While the Houston weather might be cold and cloudy, it does provide idyllic conditions for watching movies. Whether you want to see something scary, are in the mood for a feel-good animation or want to catch uplifting musicals that feature great soundtracks, Houston’s many movie theaters are screening the latest and greatest in cinema. Check out our article below of the best movies to see in Houston this January!
1. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers is back as dark and deranged as ever with his reinterpretation of F. W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film. Originally based on Bram Stoker’s supernatural thriller, Dracula, Eggers’ film follows the unravelling torment of a woman whom becomes the obsession of a vampire after unknowingly beckoning for it as a young girl.
Years later, she is happy and engaged to be wed to a young real estate man. But the creature, awakened, is hell-bent on being her partner for eternity. In his pursuit, the vampire unleashes a travesty of horror upon her, her loved ones, and city.
If you want to see the original 1922 Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors, River Oaks Theatre is screening the iconic 1922 film on multiple dates this January.
Genre: Horror, fantasy, mystery
Duration: 2h 12m
Rated: R
2. A Complete Unknown
In 60s New York, a young Bob Dylan would change music forever. While many biopics in the past few years might have relied on playing the hits, the James Mangold-directed A Complete Unknown is in Dylan-fashion more poetic in its approach. Rather than trace Dylan’s life story, the film instead focuses on a defining chapter of the enigmatic artist.
The performances are spectacular, lead by Timothee Chalamet who himself spent five years learning Dylan’s music with a killer supporting cast including Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro.
Genre: Drama, biography, music
Duration: 2h 20m
Rated: R
3. The Brutalist
The Golden Globes Best Motion Picture – Drama winner is a period drama that follows a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor, played by Adrian Brody, as he restarts his life in America after fleeing postwar Europe. Amidst his struggles in his new Philadelphia home, a wealthy industrialist recognizes his talent, eager to apply it to a grand future project – but it will come at a cost.
Genre: Drama
Duration: 3h 35m
Rated: R
4. Anora
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or winner is the latest from director, Sean Baker. Anora follows the would-be Cinderella story of a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once word of the marriage reaches her husband’s parents back in Russia, the family sends personnel to America with the intention of annulling the marriage.
Genre: Drama, comedy
Duration: 2h 219m
Rated: R
5. Se7en Re-Release
What this writer would call David Fincher’s greatest movie makes its grand return to cinemas this month. A beleaguered detective is all but out the door when a disturbing case, and a headstrong rookie, land on his desk. The two must hunt a serial killer conducting murders inspired the seven deadly sins that which culminate in one epic final scene.
Genre: Crime, horror
Duration: 2h 10m
Rated: R
6. Wicked
The musical that’s breaking records. Based on the award-winning broadway production, which in turn was based on the Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which itself was based on L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked (2024 movie) follows the rocky friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Featuring a stellar cast, incredible music numbers, and lavish production – Wicked is not to be missed by fans of the play, or otherwise.
Genre: Musical, fantasy
Duration: 2h 20m
Rated: PG
7. Flow
After Cat’s home is devastated flood, the once solitary animal will have to team up with members of opposite species as it navigates a post-human world. Since debuting at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Flow has garnered multiple awards for Best Animated Film at the 37th European Film Awards, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and 82 Golden Globes Awards. Flow is now in contention for the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film.
Genre: Animated, family, adventure
Duration: 2h 20m
Rated: R
8. Den of Thieves 2
The Den of Thieves sequel to the action-packed, macho-man movie is here. Big Nick is back, this time in the Europe as he encounters the seedy world of diamond thieves and mafiosos in his pursuit of career criminal, Donnie Wilson.
Genre: Action
Duration: 2h 10m
Rated: R
9. Babygirl
A driven and high-powered CEO jeopardizes her career and personal relationships by entering into a risky and intense romance with her significantly younger intern. Featuring a stellar cast led by the legendary Nicole Kidman alongside Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas, Babygirl made its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024. Kidman’s captivating performance earned her the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 81st Venice International Film Festival .
Genre: Drama, biography, music
Duration: 2h 20m
Rated: R
10. The Damned
The Damned is a cerebral, folk-horror film starring Odessa Young and Joe Cole. Set in the 19th century, the chilling and atmospheric film follows the story of a young widow who must a widow leading her late husband’s fishing crew in a remote village.
Genre: Horror, drama, mystery
Duration: 1h 29m
Rated: No rating
See also: 10 cinematic movie theaters in Houston