In the age of streaming entertainment, it can be hard to leave the couch. But movie theaters still offer a special experience for those willing to get out of the house. Want to see what's out there? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Chicago.
Here are the highest rated films to catch, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
Shoplifters
After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first, reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them.
Boasting a 99 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Shoplifters" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Nov. 23, with a consensus that "Understated yet ultimately deeply affecting, 'Shoplifters' adds another powerful chapter to director Hirokazu Koreeda's richly humanistic filmography."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) through Wednesday, Jan. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Free Solo
Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000-foot-high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Sept. 28, with a consensus that "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason — and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
You can catch it at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) through Tuesday, Jan. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
They Shall Not Grow Old
A documentary about World War I with never-before-seen footage to commemorate the centennial of Armistice Day and the end of the war.
With a critical approval rating of 97 percent and an audience score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "They Shall Not Grow Old" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Dec. 17. The site's critical consensus has it that "An impressive technical achievement with a walloping emotional impact, 'They Shall Not Grow Old' pays brilliant cinematic tribute to the sacrifice of a generation."
It's playing at ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X (1011 S. Delano Court East), Regal City North Stadium 14 IMAX & RPX (2600 N. Western Ave.), Studio Movie Grill – Chatham (210 W. 87th St.), and Regal Webster Place 11 (1471 W. Webster Ave.) through Tuesday, Jan. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales is juggling his life between being a high school student and being Spider-Man. However, when Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk uses a super collider, another Spider-Man from another dimension, Peter Parker, accidentally winds up in Miles' dimension, joining others from across the "Spider-Verse."
With a 97 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on Dec. 14. Per the site's summary of critic reviews, "'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor and plenty of superhero action."
Get a piece of the action at AMC Dine-in Block 37 (100 N. State St.) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; Harper Theater (5238 S. Harper Ave.) through Friday, Jan. 18; ArcLight Chicago (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; and ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X (1011 S. Delano Court East) through Wednesday, Jan. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
If Beale Street Could Talk
After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.
With a critical approval rating of 95 percent and an audience score of 72 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "If Beale Street Could Talk" has garnered plenty of praise since its release. The site's critical consensus indicates that "'If Beale Street Could Talk' honors its source material with a beautifully filmed adaptation that finds director Barry Jenkins further strengthening his visual and narrative craft."
It's screening at AMC Dine-in Block 37 (100 N. State St.) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; Harper Theater (5238 S. Harper Ave.) through Friday, Jan. 18; ArcLight Chicago (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) through Wednesday, Jan. 23; and ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X (1011 S. Delano Court East) through Wednesday, Jan. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
