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6 Uplifting Movies and Series to Brighten the Start of 2026

Between romances, comedies, action, these high-spirited movie and series releases help to get through the beginning of the year with more lightness.

By Milena Garcia

Submitted at Jan 27, 2026, 2:00 PM

08 min de leitura
Filmes e séries início de 2026

Filmes e séries início de 2026 (Divulgação/Divulgação)

The beginning of a new year tends to call for lighter narratives, capable of keeping pace with the rhythm of resuming routines without weighing heavily. In January, when the calendar is still finely tuned, upbeat movies and series help create pleasant pauses, offering stories that combine humor, affection, and escapism just right.

With this in mind, this curation brings together titles premiering in early 2026 that resonate with this state of mind. Among adaptations of literary romances, national comedies, and new seasons eagerly awaited by the public, these upbeat movies and series serve as invitations to lighter experiences, without sacrificing good plots and well-crafted characters.

Vacationing with You — Netflix


The film adaptation of the bestseller by Emily Henry arrives surrounded by expectations among readers. In Vacationing with You, we follow the relationship between Poppy and Alex, two friends with opposing personalities who share an annual tradition: to travel together, despite their immense differences in lifestyles.

Vacation with You

De Férias com Você (Divulgação/Divulgação)

The film bets on witty dialogues, inviting landscapes, and the dynamics between friendship and romance that slowly builds over time. With a light tone, the production fits well among the upbeat series and films designed for those seeking an engaging story without excessive drama.

  • Release date: January 9 (already available)

Love Aside — Prime Video


Here, the starting point is the end of a marriage, but the development takes unexpected paths. After being confronted with his wife's betrayal, Carey seeks support from friends who have an open relationship — and starts questioning his own certainties about love, fidelity, and freedom.

Loves Apart

Amores à Parte (Divulgação/Divulgação)

Love Aside balances comedy and emotional discomfort, exploring contemporary relationships without moralism. The release finds its place among upbeat films and series for addressing complex themes with narrative lightness and sensitive observation of human behavior.

  • Release date: January 21 (already available)

Dangerous Duo — Prime Video


Starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, Dangerous Duo combines action, humor, and family conflicts in a plot that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The protagonists portray estranged half-brothers who are forced to work together after their father's mysterious death.

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Amid chases, revelations, and exaggerated confrontations, the film bets on the charm of the duo and the contrast of personalities. It’s a production designed for entertainment, working well as a casual option to start the year.

  • Release date: January 28 (already available)

Very Special Agents — Theatres


Inspired by a original idea by Paulo Gustavo, Very Special Agents hits theaters as a comedy that plays with the world of cop films. The plot follows Jeff and Johnny, two agents determined to prove their worth within the corporation, even facing prejudice from the beginning of their careers for being gay.

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While infiltrating a penitentiary to dismantle a dangerous gang, the duo gets involved in absurd situations, calculated errors, and improbable strategies. The result is a narrative that combines social critique, physical humor, and satire.

  • Release date: January 8 (already available)

Bridgerton: Season 4 — Netflix


The fourth season of the series returns focusing on Benedict Bridgerton, a character who takes center stage in a story marked by identity, desire, and unexpected encounters. The romance unfolds from a masked ball, alluding to the classic story of Cinderella.

Bridgerton

Bridgerton (Divulgação/Divulgação)

Even though it is split into two parts, the new season maintains the formula that won over the audience: elaborate costumes, contemporary soundtrack, and romantic conflicts treated with lightness.

  • Release date: January 29

Speaking the Truth: Season 3 — Apple TV+


In the third season, the series delves into the consequences of its protagonist's unconventional actions, a therapist who decides to abandon protocols and say exactly what he thinks. Between humor and reflection, the narrative continues to explore human relationships with frankness and empathy.

Speaking the Real

Falando a Real (Divulgação/Divulgação)

The return of the series, with special appearances and a sharp cast, reinforces its place as a production that entertains without being superficial. Among upbeat movies and series, Speaking the Truth stands out for balancing emotional lightness and thematic depth.

  • Release date: January 28