Top 6 New Streaming Shows and Movies to Watch This Week (January 12–18)

After a bit of a slow start to the year, streamers are now serving up some fantastic content that deserves a spot in your weekly watchlist. This week, we’ve got three thrilling new shows and three captivating movies that will keep your evenings packed with entertainment.

Netflix kicks things off with a gripping new thriller featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in The Rip. Meanwhile, Paramount Plus invites you to explore Starfleet Academy, the latest addition to the Star Trek universe. Plus, there’s a new season of the action-packed series Hijack, starring Idris Elba. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg—there’s plenty of great content from various streaming platforms.

So, if you’re gearing up for a cozy night in front of the screen, let’s dive in.

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus

The latest chapter in the iconic sci-fi saga takes a fresh approach. Starfleet Academy is set far into the future of the Star Trek universe, centuries after Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the starship Enterprise. It follows the inaugural class of a revitalized Starfleet Academy, rebuilt after a galaxy-wide catastrophe. This setup brings together a mix of seasoned instructors and fiery students, leading to a blend of space adventures and Earth-based stories.

The premise is intriguing, and while Starfleet Academy occasionally struggles with its large cast, it maintains a spirited tone, embodying Trek’s hopeful vision of the future. The show features a strong ensemble, including Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, and Paul Giamatti.

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This hard-hitting thriller from director Joe Carnahan boasts an impressive cast, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, and Teyana Taylor. They portray a group of Miami cops who, during what seems like a routine operation, discover a stash of cash hidden in a house. While they should report it, the temptation to take a cut may prove too strong for some. Can they trust one another, or will the lure of money create deadly rifts within the team?

The Rip stands out as a refreshing alternative to the formulaic action flicks that have saturated streaming services lately, featuring a clever premise, tight direction, and a star-studded lineup. Perfect for a Friday night watch.

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

Could Apple TV’s Hijack be the new 24? This tense and thrilling series sees Idris Elba’s corporate negotiator, Sam Nelson, unexpectedly caught in a deadly hijacking scenario involving public transport. After a season set on a plane, this time the action shifts to the U-Bahn in Berlin, targeted by a group of well-prepared criminals.

While many elements remain consistent with the first season, Nelson has evolved, portrayed by Elba as a man scarred by his previous harrowing experiences. This bold character development ensures the series doesn’t simply rehash its predecessor. What will be hijacked next? A tram? A paddleboat?

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Yes, you read that correctly! While 007 is now under Amazon’s banner, a new deal allows Netflix viewers to enjoy all 25 of his missions starting January 15. This includes the entire lineup from Dr. No to No Time to Die, along with the rarely seen Never Say Never Again, which isn’t considered part of the official Eon Productions canon.

You likely have your own favorites, but you can’t go wrong with a selection that features From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Live & Let Die, Licence to Kill (a controversial pick, but we stand by it), and Casino Royale—arguably the best Bond film. This collection should keep you entertained while we await more news about Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film.

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video (US), BBC iPlayer (UK)

The long-awaited second season of this stylish British espionage thriller premiered on New Year’s Day in the UK and is finally making its way to Prime Video this week. Tom Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine, a former military night manager at a Cairo hotel who is recruited by Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) as a spy for the British Foreign Office’s International Enforcement Agency. In this season, Pine and Burr reunite when Pine encounters a mercenary linked to one of his old foes.

Based on a novel by the legendary spy fiction author John le Carré, The Night Manager offers a cool and thrilling alternative to the likes of James Bond. This second season, consisting of six episodes, will keep you on the edge of your seat as it rolls out throughout January and February, with a third season already in the works.

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Hulu (US), Netflix (UK)

This isn’t your average Stephen King adaptation! In a year that also brought us The Long Walk (good) and The Running Man (so-so), this heartfelt film serves as a reminder that King’s work has inspired emotionally resonant classics like The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, and The Green Mile. Directed by frequent King collaborator Mike Flanagan, The Life of Chuck follows dance-loving accountant Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). The narrative begins with his death and then unfolds backward through a tumultuous yet beautiful life.

Yes, this is Flanagan and King attempting a Forrest Gump-style tearjerker. It sparked mixed reactions upon its theatrical release, with some finding it overly sentimental, but Flanagan’s work is consistently worthwhile, and we believe it will resonate more with audiences on streaming.

Looking for something else to watch? There’s plenty more to explore across various platforms.