A Saturday morning when whole families queue up to hide behind a screen and popcorn takes the place of breakfast has a subtly enchanting quality. Through its Family Favorites program, Cineplex has been fostering that charm, and the January calendar seems especially well-considered. It’s a wonderful remedy for both inflation and screen fatigue, with tickets only costing $3.99.
Madagascar, which marks its 20th anniversary by returning to theaters on January 17, opens the schedule. This isn’t just another animated movie; it’s one of those rare treasures from the early 2000s that, even after twenty years, manages to maintain its wit, pace, and cultural significance. Gloria, Melman, Marty, and Alex still have a remarkably familiar chemistry that evokes the same sense of camaraderie found in contemporary ensemble comedies.
Cineplex Family Movies – January 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Cineplex Family Favourites |
| Cost | $3.99 + tax per ticket (in-theatre); $1.50 online booking fee applies |
| Member Perks | Scene+ pays $1 fee; CineClub booking fee waived |
| Screening Schedule | Saturdays throughout January |
| Featured Films | Madagascar (Jan 17), The King of Kings (Jan 24) |
| Locations | Participating Cineplex theatres across Canada |
| Booking & Info | Visit cineplex.com/Events/FamilyFavourites for theatre participation |
The idea of the movie—zoo animals abruptly released into the wild—could have been disastrous. Rather, it develops into a quick-paced, unexpectedly complex adventure. A hidden lesson about change and curiosity can be found behind the turmoil and color. Everyone may relate to Marty’s need for something more than fences. Even now, parents caught in overplanning cycles and children growing up in digital routines can relate to that longing.
Re-watching it in a theater offers a fresh viewpoint. It goes beyond nostalgia. It’s acknowledgment. These characters are now more than just cartoons; they are representations of well-known people. And the penguins—always cunning, always endearing—continue to be astonishingly successful at making people laugh for generations.
The King of Kings offers a full tonal shift the next week, on January 24. The video focuses more on kindness than spectacle, telling the story of Jesus via the voice of a father to his son. It leads with emotion rather than flashy effects. For a family show that typically tends toward animated antics, this strategy feels rather novel.
Its framework, which is straightforward but very adaptable, is what makes it unforgettable. While adults are encouraged to consider their own interpretations, children are introduced to a tale of sacrifice, miracles, and unwavering hope. The message is unquestionably apparent without ever coming off as overbearing, the rhythm is soft, and the images are heartwarming.
Cineplex demonstrates a profound awareness of contemporary families—diverse in their interests, complex in their rhythms—by screening two very different movies in the same month. There are some weekends that demand a lot of laughter. Some encourage peaceful chatter on the way home by automobile. Surprisingly, both can start with a $3.99 ticket.
Naturally, the price is an appeal in and of itself. This show feels surprisingly grounded at a time when entertainment expenses are rising constantly. It’s still incredibly cheap, even with the $1.50 online booking fee (which reduces to $1 for Scene+ members or vanishes completely for CineClub members). That is a big difference for families who are trying to balance their finances. It enables more children to view movies as communal experiences rather than only private living room rituals.
When I went to one of these matinees last year, I noticed a bunch of cousins outside the lobby, clutching small popcorn bags with grease-stained excitement, discussing their favorite characters. It served as a reminder that the allure of movies extends beyond the screen and can be heard in the echoes of the hallway, the laughter that occurs during the credits, and the subdued thrill of selecting your own seat.
In light of changing entertainment preferences, Cineplex’s Family Favorites are notable for their attractiveness and constancy. They make it possible for families to go back to the theater for lesser pleasures like seeing an old favorite on the big screen or learning about a poignant tale for the first time, in addition to the blockbusters.
Because participation varies every theater, some advance planning is necessary. However, the payoff is frequently more than simply a show for those who plan ahead. Time has been set aside for communication. It’s whispered queries during trailers and eye contact in the dark. Under the pretense of relaxation, it’s parenting.
With a noticeably wider spectrum, our January program strikes a mix between spiritual storytelling and whimsical nostalgia. That balance seems very appropriate. A Saturday morning diversion into a cozy theater seat can be exactly what families need as the new year begins and they manage school schedules, winter habits, and budget resets.
