Netflix is gearing up for what looks to be its most ambitious year yet, with more than 100 new movies and shows set to hit the streaming platform throughout 2026. According to a detailed roundup published by Boston.com on January 7, 2026, and further teased by indy100 and Netflix’s own Tudum site, the lineup is stacked with fan favorites returning for new seasons, buzzy original films, and a slate of live sports that signals a bold new direction for the streaming giant.
Among the most anticipated releases is the return of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, set in 1940s Birmingham. Scheduled for release on March 20, the film follows Tommy as he emerges from self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet. As detailed by Netflix’s Tudum, "With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons and choose whether to confront his legacy, or burn it to the ground." Fans of the original series have been waiting for this cinematic follow-up, and the stakes have never been higher.
Netflix’s 2026 slate is not just about gritty drama. The platform is doubling down on beloved franchises, with Enola Holmes 3 bringing Millie Bobby Brown back as the plucky detective, this time embarking on a tangled case in Malta. The mystery is said to be her most challenging yet, promising to blend personal stakes with professional peril. Meanwhile, the hit anime adaptation One Piece returns for its second season on March 10, and Lupin is back for a fourth season in the fall, ensuring that fans of international intrigue have plenty to look forward to.
Comedies and romances are also front and center. People We Meet on Vacation (January 9) explores the evolving relationship between two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who have spent a decade vacationing together. As they begin to question the true nature of their bond, viewers can expect a heartfelt journey peppered with relatable moments. For those craving laughter, Office Romance pairs Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein in a workplace comedy about two workaholics stumbling into love, while Little Brother throws John Cena and Eric André into family chaos when an eccentric sibling reappears unexpectedly.
Action fans aren’t left out either. The Rip, debuting January 16, reunites Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Miami cops whose discovery of millions in cash sparks suspicion and betrayal. The tension escalates as more people learn about the stash, and, as Tudum notes, "trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray." Affleck also takes the director’s chair (and a starring role) in Animals, a political thriller about a mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. The film promises to be a high-stakes exploration of morality and desperation, though its exact release date remains under wraps.
Documentary lovers can look forward to Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (January 21), which takes viewers inside the harrowing true story of Elizabeth Smart’s abduction and her family’s relentless search. According to Tudum, the film features Elizabeth’s own words and exclusive interviews, blending archival footage with new material to provide a fresh perspective on a case that gripped the nation.
Netflix is also embracing animation and family fare, with the animated Stranger Things spinoff Tales from ’85 promising a nostalgic return to Hawkins, albeit with new voice actors. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (January 22) introduces viewers to a high schooler whose life is upended by a visitor from the moon, while Narnia, directed by Greta Gerwig, offers a fresh take on the beloved C.S. Lewis story in December.
Sports fans have reason to celebrate, too. In a significant expansion, Netflix will broadcast live events throughout 2026, including MLB Opening Day on March 25, the MLB Home Run Derby on July 13, and the MLB Field of Dreams game on August 13. The platform will also air NFL games, top-flight tennis matches, and WWE events, marking a major step into territory traditionally dominated by cable and network television. As reported by Boston.com, this is part of Netflix’s broader strategy to diversify its offerings and capture new audiences.
Returning series are a big part of the 2026 lineup. Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 arrives January 29, continuing the Regency-era drama with a focus on Benedict’s romantic escapades. Queer Eye bows for its tenth and final season on January 21, with the Fab Five reflecting on the show’s legacy and impact. Other returning hits include The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 (February 5), Love Is Blind Season 10 (February 11), Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 8 (February), and Beef Season 2 (April 16), which brings a new cast and a fresh storyline centered on a couple who witness a violent altercation.
Netflix’s 2026 slate is nothing if not eclectic. There’s Queen of Chess (February 6), a drama about Judit Polgár’s trailblazing chess career; War Machine (March 6), an action sci-fi thriller; and Remarkably Bright Creatures (May 8), which follows an aquarium worker’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus. For those who prefer their stories with a dose of nostalgia, Outer Banks returns for its fifth and final season, closing the book on a coming-of-age saga that’s captivated viewers for years.
Other noteworthy titles include The Whisper Man, starring Adam Scott and Robert De Niro in a chilling abduction tale, and APEX, where Charlize Theron faces deadly threats in the Australian wilderness. Documentaries like A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough and sports retrospectives such as Miracle: The Boys of ’80 and The Mosquito Bowl round out a lineup that truly offers something for everyone.
With so many options, Netflix subscribers may find themselves spoiled for choice in 2026. Whether you’re after prestige drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, pulse-pounding action, or live sports, the streaming giant’s latest slate promises to deliver—and then some. As the year unfolds, all eyes will be on Netflix to see how this ambitious programming push shapes the future of streaming entertainment.
