Must-Watch Movies and Shows on Amazon Prime This January

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 (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?