Top New Movies to Watch on Netflix for Jan 2023

Here's what to start streaming right now, from a sci-fi rom-com to the latest Ryan Reynolds film.

Top New Movies to Watch on Netflix for Jan 2023
Movies to Watch on Netflix

With the state of the world today, you may be looking for some escapism, something to divert your attention away from your worries. What could be better than a good fantasy film, which is, by definition, set in a different world?

Netflix is also on the case, with a slew of excellent fantasy films available for Jan 2023 on the service right now. We've chosen three of our favorites, but if nothing on our list appeals to you, visit the code 9744 to see the entire collection.

Each month, we will compile a list of what's hot, what's causing a stir among critics, and which films are causing a stir in the streaming world. These films are targeted at Netflix subscribers in the United Kingdom, though the majority of them – primarily Netflix Originals – are available in most regions.

Even better, you can always use a VPN to access the latest and greatest content from all over the world. I recently purchased one so that I could watch HBO Max's DC's Peacemaker, starring John Cena. If I may say so, money well spent. Anyway, now that we've cleared that up, let's get into the best Netflix movies to watch in Jan 2023.

THE ADAM PROJECT

Isn't it true that everyone adores Ryan Reynolds? So I couldn't help but include The Adam Project, which premieres on Netflix today and is undoubtedly one of the year's most anticipated releases. This sci-fi coming-of-age story, directed by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Free Guy), follows Adam, a time-traveling fighter pilot who teams up with his 12-year-old younger self to save the future after the crash landing in the year 2023.

With an all-star supporting cast that includes Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, and Zoe Saldaa, the film has been receiving positive reviews ahead of its release, making it an ideal weekend watch. The trailer definitely has a Spielberg vibe to it. Interestingly, Tom Cruise was rumored to be in talks to play the lead role before Deadpool was cast.

Looking for the best shows to watch online? Then check out our picks for the best new Netflix shows to watch in Jan 2023. If not, we have plenty more recommendations for the best Netflix movies to watch, including the much-discussed Tinder Swindler.

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SPIDER-MAN 2

Sometimes all you want to watch is something familiar, something good, and something with a web-slinging superhero. Spider-Man 2 was released nearly two decades ago, and thankfully, it still holds up... for the most part. Everyone remembers the dance scene from Spider-Man 3, but no one dares to bring up the "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" montage from Spider-Man 2 or the freezeframe cut of Tobey Maguire grinning. What a year it was, 2004.

Danny Elfman's masterful score, the adrenaline-fueled train fight through the heart of New York, and one of J. Jonah Jameson's comedic beats have all stood the test of time (played by J.K. Simmons). Without a doubt, Alfred Molina's Doc Ock is the pinnacle of it all, and he remains one of the best supervillains to this day. Returning to this after seeing the character in Spider-Man: No Way Home has somehow heightened the experience.

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HER 

Over the years, Joaquin Phoenix has amassed impressive filmography. Her is one of the Academy Award-winning films that I only saw for the first time this week. It tells the story of Theodore Twombly, a man who falls in love with Samantha, an artificial intelligence (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). These kinds of sci-fi tropes can come across as seedy, but Her pulls them off beautifully.

Maybe it's director Spike Jonze's wit or the futuristic setting that looks like something straight out of Black Mirror, or just Phoenix's genuine performance that makes this film so endearing. Whatever the case may be, Theodore and Samantha's genuine human connection is more believable than the half-dozen rom-coms that are released every year. Johansson's voice was added in post-production (via Vulture), but you'd swear the actor was on set the entire time.

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TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA HOMECOMING

Tyler Perry (Don't Look Up, Vice) returns as the beloved Mabel "Madea" Simmons in A Madea Homecoming as a comedian, writer, director, producer, and all-around talented showman. Since 1999, the character, based on Perry's mother and aunt, has tackled everything from prostitution and abuse to racism and infidelity. As Madea's family gathers to celebrate her great-graduation, her grandson the latest one pulls no punches, putting Black Lives Matter and the stigma against homosexuality in the spotlight.

While critical reaction has been mixed, the film has climbed to the top of the official weekly Netflix rankings for the most-watched film worldwide. This is most likely due to the show's crossover with Mrs. Brown's Boys, an Irish sitcom. Is this a match made in heaven, or are these just two unfunny men in suits? It's entirely up to you.