Upcoming shows and movies to keep you booked this January

January has always been one of the most exciting months on the entertainment calendar, and 2026 is no exception. From the return of pop-culture juggernauts like Bridgerton and The Night Manager to projects led by stars like Ben Affleck, Jason Momoa and Dwayne Johnson landing straight on streaming, the new year is kicking off with range. Think sweeping romance, adrenaline-fuelled action, glossy reboots, and character-driven dramas, all dropping within weeks of each other.

Big names dominate the slate this month: Netflix brings both literary romance and gritty thrillers, Prime Video leans into star power with long-awaited sequels, while JioHotstar and HBO Max add scale and spectacle. Meanwhile, Indian cinema makes its presence felt with theatrical releases like The Raja Saab and Border 2. 2026 has just begun, and January’s watchlist is already stacked.

Bridgerton Season 4

The ton is back, and so is Netflix’s most addictive period drama. Season four introduces a new romantic focus, fresh scandals, and emotional slow burns that the series has perfected over the years. The visual opulence remains unmatched, from larger-than-life candlelit ballrooms to peak Regency era fashion. Produced by Shondaland, the season is set to focus on Benedict Bridgerton and his Cinderalla-esque romance with Sophie Beckett.

When: January 29, 2026
Where: Netflix

The Night Manager Season 2

The stylish spy thriller makes its long-awaited return, raising the stakes further. The sequel to the highly- acclaimed series shows Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) embarking on a new mission in Colombia involving a dangerous arms dealer, Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva) and his seductive associate Roxana Bolanos (Camila Morrone). As Pine infiltrates Teddy's operation, he uncovers layers of secrecy and corruption.

When: January 11, 2026
Where: Prime Video

The Smashing Machine 

Based on the life of MMA icon Mark Kerr, this biographical drama examines fame, masculinity, and personal collapse. Dwayne Johnson headlines the film in a career-shifting performance, directed by Benny Safdie, marking a bold turn toward serious, character-driven cinema.

When: January 23, 2026
Where: HBO Max

Border 2 

A sequel to JP Dutta's cult 1997 film, Border, this film is set to revisit the themes of patriotism and sacrifice while updating the scale for modern audiences. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film brings back Sunny Deol, along with a fresh cast including Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, Diljit Dosanjh, and Sonam Bajwa, among others. 

When: January 23, 2026
Where: In theatres

Ponies

Set in 1977 Moscow, the series follows two widows who unexpectedly become undercover operatives after their CIA agent husbands die under mysterious circumstances. Led by Emilia Clarke as Bea and Haley Lu Richardson as Twila, Ponies combines retro style with sharp intrigue, blending politics, deception, and hard-won confidence in a male-dominated spy world. 

When: January 16, 2026
Where: JioHotstar

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Dark, strange, and emotionally piercing, this film blends surreal humour with grief and frustration. With her life crashing around her, Linda tries to navigate her daughter's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Rose Byrne leads the film under the direction of Mary Bronstein.

When: January 30, 2026
Where: HBO Max

Can This Love Be Translated?

This intimate romance explores love across cultural and linguistic divides, where connection often exists beyond words. The K-drama leans into quiet tension and emotional realism that Korean shows and films are best known for. Led by Hometown Cha Cha Cha! heartthrob Kim Seon-ho alongside Go Youn-jung, the series will show what happens when the emotions of a celebrity and her interpreter are lost in translation. 

When: January 26, 2026
Where: Netflix

People We Meet on Vacation

Emily Henry’s beloved novel finally gets its screen adaptation, chronicling years of unresolved feelings between two best friends. The story unfolds across timelines, capturing longing, missed chances, and emotional growth. The film stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, with Henry herself closely involved in the adaptation process as an executive producer.

When: January 9, 2026
Where: Netflix

The Rip

This tightly wound thriller dives into crime, loyalty, and desperation, unfolding at full speed. Trust frays when a team of Miami cops discovers millions in cash inside a run-down stash house, calling everyone—and everything—into question. The film stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Steven Yeun among others.

When: January 16, 2026
Where: Netflix

The Wrecking Crew 

A slick action-comedy that thrives on chaos, unlikely partnerships, and explosive set pieces. The film leans into humour with a side of high-octane sequences. Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa headline the film, bringing muscle and charisma under the direction of David Leitch.

When: January 28, 2026
Where: Prime Video

The Raja Saab

A full-blown theatrical spectacle, The Raja Saab blends mass action with drama and mythology. A young heir embraces both his royal heritage and rebellious spirit as he rises to power, establishing unprecedented rules during his reign as Raja Saab. Prabhas plays the titular character in the film, co-starring Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Yogi Babu, and others.

When: January 9, 2026
Where: In theatres

His & Hers

Two estranged spouses—one a detective, the other a news reporter—vie to solve a murder in which each believes the other is a prime suspect. The mini-series promises to keep the viewers glued to their seats until the very end. The show stars Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, and Pablo Schreiber, and is adapted from Alice Feeney’s bestselling novel of the same name.

When: January 8, 2026
Where: Netflix

Freedom at Midnight Season 2 

The historical drama returns with heightened political tension and deeper character conflicts. Season two will tackle the refugee crisis that followed India’s partition. Based on the iconic book by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, the series features Sidhant Gupta, Chirag Vohra, Ira Dubey, and others in key roles.

When: January 9, 2026
Where: Sony LIV

Weapons 

Weapons unravels in a small town where 17 children vanish without a trace, plunging the community into fear and paranoia. The mystery deepens as a teacher becomes the prime suspect in an eerie, atmospheric story. Starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, and directed by Zach Cregger, this haunting film comes from the studio that brought you IT and The Conjuring.

When: January 8, 2026
Where: JioHotstar

Lead image: Netflix, IMDb

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