As 2026 begins, Boston-area theaters offer a lineup of classic films and series episodes from January 3 to 12. Highlights include superhero origins, action sequels, post-apocalyptic adventures, unconventional romances, and a mystery TV revival. These screenings provide opportunities to experience influential cinema on the big screen.
Boston's cinema scene kicks off the new year with diverse screenings of beloved films and a TV series, running from January 3 to 12. Theaters across the city and suburbs are reviving classics amid the buzz around recent blockbusters like James Cameron's "Avatar: Fire and Ash."
Special effects fans can catch Richard Donner's "Superman" (1978) on January 6 at 7 p.m. at Landmark Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge. The film stars Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, notable for its groundbreaking visuals that made audiences believe a man could fly. Tickets cost $13.75 for the 145-minute runtime.
The next evening, January 7 at 7 p.m., Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline screens James Cameron's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991). Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as the reprogrammed Terminator protecting young John Connor (Edward Furlong) and Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) in this action epic. The 137-minute showing is $19.75.
On January 11 at 1 p.m., the same Brookline venue hosts a 4.5-hour double feature of George Miller's "Mad Max" series: "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (2024) followed by "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015). Anya Taylor-Joy portrays young Furiosa kidnapped by Chris Hemsworth's Dementus, while Charlize Theron plays the older version allying with Tom Hardy as Mad Max against Hugh Keays-Byrne's Immortan Joe. Admission is $25.75.
Romance takes unconventional turns with "Her" (2013) on January 8 at 6:30 p.m. at West Newton Cinema in Newton. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Theodore, who bonds with AI companion Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), amid concerns from Amy Adams and Rooney Mara. The 126-minute film costs $21.
A tribute to Diane Keaton, who passed in October, features Warren Beatty's "Reds" (1981) on January 10 at 3:45 p.m. at Brattle Theatre in Cambridge. Beatty directs and stars as journalist John Reed, with Keaton as Louise Bryant in this 195-minute epic about the Russian Revolution, priced at $14.50.
Finally, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Boston starts weekly screenings of David Lynch and Mark Frost's "Twin Peaks" (1990-91) on Saturdays, beginning with the pilot. The series follows FBI agent Kyle MacLachlan investigating Laura Palmer's (Sheryl Lee) death in a secretive Pacific Northwest town. Episodes are $16.18.
Check theater websites for updates, as advised by reporter Ryan Yau.
