As Christmas and Chanukah approach, movie theaters are gearing up for another exciting holiday weekend. After cashing in $420M during the Thanksgiving holiday, you can bet this Christmas holiday will also be busy. From gothic horror to thrilling drama (not to mention that Disney prequel, too), there’s something for every movie fan this season. Here’s your guide to the must-watch movies debuting on Christmas Day and throughout December.
Christmas Day Premieres (Dec. 25)
Timothee Chalamet stars in Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown
Walk the Line director James Mangold chronicles Dylan’s life from the 1960s as he rose to become the revolutionary voice of a generation and befriended icons like Joan Baez, portrayed by Monica Barbaro. Timothee Chalamet stars in this much-anticipated Bob Dylan biopic.A Complete Unknown promises to be a soulful tribute to one of music’s most influential figures and the cultural movement he helped spark.
Singer/Actress Ryan Destiny Bouts for Respect in Sports Drama, The Fire Inside
Every holiday needs an inspiring sports tale, and this year, The Fire Inside has the potential to be a new favorite. The sports drama about Claressa Shields, played by Ryan Destiny. This true story follows Shields’ journey from a scrappy young boxer with a tumultuous relationship with her coach (portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry) to Olympic gold medalist at the 2012 Summer Games, as well as her ongoing fight for equal pay in the male-dominated world of professional boxing. Produced by Barry Jenkins (the second movie Jenkins premieres this month), The Fire Inside is a tale of grit and determination perfect for boxing fans.
Lily-Rose Depp stars in horror classic remake, Nosferatu
For those craving something spooky instead of cheery this Christmas, Robert Eggers‘ (The Lighthouse, The Witch) brings a haunting remake of the 1922 silent horror classic. Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Johnny Depp, stars as Ellen Hutter, a young woman caught in the obsessive gaze of Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), a nightmarish vampire. With Nicholas Hoult as Ellen’s husband and Eggers’ signature gothic flair, Nosferatu is an enjoyable alternative during the festive holiday season.
Nicole Kidman steams up the screens in the romantic thriller Babygirl
In the mood for romance with some thrill? Nicole Kidman stars as a high-powered CEO who embarks on a secret affair with a hot young intern (Harris Dickinson) through her company’s mentorship program. Then, things go left as their forbidden romance evolves into a tense power struggle, threatening her career, family, and stability. It’s the perfect watch for those looking to spark Valentine’s Day vibes early.
Honorable Mentions
A few movies premiere before Christmas Day, and they are sure to be packed as well.
Rising Star Aaron Pierre takes the crown as Mufasa: The Lion King (Premiers Dec. 20.)
The latest installment of The Lion King serves as a prequel and sequel. It focuses on the origin stories of Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), the beloved role once voiced by the late James Earl Jones. Director Barry Jenkins takes us back to the Pride Lands. We learn the story behind Prince Taka’s (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) transition to Scar and how an orphan becomes the king. The film also features Blue Ivy Carter in her first voice acting role as Princess Kiara, the daughter of Queen Nala, a role reprised by her real-life mother and megastar Beyonce. The film features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and is a visually spectacular addition to the beloved Disney saga.
Ben Schwartz joins Idris and Keanu in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Premiers Dec. 20.)
Ben Schwartz is back as our favorite (and fastest) video game character turned movie star, Sonic the Hedgehog. The third installment of Sonic has our hero teamed up with his pals Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to take on their most powerful foe yet: Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves). This family-friendly option is filled with action, humor, and soul and is great for everyone.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins the Marvel Universe as Kraven the Hunter (Premiers Dec. 13.)
Can we call it a holiday season without a Marvel movie? Kraven the Hunter is the latest in the Sony Marvel Universe and a gritty origin story about one of Spider-Man’s fiercest foes. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Sergei Kravinoff, a man raised by a ruthless crime lord father (Russell Crowe) who becomes the world’s best Hunter. Alongside voodoo priestess Calypso (Ariana DeBose) and Rhino (Alessandro Nivola), Kraven embarks on a brutal voyage with high-stakes action and dark twists.
Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying solo screen time this holiday season, this December lineup has something for everyone. Which ones are on your must-watch list?