The Best Movies to Watch on Hulu in January 2026

Hulu’s January 2026 lineup brings a diverse mix of cinematic classics, modern action hits, and brand-new releases to the streaming platform. From award-winning war dramas and high-stakes heist thrillers to contemporary science fiction and animated features, the schedule offers a variety of genres for subscribers. Many of these titles arrive on the first of the month, while others debut throughout the following weeks to keep the catalog fresh. This curated selection highlights the most anticipated films joining the library during the start of the year.

‘Heat’ (1995)

Directed by Michael Mann, this crime epic centers on a professional thief and a relentless detective caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. The film is widely recognized for its intense realism and the first significant on-screen pairing of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. It explores the personal lives and moral complexities of those on both sides of the law during a series of daring robberies. Subscribers can stream ‘Heat’ starting January 1, 2026.

‘Taken’ (2008)

Liam Neeson stars as a retired CIA operative who travels to Paris to rescue his kidnapped daughter from human traffickers. The film revitalized the action genre with its fast-paced combat sequences and the protagonist’s iconic “particular set of skills” monologue. As Bryan Mills tracks down the criminal organization responsible, the tension builds toward a series of violent confrontations. ‘Taken’ joins the Hulu catalog on January 1, 2026.

‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2015)

This film follows a young street kid who is recruited into a top-secret international intelligence agency. Under the guidance of a veteran agent, he undergoes rigorous training to face a global threat orchestrated by a tech genius. The story combines elements of classic spy films with hyper-kinetic action choreography and dark humor. ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ becomes available for streaming on January 1, 2026.

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)

Mel Gibson directs this biographical war film about Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II. Doss famously refused to carry a weapon but successfully saved 75 men during the brutal Battle of Okinawa. The narrative highlights his immense bravery and steadfast religious convictions under extreme combat conditions. The movie arrives on Hulu on January 1, 2026.

‘RED’ (2010)

Based on the DC Comics limited series, ‘RED’ stands for “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” and follows a group of former CIA operatives. When a high-tech assassin targets them, the team must reunite to uncover a massive conspiracy within the government. The cast features veteran actors including Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman. The film is scheduled to premiere on the platform on January 1, 2026.

‘Predator’ (1987)

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Major Dutch Schaeffer, the leader of an elite rescue team targeted by an extraterrestrial hunter in Central America. The creature utilizes advanced technology and thermal imaging to pick off the soldiers one by one in the dense jungle. This classic blend of science fiction and action spawned a major media franchise and several sequels. ‘Predator’ debuts on Hulu on January 1, 2026.

‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)

Directed by the Coen Brothers, this comedy-drama is a loose adaptation of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ set in the 1930s Deep South. Three escaped convicts travel across Mississippi in search of a hidden treasure while being pursued by a relentless sheriff. The film is noted for its folk-influenced soundtrack and distinctive sepia-toned cinematography. It joins the streaming service on January 1, 2026.

‘The Illusionist’ (2010)

This animated feature, directed by Sylvain Chomet, is based on an unproduced script by the legendary French director Jacques Tati. It tells the story of an aging stage magician who travels to Scotland and forms a bond with a young woman who believes his tricks are real magic. The film uses a beautiful hand-drawn animation style to convey a melancholic and whimsical atmosphere. ‘The Illusionist’ is available starting January 1, 2026.

‘Infinitely Polar Bear’ (2015)

Mark Ruffalo stars as a father struggling with bipolar disorder who takes over the primary care of his two daughters in the 1970s. The film explores the challenges of family dynamics and mental health as his wife pursues an MBA in another city. The story is a semi-autobiographical account written and directed by Maya Forbes. The movie premieres on Hulu on January 1, 2026.

‘Ash’ (2025)

Directed by Flying Lotus, this science fiction thriller features a woman who wakes up on a distant planet to find her crew brutally murdered. She must decide whether to trust the man sent to rescue her while investigating the mysterious circumstances of the failed mission. The film stars Eiza González and Aaron Paul in a high-tension, atmospheric survival setting. ‘Ash’ arrives on the platform early in the month on January 2, 2026.

‘The Luckiest Man in America’ (2025)

This biographical drama depicts the true story of Michael Larson, a man who famously hacked the game show ‘Press Your Luck’ in 1984. Larson used his knowledge of the board’s electronic patterns to win the largest one-day total in game show history. The film explores his obsession with the mechanics of the game and the fallout from his controversial victory. It debuts on Hulu on January 6, 2026.

‘Inferno’ (2016)

Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon in this sequel to ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Angels & Demons’. Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia and must follow a trail of clues tied to Dante’s ‘Inferno’ to stop a global plague. He teams up with a doctor to outrun a shadowy organization and solve the mystery before time runs out. The film is slated for release on January 9, 2026.

‘Twinless’ (2025)

Written and directed by James Franco, this dark comedy follows two men who meet in a bereavement support group after losing their respective twin brothers. The pair forms an unusual bond based on their shared trauma and the profound void left by their siblings. The narrative delves into themes of identity and grief through a unique comedic lens. ‘Twinless’ joins the Hulu lineup on January 16, 2026.

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ (2024)

The Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse where the original Ghostbusters began their journey decades ago. When an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force that threatens to plunge the world into a second Ice Age, new and old members must unite. The film blends supernatural action with the franchise’s signature humor and nostalgia. It becomes available for streaming on January 22, 2026.

‘Tin Soldier’ (2025)

This action thriller focuses on a mysterious cult-like leader who attracts veterans with the promise of a new purpose and belonging. The government, fearing the group’s growing influence and military capabilities, deploys a specialized team to infiltrate the organization. The cast includes Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro, and Scott Eastwood in a story about loyalty and power. ‘Tin Soldier’ premieres on January 30, 2026.

Please share which of these upcoming titles you are most excited to stream in the comments.