Best movies to stream right now span drama, action, and comedy on Netflix, Hulu, and more

January 2026 brings a massive wave of best movies to stream right now across Netflix, Hulu, and beyond. From Oscar contenders to action-packed blockbusters, audiences have finally got alternatives to browse. These new releases span drama, comedy, and high-octane thrills that will keep you entertained through the cold winter months.

Oscar-Contending Drama ‘The Smashing Machine’ Arrives on HBO Max

Dwayne Johnson delivers a career-defining performance in ‘The Smashing Machine’, available January 23 on HBO Max. The biopic follows three formative years in the life of mixed martial arts pioneer Mark Kerr. Director Benny Safdie, who won best director at the Venice Film Festival, crafted an emotionally muscular story that captures the complex soul of a man whose struggles with drugs almost derailed his legendary MMA career. Johnson shifts his whole aspect, seeming like a new actor entirely. This is his most vulnerable, introspective work to date.

Critics praise Johnson’s ability to convey internal warfare through subtle expression and physicality. The film mines the psychological depth of addiction, redemption, and the cost of pushing human limits. If you’ve only seen Johnson in action comedies, this dramatic turn will shock you. It’s the kind of performance that belongs in awards season conversations.

Epic Reunion: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Team Up in ‘The Rip’

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reteam for the first time in ‘The Rip’, now streaming on Netflix starting January 16. Director Joe Carnahan orchestrates a twisty action flick where A-list BFFs lead a crew of Miami cops on a cash seizure at a cartel stash house. Instead of the expected thousands, they find a massive $20 million. Suddenly, the night spirals into shady shenanigans as every team member faces a moral crossroads, deciding whether to do the right thing or keep the fortune.
The supporting cast includes Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Kyle Chandler. Watch for explosive twists that keep viewers guessing about who’s truly loyal. The chemistry between Damon and Affleck feels earned after years of real-life friendship.

Best Movies to Stream Right Now by Platform and Genre

This January offers unprecedented choice across streaming services. Netflix leads with ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ (January 9), adapted from the bestselling Emily Henry novel that sold over 2 million copies. The romantic comedy stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as unlikely college best friends whose summers together turn complicated when romance enters the equation. Hulu features ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ (January 23), with Jeremy Allen White playing Bruce Springsteen during the making of his introspective 1982 ‘Nebraska’ album.

Peacock brings horror sequel fun with ‘Black Phone 2’, reuniting Ethan Hawke and young stars Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw for more supernatural terror. Disney+ launches ‘Tron: Ares’ (January 7), the visually stunning sci-fi spectacle featuring Jared Leto and an ensemble including Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and returning Jeff Bridges. Prime Video offers ‘The Wrecking Crew’ (January 28) with Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as estranged brothers uncovering family conspiracy.

“Johnson, shifting his whole aspect, he seems like a new actor entirely. He gives an extraordinary performance, playing Mark Kerr as a gentle giant with demons that will not speak their name, yet the audience can feel them there. We want to see those demons healed.”

— Variety Critic’s Review, The Smashing Machine

Hidden Gems and Family Entertainment Worth Your Time

‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ on Netflix (January) brings fantasy romance with Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell meeting at a wedding before being magically transported on a surreal road trip. The film uses various bizarre doors and pop-music needle drops to force characters to confront past decisions and emotional wounds. It’s whimsical, heartfelt, and utterly unpredictable. ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’ (Peacock) delivers family fun with the beloved children’s character heading to Cat Francisco with Gloria Estefan, while a villain played by Kristen Wiig steals the show. ‘The Toxic Avenger’ on Hulu offers splatter comedy gold, featuring Peter Dinklage as a mutated superhero wielding a radioactive mop.

For those seeking introspective dramedy, ‘Twinless’ premieres January 16 on Hulu. Dylan O’Brien plays grieving Roman attending a support group where he forms a codependent bromance with James Sweeney’s character Dennis, who harbors dark secrets. O’Brien has never been better navigating the smart humor and aching heart of this character study about moving forward after devastating loss.

What Should You Watch First This January?

The answer depends on your mood. For award season viewers seeking prestige cinema, ‘The Smashing Machine’ stands as essential viewing with Johnson’s transformative performance. For action junkies, ‘The Rip’ delivers star power, heist thrills, and moral ambiguity. For romance seekers, ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ offers adaptation magic from a beloved novel. For sci-fi fans, ‘Tron: Ares’ brings visual spectacle and ambitious world-building. For music lovers, ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ captures Bruce’s most introspective period with emotional authenticity. The unprecedented depth of January 2026 streaming content means everyone finds their perfect match. Which genre will you dive into first?

Jessica Morrison

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.