December 2025 is shaping up to be Netflix’s biggest month of the year! With the holiday season comes an incredible lineup featuring everything from festive rom-coms and family favorites to the highly anticipated Stranger Things finale and Rian Johnson’s latest Knives Out mystery. Whether you’re looking for cozy comfort viewing or edge-of-your-seat entertainment, this month has something special for everyone.
Table of Contents
Netflix December 2025 Highlights at a Glance
| Major Release | Date | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Troll 2 | Dec 1 | Action/Adventure |
| My Secret Santa | Dec 3 | Holiday Rom-Com |
| The Abandons | Dec 4 | Western Drama |
| Mean Girls (2024) | Dec 5 | Comedy |
| Man vs. Baby | Dec 11 | Comedy |
| Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Dec 12 | Mystery/Thriller |
| Emily in Paris Season 5 | Dec 18 | Comedy/Drama |
| Stranger Things Season 5 Vol. 2 | Dec 25 | Sci-Fi/Horror |
| Goodbye June | Dec 24 | Drama |
Week 1: Kicking Off the Festive Season (December 1-7)
Troll 2 (December 1)
The giant returns! Netflix’s biggest non-English movie franchise continues with this Norwegian monster thriller. After the massive success of the original film, this sequel promises even more spectacular creature action and breathtaking Scandinavian landscapes. Perfect for fans who love their holiday viewing with a side of apocalyptic thrills.
Love is Blind: Italy (December 1)
The wildly popular dating experiment lands in Italy, bringing Mediterranean passion to the pods. Singles get engaged without ever seeing each other, testing whether love truly is blind. If you’ve been following the franchise, this Italian spin-off promises the drama, tears, and unexpected connections that make the series so addictive.
My Secret Santa (December 3)
Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge teams up with Ryan Eggold in this charming holiday rom-com. A single mom disguises herself as Santa Claus, leading to unexpected romance and heartwarming moments. It’s the perfect cozy watch for those chilly December nights when you need something sweet and festive.
The Abandons (December 4)
Kurt Sutter brings his gritty storytelling to the Western genre with this period drama set in 1854 Washington Territory. Two families from different worlds clash over silver-rich land, forbidden love, and buried secrets. Think of it as Yellowstone meets Sons of Anarchy with that raw frontier justice edge that made both shows compelling.
Mean Girls (2024) (December 5)
The recent musical remake arrives on Netflix! Tina Fey’s updated script brings the iconic story to a new generation with Angourie Rice and Reneé Rapp delivering fresh takes on the Plastics. Whether you’re Team Original or curious about this new version, it’s time to revisit North Shore High School.
Week 2: Holiday Cheer and Mystery Masterpieces (December 8-14)
Cast Away (December 7)
Tom Hanks’ unforgettable survival drama returns to streaming. Stranded on a remote island after a plane crash, a FedEx executive must learn to survive against all odds. Robert Zemeckis directs this emotional powerhouse that gave us Wilson, one of cinema’s most memorable inanimate companions.
Man vs. Baby (December 11)
Rowan Atkinson returns! The comedy legend faces his toughest opponent yet: an adorable baby. From the genius behind Mr. Bean comes a hilarious series about an uptight bachelor whose carefully ordered life gets turned upside down. Expect physical comedy, silent humor, and Atkinson’s trademark facial expressions that transcend language.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (December 12)
Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig reunite for the third installment of the beloved murder mystery franchise. With a brand-new ensemble cast and another deadly puzzle to solve, this film promises the clever twists, sharp dialogue, and whodunit thrills that made the previous films instant classics. Mark this date on your calendar—it’s the holiday mystery event of the year.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft Season 2 (December 11)
The animated series based on the iconic video game concludes with its second and final season. Follow Lara Croft on one last globe-trotting adventure filled with ancient mysteries, dangerous tombs, and pulse-pounding action sequences that honor the gaming franchise.
Week 3: Romance and International Flavors (December 15-21)
Emily in Paris Season 5 (December 18)
Emily’s adventures continue across two cities! The beloved comedy-drama starring Lily Collins expands to Rome this season, bringing fresh fashion, new romantic complications, and cultural clashes. After that season four cliffhanger, fans are desperate to see how Emily navigates her complicated love life while juggling career ambitions in two of Europe’s most glamorous cities.
The Great Flood (December 19)
This Korean sci-fi disaster film stars Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo in what promises to be a visually stunning catastrophe thriller. South Korean cinema has been delivering incredible genre films lately, and this looks like another must-watch that combines spectacular effects with emotional storytelling.
Week 4: Christmas Spectacular (December 22-26)
Goodbye June (December 24)
Kate Winslet directs and stars in this emotional family drama arriving on Christmas Eve. As their mother June faces declining health, four adult siblings gather for Christmas, confronting family dynamics with humor, honesty, and love. Winslet’s involvement alone makes this a prestige watch, perfect for a thoughtful Christmas Eve viewing.
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 (December 25)
The Christmas gift every fan has been waiting for! The final three episodes of Stranger Things’ epic conclusion drop on Christmas Day. After months of speculation and theories, we’ll finally discover the fate of Eleven, Mike, Will, and the rest of the Hawkins crew as they face the Upside Down one last time. It’s the end of an era for Netflix’s most iconic original series.
Christmas Game Day NFL (December 25)
Netflix makes history streaming live NFL games! Watch the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings. It’s a perfect blend of holiday tradition and sports entertainment, proving Netflix continues expanding beyond traditional streaming content.
International Gems Worth Watching
Sicilia Express (December 5): This Italian comedy series follows two friends in Milan who discover a magical dumpster that teleports them home to Sicily. It’s quirky, heartwarming, and celebrates family connections during the holidays.
The Price of Confession (December 5): A Korean thriller about a woman offered freedom from prison by a mysterious stranger with an impossible ultimatum. K-dramas continue dominating Netflix with their addictive storytelling and this looks particularly intriguing.
Blood Coast Season 2 (December 9): The French action thriller returns with more Mediterranean crime drama, corrupt cops, and explosive confrontations along the stunning Côte d’Azur.
Home for Christmas Season 3 (December 12): The Norwegian romantic comedy returns for another cozy holiday season. It’s charming, relatable, and perfect for fans of lighthearted international series.
Family-Friendly Highlights
December brings plenty of options for family viewing. The animated series CoComelon Lane Season 6 arrives December 1st for the youngest viewers, while Rio and Rio 2 offer colorful adventures that the whole family can enjoy. The Creature Cases Chapter 6 drops December 15th for preschoolers who love mystery-solving animals.
For older kids, The Amazing Digital Circus releases episodes 5-7 on December 12th, continuing the surreal animated series that’s captured Gen Z’s imagination.
Classic Films Joining the Library
Several beloved films arrive throughout December including Cheaper by the Dozen and its sequel starring Steve Martin, Big Mama’s House with Martin Lawrence, and the faith-based dramas War Room and Overcomer for inspirational viewing.
Film buffs shouldn’t miss Babylon, Damien Chazelle’s ambitious period piece starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, arriving December 7th. Though divisive upon release, it’s a visually stunning Hollywood epic worth experiencing on a lazy weekend.
Planning Your December Binge
With over 50 new releases throughout the month, strategic planning helps maximize your viewing. Start December with Troll 2 and Love is Blind: Italy for entertainment variety. Mid-month, dive into Wake Up Dead Man when it drops—avoid spoilers by watching immediately. Save Emily in Paris for a weekend binge, and clear Christmas Day for that emotional Stranger Things finale.
For holiday spirit, queue up My Secret Santa, Home for Christmas, and various Christmas specials throughout the month. And don’t sleep on international offerings—Netflix’s global content consistently delivers hidden gems that rival big-budget American productions.
For more streaming recommendations and entertainment news, check out our Netflix updates and TV show coverage. Stay updated on December releases through the official Netflix newsroom and explore behind-the-scenes content on Netflix’s YouTube channel.
FAQs
Q: When do the final episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 arrive?
The concluding three episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 (Volume 2) premiere on Christmas Day, December 25th. This marks the end of Netflix’s most successful original series, so expect an emotional, action-packed finale that resolves eight years of storytelling. Netflix strategically released the season in two volumes to maximize anticipation and discussion.
Q: What’s the biggest movie release on Netflix in December 2025?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (December 12th) is arguably the month’s biggest cinematic event. Rian Johnson returns with Daniel Craig for the third installment of the critically acclaimed mystery franchise. With the previous films’ massive success and devoted fanbase, this holiday whodunit should dominate conversations through year’s end.
