The Best Movies to Watch on Paramount+ in January 2026

Starting the new year, Paramount+ is adding a lot of great movies and shows to its streaming service. You’ll find everything from sci-fi and superhero films to intense international dramas and thrilling mysteries. They’re adding both award-winning movies and popular comedies, giving viewers a chance to watch old favorites or discover something new.

‘City of God’ (2002)

‘City of God’ is a powerful film that shows how organized crime developed in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade de Deus neighborhood from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. The story is told through the perspective of Rocket, a young man who dreams of becoming a photographer and captures the harsh realities of life around him. The film powerfully contrasts the city’s beauty with the intense and violent gang conflicts, particularly those led by the dangerous Li’l Zé. This highly praised crime drama will be available on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026, and is still recognized as a landmark international film for its dynamic editing and realistic storytelling.

‘The Martian’ (2015)

In the sci-fi film The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney is mistakenly thought to be dead after a powerful storm on Mars and is left behind by his team. He uses his intelligence and science skills to prove he’s still alive and find a way home. The movie shows the worldwide effort to rescue him as he struggles to survive on the harsh Martian landscape. Directed by Ridley Scott and known for its hopeful story and realistic approach to challenges, The Martian will be available to stream on Paramount+ beginning January 1, 2026.

‘Babel’ (2006)

The movie ‘Babel’ tells the story of four families on three continents whose lives unexpectedly connect after a heartbreaking event in the Moroccan desert. It’s a powerful drama about how easily people misunderstand each other, even in our increasingly connected world. Starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the film jumps between stories set in Morocco, Japan, Mexico, and the United States. You can watch ‘Babel’ on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. Critics praised the film for its complex structure and moving story.

‘Scream’ (1996)

The movie ‘Scream’ centers on Sidney Prescott and her friends as they are stalked by a masked killer, Ghostface, in their hometown of Woodsboro. What makes ‘Scream’ stand out is that the characters actually talk about the clichés of horror movies while being hunted in one. Directed by Wes Craven, this critically acclaimed film breathed new life into the slasher genre in the 1990s by mixing suspense with self-aware humor. ‘Scream’ will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026, and it continues to be a beloved horror classic thanks to its smart script and unforgettable opening scene.

‘Searching for Bobby Fischer’ (1993)

‘Searching for Bobby Fischer’ is a true story about Josh Waitzkin, a remarkably gifted young chess player. The movie centers on the tension between his father, who pushes him to win, and a wise, unconventional mentor who helps him develop his own unique approach to the game. It’s a touching story about the challenges of being a child prodigy and staying true to yourself even when facing fierce competition. You can stream this powerful family drama on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. The film is praised for its excellent acting and realistic look at the world of competitive chess.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ tells the story of Peter Parker, a teenager trying to balance school life with his newfound powers and the responsibility of being a superhero. Tony Stark acts as his mentor as Peter attempts to prove himself worthy of joining the Avengers. When a dangerous villain called the Vulture appears, Peter must rise to the challenge. The movie offers a fresh, more relatable take on Spider-Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, combining the fun of a high school comedy with exciting superhero action. You can stream this adventure on Paramount+ beginning January 1, 2026.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012)

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ tells the story of the ten-year search for Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks. The film follows Maya, a dedicated CIA analyst, whose relentless work eventually leads to the discovery of bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan. The movie builds to a tense climax with the Navy SEAL raid that finally completes the mission. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this gripping political thriller will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. It’s well-known for its detailed accuracy and realistic portrayal of intelligence gathering.

‘The Crying Game’ (1992)

Starting with the abduction of a British soldier by the IRA, ‘The Crying Game’ unfolds into a thought-provoking story about who we are and the possibility of finding forgiveness. The film centers on Fergus, an IRA member who goes to London to find the partner of the man he was supposed to protect. When it was released, the movie became well-known for a surprising plot twist that defied expectations and changed how stories were told. This suspenseful thriller will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. It was highly praised for its original writing and well-developed characters.

’10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

In ’10 Cloverfield Lane,’ a woman named Michelle finds herself trapped in an underground bunker after a car crash. A man claims the outside world is unsafe due to a chemical attack, and holds her there. The movie builds suspense as Michelle tries to figure out if he’s protecting her or putting her in danger. This thrilling film, connected to the movie ‘Cloverfield,’ will be available on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. It’s known for its intense, confined setting and strong acting performances.

‘Cop Land’ (1997)

‘Cop Land’ is a dark and suspenseful crime drama taking place in a New Jersey town where many crooked NYPD officers have found a quiet place to live. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as Freddy Heflin, a sheriff with partial hearing loss, who is forced to choose between protecting his fellow officers and doing what’s right. Featuring a powerful cast including Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, and Ray Liotta, this realistic look at police corruption will be available on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. Many consider it to be one of Stallone’s best and most nuanced performances.

‘Major League’ (1989)

Okay, let me tell you about ‘Major League.’ It’s one of those baseball comedies that just works. The story centers around the new owner of the Cleveland Indians, who’s secretly trying to build a terrible team so she can move the franchise elsewhere. She fills the roster with a bunch of, shall we say, interesting characters – an old catcher, a pitcher who can barely see… you get the idea. But here’s the fun part: they figure out her plan and decide to win, just to spite her! It’s become a real cultural touchstone, packed with memorable characters and lines you still hear quoted today. If you’re a baseball fan, or just love a good underdog story with some fantastic comedic timing, you absolutely need to check it out. And good news – it’s hitting Paramount+ on January 1, 2026!

’50 First Dates’ (2004)

In the romantic comedy ’50 First Dates,’ Adam Sandler plays Henry Roth, a vet who falls for Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore). Lucy has a condition that causes her to lose all memory of Henry and their relationship each day. Determined to build a life with her, Henry must repeatedly win her over. The film, known for its sweet connection between Sandler and Barrymore and its fresh approach to romance, will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026.

‘Jackass: The Movie’ (2002)

‘Jackass: The Movie’ showcases Johnny Knoxville and his friends attempting increasingly wild and outrageous stunts and pranks. Originally a popular TV show on MTV, the movie expanded the scope with bigger budgets and more complex segments. The film’s humor comes from physical comedy, shocking moments, and the close relationships between the performers. It will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026, and offers a glimpse back at the alternative culture and over-the-top comedy that defined the early 2000s.

‘What Lies Beneath’ (2000)

‘What Lies Beneath’ is a suspenseful thriller about Claire Spencer, who begins to suspect her lakeside house is haunted. Her investigation leads her to uncover disturbing secrets about her husband, Norman, and a student who disappeared. The film creates tension and mystery using classic thriller techniques, culminating in a surprising reveal. Starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, it will be available on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. The movie was a big hit with audiences, successfully combining elements of a classic ghost story with a modern thriller.

‘Flashdance’ (1983)

‘Flashdance’ follows Alex Owens, a woman leading a double life as a welder and an exotic dancer. She hopes to gain acceptance into a renowned dance school, even though she hasn’t had formal training. The movie is famous for its exciting dance numbers and popular soundtrack, including the song “What a Feeling.” This classic film from the 1980s will be streaming on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026, and continues to inspire fashion and music videos today.

Please share which of these movies you are most excited to stream this month in the comments.

2026-01-16 14:59