3 new Netflix movies to watch in December 2025—and one's already blowing up

December is the perfect time to kick back, relax, and watch a new Netflix movie. The good news is that Netflix has three new movies you simply need to watch before the year ends.

Compared to previous years, Netflix has a little of a shorter list of new movies to watch in December. I have a feeling why that is, and it's all about Stranger Things. Please don't let the quantity of new movies deter you, though. It's all about quality, and luckily, all three of these movies are solid, although they might not be for everyone.

Let's get the list started with a new Christmas movie starring Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge.

My Secret Santa

My Secret Santa is officially the biggest Netflix movie of the month so far, although I think it might have a chance to be topped by the most recently released Netflix movie. There's no doubt My Secret Santa is blowing up right now. It's been the top movie on Netflix since it premiered on Dec. 3, and it's clear why.

Alexandra Breckenridge, who also stars in the hit Netflix drama Virgin River, plays Taylor, a single mom struggling to pay the bills around the holidays. When she sees an opportunity to becoming Santa Claus at a busy ski resort for the holiday season, Taylor goes for it. Pretending that you're something you're not eventually catches up to you, though.

If you're looking for a romantic Christmas movie to watch this holiday season, My Secret Santa is a great place to start.

• Release date: Dec. 3, 2025
• Directed by Michael Rohl
• Cast: Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold, Tia Mowry, Madison MacIsaac, Barry Levy, Diana Maria Riva, and more

Jay Kelly

Noah Baumbach's latest Netflix movie has a great cast and terrific story (what's new?), and it's already getting Oscar buzz. Jay Kelly premiered on Netflix on Dec. 5, and it's been a staple on the Netflix Top 10 ever since.

Jay Kelly is an interesting film that tells the story of a famous actor, Jay Kelly, played by George Clooney who travels around Europe with his family and manager, Ron, played by Adam Sandler. There are more questions raised than answers in the movie has Clooney's character struggles with balance his career, life, and whether it's all worth it.

To me, Jay Kelly isn't getting nearly the buzz it deserves. The reviews have been really good so far, too. It's not the best thing Baumbach's ever made, but it's a great movie. I know we say this every year, but truly, this might be Sandler's best work yet. He's definitely in the Supporting Actor conversation for the Oscars.

• Release date: Dec. 5, 2025
• Directed by Noah Baumbach
• Cast: Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Emily Mortimer, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Eva Hewson, Laura Dern, and more

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is finally on Netflix as of Friday, Dec. 12. This is the third movie of the Knives Out franchise, following Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, about Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig).

In Wake Up Dead Man, Benoit Blanc is summoned to investigate and solve a mysterious death in a church. I feel like the less you know heading into the movie is actually better, so just got watch it!

We've been waiting about three years for Wake Up Dead Man, and it does not disappoint. It might not be as good as the first movie, but it's definitely better than Glass Onion (Noah fence to that great film!).

If you like a murder mystery that's funny, smart, and has a little bit of heart, too, Wake Up Dead Man is the perfect Netflix movie for you.

• Release date: Dec. 12, 2025
• Directed by Rian Johnson
• Cast: Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Josh O'Connor, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Glenn Close, Thomas Haden Church, Daryl McCormick, Jeffrey Wright, and more

After Wake Up Dead Man, it's going to be a pretty sparse end of the year, as mentioned, outside of Stranger Things 5. We're getting Vol. 2 on Dec. 25, which is Christmas Day, followed by the series finale on Dec. 31. The finale is basically a movie. You can even watch it in theaters in the United States, but only for a for a very short time.

If you're looking for a new movie on Netflix in December, this is a great place to start!