Netflix has added a multitude of incredible content over the years, and the best movies on Netflix have helped to maintain its status as one of the most highly regarded streaming services around. Each month, Netflix adds and removes titles from the platform, keeping its library interesting for its subscribers.
The streaming service has recently added and is continuing to bring in some fantastic movies, some of which are old favorites and others that are the newest original movies from the streaming platform. The best movies on Netflix in January, as well as those that were recently added beforehand, range in genre, so fans of all kinds of media can find something to enjoy.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Christian Bale reteams with director Scott Cooper for the third time in the period crime movie The Pale Blue Eye. Set in 1830, Bale plays a detective who is brought in to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet at the prestigious military school. While on the case, he meets a young cadet named Edgar Allen Poe.
The premise for the thriller is intriguing enough, and it will be especially fun seeing Bale play opposite up-and-coming actor Harry Melling as Poe. Fans can expect a dark and compelling crime story with an interesting twist.
Fletch (1985)
After years of attempts to get a much-deserved remake for the 80s comedy, the Fletch franchise continued with Confess, Fletch. Now fans have the chance to revisit the original with Fletch finding its way onto Netflix. Chevy Chase stars as the titular investigative journalist who gets mixed up in a suspicious murder plot.
The movie marks one of Chase’s best performances, showing his skills at playing the dry-witted and less-than-heroic protagonists. It is a fun mystery that will keep audiences guessing even as they are laughing along with it.
Forrest Gump (1994)
One of the most inspiring movies of all time will be available to Netflix users in January. Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks as the titular character, a simple man who finds himself unintentionally leaving his mark on United Stars’ history throughout the years.
Hanks gives a lovable and funny performance while the movie itself is a captivating journey to go on. While there are some who debate the movie’s legacy as one of the all-time greats, it is hard not to be swept up in the charm of Gump’s story.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Nearly two decades since Brokeback Mountain was released and it remains a hugely influential love story. The movie stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two young men working on an isolated mountain who form a bond that they are forced to hide from the world.
With Ang Lee’s stunning direction and amazing performances, especially from Ledger and Gyllenhaal, it is an unforgettable story to witness. Both compelling and heartbreaking, it stands as one of the great movie love stories.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Quentin Tarantino made one of the best directional debuts of all time with his brilliant heist movie, Reservoir Dogs. The movie follows a heist gone wrong and the various criminals attempting to discover which of them is the rat in the aftermath.
The movie was a terrific introduction to Tarantino’s signature style for dialogue and subverting genre expectations. Even without seeing the central heist of the movie, Reservoir Dogs is a thrilling, intense, and iconic ride.
Minions: The Rise Of Gru (2022)
Younger fans have made the Despicable Me franchise one of the most popular animated movie series of recent years. Minions: The Rise of Gru returns for a prequel movie that follows the hilarious minion characters as they meet young Gru with plans to become the world’s greatest villain.
The movie offers the perfect family-friendly adventure for all ages to enjoy in January. There are plenty of laughs and fun to be had while further expanding this never-ending franchise.
Dog Gone (2023)
One movie that is sure to be a tearjerker on Netflix in January is Dog Gone. Based on the true story, the movie stars Rob Lowe as a family man who takes his son on a hike through the Appalachian trail to find their missing dog.
The movie looks to be a mix of heartwarming and inspirational sentiments combined with a light family adventure. It is a story of the connection between family, including those furrier members of the family.
Pamela A Love Story (2023)
Following the acclaim for the Hulu series Pam & Tommy, fans of the show might like to see another version of Pamela Anderson’s story. Pamela, A Love Story is a tell-all documentary exploring the personal and professional life of Anderson.
Unlike Pam & Tommy, this documentary had full access to Anderson herself. Fans who are interested in her story and its place within pop culture will surely want to see Anderson’s die of the story.
Top Gun (1986)
Perhaps the biggest movie story of the year is the success of Top Gun: Maverick. But while there are some that feel the sequel is actually better than Top Gun, now seems like the perfect time to revisit the original.
The Tony Scott movie finds Tom Cruise debuting his famous role as Maverick, a cocky and skilled fighter pilot competing to be the best in the top aviation school in the country. While the movie doesn’t feature the same kind of mind-blowing stunts of the original, it is a fun action ride and a quintessential 80s movie.
You People (2023)
The new Netflix comedy You People boasts a cast filled with some of the funniest actors around. Jonah Hill stars as a young man who begins dating a girl and finds himself in conflict with her father, played by Eddie Murphy.
The movie from Black-ish creator Kenya Barris is an examination of modern love as well as awkwardness that can arise with the gaps in culture, age, and other factors. The movie also stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Duchovny.
