James R | On 28, Dec 2015

2016 is upon us and as 2015 draws to a close, taking with it a hoard of titles from Netflix UK, the streaming site has a whole heap of new arrivals to herald the new year. Over 120 titles will be added to Netflix UK on New Year’s Day alone.

Kids going back to school will be entertained by a wave of family titles, from Peppa Pig and Dragons: Race to the Edge to the exclusive UK release of a new adaptation of The Mortal Instruments. Veteran subscribers, meanwhile, will be pleased to see the return of previously removed titles, such as There Will Be Blood, classics such as Touch of Evil and – as Netflix prepares to launch in South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan – several South Korean TV series to savour.

There’s admittedly more for American and Canadian subscribers in here than Brits, with the revival of 1980s show Degrassi and Chelsea Handler’s new documentary series, but with more The Good Wife, the return of Reign and further episodes of Pretty Little Liars, there’s enough in store to keep the January blues at bay.

Here’s a complete list of the films and TV shows coming soon to Netflix UK in January 2016:

Touch of Evil – 1st January

Orson Welles’ 1958 classic isn’t just a technical masterpiece, but a dark slice of thrilling noir to boot, featuring an explosive opening scene (shot in one take) that is worth watching for alone.

There Will Be Blood – 1st January

Paul Thomas Anderson strikes gold with this tale of capitalism, greed, religion and oil. Daniel Day Lewis is astonishing as ambitious prospector Daniel Plainview, who turns a simple village into a booming business, stoking the ire of a charismatic young preacher (Paul Dano). Best accompanied by a milkshake.

Pulp Fiction – 1st January

Quentin Tarantino’s second film is considered by many to be his best. The fact that this description could simply be a list of quotes is testament to just how witty, intelligent and, despite its many imitators, instantly recognisable it is.

Hoop Dreams – 1st January

Ever since its 1994 premiere, Steve James’ indie documentary about two of Chicago’s top high school basketball prospects – who face pressure on and off the court – has become a legendary examination of sports, family and race. Decades later, it’s lost none of its impact.

The Killing: Season 1 and 2 – 1st January

Everyone talked about this Danish crime series – but did you ever watch it? Sarah Lund’s slow-paced investigations into murders never shy away from the personal impact of the crimes, showcasing a smart eye for emotion as well as logic, not to mention beautiful cinematography and, of course, well-knitted jumpers.

Peppa Pig: Season 2 – 1st January

First created in 2004, Peppa Pig has wasted no time in becoming a modern children’s classic. It’s educational and teaches valuable social lessons, but the secret lies in its simplicity: unfussy animations and everyday stories make up the action, which sees young Peppa Pig go to school or ride a bike. Low-key, charming and – proof of its success – appealing to both boys and girls of pre-school age.

Comics without Borders: Season 1 – 1st January

Russell Peters hosts this Showtime series, which features a range of guest comedians doing stand-up sets. Think Live at the Apollo, but without the Hammersmith Apollo.

The Amazing Spider-Man – 1st January

Andrew Garfield’s hair and Emma Stone’s existence elevate this unnecessary reboot to something fun and engaging. Come for the costumed antics – stay for the believable romance.

Photo: Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Detective Conan – 1st January

Also known as Case Closed, this Japanese series follows Jimmy Kudo, an amateur detective who transformed into a young boy while investigating the Black Organisation.

Padam Padam: Season 1 – TBC

The first of many South Korean series to be snapped up by Netflix, this romance gets its title from an Edith Piaf song, which refers to the sound of a heartbeat. It follows Yang Kang-chil, an ex-convict (jailed for a murder he didn’t commit) who falls in love with a vet, only to discover that her uncle was the victim of his supposed crime.

Pablo Escobar, El Patron del Mal: Season 1 – 1st January

If Narcos’ renewal for a second season wasn’t proof enough of its success, Netflix has now bought the rights to this drama series from 2012, which follows the life of Pablo Escobar. It arrives on the same day as the documentary Los Tiempos de Pablo Escobar.

Love Again: Season 1 – TBC

Another series from South Korean cable network jTBC, Love Again follows the reunion of four members of an old school astronomy club, who meet up for the first time in 30 years.

Heartless City: Season 1 – TBC

Also known as Cruel City, jTBC’s action thriller follows uncover agents trying to take down a drug ring in South Korea, only for Yoon Soo-min to fall for the organisations kingpin, who happens to be the main suspect in the murder of her friend.

Pi – 1st January

Darren Aronofsky’s directorial debut remains one of the best films of his career. Following a mathematician trying to calculate the formula that explains the whole of nature, the low-budget thriller manages to combine everything from arithmetic and religion to mind-bending visuals. Breathtaking.

Art and Craft – 1st January

Sam Cullman’s fascinating documentary examines the blurred boundary between art and forgery, as we follow the strange-but-true tale of Mark Landis, who has spent his life making copies of existing artwork and passing them off as the originals. So when University of Cincinnati employee Matthew Leininger twigs that they have the same painting as somewhere else, he tries to out Landis. The only problem? Mark hasn’t technically committed a crime: he’s been donating all of his pictures. He’s deceived people, yes, but not defrauded them. The result is an absorbing study of a complex artist.

The Others – 1st January

While awaiting the return of her soldier husband from World War II, a devout Christian mother of two (Nicole Kidman) begins to suspect the family house is haunted. This horror movie might be most famous for its final act, but the rest of it more than worth watching too.

Kshay – 1st January

Karan Gour’s psychological thriller is about a young couple living in a shoebox apartment in Mumbai. They struggle to make ends meet, but they’re happy. That is, until she spots an unfinished statue of Lakshmi, the Hindi goddess of prosperity, and becomes obsessed…

The Talented Mr. Ripley – 1st January

Anthony Minghella’s adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel is sumptuous stuff, with a stellar performance from Jude Law as rich boy Dickie Greenleaf and Matt Damon as the lower-class fraud who envies his life.

Saw III – 1st January

Netflix builds its collection of horror movies this month with the arrival of Saw III – and, later this month, Saw IV. Still not enough to get your gruesome murder fix? Also on the way are Jeepers Creepers and The Fly 2.

Dragons: Race to the Edge: Season 2 – 8th January

Netflix’s spin-off from the How to Train Your Dragon continues with more animated outings for Hiccup and Toothless – and a host of colourful new flying beasts.

Reign: Season 3 – 9th January

The CBS period dram was picked up by Netflix last year, with episodes arriving every week following their US broadcast. On 9th January, the show’s third season resumes after the mid-season break, with Episode 8 followed by Episode 9 on 16th January and Episode 10 on the 23rd. There are 18 episodes in total, with Season 1 and 2 both available to catch up with.

Timbuktu – 10th January

No matter how many reports we see on the news, it’s hard for us to imagine what life must be like under the rule of Islamic militants. It’s even harder to imagine what it must be like for the militants themselves. Abderrahmane Sissako’s Timbuktu, impressively, manages to show us both.

Sherlock: Season 3 – 12th January

Craving more Cumberbatch after the New Year’s Day Victorian special? Good news! Season 3 of Sherlock is on the way, giving fans a chance to watch (or re-watch) Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ enjoyable trilogy of character-driven cases, ranging from how Sherlock faked his own death to what on earth he should say at John Watson’s wedding.

Photo: Hartswood Films

Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments – 13th January

This new 13-episode adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments is premiering exclusively on Netflix in the UK, with episodes arriving every week within 24 hours of their premiere on ABC Family. For more information, click here.

Pretty Little Liars: Season 6 Part 2 – 13th January

The second half of Pretty Little Liars Season 6 begins, with new episodes arriving every week within 24 hours of their premiere in the US.

Degrassi: The Next Class: Season 1 – 15th January

Netflix revives the Canadian TV series Degrassi, which began all the way back in 1979 until it was cancelled in 1986. The new version of the show – The Next Class – will tell the stories of Generation Z, following a group of teens as they begin their journey into adulthood. Pushing their own limits and testing the bonds of family and friends, the students will each find their own way to deal with a range of issues, from homophobia, racism, substance abuse and violence to burgeoning sexuality, body issues, heartbreak and the complications of dating in the social media age.

The Rescuers – 15th January

Disney’s classic animated adventure sees two mice from the Rescue Aid Society search for a little girl kidnapped by nasty treasure hunters.

Chelsea Does: Season 1 – 23rd January

Netflix’s new docu-series, hosted by Chelsea Handler, will see the Chelsea Lately talk show host tackle a range of controversial or topical subjects, from marriage and drugs to racism and Silicon Valley. Promising to explore the issues with her “unique voice and provocative point of view”, the show is directed by Oscar and Emmy-nominated Eddie Schmidt (This Film Is Not Yet Rated).

The Good Wife: Season 6 – 24th January

Already binged your way through the first five seasons of CBS’ gripping series? Season 6 will be with you soon – because Netflix UK can never have enough legal drama.

Poltergeist – 26th January

The remake of Tobe Hooper’s 1982 horror sees a family try to rescue their youngest daughter after she’s taken captive by the sinister force haunting their home.

Natural Born Killers – 27th January

Oliver Stone’s controversial comedy, which follows two mass murderers (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis), remains as black as ever.

Once Upon a Time in America – 27th January

Robert De Niro. James Woods. Sergio Leone. What more do you need?

Play It Again, Sam – 27th January

Netflix adds to its Woody Allen collection with this cute comedy based on his own play, which sees a hapless writer given romantic advice by a guardian angel in the form of Casablanca’s Humphrey Bogart.

Ever After High: Dragon Games – 29th January

The sixth TV special produced for the Ever After High cartoon series.

 

Other titles arriving on Netflix UK in January 2016

1st January
72 Dangerous Animals
Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer
All Over the Guy
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
American Masters: Althea Gibson
Andaz Apna Apna
Angry Birds Toons: Season 1
Bajatey Raho
Big Trouble in Little China
Bound
Chain Reaction
Children of Heaven
Chittagong
Curious George: Season 5, 6, 7, 8
Darr @ the Mall
Deliver Us from Evil
Delta Farce
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!
Fandry
Filmistaan
Forensic Files: Collection 2
Frontline: My Brother’s Bomber
Greater Elephant
Happily N’Ever After 2: Snow White
Heropanti
Inshallah Football
Intramural
Jeepers Creepers
Katiyabaaz
Katt Williams Presents: Katthouse Comedy
Katt Williams: 9 Lives
Los Tiempos de Pablo Escobar: Leccionares de Una Epoca
Lucid Dream: Season 1
Main Aur Charles
Mandela: My Dad and Me
Maz Jobrani: Brown and Friendly
Mike Epps: Underrated… Never Faded
Missing in Action 2: The Beginning
Mo’Nique: I Coulda Been Your Cellmate
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project
National Lampoon’s Pledge This!
Ok Kanmani
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures: Season 2
Pacific Warriors
Piku
Sahara
Screwed
Shuruaat Ka Interval
Sinbad of the Seven Seas
Singh Is Kinng
Small Soldiers
Sniper
Spartacus: Season 2 (Vengeance)
Spartacus: Season 3 (War of the Damned)
Street Smart
The Adventures of Figaro Pho: Season 2
The Diplomat
The Fly 2
The Four Warriors
The Frog Prince
The Good Road
The Holcroft Covenant
The Kite
The Pallbearer
The Sex Monster
Treasure Planet
Uncle Buck
Under Arrest: Season 1
Unleashed
View from the Top
We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
White Oleander
Youngistaan

3rd January
47 Ronin
Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom: Season 1
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Na Maloom Afraad

5th January6th January
Meet the Spartans
Mia and Me: Season 2
Street Kings

8th January
Tex
G-Force
Tom Segura: Mostly Stories

15th January
9 Muses of Star Empire
Meet the Small Potatoes
Tony Hinchcliffe: One Shot
Being Ginger
Gavin & Stacey: Season 1

16th January
Out of My Hand

18th January
This is My Love: Season 1
Beating Again: Season 1
Can We Get Married? Season 1

22nd January
Sharknado 3
The Love Bug

27th January
The Geisha Boy
The Man Who Could Cheat Death
Killer: A Journal of a Murder
The Ten Commandments

29th January
102 Dalmatians
90210: Season 5

30th January
Saw IV

Date TBC
Gon: Season 1
Inshallah Kashmir
Loins of Punjab
Saadey CM Saab
Schoolgirl Detectives: Season 1
Secret Affair: Season 1
Syndrome: Season 1
The Dudesons Movie
World’s Heaviest Man Gets Married

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