A new year on Netflix is shaping up to be something very special indeed - with a sci-fi classic starring the irrepressible Timothée Chalamet heading up a thrilling January roster.
Dune sees the Wonka star play Paul Atreides, a highly gifted and brilliant young man thrust into a destiny far beyond his comprehension, who embarks on a perilous journey to the most treacherous planet in the universe. His mission is to safeguard the prosperity of his family and people. As sinister forces clash in a fierce struggle for control over the planet's unparalleled reservoir of the most valuable resource, only those capable of overcoming their deepest fears will emerge victorious and endure.
With a superb 8/10 on IMDb, the movie managed the highly sought-after double of capturing the hearts of both critics and fans. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Jared Leto's notoriously panned Morbius. Afflicted by a rare and life-threatening blood disorder, Dr Morbius - driven by a fervent desire to spare others from a similar fate - takes a daring risk. Initially appearing as a revolutionary success, his gambit quickly sets free an inner darkness.
With a rather tawdry 5.2 on IMDb, the film still makes for fascinating viewing, even if it largely boils down to how not to make a superhero movie.
Elsewhere there's Jason Statham's Transporter 2. The burly actor plays mercenary Frank Martin, who takes on what initially appears to be a straightforward task: serving as a chauffeur and bodyguard for young Jack, the son of determined politician Jefferson Billings (Matthew Modine).
Bank of Dave self-made millionaire giving away money to 'keep kids working hard'Complications arise through Billings perhaps unwisely fighting against an international drug cartel. In retaliation, they kidnap Jack and expose him to a lethal and highly contagious virus. Tasked with the safety of the boy, Frank must rescue him and locate an antidote before numerous innocent lives fall victim to the deadly outbreak. With a reasonable 6.3 on IMDb, Transporter 2 is the kind of easy-to-watch action flick that's simply perfect for the cold winter nights of January.
But aside a mountain of movies, Netflix has some truly cracking documentaries, TV series, and stand-up shows to kick-start 2024, too - let's take a look at what's coming your way:
"Bitconned" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: This crime documentary follows Ray Trapani's journey to becoming one of the most significant scammers in the history of cryptocurrency.
"Boundaries" (2018): Vera Farmiga stars in this comedy-drama as Laura, who, along with her son, is compelled to give her estranged pit-dealing father, Jack, a cross-country ride when he's expelled from his nursing home.
"Fool Me Once" (Limited Series) - Netflix Original: A grieving widow's life is thrown into chaos when she discovers an image of her late husband on her child's nanny cam.
"Loudermilk" (3 Seasons): Ron Livingston takes on the role of Sam Loudermilk, a recovering alcoholic and substance abuse counsellor with a less-than-ideal attitude.
"The Lodge" (2019): Six months after their mother's suicide, Aidan and Mia's father takes them on a family vacation to his girlfriend's lodge. However, things take a turn when they begin experiencing strange events.
"Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell" (2017): One of the entries in the monster movie franchise.
"Woody Woodpecker" (2017): The world's most famous woodpecker engages in a battle with a prominent city lawyer after his home is nearly destroyed.
"You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment" (Limited Series) - Netflix Original: Identical twins modify their eating habits and daily routines for eight weeks in an exclusive scientific study exploring the effects of specific foods on the human body.
Chilling warning text sent by ex boyfriend minutes before murdering former lover"The Brothers Sun" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: Justin Chen stars in this action comedy as a ruthless Taipei gangster heading to L.A. to protect his mother (played by Michelle Yeoh) and younger brother following his father's assassination.
"Delicious in Dungeon" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Anime: Laios returns to the dungeon after an adventure searching for treasure results in his sister being eaten by a dragon.
"Society of the Snow" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: Directed by J.A. Bayona, this survival adventure showcases the peril of the survivors of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, where a team of Rugby players fights for their lives in the heart of the Andes.
"Good Grief" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: Dan Levy writes, directs, produces, and stars in this rom-com as Marc, who embarks on a trip to Paris with his two best friends after his husband's death.
"Gyeongseong Creature" (Part 2) - Netflix Original K-Drama: A wealthy bachelor and a private investigator search for missing people in Gyeongseong, uncovering a deadly secret.
"Man on the Run" (2023) - Documentary: Explore the story of a man who used embezzled funds to mingle with movie stars and politicians.
"I AM A STALKER" (2022) - Documentary: Hear the life stories of convicted stalkers and survivors.
"Transporter 2" (2005): Jason Statham returns in this action movie sequel.
"Love Is Blind: Sweden" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: The immensely popular reality series expands to Sweden, matching new hopeful singles.
"Di4ries" (Season 2 – Part 2) - Netflix Original Series: The Italian teen drama continues to explore the complexities of teenage life.
"Dune" (2021): Experience the first installment of the rebooted Dune movie, starring Timothée Chalamet and directed by Denis Villeneuve.
"Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli" (2024) - Netflix Original: Pete Davidson takes center stage in this stand-up comedy special.
"Break Point" (Season 2) - Netflix Original: The tennis sports docu-series returns, providing a behind-the-scenes look at professional tennis.
"Kingdom III: The Flame of Destiny" (2023): Immerse yourself in this Japanese action movie.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 2" (2022): Jim Carrey and others return in this live-action sequel, where Sonic teams up with Tails to stop Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles.
"The Trust: A Game of Greed" (Season 1) - Netflix Original: Strangers compete for a quarter of a million dollars in this reality competition series.
"Boy Swallows Universe" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: Join Eli Bell and his mute brother on a suburban odyssey in 1980s Brisbane after a local drug lord tears their family apart.
"Champion" (Season 1): This BBC/Netflix co-production delves into the struggles of a rapper released from prison.
"Detective Forst" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: A Polish crime drama follows a detective teaming up with a journalist to solve a series of brutal murders.
"Killer Soup" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: An Indian thriller series filled with suspense.
"Sonic Prime" (Season 3) - Netflix Original Series: The world's fastest blue hedgehog continues his adventure across the multiverse.
"Lift" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: Kevin Hart stars as the ex-boyfriend of a master thief, teaming up with his ex to steal $100 million of gold from a 777 passenger flight.
"Love is Blind: Sweden" (Season 1 – New Episodes Weekly) - Netflix Original: New episodes of this regional spin-off of the dating reality series.
"Morbius" (2022): Jared Leto stars in this Spider-Man adjacent superhero movie, injecting himself with a potential cure that transforms him into a monster.
"Red Rocket" (2021): An indie movie about a film actor trying to reconcile with his family in Texas while planning a comeback to Hollywood.
"Umma" (2022): Sandra Oh stars in this horror film.
"CoComelon" (Season 9): The animated kids' series continues with new adventures.
"Maboroshi" (2024) - Netflix Original Anime: After a mysterious explosion at a local factory, a town is frozen in time, with residents reliving the same day over and over again. However, when a mysterious girl arrives, it upsets the balance of the world.
"Dusty Slay: Workin’ Man" (2024) - Netflix Original: Enjoy a stand-up comedy special featuring Dusty Slay.
"End of the Line" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: A Brazilian comedy series filled with laughs.
"Skam Italia" (Season 6) - Netflix Original Series: The Italian romantic drama continues with its sixth season.
"Love on the Spectrum U.S." (Season 2) - Netflix Original: The reality dating series returns to explore love and relationships among neurodivergent individuals.
"Sixty Minutes" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: A German sports drama follows a father's desperate race against time to get to his daughter's birthday party or risk losing her forever.
"The Kitchen" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: Daniel Kaluuya's directorial debut unfolds in a dystopian London where two young men fight for a community refusing to abandon their homes.
"Captivating the King" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: Immerse yourself in this Korean drama series exploring power, love, and politics.
"Not Quite Narwhal" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: A children's animated series filled with whimsy and wonder.
"Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees" (2024) - Netflix Original: Enjoy a stand-up comedy special featuring Jacqueline Novak.
"Queer Eye" (Season 8) - Netflix Original Series: The Fab Five returns to transform and uplift the lives of those in need.
"Six Nations: Full Contact" (2024) - Netflix Original: A documentary looking at the 2023 Six Nations Championship.
"Griselda" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: Sofía Vergara stars in this bio-drama about Griselda Blanco, a devoted mother, and ruthless businesswoman who became one of the most feared cartel leaders in Colombia.
"Masters of the Universe: Revolution" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: Teela and He-Man must team up to save Eternia from the clenched fist of darkness.
"Badland Hunters" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: Immerse yourself in this South Korean dystopian action drama where Seoul turns into an apocalyptic wasteland after a devastating earthquake.
"Doctor Slump" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: Explore this Korean medical drama series.
"Mighty Bheem’s Playtime" (2024) - Netflix Original: A kids' animated special.
"Jack Whitehall: Settle Down" (2024) - Netflix Original: A stand-up comedy special featuring Jack Whitehall.
"Alexander the Great / Alexander: The Making of a God" (Limited Series) - Netflix Original: A new docu-drama delving into the life of the historical figure and his conquest of the Persian Empire.
"Baby Bandito" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Series: A Colombian series.
"The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse" (Season 1) - Netflix Original Anime: Set years after the events of Seven Deadly Sins, the aspiring knight Percival discovers he is one of four warriors prophesized to destroy the world.
"WILL" (2024) - Netflix Original Film: A Belgian WW2 movie.