The Best Movies to Watch on Paramount+ in January 2026

Paramount+ is set to expand its streaming library with a diverse selection of cinematic classics and modern hits at the start of the new year. From high-stakes science fiction and superhero adventures to gritty international dramas and psychological thrillers, the upcoming additions cater to a wide range of audience preferences. Subscribers can look forward to a mix of Academy Award-winning features and fan-favorite comedies arriving on the platform simultaneously. These titles provide an excellent opportunity for viewers to revisit iconic performances or discover acclaimed stories for the first time.

‘City of God’ (2002)

‘City of God’ depicts the growth of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro between the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1980s. The narrative is told through the eyes of Rocket, an aspiring photographer who documents the violent lives of those around him. The film highlights the stark contrast between the beauty of the city and the brutal gang warfare led by the ruthless Li’l Zé. This acclaimed crime drama joins the Paramount+ library on January 1, 2026. It remains one of the most celebrated international films for its kinetic editing and raw storytelling.

‘The Martian’ (2015)

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. Watney must rely on his ingenuity and scientific knowledge to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. The film depicts the global effort to bring the stranded botanist home while he survives on the hostile planet. This science fiction epic directed by Ridley Scott becomes available on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. It is widely praised for its optimistic tone and commitment to realistic problem-solving.

‘Babel’ (2006)

‘Babel’ explores the interconnected lives of four different groups of people across three continents following a tragic accident in the Moroccan desert. The film examines themes of miscommunication and the invisible barriers that separate humanity despite global connectivity. It features an ensemble cast including Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, moving between stories in Morocco, Japan, Mexico, and the United States. Viewers can stream this multi-narrative drama on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. The production received significant critical attention for its ambitious structure and emotional resonance.

‘Scream’ (1996)

‘Scream’ follows Sidney Prescott as she and her friends are terrorized by a masked killer known as Ghostface in the town of Woodsboro. The film famously subverts horror tropes by having its characters discuss the “rules” of scary movies while they are living through one. This Wes Craven-directed masterpiece revitalized the slasher genre in the mid-1990s with its blend of mystery and meta-commentary. The iconic horror film is scheduled to arrive on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It remains a staple of the genre due to its clever writing and memorable opening sequence.

‘Searching for Bobby Fischer’ (1993)

‘Searching for Bobby Fischer’ tells the true story of Josh Waitzkin, a young boy who exhibits an extraordinary talent for chess. The narrative focuses on the conflict between his father, who wants to nurture his competitive edge, and a street-smart mentor who teaches him a different style of play. It explores the pressures of childhood genius and the importance of maintaining one’s character in the face of intense competition. This moving family drama joins the Paramount+ lineup on January 1, 2026. The film is noted for its strong performances and sensitive portrayal of the competitive chess world.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ follows a young Peter Parker as he navigates high school while testing his new abilities as a superhero under the mentorship of Tony Stark. Peter struggles to balance his mundane life with his desire to prove himself as a true Avenger when the villainous Vulture emerges. The film focuses on a more youthful and grounded version of the character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans can watch this action-packed adventure on Paramount+ starting January 1, 2026. It successfully blends the elements of a coming-of-age comedy with large-scale superhero spectacle.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012)

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ chronicles the decade-long hunt for Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks. The story centers on Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst whose singular focus and persistence lead to the discovery of the target’s compound in Pakistan. The film culminates in the high-stakes military raid conducted by Navy SEALs to complete the mission. This intense political thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow will be available on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It is frequently cited for its meticulous research and gripping depiction of modern intelligence work.

‘The Crying Game’ (1992)

‘The Crying Game’ begins with the kidnapping of a British soldier by the IRA and evolves into a complex exploration of identity and redemption. The story follows an IRA volunteer named Fergus who flees to London and seeks out the girlfriend of the man he was tasked with guarding. The film is famous for a major narrative twist that challenged audience perceptions and cinematic conventions at the time of its release. This psychological thriller is set to premiere on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It earned widespread acclaim for its unique screenplay and nuanced character development.

’10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

’10 Cloverfield Lane’ follows a young woman named Michelle who wakes up in an underground bunker after a car accident. She is held by a mysterious man who claims that a chemical attack has left the outside world uninhabitable and dangerous. The film maintains constant tension as Michelle questions whether her captor is a savior or a threat. This psychological thriller, which functions as a spiritual successor to ‘Cloverfield’, arrives on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It is lauded for its claustrophobic atmosphere and the powerful performances of its lead actors.

‘Cop Land’ (1997)

‘Cop Land’ is a neo-noir crime drama set in a small New Jersey town that serves as a residential haven for corrupt NYPD officers. Sylvester Stallone stars as Freddy Heflin, a partially deaf sheriff who must decide whether to ignore the illegal activities of his idols or uphold the law. The film features a heavy-hitting cast including Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, and Ray Liotta. This gritty exploration of police corruption will be available to stream on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It is often recognized for providing one of the most restrained and acclaimed performances of Stallone’s career.

‘Major League’ (1989)

‘Major League’ is a sports comedy about the new owner of the Cleveland Indians who assembles a team of misfits in hopes they will lose so she can move the franchise. The roster, including an aging catcher and a wild pitcher with failing eyesight, eventually discovers the scheme and begins winning to spite her. The film became a cultural phenomenon for its eccentric characters and quotable dialogue. This classic baseball comedy joins the Paramount+ service on January 1, 2026. It remains a favorite among sports fans for its underdog story and comedic timing.

’50 First Dates’ (2004)

’50 First Dates’ stars Adam Sandler as Henry Roth, a veterinarian who falls in love with Lucy Whitmore, played by Drew Barrymore. Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss, causing her to forget Henry and their relationship every time she goes to sleep. Henry must find creative ways to win her heart over again every single day to build a life together. This romantic comedy will be available for streaming on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. The film is well-regarded for its charming chemistry between the leads and its unique take on the genre.

‘Jackass: The Movie’ (2002)

‘Jackass: The Movie’ features Johnny Knoxville and his crew performing a series of increasingly dangerous and absurd stunts and pranks. The film transitioned the popular MTV television series to the big screen, allowing for higher production values and more elaborate segments. It relies on physical comedy, shock value, and the camaraderie of the performers to entertain its audience. This reality-based comedy film is scheduled to arrive on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It serves as a definitive time capsule of early 2000s alternative culture and extreme humor.

‘What Lies Beneath’ (2000)

‘What Lies Beneath’ is a supernatural thriller that follows Claire Spencer, a woman who becomes convinced that her lakeside home is haunted by a ghost. As she investigates the presence, she uncovers dark secrets regarding her husband Norman and a missing student. The film utilizes classic suspense techniques and psychological tension to build toward its final revelation. Starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, the movie debuts on Paramount+ on January 1, 2026. It was a significant commercial success that blended traditional ghost stories with modern thriller elements.

‘Flashdance’ (1983)

‘Flashdance’ tells the story of Alex Owens, a young woman who works as a welder by day and a dancer at a local bar by night. She dreams of being accepted into a prestigious dance conservatory despite her lack of formal training. The film is iconic for its high-energy dance sequences and its chart-topping soundtrack featuring the hit “What a Feeling.” This 1980s cultural staple will be available to Paramount+ subscribers on January 1, 2026. It remains a significant influence on fashion and music videos from its era.

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