TL;DR
WIRED published a curated list of 50 films available on Netflix as of January 10, 2026, spanning recent studio releases, international titles, animation, and documentaries. Highlights include Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, Bong Joon-ho’s Okja, and a recorded Broadway staging of Good Night, and Good Luck.
What happened
On January 10, 2026, WIRED staffer Matt Kamen released a feature compiling what the outlet considers the 50 best movies currently streaming on Netflix. The roundup mixes new high-profile releases with older and international titles across genres: auteur-driven studio films (Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein), franchise entries (Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man), festival-style political thrillers (Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite), family animation (Klaus), and genre fare such as Troll 2 and the German-language Brick. The list also highlights special-format entries, including a live Broadway recording of George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck and a behind-the-scenes documentary about a Stranger Things stage production. WIRED frames the piece as a navigation aid for Netflix’s large catalogue and notes that links in the story may generate affiliate commissions.
Why it matters
- A single curated list helps viewers cut through Netflix’s vast catalog and discover a range of genres and eras.
- It flags recent, high-profile releases alongside older or international titles that might otherwise be missed.
- The roundup highlights notable filmmakers and performers—useful for viewers following specific auteurs or casts.
- Including special-format items (a live Broadway recording and a stage-doc) shows streaming can broaden access to theater and event-based work.
Key facts
- Article published January 10, 2026, by WIRED staff writer Matt Kamen.
- The piece presents a list entitled 'The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now.'
- Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is listed; the write-up cites Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in key roles.
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is identified as the third Knives Out installment, starring Daniel Craig with a large ensemble including Josh Brolin and Glenn Close.
- Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite is included and described as a triptych that examines the minutes after an unidentified missile is detected; cast mentioned includes Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson.
- Klaus is noted as a 2019 Netflix animated film that won BAFTA and Annie awards.
- Okja by Bong Joon-ho appears on the list; the piece highlights its themes of animal exploitation and environmental conservation.
- The roundup features a recorded Broadway staging of Good Night, and Good Luck and a behind-the-scenes documentary about the Stranger Things West End production, Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things—The First Shadow.
- Troll 2 is described as a follow-up to 2022’s Troll; Brick is identified as a German-language sci-fi thriller starring Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee.
- WIRED discloses that links in the story may produce a commission if readers make purchases via those links.
What to watch next
- Frankenstein — highlighted as a major new auteur release and one of Guillermo del Toro’s notable recent films.
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — recommended for viewers who follow Rian Johnson’s detective series and ensemble casts.
- A House of Dynamite — suggested for audiences seeking an intense, political thriller examining a missile-detection crisis.
Quick glossary
- Streaming service: An online platform that delivers video or audio content over the internet on demand rather than via physical media or broadcast schedules.
- Stage play recording: A filmed or otherwise captured performance of a theatrical production made available for viewing outside the theater.
- Director: The creative lead responsible for supervising the artistic and dramatic aspects of a film or stage production, guiding cast and crew to realize the work.
- BAFTA: An annual set of awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, recognizing achievements in film, television and games.
- Documentary: A non-fiction film or program that aims to document real events, people, or phenomena, often providing behind-the-scenes or investigatory perspectives.
Reader FAQ
How many movies are on WIRED’s list?
The article compiles the 50 best movies available on Netflix at the time of publication.
Are these films available on Netflix worldwide?
Not confirmed in the source.
Does WIRED earn money if I use links in the story?
Yes. The article states WIRED may earn a commission if readers buy something using links in the story.
Can I watch the Broadway recording of Good Night, and Good Luck without buying theater tickets?
Yes. The piece notes the Broadway recording is now available on Netflix, making the performance accessible without purchasing theater tickets.
MATT KAMEN WIRED STAFF CULTURE JAN 10, 2026 7:00 AM The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now Good Night, and Good Luck: Live From Broadway, Frankenstein, and Wake Up…
Sources
- The 50 Best Movies on Netflix, WIRED’s Picks (January 2026)
- Top 10 Movies on Netflix Right Now
- The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
- Netflix's 100 Best Movies Right Now (January 2026)
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