New Movies on Netflix January 2026 | New Netflix Films

As we emerge from the festive haze and settle into the quiet, frosty stretch of January, the streaming giant Netflix remains our most reliable companion for those long, dark evenings. This month, the platform has curated a selection that is as eclectic as it is ambitious, ranging from sun-drenched romantic dramas and gritty crime thrillers to high-stakes live events and ethereal animation. At UK Film Review, we have always maintained that the “Netflix effect” has fundamentally altered how we consume stories, and the January 2026 slate suggests a streamer that is increasingly comfortable blending traditional cinematic narratives with avant-garde formats.

Netflix Release Date UK: January 9th, 2026

Kicking off the month on 9 January is People We Meet on Vacation, a film that carries the heavy weight of literary expectation. Based on the beloved novel by Emily Henry, the story follows Poppy Wright (Emily Bader) and Alex Nilsen (Tom Blyth), two polar opposites who have maintained a decade-long tradition of taking a summer trip together. Directed by Brett Haley—whose work on Hearts Beat Loud demonstrated a deft touch with human connection—the film serves as a poignant exploration of the “slow-burn” romance.

The chemistry between Bader and Blyth is the engine of this production. As they navigate various picturesque locales, the film uses its non-linear structure to peel back the layers of their friendship and the “ill-fated final trip” that led to a two-year silence. It is a comforting, yet emotionally resonant piece of cinema that captures the bittersweet reality of growing up and the terrifying prospect of losing the one person who truly knows you. For those looking to escape the January chill, the warmth of Poppy and Alex’s world is a welcome refuge.

Netflix Release Date UK: January 16th, 2026

On 16 January, the tone shifts dramatically with the arrival of The RIP. Directed by Joe Carnahan, this crime thriller marks the high-profile reunion of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Set against the neon-soaked backdrop of Miami, the film follows a team of police officers who stumble upon millions of dollars in cash within a derelict stash house. What begins as a professional discovery quickly descends into a psychological battleground as the sheer volume of the money causes trust within the unit to fray.

Carnahan, known for his visceral and propulsive style in films like Narc, brings a gritty, 1970s-inspired aesthetic to the production. The supporting cast—including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Sasha Calle—adds significant weight to the ensemble. However, it is the telepathic connection between Damon and Affleck that provides the film’s core tension. The RIP is a relentless exploration of greed and the fragility of brotherhood, reminding us that sometimes the most dangerous threat isn’t the criminals on the street, but the person standing right next to you.

Netflix Release Date UK: January 21st, 2026

Netflix continues its dominance in the documentary space with Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, premiering on 21 January. Directed by Benedict Sanderson, this feature-length film revisits the 2002 abduction of fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home. While the case was a media sensation at the time, this documentary is distinct because it is told largely in Elizabeth’s own words.

Blending archival footage with never-before-seen material and exclusive interviews, the film traces the nine months of her captivity. It is a harrowing watch, but one that is ultimately defined by a sense of ownership. Smart’s involvement ensures that the narrative focuses on her resilience and the psychological terrain of survival rather than the lurid details of the crime. It is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a necessary piece of storytelling that offers context and clarity to a story that once belonged only to the headlines.

Netflix Release Date UK: January 22nd, 2026

For those seeking something more ethereal, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! arrives on 22 January. Marking the feature-length directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita—celebrated for his work on the opening sequences of Jujutsu Kaisen—this original anime film is a vibrant, modern reimagining of the classic Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

The film is set in “Tsukuyomi,” a dreamlike virtual realm where music and emotion are the primary currencies. The story follows Iroha, whose life is upended when a carefree runaway from the Moon named Kaguya moves in and convinces her to perform as a virtual idol. Produced by Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato, the animation is nothing short of breathtaking, blending hand-drawn aesthetics with a futuristic, digital glow. With a soundtrack featuring renowned Vocaloid producers like ryo and kz, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a sensory feast that explores the intersection of internet culture, mythology, and the universal desire for connection.

Netflix Release Date UK: January 24th, 2026

Finally, the month closes with an event that blurs the line between documentary and live sports: Skyscraper Live. In this two-hour special, world-renowned Free Solo climber Alex Honnold attempts a feat that feels like something out of a Mission: Impossible film: free-climbing Taipei 101. Standing at 1,667 feet, it is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and Honnold will attempt to scale it without ropes or safety equipment.

Netflix’s push into live programming reaches a new peak here. The inherent danger of the task ensures an “adrenaline-induced spectacle” that demands to be watched in real-time. It is a fascinating study of human capability and the psychological fortitude required to face such a vertical challenge. While it lacks the scripted narrative of the other entries this month, the stakes are undeniably real, making it one of the most talked-about events of the new year.

January 2026 on Netflix is a month defined by range. Whether you are in the mood for the emotional intimacy of a summer romance, the tense suspicion of a heist gone wrong, or the visceral thrill of a live ascent, the streamer has ensured that there is no reason to leave the house.