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January is a new beginning, but that doesn’t mean this month holds a few pieces of the past. For many parts of the world, 2025 will be the first chance to see some of 2024’s most notable films and performances. This includes December limited releases such as The Hard Truth, September Five, Better Man, The Brutalist, and Sing Sing, which will be released in summer 2024. (Includes the second work). There is a chance at the theater).
January 2025: The best movies and TV shows to watch
Domestically, January 2025 marks the return of the much talked about and highly rated series “Severance.” But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any promising new products this month either. Here are some of the best movies and TV series worth watching this month, from movie theaters to streaming services like Prime Video, Paramount+, and Hulu.
Cunk on Life (Netflix, January 2nd)
The TV documentary parodies are so thorough that if you’re not paying attention, you might mistake them for the real thing. Netflix’s popular Kank on Earth and its companion series follow Philomena Kank (Diane Morgan), a confident but knowledgeable girl. host. In it, she explores big topics and asks a lot of smart people some very stupid questions. Creator Charlie Brooker (Black Mirror) continues the series with Cunk on Life. Just like the host, expect to learn nothing. Stream on Netflix
Wallace and Gromit: Revenge of the Dead (Netflix, January 3)
Bumbling inventor Wallace and his faithful sidekick Gromit return for a full-length adventure after 16 years. The film is a direct sequel to the excellent 1993 short story “The Wrong Trouser.” This time, the duo once again face off against the ferocious penguin, Feathers McGraw, and face an AI threat in the form of an easily manipulated garden gnome. Stream on Netflix
American Primeval (Netflix, January 9th)
Peter Berg directed all six episodes of this new Western miniseries, set in part in the Utah War of 1857. In this war, Mormon leader Brigham Young tried to maintain his power as governor against the wishes of the federal government. It’s an interesting setting, featuring an equally interesting cast including Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, and Jai Courtney. Stream on Netflix
Ashura (Netflix, January 9th)
Berg isn’t the only feature film director to produce a miniseries in January. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda returns to the film industry with this film adaptation of the 1979 novel. In this film, four sisters confront the secrets of their dying father. Stream on Netflix
Producer Dick Wolf’s latest film is a procedural with a twist. Each episode follows a police officer assigned to Long Beach, but lasts less than 30 minutes and uses equipment such as cellphone and body camera footage in place of the traditional style. Troian Bellisario stars opposite Eric LaSalle and Lori Loughlin. Stream on Prime Video
The Pit (Max, January 9)
Is there something in the air? “The Pit” is another new series from an established executive producer that seems to be trying to shake up a familiar genre. John Wells reunites with ER star Noah Wyle in this R. Scott Gemmill-produced series set in a Pittsburgh high school. The twist: Each episode is set within a 15-hour shift. Stream with Max
Hard Truths (in theaters, January 10)
Speaking of reunions, Mike Leigh’s latest film reunites the director with the great Secrets and Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Jean-Baptiste plays Pansy, a middle-aged Londoner whose depression creates a toxic environment wherever he goes. Michelle Austin co-stars as Chantel, a brother and sister who struggle to understand and help their younger sister. Get your tickets at Fandango
SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night (Peacock, January 16)
Documentary maker Morgan Neville’s contribution to Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary is a deep dive into the classic “More Cowbell” sketch, as well as a look at the show’s famously troubled 11th season. A four-part documentary that explores various aspects of the show and its history, including discussions. Stream on Peacock
The Wolfman (in theaters, January 17th)
In 2020’s The Invisible Man, Leigh Whannell put a new spin on one of Universal’s stable of monster characters. In Wolf Man, he’s at it again with something of a loose remake of the 1941 classic. In this version, Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner play parents stranded in a creepy house. Get your tickets at Fandango
Presence (in theaters, January 17)
Is there a Babenheimer-esque name for the day two famous directors each release their new horror movie? Steven Soderbergh’s latest film, Presence, is a mysterious ghost story written by David Koepp and starring Julia Fox and Lucy Liu. Get your tickets at Fandango
Prime Target (Apple TV+, January 22)
Leo Woodall leads the star-studded cast of this conspiracy thriller as Edward, a mathematics graduate student who suddenly finds both his job and his life under threat. Among those who have threatened or tried to help him are Stephen Rea, Martha Plimpton, David Morrissey and Jason Fleming. Stream on Apple TV+
Star Trek: Section 31 (Paramount+, January 24)
No one had more fun on Star Trek: Discovery than Michelle Yeoh, who plays the Mirror Universe version of a Starfleet hero who abandons his evil ways and integrates into his new home (almost always with great effort) . Yeoh will reprise her role in this spin-off film, which explores her work in Starfleet’s top-secret covert operations division, Section 31. Stream on Paramount+
Paradise (Hulu, January 28)
In yet another reunion of creators and stars, Sterling K. Brown is leading the cast of This is Us creator Dan Fogelman’s new series. Brown will play a man whose past with the President of the United States (James Marsden) becomes embroiled in a mystery. Co-starring Julianne Nicholson. Stream on Hulu
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Disney+, January 28)
The X-Men achieved great success in animated form with X-Men ’97. Now it’s the Marvel Universe’s web-slinger’s turn. Hudson Thames plays Peter Parker, and Colman Domingo plays Norman Osborn, who cares for young superheroes in this alternate universe. Stream on Disney+
A Warmest Invitation (Prime Video, January 30)
Directed by Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), the comedy stars Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon as rivals at a wedding venue they accidentally book. Stream on Prime Video
