By the D23 Team
It’s the middle of January, a month named after Janus—the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. It’s a time to reflect on the previous year, and to daydream about the fun yet to come. These particular 31 days got us to thinking: How has Disney kicked off the new year, cinematically speaking, throughout the decades? Sure enough, some of the most critically acclaimed (and crowd-pleasing) Disney films made their big-screen debuts in the first month of the year. Here are a few notable January releases… with not one, but two special bonus films that premiere this very month, in 2026!
Sleeping Beauty—January 29, 1959
This gorgeous film—Walt Disney’s most lavish animated production at its premiere—tells the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Maleficent to die before the sun sets on her 16th birthday by pricking her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel. Add in three good (though bumbling) fairies, a handsome prince, and a fire-breathing dragon, and you’ve got a fairy tale that truly stands the test of time.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians—January 25, 1961
Another notable January release is this animated classic, based on the book by Dodie Smith—and it’s celebrating a significant anniversary in 2026: 65 years of adorable doggos! The film follows the adventures of Roger and Anita; their dogs Pongo and Perdita; their 15 puppies; and the wicked Cruella de Vil, who wants to kidnap the pups for her own nefarious plans. Its place in Disney history was cemented by its sole use of an advanced Xerox process to transfer the animators’ drawings directly to cels.
Son of Flubber—January 16, 1963
This hilarious sequel to The Absent-Minded Professor was released 63 years ago this month, and once again featured future Disney Legend Fred MacMurray as Ned Brainard—the Medfield College teacher who created the unpredictable green substance of the title. Fun fact: Walt Disney’s grandson makes a short cameo appearance as a baby!
White Fang—January 18, 1991
Another January release, White Fang starred Ethan Hawke as Jack Conroy, a young gold hunter in the late 19th century who befriends a wolf-dog in the harsh, white wilderness of Alaska. Based on the novel by Jack London, the film was directed by Randal Kleiser (Grease, Big Top Pee Wee)—who went on to direct Disney’s 1992 hit Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.
Glory Road—January 13, 2006
Josh Lucas (The Mysteries of Laura) and Jon Voight (Ray Donovan) starred in this ’06 Disney release based on the true story of the Texas Western Miners basketball team, an all-African American squad who proved themselves to a still-segregated nation by defeating the all-white University of Kentucky Wildcats and winning the 1966 NCAA tournament title.
Disneyland Handcrafted—January 22, 2026
Our first bonus January film is still a couple days away… but we’re especially excited for everyone to see it. Disneyland Handcrafted, from Oscar® and Emmy® nominee Leslie Iwerks, takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the exhilarating year that gave rise to The Happiest Place on Earth. Built from rare archival footage and original audio recordings, the documentary captures both the legacy and nostalgia of the year leading up to the creation of the Disneyland Resort. Check out the film when it begins streaming on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on January 22.
Send Help—January 30, 2026
Our second bonus January release is on the scarier side, so bring a friend and get an extra serving of popcorn for emotional support! In 20th Century Studios’ Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi, two colleagues (Oscar® nominee Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien) become stranded on a deserted island—the only survivors of a plane crash. While there, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive... ultimately, it's an unsettling, darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive. See it in theaters beginning January 30!