7 New Picks for a Perfect Family Movie Night This January

It's January, and that means a fresh start to a new year.

Families are settling into resolutions, routines, and the quiet rhythms of winter. It's time for brisk walks, hot cocoa by the fire, and -- perhaps -- the building of snowmen.

It's also a great time for a family movie night …especially if the conditions outside are just too frigid to face.

Thankfully, the major streaming platforms have plenty to offer this month.

Here are seven new family titles streaming in January.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Undefined Undefined

1. Your Friend, Nate Bargatze (Netflix)

Nate Bargatze wearing a tablecloth cape and holding a microphone

1. Your Friend, Nate Bargatze (Netflix)

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Is it possible to be the nation's funniest comedian without uttering a single curse word? Apparently, yes. In this one-hour special, Nate Bargatze entertains an arena full of fans with hilarious stories from his past: the county fair donkey that dove into a pool, the hotel wake-up call that turned into an unexpected face-to-face visit, and the accidental knock on the wrong house that led to a 30-minute conversation. It's rated TV-PG, but it easily could be TV-G.

Photo Credit: ©Netflix

2. Average Joe (Great American Pure Flix)

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A football coach fights in the courts for his religious freedom after being dismissed for a mid-field prayer. The movie tells the true story of Joe Kennedy, a high school coach whose courageous action made national headlines but also created tension with his wife, who worked for the district. Eventually, his case reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Rated PG-13 for some thematic material and violence. It also includes mild language.

Photo Credit: ©GND Media Group

3. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (Netflix)

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A young boy growing up in a dazzling world of artificial plants is entrusted with the last remaining "real" tree seed on Earth. While not explicitly faith-based, it nevertheless urges us to appreciate and cherish God's creation. The Lorax features the voices of Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, and Danny DeVito. Rated PG for brief, mild language. (ClearPlay offers a filter.)

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Universal Pictures

4. The Winter Palace (Great American Pure Flix)

The Winter Palace; Great American Family

4. The Winter Palace (Great American Pure Flix)

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A novelist struggling with severe writer's block gets an opportunity to complete her book at a secluded winter chateau. There, her plans take an unexpected turn when she encounters the owner of the estate, a prince. This romantic comedy stars Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe. Sure, the plot is a bit unrealistic, but if you're a sucker for fairy tales -- like my family is -- then it's marvelous.

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Great American Family

5. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix)

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The hilarious claymation duo returns in a brand-new mystery that is equal parts quirky and clever. Wallace's invention of a robotic garden gnome leads to chaos when the reprogrammed gnome army aids the villainous Feathers McGraw in a daring diamond heist. With Gromit's clever instincts, the duo attempts to restore justice. Rated TV-PG for some action and rude humor.

6. The Forge (Netflix)

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A young man who is struggling to find direction in life discovers purpose and faith through a transformative discipleship program led by a wise and compassionate mentor. It's the latest movie from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the filmmakers behind such faith-based hits as War Room, Overcomer, and Fireproof. The Forge stars Cameron Arnett, Aspen Kennedy, Karen Abercrombie, Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings and Benjamin Watson. Rated PG for thematic elements.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Home Video)

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America's fastest blue hedgehog teams up with his past enemies to thwart a new nemesis: Shadow. Sonic 3 is the third film in the hit franchise and follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they partner with Dr. Ivo Robotnik to stop a vengeful hedgehog who was the product of a failed government experiment. Eventually, though, Sonic encounters an even greater threat. Rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language. (ClearPlay offers a filter.)

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.

Originally published January 23, 2025.