Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on Netflix, Including a Complex Drama Based on a Real-Life Tragedy

Netflix is refreshing its library this week with a diverse selection of blockbusters, family favorites, and compelling new dramas. Subscriptions will gain access to several high-profile titles starting in late January and moving into the first of February. From iconic 1990s comedies to intense modern action thrillers, there is a variety of content suited for different viewing preferences. This weekend offers a prime opportunity for subscribers to catch up on classic cinema and recent original releases.

‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)

Daniel Hillard, a struggling actor, disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children after a bitter divorce. Robin Williams stars in this family comedy directed by Chris Columbus. The film explores themes of family dynamics and the lengths a parent will go to for their children. It won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and remains a staple of 1990s cinema.

‘Independence Day’ (1996)

Earth faces an existential threat when massive alien spacecraft arrive and launch a coordinated attack on major cities. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum lead a cast of survivors who must devise a plan to strike back against the invaders on July 4th. This sci-fi blockbuster is known for its groundbreaking special effects and large-scale destruction sequences. The movie became the highest-grossing film of its year and influenced the disaster movie genre for decades.

‘Night at the Museum’ (2006)

Larry Daley takes a job as a night security guard at the American Museum of Natural History, only to discover that the exhibits come to life after dark. He must find a way to manage the historical figures and creatures while preventing a group of former guards from stealing a magical artifact. The film features Ben Stiller and Robin Williams in a story about history and responsibility. It spawned a successful franchise based on the children’s book by Milan Trenc.

‘Copshop’ (2021)

A con artist seeking protection surrenders himself to a small-town police station, but a lethal hitman soon follows to finish the job. The station becomes a battleground as a rookie police officer finds herself caught in the crossfire between the two criminals. Gerard Butler and Frank Grillo lead the cast in this high-tension action thriller. The narrative unfolds largely within the confines of the precinct, focusing on suspense and tactical encounters.

‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’ (2014)

The magic of the Tablet of Ahkmenrah begins to fade, forcing Larry Daley to travel to the British Museum in London to save it. He reunites with familiar exhibits and meets new ones while searching for the source of the tablet’s power. This third installment serves as the conclusion to the original trilogy and features the final screen performances of Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney. The story emphasizes themes of family legacy and the preservation of history.

‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’ (2016)

Two hard-partying brothers place an online ad to find respectable dates for their sister’s wedding in Hawaii to satisfy their parents. They end up with a duo of women who are even more uncontrollable than they are, leading to chaotic mishaps during the wedding festivities. Zac Efron and Adam DeVine star alongside Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza in this R-rated comedy. The plot is loosely inspired by a true story involving a real-life Craigslist advertisement.

‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ (2009)

After the exhibits are moved to the Smithsonian Institution archives, Larry Daley must infiltrate the world’s largest museum complex to rescue his friends. He faces off against a revived Kahmunrah, who plans to use the magical tablet to unleash an ancient army. The film introduces historical figures such as Amelia Earhart and Al Capone into the narrative. It expanded the scope of the original concept by utilizing the diverse collections of the Smithsonian.

‘Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story’ (2025)

This drama recounts the true story of Nichole Jolly, a nurse who survived the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The narrative follows her harrowing experience of being trapped in the flames while attempting to evacuate patients and residents. It details her survival instincts and the resilience she displayed during one of the deadliest wildfires in American history. The film serves as a biographical tribute to her bravery and the community’s struggle for recovery.

‘Mike Epps: Delusional’ (2026)

Comedian Mike Epps returns to the stage in this stand-up special to provide his perspective on modern social issues and personal anecdotes. Recorded for Netflix, the performance features signature observational humor regarding family life and cultural trends. This release adds to his extensive catalog of comedy specials hosted on the streaming platform. The show aims to engage audiences with a mix of sharp wit and high-energy storytelling.

Please share your thoughts on these new Netflix additions in the comments.