Top Streaming Picks: Must-See Shows and Movies for January 2026

As the new year gets underway, streaming platforms are rolling out a wave of fresh content to keep your watchlist packed. This week, a mix of high-stakes dramas, sci-fi adventures, and star-studded films are making their debut, promising plenty of reasons to stay in and tune out the cold. Whether you’re looking for a pulse-pounding thriller, a return to a beloved franchise, or a moving drama, there’s something for everyone among these top picks.

Bold New Series and Returning Favorites

Paramount Plus introduces a fresh chapter in the Star Trek universe with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Set centuries after the days of Captain Picard, the show follows the inaugural class at a newly rebuilt academy, rising from the ashes of a galaxy-wide catastrophe. The series balances the energy of young cadets with the wisdom of veteran instructors, blending space- faring missions with stories rooted on Earth. The cast, featuring Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, and Paul Giamatti, brings depth to a show that captures the franchise’s hopeful spirit, even as it juggles a sprawling ensemble.

On Apple TV, Hijack returns for a second season, once again starring Idris Elba as Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator who finds himself in the middle of another harrowing hostage situation. This time, the action shifts from the skies to Berlin’s subway system, where a group of determined criminals takes control. Elba’s portrayal of a man changed by past trauma adds a new layer to the suspense, ensuring the series doesn’t simply repeat its original formula.

Star Power and High Stakes

Netflix ups the ante with The Rip, a gritty thriller directed by Joe Carnahan. The film stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, and Teyana Taylor as Miami cops who stumble upon a hidden fortune during what should have been a routine call. Faced with temptation, the team’s loyalty is put to the test as greed threatens to tear them apart. With sharp direction and a powerhouse cast, this movie stands out from the crowd of recent action flicks and is perfect for a Friday night in.

Fans of espionage will want to catch the long-awaited second season of The Night Manager on Prime Video. Tom Hiddleston returns as Jonathan Pine, a former soldier turned hotel night manager who’s drawn back into the world of international intrigue. Reunited with Olivia Colman’s Angela Burr, Pine faces new threats and old enemies in a story inspired by John le Carré’s masterful storytelling. The new season delivers six episodes of tightly wound suspense, with a third already in the works.

Classic Collections and Emotional Journeys

For those who love a classic, Netflix is now streaming the entire James Bond collection, from Dr. No to No Time to Die, including the rarely seen Never Say Never Again. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, this lineup offers a perfect way to spend a winter evening. Standouts like From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and Casino Royale are must-sees for any fan of the genre.

On the more heartfelt side, The Life of Chuck arrives on Hulu and Netflix. Directed by Mike Flanagan and based on a Stephen King story, the film stars Tom Hiddleston as Chuck Krantz, an accountant whose life is told in reverse, beginning with his death. This emotional journey explores the beauty and turbulence of an ordinary life, offering a different take on King’s work. While reactions were mixed during its theatrical run, the film’s sincerity and Flanagan’s direction may resonate more with streaming audiences.