We’re already deep into January, and if the month is flying by faster than expected, you’re not alone. With time moving scarily fast, the pressure on your watchlist only keeps growing especially as Netflix continues to stack its library with new movie releases. Figuring out which movies are actually worth your time can make all the difference when it comes to planning your viewing.
Whether you’re trying to keep up with what’s new on Netflix this January 2026 or just want a shortcut to the most talked-about movie drops of the week, you’re in the right place. So, here are three standout picks that make choosing your weekend watch a whole lot easier.
‘The Rip’ (2026)
Netflix’s latest release “The Rip” is probably one of the streamer’s biggest original movies this month. As a tightly wound thriller with a strong ensemble cast, it arrives at exactly the right moment during the January blues, and that timing has helped fuel the buzz around it. This crime thriller thrives in what I’d call a “pressure cooker” setup, locking a group of characters with their own agendas and weaknesses into an escalating situation where tension drives the story forward.
“The Rip” centers on Lieutenant Dane (Matt Damon), a Miami Tactical Narcotics officer still reeling weeks after his team’s captain is murdered. When Dane receives a tip about a suspected cartel stash house, he assembles his unit, including his trusted partner JD (Ben Affleck) to investigate what they believe will be a straightforward operation. Instead, they find the house occupied by a lone young woman and uncover millions of dollars in hidden cash. As the team struggles to contain the discovery and decide what to do next, word begins to leak and fractures begin to show within the team.
Stream "The Rip" on Netflix now
‘Bone Lake’ (2025)
“Bone Lake” is a movie I missed in 2025, and as someone who enjoys a dark thriller, its arrival on Netflix has certainly caught my attention. From the trailer alone, there’s a clear sense that the filmmakers had a lot of fun making it, and while it leans on a fairly standard psychological setup with heavy erotic undertones, it seems to largely work in the movie’s favor. That said, be warned there’s plenty of fake blood on display, so it may not be one for the squeamish.
Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi) head to a secluded lakeside mansion for a romantic weekend getaway. However, their plans are disrupted when another couple, Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita), arrive on the property claiming the mansion was double‑booked. Agreeing to share the house, the “romantic” weekend turns chaotic, with seduction, manipulation, and unforeseen threats driving the couples to the edge.
Stream "Bone Lake" on Netflix now
‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ (2025)
A romantic comedy with a vibrant, fantastical edge starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell seems like a recipe for a feel-good, comforting watch. In practice, though, “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” didn’t entirely hit the mark. The movie’s direction feels uncertain and confused, yet it still offers a surprisingly genuine look at people at their most open and honest. Fans of the genre may still find it an enjoyable, lighthearted ride, and the charisma of its two leads is enough to carry viewers through the story, even when the movie’s missteps are easy to spot.
“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” follows Sarah (Robbie) and David (Farrell), two strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and connect by chance. After David agrees to follow directions from a mysterious GPS in a rented car, the pair go on an unexpected adventure that takes them through surreal, magical moments tied to their past experiences. Along the way, they encounter a series of strange doors and landscapes that reveal important memories from both their lives.
Stream "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" on Netflix starting Jan. 17
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
