Key Highlights
- HBO Max debuts “The Smashing Machine” and “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” in January 2026.
- “Tron: Ares” arrives on Disney+ as a big studio tentpole streaming release.
- Netflix kicks off its new film slate with “People We Meet on Vacation.”
- “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is available on Peacock.
New Releases on HBO Max in January 2026
In the first week of January, HBO Max will premiere two highly anticipated films. “The Smashing Machine” stars Dwayne Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, a role that earned him critical acclaim for his transformative performance.
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” also making its debut on HBO Max this month, features Rose Byrne in a powerful and intense maternal drama. Her performance has been recognized with several awards from film critics circles.
Disney+ Presents “Tron: Ares” as Streaming Hit
On January 7th, Disney+ will release “Tron: Ares,” the latest installment in the Tron franchise. Directed by Joachim Rønning and featuring a star-studded cast including Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jodie Turner-Smith, this film promises to deliver high-octane action and thrilling narrative twists.
A review from Variety highlights its pulse-pounding thrills and notes that the film centers on dueling corporations aiming to bring digital creations into the real world. Despite struggling at the box office with $142 million worldwide, it is expected to find a new audience through streaming.
Netflix Launches “People We Meet on Vacation” in January 2026
Nicely timed for the start of the year, Netflix will release “People We Meet on Vacation,” an original film that draws from Emily Henry’s bestselling novel. The story revolves around a decade-long friendship between Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), who must reassess their relationship when they suspect each other as potential romantic partners.
With the popularity of the book, this adaptation is poised to be a hit on streaming platforms, offering viewers an engaging and emotional journey through the dynamics of friendship and romance.
Bugonia: A Dark Comedy for Peacock
Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film “Bugonia” will debut on Peacock at the end of December 2025, making its full availability in January. The film follows a conspiracy theorist (Jesse Plemons) who kidnaps a CEO (Emma Stone), leading to a pitch-black and intense narrative.
Despite receiving mixed reviews for its box office performance, “Bugonia” is celebrated for Lanthimos’ direction and the strong performances from both Plemons and Stone. Critics praise it as one of the year’s best movies, with Owen Gleiberman of Variety calling it a thrillingly warped act of cinematic screw-tightening.
Full January Streaming Lineup
The January 2026 streaming lineup is packed with diverse releases across various platforms. From A24’s “The Smashing Machine” and “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” to big studio tentpole “Tron: Ares,” and Netflix’s “People We Meet on Vacation,” there are options for every taste.
As the year begins, these films provide a chance for viewers to catch up on missed theatrical releases or discover new cinematic experiences. With titles like these, January is shaping up to be an exciting month for streaming enthusiasts.
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