Streaming Giants Unleash January 2026 Blockbusters

As the calendar turns to January 2026, the streaming wars are heating up with a deluge of new content, making it a banner month for movie buffs, TV devotees, and sports fans alike. With major platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV Plus, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Paramount+ each dropping highly anticipated releases and exclusive events, viewers are spoiled for choice—and more than a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what’s on offer.

Netflix leads the charge this month with the high-octane thriller The Rip, which landed on the platform January 16. According to TechRadar, the film reunites Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Miami police officers whose discovery of $20 million in a derelict stash house spirals into a tense, trust-shattering race for survival. Directed by Joe Carnahan and featuring a star-studded cast including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, and Kyle Chandler, the movie promises plenty of action and betrayal. The official logline teases: "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."

Not to be outdone, HBO Max is banking on the enduring appeal of Westeros with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, premiering January 18. Set a century before Game of Thrones and a century after House of the Dragon, this new series adapts George R.R. Martin’s beloved Dunk and Egg tales. As TechRadar notes, the show stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, his enigmatic squire. Unlike its predecessors, this entry leans into a lighter, more comedic tone, offering a refreshing change of pace for fans weary of dragon-fueled drama. The anticipation is palpable, with viewers eager to explore a different side of the Game of Thrones universe.

Meanwhile, Hulu’s college drama Tell Me Lies returned for its third season on January 13, continuing the turbulent saga of Lucy and Stephen. Based on Carola Lovering's novel, the new season sees Grace Van Patten and Jackson White reprising their roles, with Iris Apatow and Costa D'Angelo joining the cast. Deadline reports that the couple is attempting a fresh start, but ghosts from previous seasons threaten to unravel their relationship. The show promises heightened drama, as "repercussions from last season will also force the greater friend group to face their own indiscretions" and "secrets that threaten to break out tease consequences for many."

Apple TV Plus is also making waves with the return of Hijack on January 14. Idris Elba reprises his role as Sam Nelson, a business negotiator thrust into another high-stakes hostage situation—this time on a Berlin underground train. The series, which earned praise for its tension and Elba’s magnetic performance, is back with what TechRadar calls "a shot of adrenaline, delightfully tense, gripping and absorbing." The new season promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as Nelson must once again use his wits to save hundreds of lives.

Prime Video’s Fallout continues its post-apocalyptic journey with the release of Season 2, Episode 5 on January 14. Based on the iconic video game series, the show has been described by showrunner Jonathan Nolan as "bigger, weirder, and darker" in its sophomore outing. With new cast members like Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani joining Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins, the series delves deeper into the wasteland of New Vegas, offering fans plenty of twists and surprises.

Disney Plus is keeping the fantasy flame alive with Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, Episode 7, which dropped January 14. The series, adapted from Rick Riordan’s bestselling books, follows Percy’s quest into the Sea of Monsters to save his friend Grover and retrieve the legendary Golden Fleece. The official logline reads: "With help from Annabeth, Clarisse and his newfound cyclops half-brother Tyson, Percy’s survival becomes essential to stopping Luke, the Titan Kronos, and their impending plan to bring down Camp Half-Blood – and ultimately, Olympus." With just one episode left before the season finale, fans are urged to catch up before the epic conclusion.

While these platforms compete for narrative supremacy, Paramount+ is carving out its own niche by balancing original programming with live sports—a combination that’s hard to beat for many households. According to USA Today, Paramount+ subscribers can look forward to a host of new releases in January, including the thriller Barron’s Cove (January 1), Landman Season 2, Tulsa King Season 3, and the highly anticipated Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiering January 15. True crime and reality fans can dive into Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer (January 20) and Canada Shore (January 22), while supernatural drama School Spirits returns for its third season on January 28.

Sports fans won’t be disappointed either. Paramount+ is streaming major events like the NFL playoffs—specifically the AFC Divisional Round and AFC Championship—alongside the English Carabao Cup, UEFA Champions League, NCAA Basketball, EFL Championship, Zuffa Boxing (live January 23), and UFC 324 (live January 24). As USA Today outlines, the Essential plan starts at $8.99 per month, while the Premium tier ($13.99) includes Showtime access and the ability to stream CBS live, making it an attractive option for viewers who want both entertainment and live sports in one place.

For those looking to save, Paramount+ offers discounts for students, Walmart+ members, and T-Mobile customers, with deals ranging from 50% off for students to free Essential plans for qualifying subscribers. The platform’s flexibility and breadth of content—from original series to live sports and Showtime exclusives—ensures it remains a formidable player in the crowded streaming landscape.

With so many options available, viewers might feel paralyzed by choice. But whether you’re in the mood for a gripping police thriller, a return to Westeros, high-stakes romance, post-apocalyptic adventure, mythological quests, or live sporting drama, January 2026 has something for everyone. As the streaming giants continue to up the ante, the only real challenge is finding enough hours in the day to watch it all.