Entertainment
What’s Coming To Netflix In January 2017 Will Really Help You Ring In The New Year
Image: Universal
After a 2016 that basically kicked all of our butts, you may be ready for a new year, new you state of mind. A good place to start is with a new queue filled with movies and TV shows you haven't seen yet. Thanks to Netflix, there's a whole batch of new films and shows to add to your list in January 2017 for your streaming pleasure.
When the ball drops, you'll have a lot to choose from, but there's definitely a theme. Perhaps as a (cruel) joke, Netflix seems to have stocked its site with a whole lot of horror, both classic and modern, to get you through the first month of the year. On top of that, there are a few dystopian films that may be too real for some.
But for those who want something a little less heavy, don't worry; the streaming service has added a few lighter films — but not that many.
To kick off 2017, Netflix is going for movies that are going to expand your mind and, okay, leave you a little scared. Thankfully, though, they might also encourage you to take on the new year in full force.
'V For Vendetta'
This Natalie Portman dystopian thriller may feel a little too real right now, but it can also give you a few lessons on the reality of revolution. At the very least, it might encourage you to shave your head. #ShortHairDontCare (Jan. 1)
'Vanilla Sky'
Take a psychedelic, face-destroying ride with Tom Cruise in this film that will likely leave you saying, "Huh?" However, it gives you double the Cru(z)ise fun thanks to Penelope. (Jan. 1)
'Bee Movie'
Just because you're a bee doesn't mean you just have to join the hive, as this Jerry Seinfeld animated movie teaches us. It also teaches us that love can't blossom between bees and humans. (Jan. 1)
'Hugo'
Automatons, Georges Méliès silent movies, and epic slides fill this fantastical and historical ride that you'll want to take. (Jan. 1)
'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'
Never say that you'll never watch this movie, because, now that's it's on Netflix, you know you're thinking about it. At the very least, you'll do it to see that bowl cut and that Jaden Smith cameo. (Jan. 1)
'The Parent Trap' (1998)
Double the Lindsay Lohan, double the fun in this remake of the 1961 classic. (Jan. 1)
'E.T. The Extra-Terrestial'
Grab your red hoodie and join Elliott, Gertie, and E.T. for one final phone home. (Jan. 1)
'Ocean's Twelve'
George Clooney and the rest of his ragtag team reunite for another heist that has Julia Roberts playing herself. (Jan. 1)
'Superman' I-IV
It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's a Superman marathon. Christopher Reeve's Superman series — 1978's Superman: The Movie, 1980's Superman II, 1983's Superman III, 1987's Superman IV: The Quest for Peace — will be on Netflix once the ball drops. Grab the popcorn, not the Kryptonite. (Jan. 1)
'Superman Returns'
Christopher Reeve isn't the only Man of Steel hitting Netflix this month; the 2006 movie starring Brandon Routh as Superman is also there, making this the perfect time to figure out who's your favorite Clark Kent. (Jan. 1)
'Around The World In 80 Days' (2006)
Jules Verne's book is once again turned into an action-adventure movie, this time starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan. (Jan. 1)
'License to Drive'
The Coreys — Haim and Feldman — team up to get a license and win the heart of Heather Graham, who, in this 1988 movie, is appropriately named Mercedes Lane. (Jan. 1)
'Nancy Drew'
Emma Roberts plays everyone's favorite teenage sleuth in this 2007 film that sees her taking on the mystery of a murdered Hollywood starlet. (Jan. 1)
'Degrassi: Next Class' Season 3
Because there's no better way to kick off 2017 than with a little Canadian teenage drama. (Jan. 3)
'Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin?'
The title may be a question, but it's to be assumed that, after Kirkman's stand-up special, you will have your answer. (Jan. 3)
'One Day At A Time' Season 1
Since this is how you're likely taking 2017, why not spend a few days marathoning this remake of the popular late '70s to early '80s show, which focuses on a Cuban-American family. (Jan. 6)
Editor's Note: This article originally incorrectly identified Netflix's One Day At A Time as the original series, when it is actually a remake.
'Coin Heist'
Billed as "The Breakfast Club meets Ocean’s Eleven," this movie, starring Pretty Little Liars' Sasha Pieterse, has a group of unlikely high schoolers teaming up for an impossible heist: robbing the U.S. Mint. (Jan. 6)
'Under the Shadow'
An evil spirit is haunting a mother and daughter in 1980s Tehran, and you're going to worry your house is haunted too after watching this one. (Jan. 7)
'Best and Most Beautiful Things'
This 2016 sex-positive coming-of-age documentary follows a young woman named Michelle, who is blind and on the autism spectrum, as she finds her place in this world. Yes, this will surprise you while giving you all the feels. (Jan. 9)
'Jim Gaffigan: Cinco'
The comedian returns to Netflix for his latest stand-up special (yes, his fifth) that will likely include him joking about his five kids. Yes, five. (Jan. 10)
'As I Open My Eyes'
In this 2015 French-Tunisian film, we watch a young girl follow her dreams of becoming a singer, while dealing with a revolution. (Jan. 10)
'Theo Who Lived'
The 2015 documentary tells the story of the two years writer and journalist Theo Padnos spent in the hands of Al Qaeda. (Jan. 10)
'A Series of Unfortunate Events' Season 1
Lemony Snicket has returned in this Netflix original series starring Neil Patrick Harris. Yes, the events are just as unfortunate as you remember. (Jan. 13)
'Clinical'
In this Netflix original movie, a psychiatrist (Vinessa Shaw) is trying to get her life back together after a vicious attack. I wonder how that ties to her new patient, who was horribly disfigured in an accident? (Jan. 13)
'It Follows'
This 2014 scary movie shows the true horror of what happens if you don't practice safe sex. Spoiler: you will be followed. (Jan. 13)
'Aquarius'
This 2016 Brazilian-French drama looks at a woman who refuses to sell her apartment so that it can be turned into a condo. Safe to say, the developers aren't too happy about this. (Jan. 13)
'Camp X-Ray'
Kristen Stewart is placed as a guard at Guantanamo Bay, who begins a complicated relationship with a detainee. (Jan. 14)
'A Beautiful Now'
This 2015 drama focuses on an aspiring dancer who is struggling with her life and whether or not she wants to live it. Things get real. (Jan. 15)
'The Similars'
Taking a page from the Twilight Zone's book, this 2015 sci-fi thriller deals with the mysterious happenings at a Mexico City bus stop that leaves eight people fighting for their lives. (Jan. 15)
'Fatima'
Fatima is a mom who is struggling to make ends meet for her teenage daughters by working as a cleaning lady. She's also struggling to communicate, since she speaks Arabic and everyone else around her speaks French. But, after a tragic fall, she decides to write to her daughters in the language she knows best. (Jan. 17)
'Ixcanul'
This feminist movie focuses on a young Guatemalan woman, who doesn't want to live in the modern world. But, when it saves her life during a complicated pregnancy, her views of the world she doesn't know change. (Jan. 17)
'Bates Motel' Season 4
Spend a little time with Norman over at his creepy hotel — just stay out of the showers. (Jan. 21)
'Swing State'
This 2016 political satire starring Orange Is The New Black's Taryn Manning and Titanic's Billy Zane pokes fun at the alt-right. You may find yourself laughing and crying at the same time with this one. (Jan. 30)
'Sharknado: The 4th Awakens'
2016 was a dumpster fire and now 2017 can be a Sharknado that is nothing like a Star Wars movie. Good try, Sharknado. (Jan. 31)
'Voltron: Legendary Defender' Season 2
The amazing reboot of the popular Voltron franchise and the Beast King GoLion series is getting a second season on Netflix, and this is basically all I need this January. Happy viewing! (Jan. 20)