Only 2 new Netflix movies in January 2026 deserve your time

January 2026 is officially here, and with it comes the annual Netflix overwhelm. The streaming service is overflowing with new releases, each one trying harder than the last to grab your attention. But if we're being honest, most of it feels… meh.

We wouldn't say they look like bad movies per se. They just don't look like they're worth your attention when your free time is precious. However, there are a couple of releases that actually stand out. These new Netflix films have been the talk of the town since they were first announced. Not only do they have interesting premises, but they also star some pretty familiar faces.

In our opinion, they’re the only ones worth hitting ‘play’ on this month. The others? Well, you can safely skip them without feeling like you missed out.

People We Meet on Vacation

Release date: Jan. 9, 2026
Directed by: Brett Haley
Written by: Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo

Book lovers will instantly recognize People We Meet on Vacation. It's a film adaptation of the bestselling romance novel of the same name by Emily Henry. The story centers around free-spirited Poppy and methodical Alex, who have been best friends for a very long time.

Despite living in separate cities, they make it a tradition to spend every summer vacation together. But as the years pass, the boundaries of their friendship begin to blur, and they’re forced to confront a question that everyone else seems to have already answered. Could their deep bond be the foundation for something more? Perhaps a love they’ve both been too afraid to name?

Emily Bader stars in one of the leading roles as Poppy Wright, while Tom Blyth takes on the role of Alex Nilsen. The rest of the cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, Miles Heizer, Alice Lee, Tommy Do, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon.

The Rip

Release date: Jan. 16, 2026
Directed and written by: Joe Carnahan

The other new Netflix movie that should be on your radar this month is The Rip. Now this film is a completely different genre from People We Meet on Vacation. It's an action thriller flick, so you can likely expect edge-of-your-seat tension and nonstop suspense.

What's really great about this movie is that it stars real-life friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who have worked together several times in the past. They both play Miami police officers whose discovery of a massive stash of cash in an abandoned house sets off a dangerous chain of events that tests their loyalty, morality, and friendship under pressure.

Here's the official synopsis for The Rip via Netflix below:

"Upon discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house, trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray. As outside forces learn about the size of the seizure, everything is called into question — including who they can rely on."

Joining Damon and Affleck in the cast are other talented actors such as Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, Kyle Chandler, Néstor Carbonell, and Lina Esco.