3 best new Netflix movies to watch (and 2 to skip) in December 2024

Beyond the constant flow of popular movies streaming on Netflix, there's always a reliable bunch of new Netflix original movies to watch each weekend. Even after a jam-packed run in November, which brought four new original Christmas rom-coms and other hit films, Netflix continues to see off 2024 with a cinematic bang in December 2024.

Starting off the month, Netflix unveils its latest family-friendly animated holiday movie that's sure to take up residence in the top 10 ranking for the rest of the month. The Christmas spirit continues with a holiday-set thriller that will get your pulse racing as well as with a biblical coming-of-age drama about Mary. But there's plenty more movies for every watcher!

If you're starting to plan either your weekend or winter break movie marathons, we're sharing five of the biggest new Netflix original movies premiering in December 2024. Find out which movies are must-watches and which ones some viewers are better off skipping.

That Christmas

Watch! Making its premiere on Dec. 4, Netflix animated fantasy movie That Christmas shares its premise with the book That Christmas and Other Stories by Richard Curtis. In the movie, there are a series of intertwined stories that take place during Christmastime, and it all culminates in a magical and heartwarming watch for the whole family. If there's one new Christmas movie you watch on family movie night this year, make sure its That Christmas.

Mary

Skip! You might not have expected to see a coming-of-age movie about Mary and the birth of Jesus on Netflix this December, but the streamer debuts Mary on Dec. 6. The film tracks Mary's isolation following the immaculate conception and birth of Jesus, forcing her to go on the run with her baby and Joseph to get away from those trying to hurt Jesus. Mary obviously won't be a movie that everyone will enjoy, so if it doesn't sound like it's up your alley, feel free to skip.

Maria

Watch! There are a lot of reasons to watch Maria when it premieres on Netflix on Dec. 11. First of all, it's the latest biopic from director Pablo Larraín, who also directed the Oscar-nominated bipoics Jackie starring Natalie Portman and Spencer starring Kristen Stewart. Second of all, Angelina Jolie's back in an iconic leading role as a famous opera singer and her performance is garnering Oscar buzz. Between the director and Jolie, this one's definitely worth watching, not skipping.

Carry-On

Watch! Who says all Christmas movies have to be magical and whimsical and merry and bright? Carry-On makes the case for a Christmas thriller, as the movie takes place in an airport on Christmas Eve as a TSA agent must stop an attack from occurring. Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Logan Marshall-Green, Sofia Carson, and Danielle Deadwyler star in the movie that's sure to be Netflix's next hugely popular thriller film when it makes its streaming premiere on Dec. 13.

The Six Triple Eight

Skip! Now, The Six Triple Eight isn't a skip for any other reason than the fact that some movie watchers might not be especially interested in a war movie around the holidays. Kerry Washington stars in the film from writer-director Tyler Perry and plays a major in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. It's sure to have amazing performances from Washington and other familiar faces, but on Dec. 20, you might choose a Christmas movie over a war movie.