January's must-see films and TV series

The new year has just begun, and so has our desire to discover new stories. A good start is already half the battle; to make 2025 spectacular for everyone, it's wise to keep an eye on the upcoming releases, whether in theaters or on streaming platforms, that will make the year's first month full of music, action, and allure.

Here are thirteen titles to discover this January.

Babygirl - in theaters from January 30

We already highlighted this in the must-watch titles for December 2023, but now it's finally here: Babygirl, about a month after its U.S. release, will arrive in Italy on January 30. A24 is doing a fantastic job promoting one of the films that might ride the wave of awards season, particularly thanks to its lead, Nicole Kidman. She plays a CEO of a major company who starts a relationship with a young intern, risking her family's balance. However, this isn't your typical erotic thriller but an exploration of female desires and pleasures. Other female-centric titles not to miss in theaters? Maria by Pablo Larraín and Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard.

Back in Action - Netflix

It might seem like the usual action comedy Netflix delivers every month, but there's a reason to trust Back in Action. The title refers not only to the return to work of two retired spies whose cover is blown but also to its lead actress, returning to acting after a ten-year hiatus from Hollywood. Cameron Diaz stars alongside Jamie Foxx, her co-star from 1999's Any Given Sunday and 2014's Annie. Together, they're ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure directed by Seth Gordon, streaming from January 17.

Un matrimonio di troppo - Prime Video

An unexpected duo is about to clash on the small screen. Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon star in the comedy Un matrimonio di troppo on Prime Video, where two families book the same venue for a wedding day, leading to a series of efforts to ensure a special day. Ferrell plays the father of one bride, while Witherspoon is the sister of the other, and they go head-to-head to guarantee an exceptional ceremony for their loved ones.

Severance - Apple TV+

We know, we know, Severance isn’t exactly new. But with its second season returning on Apple TV+ on January 17, this is the perfect time to catch up. One of the most exciting series of recent years, it follows the story of protagonists whose brains have been “severed”, splitting their work and personal lives into two distinct personas. However, the boundaries of such a division begin to weigh on them, pushing them to uncover the truth behind their employer. With a chilling and unsettling atmosphere, this is a series you can’t afford to miss.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man - Disney+

One thing is certain: years may pass, but we’ll never get tired of Spider-Man. One of Marvel’s most beloved characters, Peter Parker, returns to Disney+ with the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, celebrating the roots of the character and the comics created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The story will follow the protagonist's origins and his journey to becoming a hero, featuring a stellar voice cast, including Hudson Thames as Spider-Man, Colman Domingo as Norman Osborn, and Charlie Cox, reprising his role as Daredevil.

Nosferatu - in theatres January 1

Like Babygirl, we previously mentioned the release of Nosferatu by Robert Eggers, hitting theaters on January 1. Once again, we invite you to experience it. Count Orlok awaits in his eerie mansion for a film that this time focuses on Ellen, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, exploring female sexuality. Nosferatu, however, isn’t alone on opening day: Sonic 3 and The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will also greet audiences on the first day of 2025.

Red Carpet: Stars on the Line - Prime Video

Though the New Year is full of resolutions, reality quickly resumes after the holiday break, leaving us overwhelmed by the return to routine. To completely unplug, you might try Red Carpet: Stars on the Line, a new Prime Video show where three teams must escort celebrities to their final destinations while keeping them on the red carpet. Season one participants include Giulia De Lellis, Elettra Lamborghini, Cristiano Malgioglio, Valeria Marini, and Melissa Satta, joined by Francesco Arienzo, Awed, Herbert Ballerina, and others. Hosted by Alessia Marcuzzi alongside Gialappa’s Band.

Ilary - Netflix

A year after the release of Unica, Ilary Blasi returns to share her new life after her separation from Francesco Totti. In Ilary, viewers will delve into her daily routine, from her public persona under the spotlight to her private moments at home. This time, her new partner Bastian also shares his perspective.

Ad Vitam - Netflix

Switching gears on Netflix, Ad Vitam is an action thriller starring the renowned Guillaume Canet, who also serves as executive producer. He plays a former member of the elite French National Gendarmerie, drawn into a dangerous state affair while searching for his kidnapped wife and dodging a murder attempt.

Unstoppable - Prime Video

No year is complete without a new Jennifer Lopez film on the horizon. This time, she stars as Judy, the mother of young Anthony (Jharrel Jerome) in Unstoppable, a true story about a one-legged boy determined to become an NCAA champion. Based on the life of Anthony Robles, Jerome trained for six months to embody the role, capturing Anthony’s struggle and triumph as he joins Arizona State’s wrestling team.

A Complete Unknown - in theaters January 23

It’s unofficial but highly likely: Timothée Chalamet might earn his first Oscar for portraying Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold, arriving in Italian theaters on January 23. The film revisits a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career, inspired by the biography Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, and stars Edward Norton and Elle Fanning.

A.C.A.B. - The Series (Netflix)

Like the 2012 film by Stefano Sollima, Netflix’s A.C.A.B. is based on Carlo Bonini's novel, who also helped adapt it into a series. Premiering in January, it features Marco Giallini, Valentina Bellè, and Adriano Giannini, grappling with violent clashes in Val di Susa. The series delves into the challenges of teamwork in a field where traditional methods clash with reformist ideals, pushing characters to question the essence of their work.

Better Man - in theatres January 1

While we’ve already mentioned the gangster musical Emilia Pérez, we can’t skip inviting viewers to explore the human and professional journey of Robbie Williams. His biopic Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey (of The Greatest Showman fame), offers a fresh perspective as Williams takes the form of a monkey. This unique choice enhances the grandeur and originality of a biographical work that embraces the cinematic imagination with dazzling choreography and vibrant storytelling.