Best Films to Watch on TV This Week — January 22–28, 2026

Whether you’re cozying up for a weekend marathon or looking for a great movie to catch tonight, this week delivers top films across network TV, streaming platforms, and cable channels. From gripping thrillers and inspiring documentaries to timeless classics and family favorites, here’s your ultimate viewing guide.

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🎬 1. Skyscraper Live — Thrilling Real-Time Event (Netflix)

If you missed it live or want to catch it again, Netflix’s historic live documentary event Skyscraper Live continues to be a must-see. The film captures Alex Honnold’s unprecedented rooftop free ascent of Taipei 101, blending extreme sports filmmaking with real-time suspense that feels cinematic even on TV.

👉 Why Watch: A rare live-event feel with breathtaking visuals and human drama that goes beyond a traditional documentary event.

👉 Best For: Adventure lovers, documentary fans, and those who enjoy real-life feats of human endurance.

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🎥 2. The Rip — New Streaming Thriller (Netflix)

One of this week’s most-buzzed additions to Netflix is The Rip, a tense crime thriller that hit No. 1 on Netflix’s most-watched list shortly after release.

⭐ Stars: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
📺 Genre: Crime / Thriller
📌 Why It’s Worth Your Time: Gripping, twisty plotting and strong performances make this one of the most talked-about movies streaming right now.

👉 Pro Tip: Great pick for a Friday night watch when you want suspense without the commitment of a series.

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🩸 3. The Big Fake — International Period Thriller (Netflix)

A stylish Italian thriller set in 1970s Rome, The Big Fake blends art world intrigue with period flair.

📺 Genre: Period Crime / Drama
🎨 Why Watch: Unique setting and atmospheric storytelling give this film an old-school cinema feel.

👉 Best For: Fans of slow-burn mysteries, European films, or mood-driven storytelling.

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🔪 4. Bone Lake (2025) — Adult Psychological Thriller (Netflix)

Bone Lake pushes into darker territory with a twisty narrative about two couples whose vacation turns sinister.

📺 Genre: Psychological Thriller
🎯 Why It’s Worth Watching: If you’re into tense, character-driven films with escalating psychological stakes — this is your pick.

👉 Viewer Advisory: Not for the faint of heart — strong themes and mature material.

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🥊 5. The Smashing Machine — Sports Drama (HBO Max)

This compelling biographical drama starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr has become one of the most talked-about films available to stream.

📺 Genre: Sports / Drama
🌟 Why It’s Great: A dramatic transformation from Johnson with emotional depth, blending grit and heart.

👉 Best For: Sports fans, biopic lovers, and anyone who appreciates inspiring comeback stories.

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🎞 6. The Zone of Interest — Historical Drama (Network/Cable)

One of the week’s critical standouts, The Zone of Interest juxtaposes everyday domestic life with the Holocaust’s horrors in a provocative, powerful drama that’s airing on TV this week.

📺 Genre: Historical Drama
🏆 Why It’s Important: Thought-provoking, visually compelling, and rooted in significant subject matter.

👉 Viewer Advisory: Heavy themes; recommended for mature audiences interested in serious cinema.

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🎸 7. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere — Music Biopic (TV)

A biographical film exploring Bruce Springsteen’s life and creative journey, this feature is airing on TV this week and appeals to fans of music, biography, and cultural history.

📺 Genre: Biographical Drama
🎸 Why Watch: Strong performances and compelling storytelling make it memorable even to non-fans.

👉 Perfect For: Music lovers and viewers who enjoy character-based true stories.

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👶 8. Smurfs (2024) — Family Fun (Prime Video)

Looking for something light and family-friendly? The recently streaming Smurfs movie starring Rihanna is perfect for younger viewers or a laid-back family movie night.

📺 Genre: Family / Animation
🎈 Why It’s Fun: Bright visuals, accessible humor, and gentle adventure make this ideal for kids (and nostalgic adults).

👉 Best For: Family queue, weekend afternoons, or kids’ TV time.

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🧠 9. Bugonia — Darkly Comic Drama (Peacock)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and featuring Emma Stone, Bugonia is an off-beat dark comedy that combines thriller and dramatic elements.

📺 Genre: Dark Comedy / Drama
🎭 Why It’s Intriguing: Bold, subversive storytelling from one of modern cinema’s most inventive directors.

👉 Best For: Viewers who like movies that linger with you long after the credits roll.

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🎭 10. Classic Films & TV Broadcasts This Week

If you prefer traditional TV broadcast movies — there’s plenty airing this week with classic and genre variety:

• Western Marathon: Seven Ways from Sundown and other top Westerns on INSP highlight cowboy storytelling in rugged landscapes.

• Primetime Favorites: Fun options airing include Volunteers (1985) for comedy fans.

• Daytime Classics: Films like Dirty Dancing (1987) and When Harry Met Sally… (1989) pop up in afternoon/evening lineups.

• Action & Sci-Fi: Channel blocks include Die Hard 2 (1990) and The Matrix (1999) — great for action enthusiasts.

👉 Tips: Check local listings and apps for exact times and channels.

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🍿 Genre Picks: Something for Every Mood

Here’s how to match your evening vibe with the right film this week:

🎯 For Action Lovers

• The Rip (Netflix) — modern crime thriller with sharp twists.

• Die Hard 2 (Classic Broadcast) — edge-of-your-seat holiday action.

• The Matrix (Classic Sci-Fi) — genre-redefining spectacle.

❤️ For Romantic or Heartfelt Stories

• Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere (TV) — biographical emotional depth.

• Smurfs (Prime Video) — light, family mood.

🧠 For Thoughtful or Artistic Cinema

• The Zone of Interest — critically acclaimed historical drama.

• Bugonia (Peacock) — artistic, darkly funny storytelling.

😱 For Horror/Thriller Fans

• Bone Lake — psychological tension and twists.

• Horror selections on Netflix — curated scares and classics (see EW’s horror list).

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📺 Viewing Tips for the Week

• Plan Ahead: Check local TV guides and streaming apps for exact airing times — many classic and broadcast films have only one window on certain days.

• Mix & Match: Balance new streaming premieres with classics to keep your watchlist fresh.

• Explore Catalogs: Even beyond this week’s highlights, platforms like Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu have deep film libraries worth diving into.

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🎬 Final Thoughts

This week offers a rich mix of movies to watch on TV and streaming — from brand-new thrillers like The Rip and Bone Lake to cultural milestones like The Zone of Interest and heart-warming family picks like Smurfs. Whether you’re into action, art house, comedy, historical drama, or classics, the options span genres and viewing moods.

Make your couch the entertainment hub this week — there’s truly something for every viewer.