Honestly, the "January Slump" used to be a real thing in the film world. You'd get the leftover horror movies and the weird comedies that studios were too scared to release in the summer. But looking at the new movies streaming now, that rule has basically been thrown out the window for 2026. If you're currently scrolling through Netflix or Max and feeling like there's nothing but "content" to sift through, you’re likely missing the actual heavy hitters that just dropped.
We've moved past the era where streaming was just a graveyard for theatrical flops. Now, it's a mix of prestige biopics, big-budget sci-fi sequels that need a second life, and those "comfort watches" that everyone seems to be craving during the winter.
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The Big Reset: Why Tron: Ares and The Rip Are Dominating
It’s kinda fascinating to see how Tron: Ares is performing on Disney+ right now. It hit the service on January 7, and despite a really rocky theatrical run last fall, people are actually watching it. Jared Leto plays Ares, an AI program that crosses over into our world, and Greta Lee is basically the emotional anchor of the whole thing. It’s got a Nine Inch Nails soundtrack—replacing the iconic Daft Punk vibe—and while it might feel a bit more "militarized" than the neon-soaked Legacy, it's a solid choice if you just want to see some high-end VFX on your OLED.
Then you have The Rip on Netflix. This is the one everyone is talking about in the group chats. Directed by Joe Carnahan, it stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They aren't just producing this time; they’re playing Miami cops who find a stash of cash and, predictably, things go south fast. It’s gritty, it’s sweaty, and it feels like those 90s crime thrillers we don't get enough of anymore.
What to Watch If You Need a Break From Reality
Sometimes you just want to feel something other than "existential dread." That’s where People We Meet on Vacation comes in. It’s the Emily Henry adaptation we’ve been hearing about for ages. Starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, it’s basically the "friends to lovers" trope executed at a very high level. It dropped on Netflix on January 9 and has been sitting in the Top 10 ever since.
If you want something weirder, Peacock has Bugonia. It’s Yorgos Lanthimos’ English remake of Save the Green Planet!. If you’ve seen Poor Things or The Favourite, you know his style—it’s uncomfortable, hilarious, and definitely not for everyone.
The Biopics and Hidden Gems
Dwayne Johnson is currently trying to prove he has Oscar range in The Smashing Machine, which just landed on Max on January 23. He plays Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter. It’s a far cry from his Fast & Furious days—it's raw and focuses heavily on Kerr's struggle with addiction and the brutal reality of the sport.
- If I Had Legs I’d Kick You: Coming to Max on January 30. Rose Byrne is incredible in this. It’s a psychological drama that actually had a decent theatrical run, but it’s the kind of movie that really finds its audience at home.
- Stone Cold Fox: This one slipped through the cracks last year. It’s an action thriller on Netflix starring Krysten Ritter and Kiefer Sutherland. It’s lean, mean, and perfect for a Tuesday night when you don't want to think too hard.
- Licorice Pizza: This Paul Thomas Anderson classic just returned to Netflix on January 16. If you missed the hype a few years back, now is the time to see why everyone was obsessed with the 70s San Fernando Valley vibes.
The "January Comfort" Strategy
Streaming services are leaning into the fact that we’re all cold and stuck inside. Netflix dumped a massive portion of the James Bond collection on January 15. Meanwhile, Disney+ has the entire Indiana Jones saga. There’s something to be said for the "marathon" factor. Why watch one movie when you can watch four?
Hulu is also doing something interesting with "Deep Sea" vibes. They brought back James Cameron's The Abyss. With the 4K restoration finally making its way to streaming, it looks better than it ever did in the 80s. It’s a reminder that practical effects and high-stakes tension often beat CGI-heavy blockbusters.
Navigating the Noise
Let’s be real: not everything new is good. Venom: Let There Be Carnage just hit Disney+ (Jan 22), and while Tom Hardy is always fun, it’s definitely a "turn your brain off" kind of experience. The real value right now is in the documentaries. Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story on Netflix is genuinely disturbing. It’s directed by Skye Borgman, who has a talent for taking viral news stories and making them feel incredibly personal and haunting.
If you’re trying to decide what’s worth your two hours, look toward the Focus Features "Awards Edit" on Peacock or the A24 library on Max. These platforms are currently hoarding the titles that will likely be relevant during the next award season.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Watchlist
To make the most of the new movies streaming now, you should prioritize based on how much mental energy you have left after work.
First, if you want something high-stakes and polished, start with The Rip on Netflix. It’s the best "star-power" movie currently available. Second, if you’re in the mood for a "hidden gem" that will make you look smart in film discussions, catch If I Had Legs I’d Kick You on Max later this month.
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Third, check your subscription status before the end of the month. Many of these titles, especially the licensed ones like the Bond films or The Abyss, have shorter windows than the original "Originals." Set a reminder to watch the James Bond collection before Netflix potentially cycles them out in the spring. Finally, for a weekend binge that feels like a classic cinema experience, pair a rewatch of The Abyss on Hulu with the new Tron: Ares on Disney+ to see how the "AI and technology" narrative in movies has shifted over the last forty years.