Top 10 Movies To Watch This Week on Netflix | January 2–8, 2026
Okay, we are all feeling it. It’s the first week of January. Nobody knows what day it is, the fridge is 80% leftovers, and the vibe is “I’ll deal with it next week.” Netflix clearly gets that, because they dropped a top 10 movies lineup that’s all over the place in a good way. Comfort, chaos, romance, cars going fast — it’s a whole mood board. Here’s what’s worth watching while you figure out your life again.
“Ford v Ferrari” (2019)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2019
Rating: PG‑13
Genre: Sports Drama / Biographical
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
If you want something that feels big but not exhausting, “Ford v Ferrari” is perfect. It’s basically two stubborn dudes trying to build a car fast enough to beat Ferrari, and somehow, it’s emotional. Damon and Bale are great together — lots of grumpy friendship energy. The racing scenes are loud in a fun way, not a “my brain hurts” way. Even if you don’t care about cars, it’s just a solid, satisfying movie. Good for when you want to feel something but not, like, too much.
“Ricky Gervais: Mortality” (2024)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2024
Rating: TV‑MA
Genre: Stand‑Up Comedy
Director: John L. Spencer
Lead Star: Ricky Gervais
“Ricky Gervais: Mortality” is basically Gervais doing what he does best: talking about the stuff everyone avoids. Aging, dying, the weirdness of being alive — he just goes for it. It’s dark, but in that “okay, I needed to laugh about this” way. Feels like listening to someone who’s been up too late thinking about life and decided to turn it into jokes. If you want something funny but also a little too real, this is it.
“Nonnas” (2024)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2024
Rating: PG‑13
Genre: Comedy / Family
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Lead Stars: Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco
“Nonnas” is just… cozy. Vince Vaughn ends up working with a group of Italian grandmothers trying to save their restaurant, and honestly, the nonnas run the show. It’s warm, it’s silly, it’s full of food — the whole thing feels like a hug from someone who insists you haven’t eaten enough. Great for a night when you want something easy and sweet and not stressful at all.
“Good Night and Good Luck: Live From Broadway” (2025)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2025
Rating: PG‑13
Genre: Drama / Historical
Director: George Clooney
Lead Stars: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Patricia Clarkson
This one’s for the history nerds and the “I miss real journalism” crowd. It’s the stage version of the Murrow vs. McCarthy story, shot in black‑and‑white, and it’s way more gripping than you’d expect from something that’s basically people talking into microphones. Strathairn is fantastic — calm, sharp, steady. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of thing that sticks with you.
“The Lesson” (2023)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2023
Rating: R
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Director: Alice Troughton
Lead Stars: Richard E. Grant, Julie Delpy, Daryl McCormack
“The Lesson” is a slow, chilly little thriller about a young writer who takes a tutoring job with a famous author and immediately regrets it. Everyone in the house is polite in that “something is definitely wrong here” way. Richard E. Grant is unsettling without even raising his voice. It’s the kind of movie where you keep thinking, “Okay but what’s actually going on?” and then it finally hits. Great if you want tension without jump scares.
“The Girl Who Got Away” (2021)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2021
Rating: R Genre: Thriller / Crime
Director: Michael Morrissey
Lead Stars: Kaye Tuckerman, Lexi Johnson, Chukwudi Iwuji
This one’s dark but watchable. A woman who survived a kidnapping finds out her abductor escaped prison, and the whole town basically goes into panic mode. It’s gritty, a little messy, and full of that small‑town tension where everyone knows everyone’s business. Not too twisty, not too complicated — just a solid thriller for a night when you want something tense but not emotionally devastating.
“The Union” (2024)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2024
Rating: PG‑13
Genre: Action / Comedy
Director: Julian Farino
Lead Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, J.K. Simmons
If you want something fun and not too serious, “The Union” is exactly that. Wahlberg plays a regular guy who gets dragged into spy stuff by his ex, who is very much not regular anymore. It’s goofy in places, but in a charming way. The action is easy to follow, the jokes land, and it’s just… fun. Great background‑noise‑but-you-still-watch-it kind of movie.
“Caramelo” (2025)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2025
Rating: TV‑14
Genre: Drama / Romance
Director: Gabriela Tagliavini
Lead Stars: Eiza González, Diego Boneta
“Caramelo” is soft and pretty and a little bittersweet — very “January romance energy.” Two artists meet at the wrong time, or maybe the right time, depending on how you look at it. Mexico City looks gorgeous, the chemistry is good, and the whole thing feels like a warm breeze. If you want something emotional but not tragic, this is a nice pick.
“Straw” (2025)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2025
Rating: PG‑13
Genre: Drama / Mystery
Director: Tyler Perry
Lead Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, Lance Gross
“Tyler Perry’s Straw” is one of those “one small decision ruins everything” stories. Taraji P. Henson is fantastic — she carries the whole thing with this mix of strength and “oh no, not again.” It’s slower than some of Perry’s other stuff, but in a good way. More mystery, less melodrama. Good for when you want something dramatic but not too heavy.
“My Oxford Year” (2025)
Release Date on Netflix: Available Now
Original Release Date: 2025
Rating: TV‑MA
Genre: Romance / Drama
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Lead Stars: Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott
“My Oxford Year” is pure emotional comfort food. American student goes to Oxford, falls for someone who complicates her whole plan — you know the vibe. Sofia Carson is warm and likable, and Corey Mylchreest brings the emotional punch. It’s romantic, a little sad, a little sweet, and perfect for a night when you want to feel things but also be okay afterward.
That’s The Top 10 Movies This Week
January is weird, but at least the Netflix lineup isn’t. Whether you want fast cars, soft romance, or something that lets you zone out while you scroll your phone, there’s something here that’ll fit whatever mood you’re in. Grab a blanket, grab a snack, and let the week be easy.
