As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a cup of hot cocoa and a Christmas movie. But let’s admit it: the charm of Kevin’s antics in Home Alone and Buddy’s syrup-laden spaghetti in Elf can wear thin after countless re-watches. Luckily, streaming platforms have transformed into Santa’s workshop, churning out fresh holiday films to keep us entertained.
Here’s a round-up of the best upcoming films to add to your festive watchlist this year:
- No Good Deed (Netflix) Available 12 December
If you’re in the mood for something a little more light-hearted, No Good Deed from Netflix promises to bring the perfect mix of comedy and spooky charm this December. Created by Liz Feldman, best known for her hit series Dead to Me, this darkly comedic show revolves around three very different families competing to buy the same 1920s Spanish-style villa, only to discover that it’s haunted.
Feldman’s unique storytelling combined with the mystery of the villa’s ghostly residents is bound to deliver plenty of laughs and scares. With Will Ferrell on board as a producer (and possibly in a future role), and Silver Tree directing the pilot and additional episodes, this series will be a welcome addition to your festive season viewing lineup.
As the days get colder and the holiday madness takes over, No Good Deed promises a fun, unpredictable ride, perfect for those looking to unwind with something a little quirky and eerie. So, if you’re looking for a mix of laughs, chills, and holiday spirit, this new series is the perfect choice for your Christmas watchlist.
- Squid Game 2 (Netflix) Available 26 December
Squid Game 2 promises to be the gripping, high-stakes thrill ride that will get your heart racing, just in time for the festive season. Scheduled for release on 26 December, the second season of the global phenomenon is sure to become a popular post-Christmas binge, perfect for those looking for a chilling escape as they wind down from the holidays.
Picking up three years after Gi-hun’s victory, the new season sees him return to the deadly survival game, once again pulling a fresh group of participants into the treacherous competition, all vying for a life-changing ₩45.6 billion prize. The suspenseful tension and moral dilemmas will have you glued to your screen, making Squid Game 2 an ideal pick for a cozy but intense viewing experience.
With returning stars like Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, and new faces joining the cast, this season is bound to deliver even more mind-bending twists and thought-provoking moments. As you settle in with a hot drink, this dark and thrilling series will keep you on edge, ensuring a Christmas binge that’s anything but predictable.
- Mismatched Season 3 (Netflix) Available 13 December
This Christmas, Mismatched Season 3 brings the perfect blend of warmth and charm to your holiday watchlist. As Dimple (Prajakta Koli) and Rishi (Rohit Saraf) navigate adulthood in a new city, the series promises to deliver a cosy, feel-good experience that’s just right for those chilly December evenings. With its relatable themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery, it’s a show that feels like the perfect holiday companion.
As the couple embarks on new challenges, including balancing their relationship and diving into the world of app development, Mismatched offers a comforting and uplifting narrative that will make you feel all the right emotions this festive season. Whether you’re curling up with a blanket, sipping hot cocoa, or winding down after a busy holiday, this season will be a lovely addition to your Christmas TV binge.
With its stellar ensemble cast, including Rohit Saraf, Prajakta Koli, and new members Lauren Robinson, Garima Yajnik, and Akshat Singh, this series is set to bring a cosy, heartwarming vibe that pairs perfectly with the holiday spirit. So, if you’re in need of a break from the holiday hustle and bustle, Mismatched will provide the perfect escape this Christmas.
- Carry-On (Netflix) Available December 13
Prefer action over romance? Taron Egerton leads this Christmas Eve thriller, that turns the stress of air travel into a nerve-wracking ordeal. Playing TSA agent Ethan Kopek, Egerton finds himself blackmailed by a mysterious traveller, portrayed by Jason Bateman, who forces him to let a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight. This tense one-location thriller is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on Non-Stop and The Commuter, where similar tension unfolds in confined spaces like planes and trains.
The script, written by T.J. Fixman, also known for the Ratchet & Clank video games, promises a gripping battle of wits as Ethan works to outsmart the villain and prevent disaster. Egerton, best known for playing the charming “Eggsy” in the Kingsman franchise and portraying Elton John in Rocketman, embraces a more grounded, “everyman” role that departs from his usual high-energy, action-packed characters. Carry-On is set to be a high-octane holiday thriller where every moment counts.
- Red One (Prime Video) Available December 12
Who would have thought we’d see Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans teaming up to rescue Santa from kidnappers. Well now you have seen everything. Packed with action and festive fun, it’s easily a shoo in for mindless entertainment.
Dwayne Johnson stars as Callum Drift, the head of North Pole security for a top-secret military organization known as M.O.R.A. Callum teams up with notorious hacker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) to locate a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) on Christmas Eve. With Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, and Wesley Kimmel also rounding out the star-studded cast, this holiday action-comedy is set to launch a new Christmas-themed franchise.
The story kicks off with Callum, who is ready to retire after a disillusioning career, but his last mission turns into a high-stakes rescue operation when a black-ops team kidnaps Santa. As the North Pole’s secret location is compromised, Callum and Jack work together to track down the holiday icon, setting the stage for plenty of action, heart, and holiday mayhem. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Seven Bucks Productions, Chris Morgan Productions, and The Detective Agency, The Red One is expected to blend mythological intrigue with a festive, action-packed storyline.
- La Palma (Netflix) Available 12 December
La Palma is a thrilling new Norwegian disaster miniseries from the creators of The Wave, The Quake, and The Burning Sea. This four-part series sets a new benchmark for visual effects in Norway, featuring stunning and high-stakes sequences that are sure to captivate audiences. Set against the backdrop of a volcanic eruption on the island of La Palma, the story follows the desperate efforts of locals and scientists as they struggle to survive and avert disaster.
Starring Anders Baasmo (known for Power Play and The Arctic Convoy), Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (Westworld, The Seed), Thea Sofie Loch Næss (So Long, Marianne, The Last Kingdom), and Thorbjørn Harr (Sex, Power Play), the series is directed by Kasper Barfoed (The Nurse, The Chestnut Man). With its gripping storyline and breathtaking visuals, La Palma is bound to be a must-watch for those who enjoy intense, disaster-driven narratives. Perfect for cosying up with a thrilling drama during the winter months.
- Maria (Netflix) Available 11 December
If you’re looking for something with a little more gravitas to snuggle up to, Maria is the perfect fit. Directed by Pablo Larraín, this biographical psychological drama chronicles the final years of opera legend Maria Callas, played by the formidable Angelina Jolie. Set in 1970s Paris, the film delves into the complexities of Callas’ life, from her artistic genius to her personal struggles. It’s a story that blends art, love, and loss, making it an ideal choice for a cosy evening as the weather turns chilly.
Much like other films in Larraín’s trilogy on influential women (Jackie), Maria promises a compelling portrait of a woman navigating fame, heartache, and self-discovery. The film’s melancholic yet powerful narrative is bound to resonate with those who appreciate stories that explore the intricate layers of human experience. Watching it over the holidays could be a transformative experience, offering both a sense of awe and empathy as we reflect on the life of one of opera’s most iconic figures.
- The Kings of Tupelo (Netflix) Available 11 December
Now If your’e getting a bit sick of the movies, buckle up! And watch this three-part documentary series that delves into the high-stakes 2013 ricin case involving Paul Kevin Curtis and James Everett Dutschke, both from Tupelo, Mississippi. This gripping series examines how Dutschke, a former martial arts instructor, mailed ricin-laced letters to high-profile figures, including President Barack Obama, before his arrest and subsequent conviction for the crimes. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmakers Maclain and Chapman Way, the documentary will likely reveal the complexities and nuances behind the case, offering an in-depth look at the small-town crime that captured national attention.
This series promises to be a compelling addition to your watchlist, providing both an intense look into a notorious criminal act and the social dynamics of Tupelo, Mississippi. If you’re in the mood for a true crime tale that combines legal drama with shocking twists, The Kings of Tupelo will fit perfectly into your festive binge-watching routine.
9 The Holiday Junkie (Lifetime and Plex) Available 14 December
Jennifer Love Hewitt teams up with her husband, 9-1-1 co-star Brian Hallisay, for The Holiday Junkie, part of Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup. This festive film introduces a decorator and party planner as she navigates her first Christmas without her mother, bringing a poignant layer of personal growth and healing to the holiday season.
Amidst the emotional hurdles and professional demands of the season, she finds unexpected companionship in a charming house manager. But, of course, he has holiday secrets of his own, promising a mix of romance, mystery, and seasonal magic. With its heartfelt premise and strong lead performances, The Holiday Junkie is set to deliver a touching tale of love, loss, and festive surprises.
- Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (Netflix) Available 10 December
This marks the iconic comedian’s return to stand-up comedy following his 2023 hospitalisation. In this highly anticipated comedy special, Foxx takes the stage with his trademark humour and vulnerability, sharing his personal journey of recovery and expressing his gratitude to the community that supported him. Directed by Hamish Hamilton, the special is not just a celebration of Foxx’s resilience, but also a heartfelt tribute to the power of laughter and human connection.
Perfect for the holiday season, this special, blends laughter with a deeper emotional resonance, offering viewers a chance to witness a legend’s personal and professional rebirth. Foxx’s ability to turn hardship into humour makes this a must-watch for anyone seeking a dose of both comedy and inspiration this December.
To wrap up everything in a nice red bow- whether you’re in the mood for romance, action, comedy, or heartwarming family tales, there’s something for everyone this festive season. Grab a blanket, settle in, and let these films light up your Christmas.
