Box office boom: January delivers biggest month since Barbenheimer

January delivered Australia’s biggest monthly box office result since the Barbenheimer phenomenon in July 2023, and the strongest January in five years, as cinema momentum continues off the back of a powerful summer.

The month generated $124 million at the Australian box office, with growth recorded across every key demographic, including P14–24, P18–39 and P25–54.

“Off the back of an exceptionally strong summer, which delivered 10.25 million admissions, January continued to epitomise what cinema does best. The best content on the biggest and best screen of all, with something for everyone,” said Guy Burbidge, managing director of Val Morgan Cinema.

“From family franchises to juggernaut blockbusters, and original content, the diversity and breadth are exactly what has delivered this outstanding result.”

January was powered by strong holdover from titles including Avatar: Fire and Ash, Zootopia 2, The Housemaid and Anaconda, supported by newer releases such as Marty Supreme and Song Sung Blue.

Burbidge added: “The quality of the content coming up this year is phenomenal. It truly is destined to be one of the biggest years we’ve seen in cinema, with depth that gives brands the opportunity to be part of cultural moments across every demographic.”

Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up as one of the strongest years on record for cinema, underpinned by a deep pipeline of major releases.

Upcoming titles over the coming months include Wuthering Heights, Project Hail Mary, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Mandalorian & Grogu, Minions 3, Toy Story 5, Moana, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, all slated to release before the end of July.