January 2026 brings Oscar contenders, blockbusters, and binge-worthy shows across all major streaming platforms. From Dwayne Johnson’s career-best performance in “The Smashing Machine” on HBO Max to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s action thriller “The Rip” on Netflix, this month delivers entertainment that won’t sit unwatched on your watchlist.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Oscar contenders like “The Smashing Machine” and “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” premiere on HBO Max this month
- Nominations announced January 22 for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, 2026
- Top contenders include “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein,” and “One Battle After Another” for best picture
- Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, and Peacock launch major films and series throughout the month
Oscar Contenders Make Their Streaming Debut
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HBO Max dominates January with two major Academy Awards contenders arriving on the platform. Dwayne Johnson delivers what critics call a career-best dramatic performance in “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie. The film earned Safdie the best director honor at the Venice Film Festival and follows UFC fighter Mark Kerr’s personal struggles.
Following on January 30, Rose Byrne stars in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” where she plays a spiraling mother pushed to her breaking point. Byrne has already won recognition from the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Board of Review, positioning her as a serious best actress contender when nominations arrive on January 22.
Streaming Releases and Entertainment Calendar for January
| Release Date | Title | Platform |
| January 7 | Tron: Ares (Jared Leto sci-fi) | Disney+ |
| January 9 | People We Meet on Vacation (romance) | Netflix |
| January 16 | The Rip (Damon & Affleck action) | Netflix |
| January 23 | The Smashing Machine (Johnson drama) | HBO Max |
| January 30 | If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Byrne drama) | HBO Max |
Blockbusters and Major Studio Releases
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Tron: Ares arrives on Disney+ on January 7 after its theatrical run. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the sci-fi sequel features Jared Leto alongside Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters. The film explores dueling corporations attempting to bring digital creations into the real world with jaw-dropping visual effects.
On Netflix, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for the action thriller “The Rip,” arriving January 16. The Miami cops-turned-criminals drama follows a team discovering millions in cash at a stash house, triggering suspicion and betrayal. Director Joe Carnahan brings intensity to the ensemble cast including Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor.
Empire of Content: What’s Coming to Every Major Streaming Service
Netflix kicks off 2026 with romantic comedy “People We Meet on Vacation” on January 9, based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel that spent 69 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list. The film stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as best friends questioning whether they’re actually perfect romantic matches after a decade of annual summer vacations.
Prime Video brings action and comedy throughout January. The Rihanna-led Smurfs film arrives January 16 after earning $124 million at the worldwide box office last year. Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista headline “The Wrecking Crew” on January 28, playing estranged half-brothers uncovering secrets tied to their father’s mysterious death.
HBO Max balances drama with documentaries. Beyond the Oscar contenders, the platform releases Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! on January 22, a two-part documentary from Judd Apatow exploring the legendary filmmaker’s century-spanning career. “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” arrives January 31, an authorized documentary on the comedy legend.
When Do the 2026 Oscar Nominations Arrive?
The entertainment world watches for January 22, 2026, when the Academy announces nominations for the 98th Academy Awards. Early predictions show “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” battling for best picture frontrunner status, with “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein,” and “Wicked: For Good” as strong contenders.
“January is often viewed as a notorious dumping ground for new theatrical releases, but the streaming platforms deliver exceptional content from last year’s best films now available to binge.”
— Variety Entertainment Coverage
The awards ceremony airs live on March 15, 2026, giving viewers two months to catch up on contenders before finding out who takes home cinema’s most prestigious honors. January’s streaming calendar ensures you won’t miss the films that shape the conversation.
Sources
- Variety – Best Movies Streaming in January 2026
- Academy Awards – Official 98th Oscars Announcement
- Gold Derby – 2026 Oscar Predictions
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.