New Netflix This Month: The Biggest Releases to Add to Your List

Mo. Basuony

ago 2 hours

New Netflix This Month

If you’re trying to keep your watchlist tight, January 2026 has a clear handful of “start here” picks: a major romance adaptation, a buzzy crime thriller, a new chapter of a signature period drama, and a cluster of live and documentary events. Dates and availability can vary by country, but these are the headline titles most worth penciling in.

Below is a skimmable guide to the biggest releases this month, with a simple plan for what to add based on what you’re in the mood for.

The must-add highlights for January 2026

If you only add five things, make it these:

The Rip (January 16): Big-star crime thriller energy, built for a weekend watch.
People We Meet on Vacation (January 9): A romance-forward, friends-to-more story that’s easy to watch in one sitting.
Bridgerton: Season 4, Part 1 (January 29): A new romantic lead and the kind of escapist drama that dominates group chats.
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (January 21): A high-profile true-crime documentary built around a widely known real case.
Star Search (January 21): A live competition format that’s best watched in real time.

If your tastes run a little more niche, the “second wave” later in the month is strong too: Queer Eye: Season 10 (January 21) and Skyscraper Live (January 23) are the ones most likely to become appointment viewing.

Biggest movies debuting on Netflix this month

The Rip (January 16)

This is the month’s most straightforward “press play” movie: a crime story where trust starts breaking down after a huge cash discovery changes the dynamics inside a group. It’s the kind of thriller that’s fun to watch with someone else because you’ll immediately start debating who’s lying, who’s panicking, and who’s making the worst decisions.

People We Meet on Vacation (January 9)

A romance built around annual trips and a long friendship that keeps getting complicated. If you like relationship stories with a strong “will they, won’t they” pull and a travel vibe, this is likely your first stop.

The Big Fake (January 23)

An Italian thriller-drama centered on forgery and criminal entanglement. If you like stylish, plot-forward stories that escalate as one bad choice becomes five, this one belongs on your list.

Biggest series and season drops to plan around

Bridgerton: Season 4, Part 1 (January 29)

The biggest TV moment of the month. This season shifts focus to Benedict, and the hook is classic: a mysterious meeting that turns into an obsession once real life intervenes. If you’ve followed the series, it’s a clear “watch as soon as it drops” title to avoid spoilers.

Run Away (January 1)

A new limited series to kick off the month, built around a father searching for his missing daughter. It’s designed for cliffhangers and late-night “one more episode” decisions.

HIS & HERS (January 8)

A murder investigation with relationship tension baked in: two estranged spouses, each with a different job and different incentives, racing toward the truth while suspecting each other. If you like twisty whodunits with interpersonal stakes, this is a strong early-month pick.

Live and event-style viewing worth catching as it happens

Star Search (January 21)

A live talent competition is a different kind of watch: it’s less about binging and more about showing up when everyone else is watching. If you enjoy voting, debating performances, and feeling part of a shared moment, this is the one to schedule.

Skyscraper Live (January 23)

A high-stakes live event featuring a famous climber attempting an ascent in Taipei. Even if you’re not usually into extreme sports, this kind of “you can’t look away” programming is made for watch parties.

Documentaries and comfort-viewing picks

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (January 21)

A documentary focused on the abduction and aftermath of Elizabeth Smart’s case. If you watch true-crime docs, expect this to be one of the most discussed releases of the month.

Queer Eye: Season 10 (January 21)

A major milestone season and a natural “reset” watch when you want something uplifting. If you’ve ever used this series as comfort TV, it’s an easy add.

Take That (January 27)

A music documentary built around archival material and career arc storytelling. If you like band histories and behind-the-scenes dynamics, this is your late-month wind-down.

Quick “add to list” planner by mood

Use this to build a watchlist that actually matches your week:

Want a one-night movie? People We Meet on Vacation (Jan 9), The Rip (Jan 16)
Want a twisty binge? Run Away (Jan 1), HIS & HERS (Jan 8)
Want something live and social? Star Search (Jan 21), Skyscraper Live (Jan 23)
Want documentary talkers? Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (Jan 21), Take That (Jan 27)
Want peak escapism? Bridgerton S4 Part 1 (Jan 29)

US vs UK vs Canada vs South Africa: what’s different

Release dates can line up globally, but what’s available (and when) can still differ by country because of licensing and regional programming. A good rule: Netflix Originals tend to be more consistent across regions, while library additions (older films and full-series drops) can vary more.

If you’re in a different country than the US, it’s worth double-checking the in-app “Coming Soon” row for the exact date and time in your region, especially for live events.