Get ready to relive the magic of cinema's most iconic beginnings! Regal is kicking off 2024 with a bang, launching its highly anticipated Back to the Beginning series—a 31-day celebration of origin stories and groundbreaking firsts that shaped the movies we love. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just about rewatching classics; it's about rediscovering the raw creativity and bold visions that launched legendary franchises and careers. And this is the part most people miss—these films aren't just entertainment; they're time capsules of innovation, showcasing the early works of now-iconic filmmakers and the birth of characters that became cultural phenomena.
Brooks LeBoeuf, Senior Vice President of US Content at Regal, puts it perfectly: 'From action-packed thrillers to sweeping fantasies, the Back to the Beginning series brings the untamed creativity of early cinema back to the big screen, where it belongs.' Imagine seeing the first John Wick or Spider-Man again, not just as fans, but as witnesses to the moment these stories leaped from obscurity into our collective imagination.
Here’s how the series unfolds, week by week, with themes that will keep you glued to your seat:
Week One: Heroes Assemble
Kick off the month with the heroes who defined generations:
- Jan 1: John Wick (2014)
- Jan 2: Spider-Man (2002)
- Jan 3: Batman Begins (2005)
- Jan 4: Superman (1978)
- Jan 5: Ghostbusters (1984)
- Jan 6: Mission: Impossible (1996)
- Jan 7: Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Week Two: There and Back Again
Embark on epic journeys through fantastical worlds:
- Jan 8: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Jan 9: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
- Jan 10: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- Jan 11: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
- Jan 12: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- Jan 13: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
- Jan 14: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Week Three: From the Director's Chair – Day One
Dive into the debut works of visionary filmmakers—but here's the controversial part: do these early films truly hold up, or are they overshadowed by their creators' later masterpieces? Decide for yourself:
- Jan 15: Brick (2005)
- Jan 16: Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- Jan 17: Following (1998)
- Jan 18: The Sugarland Express (1974)
- Jan 19: Get Out (2017)
- Jan 20: Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985)
- Jan 21: Lady Bird (2017)
Christopher Nolan, reflecting on Following, shares: 'This film was my first chance to connect with an audience as an independent filmmaker. I’m grateful to the fans who’ve kept it alive and to Independent Film Company for bringing it back to theaters.' A humble reminder of how even the greatest careers start small.
Week Four: Worlds in Chaos
Explore dystopian landscapes and chaotic realms that challenge our perceptions of reality:
- Jan 22: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
- Jan 23: Gladiator (2000)
- Jan 24: Dune (2021)
- Jan 25: The Matrix (1999)
- Jan 26: A Quiet Place (2018)
- Jan 27: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
- Jan 28: Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)
Week Five: Rise of the Mob
End the month with gritty tales of crime and legacy—but here's a thought: do these stories glorify violence, or do they offer a deeper commentary on power and morality?
- Jan 29: The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
- Jan 30: Mean Streets (1973)
- Jan 31: The Godfather Part II (1974)
Tickets are just $7.99 per film, with advance purchases available now through REGmovies.com, the mobile app, or theater kiosks. Regal Unlimited subscribers can enjoy these classics as part of their monthly plan, while Regal Crown Club members get $2 off all candy in January—because what’s a movie without snacks?
About Regal
With 5,441 screens across 399 theaters in 41 states (plus D.C. and Guam), Regal isn’t just a theater chain—it’s a destination. From premium formats like IMAX and 4DX to enhanced food options, they’re redefining the moviegoing experience. Visit REGmovies.com to learn more.
Media Contact
Kevan Kerr
Senior Communications Manager
(865) 925-9739
Now, here’s the question for you: Which of these films do you think had the biggest impact on cinema, and why? And do you agree that revisiting origins is essential to appreciating modern storytelling? Let’s debate in the comments!
