10 Shows and Movies on Netflix You Need to Watch This December 2025

Things are about to get serious on Netflix.

December 2025 is bringing a slew of heavy-hitting documentaries to the streaming platform, as well as the long-awaited end of the Stranger Things saga. Fans are on the edge of their seats for the final two-part release on Dec. 25 and 31.

Between the episode drops, though, Netflix is also platforming a sweet holiday rom-com, a compelling drama about women in the Wild West and Kate Winslet’s directorial debut.

Whether you’re looking for a little bit of distraction or want to dive into the real-life stories of those affected by school shootings or the power of dance in one Ugandan community, Netflix has something for you this month.

Here are 10 must-watch movies and TV shows on Netflix in December 2025.

All the Empty Rooms (Dec. 1)

All the Empty Rooms follows photographers Lou Bopp and Steve Hartman, who committed themselves to documenting the rooms of children who were killed in school shootings.

This tender, arresting short documentary shines a light on what and who is left behind after mass violence and how these children’s legacies are maintained.

Watch All the Empty Rooms on Netflix on Dec. 1

My Secret Santa (Dec. 3)

Adding to the slew of Netflix holiday content, My Secret Santa takes classic rom-com hijinks to a new level. In this Mrs. Doubtfire-esque story, a single mom in need of a job (Alexandra Breckenridge) takes on an intense transformation to be hired as a ski resort’s Santa.

Despite it (or because of, some may say), her dedication to the bit, she falls in love with the hotel’s heir (Ryan Eggold), leaving him to decide if he can look past her fake beard and long-running ruse.

Watch My Secret Santa on Netflix on Dec. 3

The Abandons (Dec. 4)

The Wild West may be a well-trod genre, but The Abandons wants viewers to look at the era in a different way, one that centers the many women who wielded power during the time of the outlaws.

The Abandons stars Lena Headey, Gillian Anderson and Lucas Till as families at war; one has money, the other has a desperate desire for power, leading the two matriarchs into an intense showdown.

Come for the turf war, stay for the wide open shots and pitch-perfect costume design.

Watch The Abandons on Netflix on Dec. 4

Jay Kelly (Dec. 5)

In this meta look at the life of a star, centering George Clooney, critics are saying Adam Sandler is the best he’s ever been. Jay Kelly follows the pair of actors playing a mega star and his manager, respectively.

As Clooney’s character Kelly reaches the later years of his career, the pair reflect on everything that they’ve done together and the people they’ve met along the way. Infused with Noah Baumbach’s particular affection for offbeat humor and long shots of wistful glances, Jay Kelly charts new possibilities for Netflix.

Watch Jay Kelly on Netflix on Dec. 5

The New Yorker at 100 (Dec. 5)

The iconic, long-running magazine The New Yorker is celebrating its 100th year with a documentary outlining its history, longevity and all the people who have worked on its issues week after week.

The film reflects on the cultural impact of the magazine, which includes everything from stories on dance and politics to offbeat cartoons. This peek behind the veil is the first of its kind for fans of The New Yorker.

Watch The New Yorker at 100 on Netflix on Dec. 5

Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within (Dec. 9)

This Prince Harry and Meghan Markle-produced short documentary takes viewers into the lives (and newfound fame) of a group of children at an orphanage in Uganda who have built a social media following through dance and music.

At this orphanage, Masaka Kids Africana, founder Suuna and his wife Madina Hassan run a robust music program that centers helping the children under their care to find joy.

Watch Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within on Netflix on Dec. 9

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Dec. 12)

Benoit Blanc hive rise! The smooth, southern detective is back for another raucous mystery ride in the third Knives Out installment from Rian Johnson. Wake Up Dead Man is the second Knives Out movie to premiere on Netflix, and it does not aim to disappoint.

The all-star cast of Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Mila Kunis, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close and Kerry Washington takes on a new murder mystery revolving around a priest and his fanatical congregation. As always, the thrills will be tendered with an equal amount of laughs.

Watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix on Dec. 12

Emily in Paris season 5 (Dec. 18)

Emily is on the move! For the beloved, campy series’ fifth season, Lily Collins’ titular character is traveling to Italy. Ashley Park and Lucas Bravo are both returning as well in their roles of best friend Mindy Chen and on-and-off-again lover Gabriel.

Although the crew won’t be in Paris for the whole season, Italy offers the characters a chance to break patterns and explore another romantic city.

Watch Emily in Paris season 5 on Netflix on Dec. 18

Goodbye June (Dec. 24)

Winslet is taking a turn in the director’s chair for the first time with her movie Goodbye June. The film follows her character and her three siblings contending with their mother’s rapidly ailing health over the holidays.

It’s heart-wrenching but buoyed by the humor of Toni Collette and Helen Mirren throughout.

Watch Goodbye June on Netflix on Dec. 24

Stranger Things season 5, volume 2 and The Finale (Dec. 25 and 31)

It’s time to save the world from Vecna one last time for this scrappy crew! Stranger Things, which debuted almost 10 years ago in July 2016, will finally conclude in December 2025 with the last two parts of the three-part season.

On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, fans of the show will watch their favorite characters, Eleven ( Millie Bobby Brown), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Will (Noah Schnapp), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), Robin (Maya Hawke), Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Steve (Joe Keery) for the last time. Show creators the Duffer brothers have promised a strong send-off for the crew, who are planning their biggest takedown of the Upside Down yet.

Watch Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 and The Finale on Dec. 25 and 31