Top Films Dominating Streaming Platforms This January
Curious about what everyone’s watching as the year begins? Discover the most popular films currently topping the charts on each major streaming service. Find out which titles are capturing global attention right now.
With the arrival of a new year, many are marking the occasion by settling in for a proper film binge. For those keen to know what’s capturing the public’s attention, here’s a rundown of the most-watched titles across the leading streaming services as of 2 January.
Festive Favourites and Animated Hits
On Netflix, the animated adaptation of The Grinch has overtaken the Korean thriller The Great Flood to become the platform’s most-viewed title. This 2018 version, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the infamous green misanthrope, has proven a seasonal hit. The cast also includes Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Mindy Sterling, and Pharrell Williams, making it a popular choice for families during the holidays.
Meanwhile, Amazon Prime’s audience continues to flock to Red One, a festive action-comedy starring Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Lucy Liu, and J.K. Simmons. The film, which blends humour, adventure, and a touch of the unexpected, has maintained its top spot for several weeks, likely buoyed by the lingering holiday spirit.
Blockbusters and Franchise Entries
Paramount+ is led by Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the latest and reportedly last chapter in the long-running action series fronted by Tom Cruise. The film, which follows on from 2023’s Dead Reckoning Part One, also features Hayley Atwell and Ving Rhames, and continues to draw in viewers eager for high-stakes espionage.
Disney+ users are revisiting Pandora with Avatar: The Way of Water. Directed by James Cameron and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet, the sequel has been a consistent favourite, thanks to its blend of visual spectacle and family drama. The recent release of the third instalment in cinemas has only heightened interest in the franchise’s earlier entries.
New Dramas and Unconventional Stories
AppleTV+ is currently dominated by F1, a sports drama featuring Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, and Lewis Hamilton. The film explores the dynamic between a veteran driver and his younger protégé, offering a narrative that’s as much about personal rivalry as it is about racing. Directed by Joseph Konsinski, it’s drawn comparisons to other acclaimed motorsport films.
HBO Max’s top title is One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, which has held the number one spot for several weeks, tells the story of a father’s struggle for his daughter, supported by a cast including Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, and Benicio del Toro. The unique storyline and strong performances have kept audiences engaged.
Family Adventures and Social Commentary
On GoogleTV, A Minecraft Movie leads the pack. Inspired by the popular video game, the film stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa, offering a mix of action, stunts, and animation that appeals to a broad audience. It has outperformed other recent releases, including Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Wicked.
Peacock’s most-streamed film is Bugonia, with Emma Stone in the lead. The story, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a satirical take on corporate power and ambition, featuring Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. Released just after Christmas, its blend of drama and social critique has resonated with viewers.
Horror and Supernatural Thrills
Hulu’s audience has been gripped by Together, a supernatural horror starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie. Written and directed by Michael Shanks, the film follows a couple as they move to the countryside, only to encounter unsettling events that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
On Catchplay+, Haunted Mountains: The Yellow Taboo stands out as the top horror entry. The story centres on a couple lost in Taiwan’s forests, where they encounter a mysterious figure in a yellow raincoat. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and chilling twists have kept it at the top of the platform’s charts for over a week.
Below is a summary of the leading films and their ratings:
A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.
Which of these titles will you be watching next?