Honestly, the January "dump month" reputation is dead. It used to be where studios sent their tax write-offs to die, but the 2026 slate of new movies on video has actually been kind of incredible. If you've been scrolling through Netflix or Max lately, you might feel like you're drowning in options. There is a lot of noise. But buried under the algorithm-driven banners are a few heavy hitters—and some weird indie experiments—that actually deserve your Saturday night.
We finally got the Damon and Affleck reunion everyone was buzzing about, a gritty MMA biopic that’s making people see Dwayne Johnson in a totally different light, and a remake of a Korean cult classic that is, frankly, unhinged.
Why the "The Rip" is more than just another heist flick
Netflix dropped The Rip on January 16, and it immediately shot to the top. It’s directed by Joe Carnahan—the guy who did The Grey and Smokin' Aces—so you know it’s going to be sweaty and high-octane. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon play Miami cops who stumble onto a massive cash stash. It sounds like a generic "corrupt cop" trope, but it’s actually based on real-life experiences from one of Carnahan’s friends.
The tension doesn't come from the bullets; it comes from the fact that once the word gets out about the money, literally everyone starts turning on each other. Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor are in this too, and they basically steal every scene they’re in. It's one of those new movies on video that feels like a throwback to the 90s mid-budget thrillers we don't get much of anymore.
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The Rock actually acts in "The Smashing Machine"
If you’ve got Max, you need to watch The Smashing Machine. It hit the platform on January 23. This isn't the "jungle adventure" version of Dwayne Johnson. It’s a gritty, dark A24 biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr. Benny Safdie directed it, and if you saw Uncut Gems, you know his style is all about high-stakes anxiety.
Johnson is unrecognizable. He’s dealing with addiction, the physical toll of the Octagon, and the crumbling of his personal life. It’s a reminder that when he’s not trying to be a global brand, the guy can actually act.
Weirdness and Remakes: "Bugonia" and "Tron: Ares"
Peacock is having a moment right now because of Bugonia. It’s Yorgos Lanthimos’ English-language remake of Save the Green Planet!. If you’re tired of "safe" movies, this is the antidote. It’s about two guys who kidnap a high-powered CEO because they’re convinced she’s an alien preparing for an invasion. It is bizarre, uncomfortable, and hilarious.
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On the other side of the spectrum, Tron: Ares landed on Disney+ on January 7. To be fair, it had a rough time in theaters last fall. Critics weren't kind. But sci-fi usually finds its cult following on video. The AI-driven story feels way more relevant now than it did when they started filming it. Jared Leto leads the cast, and while it might not be a "masterpiece," the visuals are still top-tier if you have a 4K setup at home.
The stuff you might have missed
Sometimes the best new movies on video aren't the ones with the $100 million marketing budgets.
- People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix, Jan 9): This is the Emily Henry adaptation. It’s light, it’s breezy, and Emily Bader and Tom Blyth have actual chemistry.
- Stone Cold Fox (Netflix, Jan 9): A slick action thriller with Krysten Ritter and Kiefer Sutherland. It vanished from theaters last year, but it’s finding a massive audience on streaming now.
- Together (Prime Video, Jan 6): Dave Franco and Alison Brie play a couple moving to the country, but it turns into a body-horror nightmare. It’s gross, weird, and surprisingly emotional.
- Song Sung Blue (VOD, Jan 13): If you're looking to rent something on Apple or Amazon, this digital release is a sleeper hit about a Neil Diamond tribute duo.
The nostalgia play is real this month
Streaming services know we’re all cold and bored in January, so they’re leaning hard into the "marathon" vibe.
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Netflix dropped a massive chunk of the James Bond catalog on January 15. If you want to see Daniel Craig’s Spectre or some of the older classics, they’re there. Meanwhile, Max started the year by adding the first three John Wick movies. It’s perfect timing if you want to prep for whatever spinoffs are coming next. Even Hulu got in on the action by bringing back James Cameron’s The Abyss on New Year's Day.
Actionable tips for your weekend watchlist
Don't just mindlessly scroll. If you want the best experience with these new movies on video, here is how to prioritize your time:
Check out The Rip if you want a solid, high-stakes thriller that feels grounded. It's the safest bet for a group movie night. If you’re feeling more "prestige" and don't mind a bit of a downer, The Smashing Machine is the one to watch. For the horror fans, Together on Prime is a hidden gem that most people are overlooking because of the rom-com-sounding title.
If you’re watching on a budget, keep an eye on the "New to Rent" sections of VOD platforms. Movies like The Confession and Shaka: A Story of Aloha just hit digital storefronts this week. They aren't on the major subscription apps yet, but they’re worth the few bucks for a rental if you’ve already exhausted your Netflix queue.
Turn off the motion smoothing on your TV, grab some actual popcorn (not the stale stuff), and dive into the January slate. It's better than you think.