As the holidays draw near, it’s the perfect season to cozy up and dive into a mix of fresh films and series that will keep you entertained all month long. Whether you’re relaxing at home or heading to the theater, December offers a lineup filled with gripping dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and thought-provoking adaptations. These stories bring unforgettable characters, compelling twists, and plenty of moments to savor during the festive season.

Movies

Mufasa

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the epic journey of how an orphaned cub rose to become the legendary King of the Pride Lands. Told through Rafiki’s storytelling to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter, voiced by Blue Ivy Carter, the film follows young Mufasa’s trials, friendships, and destiny. Featuring an all-star cast, music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and direction by Barry Jenkins, this highly anticipated movie roars into theaters December 20.

Babygirl

Babygirl follows a high-powered CEO who jeopardizes her career and family when she embarks on a passionate affair with her much younger intern. Directed by Halina Reijn, this sexually charged thriller explores power, desire, and consequences with a sharp, provocative lens. Starring Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, and Sophie Wilde, the film delivers unforgettable performances and debuts in theaters Christmas 2024.

The Brutalist

With a 97% Tomatometer score, The Brutalist tells the story of architect László Toth rebuilding his life and marriage in post-war America. Settling in Pennsylvania, he earns the support of a powerful industrialist but discovers the high cost of ambition and legacy. Featuring Adrien Brody’s soulful performance, Brady Corbet’s film is a powerful exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and the immigrant journey.

Nickel Boys

Elwood Curtis’s college dreams collapse when he’s sentenced to Nickel Academy, a violent reformatory in the Jim Crow South. There, he forms an alliance with Turner, a cynical fellow ward, as they navigate the harsh realities of their confinement. Against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, Nickel Boys, directed by RaMell Ross, powerfully adapts Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel with a deeply immersive, unconventional style.

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Nightbitch

Amy Adams takes the lead in Nightbitch, a darkly surreal story about a woman who pauses her career to become a stay-at-home mom, only to find her maternal routine taking an unexpected and transformative turn. Directed by Marielle Heller and based on Rachel Yoder’s bestselling novel, the film delves into the complexities of identity and motherhood.

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Nosferatu

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a gothic horror tale of obsession and terror, centered on a haunted young woman and the vampire infatuated with her. Starring Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, and Nicholas Hoult, this remake of the 1922 classic brings a dark and atmospheric retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Filmed in Prague, the highly anticipated movie releases in theaters on December 25, 2024.

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TV

Dexter: Original Sin

Set in 1991 Miami, Dexter: Original Sin follows Dexter (Patrick Gibson) as he transforms from a student into an avenging serial killer. Guided by his father Harry (Christian Slater), Dexter adopts a strict Code to eliminate those who deserve to die, all while navigating his internship at the Miami Metro Police Department. With a 90’s spin on the beloved series, Dexter: Original Sin returns with Michael C. Hall voicing the iconic inner monologue, streaming December 13 on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.

Squid Game Season 2

Squid Game Season 2 premieres December 26 on Netflix, as Gi-hun returns to the deadly survival game with a new purpose and fresh competitors vying for 45.6 billion won. Directed by Emmy-winner Hwang Dong-hyuk, the season reunites fan-favorite cast members while introducing a stellar lineup of new faces.

Earth Abides

Earth Abides premieres December 1, 2024, exclusively on MGM+. The series follows Ish, a solitary geologist who awakens from a coma to discover a plague has nearly wiped out humanity, forcing him to rebuild with a small group of survivors. Based on George R. Stewart’s novel, this gripping post-apocalyptic drama stars Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes.

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No Good Deed

No Good Deed, a comedy series created by Liz Feldman, premieres December 12, 2024, on Netflix. The show follows three families battling over the same house, each convinced it will solve all their problems. Starring Lisa Kudrow—who’s definitely not here to make friends—alongside Ray Romano and Linda Cardellini, this hilarious series promises plenty of laughs and drama.