Costa Mesa.
• This was the second film in the Big Momma's House franchise, which would later conclude with Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011).
Man on a Ledge (2012)
Director: Asger Leth
Cast: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Génesis Rodríguez, Ed Harris
Budget: $42 Million
Box Office: $47.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Synopsis
Escaped convict Nick Cassidy steps onto the ledge of a Manhattan hotel, seemingly preparing to jump. As police negotiator Lydia Mercer attempts to talk him down, a far more elaborate plan unfolds involving a diamond heist, corruption, and a quest to clear his name.
Did You Know?
• The film marked the feature directorial debut of Danish filmmaker Asger Leth.
• Much of the suspense was created using practical ledge sets built several stories above the ground.
• Sam Worthington performed many of the film's physically demanding sequences himself.
• The story was inspired by classic heist thrillers and hostage-negotiation dramas.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Thomas Kretschmann, Amanda Brugel
Budget: $8 Million
Box Office: $5.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
While vacationing at an exclusive resort in the fictional country of La Tolqa, struggling writer James Foster and his wife become entangled with a mysterious couple. After a tragic accident, James discovers a disturbing legal system that allows the wealthy to escape punishment through a horrifying process involving cloning, violence, and moral corruption.
Did You Know?
• The film was written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg.
• The movie was originally given an NC-17 rating before being edited to secure an R rating for theatrical release.
• Much of the film was shot in Croatia, whose coastal locations doubled as the fictional resort destination.
• Mia Goth's unsettling performance as Gabi became one of the most praised aspects of the film.
January 29
She's All That (1999)
Director: Robert Iscove
Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Anna Paquin
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $103.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
After being dumped by his popular girlfriend, high school star Zack Siler accepts a bet that he can transform socially awkward art student Laney Boggs into the school's next prom queen. What begins as a challenge soon develops into a genuine romance that forces Zack to reconsider his priorities and reputation.
Did You Know?
• Sarah Michelle Gellar makes a brief, uncredited cameo appearance in the film.
• The movie was filmed at the same high school later used in Not Another Teen Movie (2001), which heavily parodied She's All That.
• The iconic staircase makeover scene became one of the defining moments of teen cinema in the late 1990s.
• The hit song "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer became forever associated with the film
Awards & Recognitions:
MTV Movie Awards
• Nominated — Best Breakthrough Female Performance (Rachael Leigh Cook)
• Nominated — Best On-Screen Duo (Freddie Prinze Jr. & Rachael Leigh Cook)
The Little Things (2021)
Director: John Lee Hancock
Cast: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Natalie Morales, Chris Bauer
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $30.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
Kern County deputy sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon is sent to Los Angeles on a routine assignment but becomes involved in the hunt for a serial killer terrorizing the city. Partnering with detective Jim Baxter, Deke's investigative instincts prove invaluable, but the case also forces him to confront dark secrets from his own past.
Did You Know?
• John Lee Hancock wrote the screenplay in the early 1990s, decades before the film was finally produced.
• The project was once considered for stars such as Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, and Denzel Washington long before it entered production.
• Denzel Washington's daughter, Olivia Washington, appears briefly in the film.
• Jared Leto underwent a significant physical transformation to play Albert Sparma.
Awards & Recognitions:
Golden Globe Awards
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actor (Jared Leto)
SAG Awards
• Nominated — Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Jared Leto)
Palmer (2021)
🎬 Director: Fisher Stevens
⭐ Cast: Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb
💰 Budget: $6.7 Million
🎟️ Box Office: N/A (Apple TV+ Original Release)
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
⭐ IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
After serving 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns to his Louisiana hometown hoping to rebuild his life. His path changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with Sam, a young boy who is frequently bullied for not fitting traditional gender expectations. As Palmer becomes a father figure to Sam, he finds a chance at redemption and a new sense of purpose
Did You Know?
• Ryder Allen, who plays Sam, was only seven years old during filming, and this was his first feature film.
• The film was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana, in late 2019.
• Justin Timberlake received some of the strongest reviews of his acting career for his performance as Eddie Palmer.
• Apple TV+ acquired the film and released it exclusively on the platform.
January 30
You Got Served (2004)
Director: Chris Stokes
Cast: Omarion, Marques Houston, Jennifer Freeman, Jarell Houston, DeMario "Raz B" Thornton, Lil' Fizz, Meagan Good
Budget: $8 Million
Box Office: $50.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
IMDb: 3.9/10
Synopsis
Best friends and talented street dancers Elgin and David dream of leaving Los Angeles by winning the city's biggest dance competition. But when a rival crew challenges their reputation and personal conflicts threaten their friendship, they must decide whether loyalty is more important than victory.
Did You Know?
• The film stars members of the R&B group B2K, including Omarion, Marques Houston, Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, and Raz-B.
• Many of the dance battles were choreographed by Dave Scott, one of Hollywood's most acclaimed choreographers.
• The movie helped popularize competitive street dancing years before films like Step Up and Stomp the Yard.
• Several professional dancers who appeared in the film later became choreographers for major artists, including Beyoncé, Usher, and Chris Brown.
Awards & Recognitions:
BET Comedy Awards
• Nominated — Outstanding Supporting Actor (Steve Harvey)
The Uninvited (2009)
Director: Charles Guard, Thomas Guard
Cast: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, David Strathairn, Maya Massar
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $41.6 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
After spending time in a psychiatric hospital following her mother's tragic death, Anna Rydell returns home only to become suspicious of her father's new girlfriend, Rachel. As terrifying visions begin to haunt her, Anna and her sister investigate Rachel's past, uncovering secrets that lead to a shocking final twist.
Did You Know?
• The Uninvited is an American remake of the acclaimed South Korean psychological horror film A Tale of Two Sisters (2003).
• Emily Browning was cast shortly after gaining international recognition for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004).
• The film was directed by identical twin brothers Charles and Thomas Guard in their feature directorial debut.
• Much of the movie was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Project Almanac (2015)
Director: Dean Israelite
Cast: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Sam Lerner, Allen Evangelista, Virginia Gardner, Amy Landecker
Budget: $12 Million
Box Office: $32.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 38%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
After discovering blueprints for a time machine left behind by his late father, high school student David Raskin and his friends successfully build a device capable of traveling through time. At first they use it to fix personal mistakes and enjoy their newfound abilities, but every change creates unintended consequences that threaten their friendships—and reality itself..
Did You Know?
• The film was originally titled Welcome to Yesterday before Paramount Pictures changed it to Project Almanac shortly before release.
• Producer Michael Bay helped develop the project through his Platinum Dunes production company.
• The movie was filmed in a found-footage style to make the time-travel story feel more realistic.
• Much of the film was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, standing in for suburban America.
January 31
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Director: David R. Ellis
Cast: A. J. Cook, Ali Larter, Michael Landes, Terrence "T.C." Carson, Keegan Connor Tracy, Tony Todd
Budget: $26 Million
Box Office: $90.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Synopsis
One year after the events of Final Destination, college student Kimberly Corman has a terrifying premonition of a catastrophic highway pileup. After saving several lives by blocking the entrance to the freeway, she and the survivors soon realize they cannot escape Death's plan, as each begins to die in increasingly elaborate and horrifying accidents.
Did You Know?
• The infamous highway log-truck sequence is widely considered one of the most memorable opening scenes in horror history.
• Tony Todd returned as William Bludworth, further expanding the mythology of the Final Destination universe.
• Director David R. Ellis was a former stunt coordinator, helping create the film's elaborate practical death sequences.
• The movie introduced the idea that "new life can defeat Death," a concept that became central to the franchise's mythology..