10 top movies coming out this December

December is rolling, the last month of the year, and with it comes a stacked lineup of movies dropping on streaming. From big-name originals to beloved classics finally returning, you should not miss out. In case you are hunting for holiday cheer, murder mysteries, or just good old-fashioned drama. 

Just like 10 iconic American movies to celebrate US Independence Day. Always, December has something different to offer, a little bit of magic, nostalgia, and new stories.

In this article, Tribune Online looks into the best movies coming out this December that uou can add to your must-watch list.

1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Dec. 12)

The latest in the “Knives Out” saga brings back the clever detective vibes, with Daniel Craig once more as Benoit Blanc. This time the mystery centers on a death in a small-town church, expect secrets, twists, and that signature humor-meets-suspense energy. If you love cozy-but-clever whodunits, this one’s calling your name. 

Interestingly, if you are in the United States and other international regions, you can go and watch this movie in theaters across. According to Johnson, the film is playing in about 1,100 theaters worldwide, and the theaters can be accessed if you are a resident of the U.S.

2. Jay Kelly (Dec. 5)

Although released, Jay Kelly is one of the best movies coming out this December. It was directed by Noah Baumbach. This movie is a moody, introspective ride, starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. It follows an ageing actor and his manager on a European road trip, as they wrestle with fame, regret, and meaning. It is subtle, raw, and hits kind of deep, perfect for when you are in the mood for something. 

3. Goodbye June (Dec. 24)

For many people, the holidays don’t always mean happy endings, and “Goodbye June” embraces that. This movie was directed by Kate Winslet. The film dives into messy family dynamics as four siblings confront the possible loss of their mother. It promises heartbreak, honesty, and maybe a little healing. It is ideal if you want a movie that tugs at the heartstrings. 

4. Troll 2 (Dec. 1)

Troll 2 brings all the fantasy-monster chaos. It is the second part of the Netflix original movie, Troll, released in 2022. It is ranked at the top spot of being Netflix’s most-watched movie in the category of non-English movies.

Featuring a cast of returning characters from the original with new faces, the movie picks up exactly where the cliffhanger of the first left off. The plot will have you following Nora, Andreas, and Captain Kris, who are embarking to discover exactly what ancient being they have unleashed.

Think big trolls, loud action, and Nordic-style mayhem; it is a fun pick if you want to kick back, mute reality for a couple of hours, and just ride the absurd wave. 

5. My Secret Santa (Dec. 3)

For feel-good holiday vibes, this movie follows a single mom who takes a quirky job, dressing up as Santa at a ski resort, and ends up falling for the owner’s son. It is light, cheesy, and exactly the kind of seasonal movie to enjoy with a warm drink in hand. 

6. Pulp Fiction (Dec. 1 — returning classic)

Pulp Fiction, the 1994 cult classic, is back on the streaming roster this December, with sharp dialogue, unforgettable scenes, and a nonlinear story. The movie is a rewatch worthy of any film-lover’s list. Great as a refresher or to show friends who’ve never seen it. 

7. The Wolf of Wall Street (Dec. 1 — returning classic)

In The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio goes all-in as Jordan Belfort in this wild, wild ride through greed, excess, and excess-of-excess. Also, back this December, it is an ideal time for late-night binge sessions, especially if you are in the mood for chaos, dark humor, and “how did this happen?” energy. 

8. Mean Girls (2004 — returning classic)

Because sometimes you just need a high-school comedy that hits as hard as it did two decades ago. Meanwhile, whether you are rewatching it or discovering it for the first time, “Mean Girls” still slaps, and December’s as good a time as any to revisit the Burn Book. 

9. Stripes (Dec. 1 — returning classic)

Stripes is an ’80s comedy that seems goofy, irreverent, and full of Bill Murray charm. However, it gets added back this month, which is good for a throwback night when you just want laughs without thinking too hard. 

10. The Talented Mr. Ripley (mid-December pick)

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a psychological thriller that brings elegance, tension, and unsettling charm to the menu. It is a great movie when you want something more serious, clever, and a little dark. 

December 2025 is one of those rare months where streaming gives you a little bit of everything.