As the calendar flips to January, Netflix is shaking things up with a slew of new arrivals and departures. The streaming giant is bidding farewell to over 150 movies on January 1st, 2026, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of exciting content on the way. From award-winning dramas to crowd-pleasing hits, Netflix has curated a diverse lineup of new titles to kick off the year. In this article, we’ll dive into the must-see movies and TV shows coming to Netflix in January, as well as some of the notable departures.
New Arrivals: Movies and Shows to Watch
January 1st, 2026, marks the arrival of some impressive titles on Netflix. One of the most notable additions is “12 Years a Slave,” a powerful and award-winning drama that won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This historical drama tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. With its thought-provoking narrative and exceptional performances, “12 Years a Slave” is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas.
Other movies joining Netflix in January include “30 Minutes or Less,” a crime thriller about a pizza delivery guy who is forced to rob a bank, and “Dawn of the Dead” (2004), a horror classic about a group of survivors fighting to stay alive in a zombie-infested world. While the release dates for “Pitch Perfect” and “Hellboy” are not specified, these titles are also expected to arrive on Netflix sometime in January.
January Highlights: New Releases to Look Out For
As we dive deeper into January, Netflix has a range of exciting new releases lined up. On January 9, the YA adaptation “People We Meet on Vacation” hits the platform, starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader as two best friends who consider a romantic relationship. This film is sure to appeal to fans of light-hearted romance and coming-of-age stories.
January 16 brings “The Rip,” a new movie that promises to be an thrilling ride. Additionally, on January 21, Netflix will release “Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart,” a documentary about the true story of Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped and held captive for nine months. This documentary is sure to spark important conversations about safety, resilience, and the human spirit.
Series and Limited Series: What’s Coming to Netflix
Netflix isn’t just about movies; the platform also offers an impressive range of TV shows and limited series. One of the most anticipated releases is “Bridgerton” season 4 part 1, which arrives on January 29. This popular period drama follows the lives of the Bridgerton family as they navigate love, marriage, and societal expectations in Regency-era London. With Luke Thompson taking center stage as Benedict Bridgerton, fans are in for a treat.
Another notable release is “His and Hers,” a limited series that premieres on January 8. Starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal as a journalist and detective investigating a murder case, this thriller promises to be a gripping ride. With its complex characters and intriguing plot, “His and Hers” is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Departures: What’s Leaving Netflix in January
As Netflix welcomes new titles to its platform, it’s also bidding farewell to over 150 movies on January 1st, 2026. While the complete list of departing titles isn’t available, it’s essential to note that many big series are also scheduled to leave Netflix throughout January 2026. This shakeup is a regular occurrence on the streaming platform, as Netflix continually updates its content library to make room for new additions.
Some popular titles that have departed or will be departing from Netflix include classic films and TV shows. Although the specific titles aren’t mentioned, fans of Netflix should be prepared to say goodbye to some beloved content. For those who want to keep track of departing titles, Netflix provides a “Departures” section on its website, and third-party services like What on Netflix offer comprehensive lists of new releases and departing titles.
Trends and Insights: What’s Coming and Going on Netflix
Analyzing the new releases and departures on Netflix reveals some interesting trends. The streaming giant is focusing on a mix of award-winning dramas, crowd-pleasing hits, and new titles to appeal to a wide range of audiences. For instance, the addition of “12 Years a Slave” and other acclaimed films demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to showcasing powerful, thought-provoking content. For more on this topic, see: Apple TV January Lineup Revealed: . For more on this topic, see: Jason Momoa’s 10-Year-Old Crime Thriller . For more on this topic, see: January 2026 Game Releases: Surprising .
| Release Date | Title | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| January 1st | “12 Years a Slave” | Historical Drama |
| January 9 | “People We Meet on Vacation” | Romance |
| January 16 | “The Rip” | Thriller |
| January 29 | “Bridgerton” Season 4 Part 1 | Romance |
Must-See Releases: A Deeper Dive
Several new releases on Netflix are worth a closer look. “Bridgerton” Season 4 Part 1, arriving on January 29, promises to deliver more romance, drama, and intrigue to fans of the popular series. “His and Hers”, a limited series streaming on January 8, tells the story of a cop and his estranged reporter wife who team up to investigate a murder case. Additionally, “Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart”, a documentary released on January 21, sheds light on the remarkable story of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapping and recovery.
For more information on Netflix’s content library and upcoming releases, visit the official Netflix website or check out Wikipedia’s Netflix page for an overview of the streaming giant’s history and offerings.
In my perspective, Netflix’s January shakeup offers something for everyone. With a diverse lineup of new titles, including award-winning dramas, crowd-pleasing hits, and thought-provoking documentaries, viewers are sure to find something that suits their tastes. While some beloved titles will be departing, the constant influx of new content ensures that Netflix remains a premier streaming destination. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix’s commitment to providing high-quality content and staying ahead of the curve will likely keep it at the forefront of the industry.