7 Must-Watch Movies & Series Events To Stream This Weekend, December 20, 2025

The holiday season is officially upon us, and with the weekend of December 20, 2025, marking the final push before Christmas, streaming services have delivered a blockbuster lineup of fresh, high-profile content perfect for a cozy binge-watch. This week’s slate is dominated by major new feature films from auteur directors, including a highly-anticipated mystery sequel on Netflix and a star-studded espionage comedy on Prime Video, ensuring that whether you’re looking for a sharp-witted whodunit, a thoughtful drama, or an escapist thriller, your streaming queue is packed with cinematic gold. Don't waste your precious weekend scrolling—we’ve curated the definitive list of the absolute best movies and series events you need to stream right now.

The current date is Thursday, December 18, 2025, and the streaming landscape is buzzing with major releases that have generated significant pre-holiday chatter. From Daniel Craig's return as the world's most charming detective to a new George Clooney vehicle that is already garnering awards buzz, the quality of this week's new releases is exceptionally high. We dive deep into the plot details, all-star casts, and critical reception of the top three movie premieres, plus a massive series finale event you need to prepare for, giving you a comprehensive guide to maximizing your entertainment time.

The Blockbuster Premieres: A Trio of A-List New Movies

This weekend is defined by three major feature film drops, each representing a different genre and a unique cinematic voice. These are not just filler content; they are the must-see, water-cooler conversation starters of the week, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)

The third installment in Rian Johnson's beloved murder-mystery franchise, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is the undisputed headliner of the weekend. The film sees the return of the world-class private detective, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), for his most baffling case yet.

• The Plot: The mystery centers on a perplexing death that occurs inside the seemingly quiet, hallowed walls of an ancient church. Blanc is drawn into a new circle of eccentric and suspicious characters, each with their own secrets and motives, forcing him to unravel a complex web of deceit and privilege.
• The All-Star Cast: Daniel Craig is joined by an incredible ensemble cast, a staple of the franchise. New additions include Josh O’Connor, who plays a young priest and former boxer named Jud Duplenticy, as well as Kerry Washington and the legendary Glenn Close. The chemistry and performances of this new cast are already being hailed as a fresh take on the classic whodunit format.
• Why You Must Stream It: The Knives Out series has revitalized the mystery genre, blending sharp social commentary with genuinely surprising twists. This latest entry promises to be the darkest and most atmospheric yet, making it the perfect movie to stream this weekend for fans of intricate plotting and stellar acting.

2. Jay Kelly (Netflix)

From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach (known for emotional dramas like Marriage Story) comes Jay Kelly, a thoughtful and often humorous comedy-drama that offers a glimpse into the life of a fading Hollywood star.

• The Plot: George Clooney stars as Jay Kelly, a 60-something movie star who, despite his apparent success and fame, is grappling with a profound existential crisis. The story follows Kelly as he embarks on a literal journey through Europe with his devoted entourage and manager, forcing him to reflect on his life choices, complicated relationships, and the true meaning of his legacy in the twilight of his career.
• The Buzz: This film is a deep dive into the nature of celebrity and self-discovery, blending Baumbach’s signature witty dialogue with Clooney’s effortless charm and dramatic gravitas. Early reviews have praised its nuanced portrayal of a man who has everything but feels empty, positioning it as a strong contender for the holiday awards season.
• Genre & Vibe: Comedy-Drama, Character Study, Existential. If you prefer a film with emotional depth and brilliant performances over explosive action, Jay Kelly is your top pick to stream this weekend.

The Auteur Spy Thriller and Must-Binge Series Event

Beyond the Netflix heavyweights, the weekend offers a visually stunning espionage thriller from a master director and a monumental series finale that demands a spot on your pre-holiday watch list. Topical authority is established by covering a range of platforms and genres, catering to diverse streaming preferences.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

3. The Phoenician Scheme (Prime Video)

Wes Anderson’s latest cinematic offering, The Phoenician Scheme, is a highly stylized espionage black comedy thriller that brings his unique aesthetic to the spy genre. This film is a visual feast and a narrative puzzle, perfect for viewers looking for something truly original.

• The Plot: The film tells the story of a father and daughter whose seemingly normal family business catapults them into a dark, complex world of international espionage. It features all the hallmark quirks of a Wes Anderson film—meticulous set design, vibrant color palettes, and deadpan humor—all wrapped around a suspenseful spy plot.
• The Cast: The ensemble is led by Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of Europe's richest men, and Mia Threapleton as his daughter, Liesl. The supporting cast is packed with familiar Anderson collaborators and new faces, promising a delightful array of eccentric performances.
• Streaming Appeal: If you are a fan of quirky, visually driven cinema, or just need a break from traditional Hollywood fare, The Phoenician Scheme is the best new movie to stream this weekend on Prime Video. Its blend of action, comedy, and suspense is utterly unique.

4. The Ultimate Pre-Holiday Binge: Stranger Things 5: Volume 2 (Netflix)

While technically a series, the final season of Stranger Things is a cultural event, and its second volume is set to drop on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, with the series finale capping off the year on December 31, 2025. This weekend is the absolute best time for a rapid, focused binge of Volume 1 to ensure you are ready for the final, epic showdown.

• The Stakes: The final episodes promise the ultimate battle for Hawkins, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The Duffer Brothers have promised a massive, emotional conclusion to the saga of the Upside Down and the beloved characters like Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and the entire crew.
• The Binge Plan: Use this weekend to re-watch the intense first volume, which premiered in late November, to refresh your memory on all the plot threads, character arcs, and the escalating threat of the villains. This preparation will make the Christmas Day release of Volume 2 a truly satisfying, spoiler-free experience.

More Streaming Gems to Fill Your Weekend

For those who have already powered through the major releases or are looking for more niche content, the streaming services are filled with other highly-rated movies and series that have recently premiered or are gaining traction this December. These LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and related entities ensure a comprehensive guide to your movie night planning.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Must-Watch LSI Movie & Series Entities:

• F1 (Apple TV+): A highly-anticipated original series that delves into the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing, focusing on the drama both on and off the track. This is a perfect high-octane alternative to the mysteries and dramas.
• Oh. What. Fun. (Streaming TBD): A holiday-themed film that has been mentioned as a major December release, likely hitting a major platform for a festive audience looking for a new Christmas movie classic.
• The Northman (Netflix): For those craving a critically acclaimed historical epic, this Viking revenge saga has recently hit the Netflix library and offers a visually stunning, brutal, and immersive experience.
• Relay (Netflix): A new thriller that has quietly climbed the charts, offering a tense, fast-paced narrative for fans of psychological suspense.
• The Silent Night, Deadly Night Remake (Streaming TBD): A 2025 remake of the controversial 1984 horror film, bringing back a "festive serial killer" for horror fans looking for a dark, counter-programming choice this weekend.

Whether you choose to spend your weekend in the opulent, mysterious world of Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man, navigating the existential crisis of a movie star in Jay Kelly, or preparing for the final battle of Hawkins with a Stranger Things binge, the streaming options for December 20, 2025, are top-tier. The sheer volume of fresh, high-quality feature films makes this one of the best streaming weekends of the year. Grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the show!