What to watch on Amazon Prime right now (January 2026) — movies & shows worth your time
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
- Explore top picks trending on Prime Video
- Discover January’s new movie releases
- Binge-worthy new TV seasons arriving this month
- Revisit classic films and series
- Learn tips for choosing the perfect watch
Table of Contents
- Top picks right now
- New movies arriving on Prime this month
- New TV to watch on Prime this January
- Classics and other picks to consider
- Upcoming buzz
- How to choose what to watch on Prime right now
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Top picks right now (popular on Prime Video charts)
These titles are trending on Prime’s global charts as of Jan 1, 2026 — great choices if you want something lots of other viewers are enjoying.
- Red One (Action / Adventure, 2023) — Why watch: A big, holiday-themed action-adventure that blends thrills and comic moments; it’s topping charts worldwide for being a crowd-pleaser. Who it’s for: Fans of star-driven, high-energy blockbusters and holiday-adjacent fun. Available on: Amazon Prime Video.
- A Working Man (Thriller / Drama) — Why watch: A tense, character-driven thriller that’s holding viewer interest for its tight plotting and performances. Who it’s for: Viewers who enjoy slow-burn suspense and moral complexity. Available on: Amazon Prime Video.
- The Good Neighbor (Drama / Suspense) — Why watch: A suspenseful, mood-driven drama that’s connecting with audiences for its emotional stakes. Who it’s for: Fans of quiet thrillers and relationship-focused drama. Available on: Amazon Prime Video.
- Tell Me Softly (Drama / Romance) — Why watch: An emotionally resonant story that’s been drawing viewers for its intimate performances and tone. Who it’s for: Viewers seeking a moving, character-first drama. Available on: Amazon Prime Video.
New movies arriving on Prime this month (January 2026)
If you want fresh titles to queue, these officially arrive on Prime Video in early January.
- Alien: Romulus (Sci‑fi / Horror, 2024) — Why watch: A claustrophobic, creature-driven prequel entry that revives the franchise’s tense atmosphere and creature action. Who it’s for: Horror and Alien franchise fans, late-night scares. Approx. runtime: ~95–100 min. Available on: Amazon Prime (streaming Jan 2026).
- American Gangster (Crime / Drama, 2007) — Why watch: Ridley Scott’s heavyweight crime epic featuring powerhouse performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe; a definitive modern gangster film. Who it’s for: Fans of crime sagas and actor-driven drama. Runtime: ~157 min. Available on: Amazon Prime (streaming Jan 2026).
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Biopic / Music Drama, 2018) — Why watch: Rami Malek won an Oscar for his electrifying portrayal of Freddie Mercury; it’s crowd-pleasing and full of music moments. Who it’s for: Music fans, concert-movie lovers, and anyone in the mood for a rousing biopic. Runtime: ~134 min. Available on: Amazon Prime (streaming Jan 2026).
- Forrest Gump (Drama / Comedy, 1994) — Why watch: A cultural classic starring Tom Hanks with heartfelt storytelling across decades; great for rewatching. Who it’s for: Families, sentimental nights in, and viewers who love character-driven epics. Runtime: ~142 min. Available on: Amazon Prime (streaming Jan 2026).
- 21 Jump Street (Action / Comedy, 2012) & 22 Jump Street (2014) — Why watch: Hilarious buddy-cop comedies with great chemistry between Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill — both arrive the same day for a perfect double-feature. Who it’s for: Comedy fans and anyone wanting a light, funny night. Runtime: ~109 / 112 min. Available on: Amazon Prime (streaming Jan 2026).
New TV to watch on Prime this January
Bingeable and appointment viewing — new seasons and returns to add to your queue.
- Beast Games — Season 2 (Reality / Competition, premieres Jan 7, 2026) — Why watch: High-energy, social-media–fueled competition hosted by MrBeast; Season 1’s spectacle and viral challenges make this a lively watch. Who it’s for: Reality fans and viewers who like fast-paced, challenge-based shows. Available on: Amazon Prime Video (season premiere Jan 7).
- The Night Manager — Season 2 (Spy Thriller, premieres Jan 11, 2026) — Why watch: Tom Hiddleston returns in a slick, globe-hopping espionage drama known for intense intrigue and production values. Who it’s for: Spy-thriller lovers and viewers who enjoy stylish, plot-driven serial shows. Available on: Amazon Prime Video (season premiere Jan 11).
Classics and other picks to consider
Prime’s January additions also include familiar favorites you can rewatch or discover for the first time.
- Love Actually (Romantic Comedy, 2003) — Why watch: A holiday rom-com staple for feel-good ensemble storytelling — great for cozy nights and seasonal viewing. Who it’s for: Rom-com fans and viewers looking for heartwarming ensemble pieces. Available on: Amazon Prime (check regional availability).
- Friday Night Lights (Sports Drama, 2004 — film and the later TV series are often on rotating catalogs) — Why watch: Emotional sports drama with strong characters and small-town heart; pairs well with the TV series for extended viewing. Who it’s for: Sports-story lovers and anyone who enjoys character-driven inspirational drama. Available on: Amazon Prime (confirm region).
Upcoming buzz (what to watch for)
- Project Hail Mary (Sci‑fi / Adventure — upcoming 2026) — Why watch: A highly anticipated sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling based on the bestselling novel; slated to be a major blockbuster and a must-see for genre fans when it arrives. Who it’s for: Sci-fi readers and big-screen event viewers. Availability: Upcoming theatrical and streaming window — watch for Prime Video dates.
How to choose what to watch on Prime right now
- Mood match: Pick by what you want to feel — adrenaline (Red One, Alien: Romulus), laughs (21/22 Jump Street), or something tender (Forrest Gump, Tell Me Softly).
- Time available: Long night? Choose American Gangster or Forrest Gump. Short on time? Try Alien: Romulus or the Jump Street films.
- Group vs solo: Comedies and action (Red One, 21 Jump Street) are great with friends; dramas and thrillers (A Working Man, The Good Neighbor) are better solo or with quiet company.
- New-release nights: If you like catching premieres, mark Jan 7 and Jan 11 for Beast Games S2 and The Night Manager S2.
Conclusion
January 2026’s Prime Video lineup has something for every viewing mood: big-action crowd-pleasers and new thrillers, buzzy reality and spy seasons, plus classics to revisit. Start with whatever fits your mood — an action-packed evening with Red One, a music biopic night with Bohemian Rhapsody, or a slow-burn thriller session with A Working Man — and you’ll have a solid night of streaming ahead.
Note: Availability can vary by country and may change through the month — check your Prime Video app or web player for the latest regional listings and exact release dates.
FAQ
- What are the new arrivals on Amazon Prime Video in January 2026?
- Are there any classic films returning to Prime Video?
- How can I find out when new titles are available?
- Can I watch shows or movies from other regions on Prime Video?
- Is there a way to filter content based on my mood on Prime Video?


