Best movies streaming now in January 2026 will shock you with Tron Ares, People We Meet on Vacation, and The Rip hitting all platforms

Best movies streaming now include Tron Ares on Disney+, People We Meet on Vacation on Netflix, and The Rip also on Netflix, giving you premium entertainment across platforms this January. These three titles represent some of the biggest releases hitting streaming services in 2026. Whether you’re craving sci-fi action, romantic comedy, or crime thrillers, this month delivers something for every viewer.

Tron Ares Takes Over Disney+ on January 7

Tron Ares arrives on Disney+ this month with visually stunning sci-fi action that dominated theaters in late 2025. The film stars Jared Leto as Ares, a sophisticated digital program sent from the virtual world into reality on a dangerous mission. Supporting cast members include Greta Lee as Eve Kim, ENCOM’s chief executive officer, and Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger.

Director Joachim Rønning crafts a high-concept narrative exploring dueling corporations determined to bring digital creations into the real world. Jeff Bridges returns to the franchise as Kevin Flynn, the only main character carried over from previous installments. The ensemble also features Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, and Gillian Anderson in supporting roles.

People We Meet on Vacation Hits Netflix January 9

Netflix launches its 2026 film slate with People We Meet on Vacation on January 9, a romantic comedy adaptation of Emily Henry’s massively popular novel. The book has sold over 2 million copies and spent 69 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list, creating enormous anticipation for the film version.

Stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth play Poppy and Alex, unlikely best friends who spend every summer vacation together despite living in different cities. When romance begins to complicate their carefully balanced friendship, both characters question what has been obvious to everyone around them. Director Brett Haley brings the beloved characters to life with emotional depth and genuine chemistry between the leads.

Movie Title	Release Date	Platform	Genre
Tron Ares	January 7	Disney+	Sci-Fi Action
People We Meet on Vacation	January 9	Netflix	Romantic Comedy
The Rip	January 16	Netflix	Crime Thriller

The Rip Reunites Damon and Affleck on Netflix January 16

The Rip joins Netflix on January 16 as an action-packed crime thriller directed by Joe Carnahan. The film brings together Matt Damon and Ben Affleck once again for an intense story of trust, temptation, and moral compromise among Miami police officers.

When a team of Miami cops discovers millions in cash inside a derelict stash house, everything changes rapidly. Trust among teammates begins to fray as outside forces learn about the massive seizure amount. The supporting cast includes Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, Néstor Carbonell, Lina Esco, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler. The story questions who the officers can truly rely on when everything is called into question.

January Streaming Dominated by Blockbuster Arrivals

The beginning of 2026 represents a major shift in streaming availability as major theatrical releases transition to home viewing platforms. Tron Ares struggled financially in theaters with $142 million worldwide, but many consider the film more suited for intimate streaming viewing. Disney+ subscribers with the IMAX Enhanced version will experience the film’s pulse-pounding visuals at home.

Netflix dominates the first half of January with two major releases hitting back-to-back. People We Meet on Vacation taps into the lucrative young adult romance market with an established fanbase already invested in Emily Henry’s original story. The second major Netflix title, The Rip, appeals to action thriller enthusiasts seeking star power and sophistication in their entertainment.

What Makes These Three Movies Must-Watch Titles in January?

Each of these three films addresses different audience preferences and viewing moods. Tron Ares offers cutting-edge visual spectacle and philosophical sci-fi themes exploring artificial intelligence entering human reality. People We Meet on Vacation provides emotional connection and romantic tension rooted in genuine friendship dynamics. The Rip delivers high-octane action sequences and suspenseful plot machinery centered on moral corruption.

“The latest installment’s best ideas compete with director Joachim Rønning’s fetishistic focus on classic Tron mythology, which looks and sounds great in Imax 3D.”

— Variety, Film Review

Sources

• Variety – Comprehensive streaming roundup and film reviews
• Netflix – Official movie release information and descriptions
• Disney+ – Tron Ares streaming premiere date confirmation