Looking for something to watch on Hulu on New Year’s Day? Pick by mood: an easygoing adventure, an animated comedy, a coming-of-age drama, a sing-along musical, or a thoughtful science-fiction film. Hulu’s catalog changes, so treat these as recommendations to check in the service rather than a promise that each title will be available on January 1 every year.
Choose by the kind of day you want
These five films make a varied shortlist, from lighter viewing to more reflective stories. Hulu’s movie hub presents a changing catalog, and its collections have listed the titles below; confirm availability in Hulu before settling in.
- For low-effort family adventure: Night at the Museum
- For lighter animated comedy: Monsters University
- For a grounded coming-of-age story: Lady Bird
- For musical, feel-good energy: Mamma Mia!
- For a more cerebral science-fiction watch: Ex Machina
Five Hulu movies to consider
Night at the Museum — an accessible family adventure
If the day calls for a straightforward adventure that can work for a broad household audience, start here. It gives the lineup a lighter, more accessible option without requiring a holiday-themed story. Check Hulu’s listing and the film’s rating to make sure it suits everyone watching.
Monsters University — a lighter animated pick
This is the animated choice for a relaxed afternoon or an easy watch with younger viewers. Hulu has included it in a featured-movie collection, but collection placement and availability can change; check the current title page and rating before pressing play.
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Lady Bird — a grounded coming-of-age drama
For a New Year’s Day watch with more emotional texture, Lady Bird offers a coming-of-age direction rather than a broad crowd-pleaser. Hulu’s critically acclaimed collection has listed it. Choose it if you’re in the mood for a more reflective drama.
Mamma Mia! — a musical for upbeat viewing
When you want the day to feel livelier, Mamma Mia! is the musical option in this group. Its place here is about the kind of viewing mood it suits: choose it for a buoyant, sing-along-style pick rather than a quiet or contemplative film. Hulu’s acclaimed-film collection has listed it; verify that it remains available.
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Ex Machina — thoughtful science fiction
For viewers who would rather spend the holiday with an absorbing science-fiction story than a light seasonal watch, consider Ex Machina. It brings a more cerebral, suspense-oriented tone to the list. Hulu’s critically acclaimed collection has listed the film, but check the live catalog before planning around it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability is a snapshot, not a New Year’s guarantee
Hulu’s official collections have listed Night at the Museum and Monsters University in its featured movies, and Lady Bird, Mamma Mia!, and Ex Machina in its critically acclaimed films collection. Those listings support considering the films, not assuming they will remain in the catalog. Hulu’s movie hub reflects a changing library, so search for each title close to the day you plan to watch.
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For context, Hulu’s January 2026 schedule listed Big Daddy, Empire Records, Heat, Hotel Transylvania, Little Manhattan, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? as films added on January 1, 2026. That is a record of one past lineup, not evidence that those movies—or any other title here—will be available on January 1, 2027.
Runtime and rating are not included here because the listings used for these recommendations do not establish those details consistently for all five films. Check Hulu’s current title pages for the specifics that matter to your plans.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
