New Movies and Shows Coming to Netflix in December 2025

This December, Netflix delivers a lineup packed with excitement, from monster mayhem in Norway to star-studded award contenders, gripping dramas, and high-profile live events. Here's a full rundown of whats coming to the platform.

Monstrous Mayhem in Norway

The month kicks off on December 1 with the eagerly awaited sequel to the Norwegian blockbuster Troll. Roar Uthaug returns to direct, bringing back core cast members Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, and Mads Sjgrd Pettersen. Troll 2 follows beloved adventurers Nora, Andreas, and Captain Kris as they confront a newly awakened troll wreaking havoc across Norway.

Oscar Buzz with George Clooney and Adam Sandler

On December 5, Noah Baumbachs dramedy Jay Kelly premieres. Featuring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup, the film explores the journey of a famous actor and his agent reflecting on life and legacy. Netflix is promoting the film for Oscar consideration, accompanied by the behind-the-scenes documentary The Making of Jay Kelly.

Kurt Sutters Western Drama

The Abandons, a Western series created by Kurt Sutter, debuts on December 4. Despite Sutter leaving production in October 2024 due to creative differences, the show is now ready to stream. The story follows outlier families in 1850s Oregon uniting against a corrupt, wealthy landowner. Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson lead the cast.

Benoit Blanc Returns

The third installment in the Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man, launches on December 12. Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc in a new mystery set in upstate New York. The film features Josh OConnor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and more, and holds a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Emily Travels Through Italy

Emily in Paris continues its fifth season on December 18, with Emily exploring Rome and Venice, while still staying connected to Paris. Lily Collins returns as Emily, joined by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, and others.

Boxing Extravaganza

Netflix hosts the boxing match of the year, Jake v. Joshua, on December 19. YouTuber Jake Paul faces former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in an 8-round fight that promises spectacle and controversy.

Stranger Things Finale

The penultimate episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 drop on December 25, with three episodes directed by Frank Darabont, Shawn Levy, and the Duffer Brothers. The series concludes on December 31 with the 42nd episode, Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up.

NFL Christmas Tradition

Christmas Day also features Netflixs live NFL coverage, Christmas Game Day, with the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings. Musical performances include Jack White, Post Malone, and Lil Jon.

Other Notable Movie Releases

• Titanic
• The Talented Mr. Ripley
• Relay
• Mean Girls (2004 & 2024)
• A League of Their Own
• As Good as It Gets
• Bad Teacher
• Big Mommas House 1-2
• Brightburn
• Burlesque
• Godzilla (2014) & Godzilla: King of the Monsters
• Hollow Man
• Kung Fu Panda 1-3
• Little Women
• Borg vs. McEnroe
• The Northman
• Forrest Gump
• Babylon
• Cast Away
• House of Gucci
• The Fanatic
• Wrath of Man
• Money Monster
• Pulp Fiction
• Rio 1-2
• Stripes
• The Wolf of Wall Street
• What Lies Beneath
• Zero Dark Thirty

New TV Series and Specials

• My Next Guest with David Letterman and Adam Sandler
• Matt Rife: Unwrapped A Christmas Crowd Work Special
• Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft: Season 2
• The Amazing Digital Circus: Season 1, Episodes 5-7
• King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch: Season 3
• Christmas Game Day Live NFL Games
• Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story
• 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Playing Themselves
• 22 Most Shocking Character Deaths in TV History
• A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All Movies and TV Shows

Analysis of Netflix's December Lineup

Netflix's December offerings represent a strategic mix of high-profile releases, genre variety, and anticipated live events that aim to captivate diverse global audiences. The streaming giant continues to push for major attention with its blockbuster sequels, high-profile original films, and live broadcasts, offering something for every type of viewer. However, the question remains whether this curated blend will maintain subscriber interest and drive viewership during the holiday season.

First, the return of Troll 2 on December 1st promises to be a significant crowd-puller, particularly for those drawn to fantasy and adventure films. The success of the original film means expectations are high for this sequel, and it might bring in a mix of returning fans and new viewers seeking thrilling monster mayhem.

Oscar buzz also surrounds Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, with its star-studded ensemble cast, including George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Netflix's push for the film's Oscar consideration, combined with the documentary behind the scenes, signals its intent to stake a claim in award season discussions. This could serve as a strong counter to traditional cinema's offerings during the month.

The Stranger Things series finale, set for December 25, is another major milestone for Netflix. After years of building suspense, the series conclusion will likely generate massive global conversation, cementing the platform's dominance in the realm of episodic drama. Meanwhile, the December 19 boxing event featuring Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua should further highlight Netflix's commitment to diversifying content with live events that capture public attention, albeit controversially.

Adding to the excitement is the continued release of classic films and new seasons of popular shows. From Emily in Paris to Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, Netflix is clearly aiming to cater to both nostalgia-driven audiences and younger viewers looking for fresh entertainment. However, it remains to be seen how well this strategy will resonate amidst the competition from other streaming services and cable networks offering similar fare during the holiday period.

In conclusion, while Netflix's December slate is rich in variety, the real test lies in whether the platform can maintain its subscriber growth amidst increasing competition. With big-ticket films, beloved series finales, and live events, Netflix is pulling out all the stops to end the year on a high note. Whether this will translate into increased viewer engagement and retention remains a critical question for the future.

Sources:

• Netflix’s New Releases Coming in December 2025