December’s Must-Watch Movies: Your Guide To The Month’s Biggest Releases
Your holiday watchlist
By Grace De Luna | 4th December 2025’Tis the season for movie marathons! As the year winds down and the holidays ramp up, December is prime time for settling into a perfectly air-conditioned cinema and escaping the heat. Whether your idea of a break is bingeing the latest releases or family time means catching something new together, this month is shaping up to be a blockbuster.
Here are the films to keep on your radar for your next cinematic fix, in order of release.
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Eternity
Genre: Romantic comedy, fantasy Release date: 4 December Director: David Freyne Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, Callum Turner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph
In a whimsical afterlife, souls are given one week to choose where they’ll spend eternity. Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) must decide between her long-time husband (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner) – blending romance, humour, and philosophical charm. Beautifully acted and emotionally layered, it’s perfect for viewers who appreciate love stories with depth and an existential twist.
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Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
Genre: Horror, mystery, thriller Release Date: 4 December Director: Emma Tammi Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Matthew Lillard
A year after the infamous Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza incident, the legend has grown into a carnival-style event – but terror returns when Abby (Piper Rubio) reconnects with the animatronics. Ideal for horror fans looking for suspenseful, retro-flavoured thrills.
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Ella McCay
Genre: Heartwarming drama Release date: 11 December Director: James L. Brooks Cast: Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edebiri, Kumail Nanjiani
Ella (Emma Mackey), a driven young woman juggling a chaotic family and a demanding career, finds herself navigating a series of comedic and heartfelt misadventures. A warm, character-driven dramedy with a stacked cast – perfect for fans of grounded, witty storytelling.
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Silent Night, Deadly Night
Genre: Holiday horror, slasher Release date: 11 December Director: Mike P. Nelson Cast: Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, Mark Acheson
Billy (Rohan Campbell), forever traumatised by a childhood Christmas tragedy, dons the Santa suit himself and takes his revenge into the snowy night. If you like your festive season with a twisted edge, this holiday slasher delivers style, suspense, and just the right amount of chaos.
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Genre: Action-adventure, fantasy, sci-fi Release Date: 18 December Director: James Cameron Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet
James Cameron returns to Pandora as Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their growing family face a fiery new tribe rising from the volcanic regions. Expect jaw-dropping visuals and emotional stakes. This is December’s biggest cinematic event – pure escapism, stunning worldbuilding, and a must-see on the biggest screen you can find.
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The Housemaid
Genre: Psychological thriller, drama, mystery Release date: 26 December Director: Paul Feig Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar
Adapted from Freda McFadden’s acclaimed novel, The Housemaid has been one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases. When Millie (Sydney Sweeney) takes a job as a live-in housemaid for an affluent couple (Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar), she discovers a seductive world of power, secrecy, and psychological manipulation. Sleek, stylish, and tense – perfect for those who love glamour with a dark twist.
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Rental Family
Genre: Comedy, drama Release date: 26 December Director: Hikari Cast: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto
An American expat (Brendan Fraser) in Tokyo works for a service that “rents out” family members to clients who need a brother, father, or friend – leading to unexpectedly tender and complex relationships. A quietly powerful and introspective film, perfect for the reflective reset between Christmas and New Year.
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Anaconda
Genre: Action, comedy, horror Release date: 26 December Director: Tom Gormican Cast: Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Daniela Melchior
A group of mid-life friends attempt to remake their favourite childhood movie, only to end up stranded in a jungle with a giant, very real anaconda. It’s campy, funny, and totally self-aware – an entertaining Boxing Day watch if you’re after a good time.
Grab your popcorn, gather your mates, and make the most of the big screen this holiday season. Catch you at the cinema!
Imagery: @housemademovie, @avatar, @emmatmackeyofficial
