The 7 Must-Stream New Movies Hitting Netflix, Prime Video, And Max This Weekend (December 15-17, 2025)

The ultimate streaming weekend is here, and you're in luck: December 15-17, 2025, is packed with brand-new, high-profile film debuts across the major platforms, moving far beyond the usual holiday movie fare. This weekend marks the streaming arrival of several highly-anticipated 2025 festival hits and major studio releases, including a star-studded espionage comedy, a profound literary adaptation, and a genre-bending horror epic from a visionary director.

Forget scrolling endlessly through old catalogs. This list focuses exclusively on the freshest, most talked-about movies that have just landed or are trending as the absolute must-watch features for your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday viewing. From a Jordan Peele-produced thriller to a Wes Anderson original, your watchlist is about to get a serious upgrade.

The Biggest New Movie Releases Streaming This Weekend (December 15-17, 2025)

The final weeks of the year are often a dumping ground for smaller releases, but 2025 is bucking the trend with a slate of prestige and blockbuster-level films hitting the small screen. These are the titles generating the most buzz.

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1. The Phoenician Scheme (Prime Video)

Kicking off the weekend’s must-watch list is the latest cinematic confection from auteur director Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme, which makes its exclusive streaming debut on Prime Video. This film is a stylistic departure for Anderson, blending his signature meticulous aesthetic with the high stakes of an espionage thriller.

A Star-Studded Espionage Black Comedy

The movie is described as an espionage black comedy thriller, featuring Anderson’s most impressive ensemble cast yet. The plot centers on a powerful family and their shadowy international business, which appears to be a front for something much more dangerous.

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The cast list reads like a who's who of Hollywood royalty and frequent Anderson collaborators, including Benicio del Toro as the central figure, Zsa-zsa Korda, one of Europe's richest and most enigmatic men. He is joined by Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Riz Ahmed, ensuring every meticulously framed shot is filled with A-list talent.

Genre: Espionage, Black Comedy, Thriller

Why You Should Watch: It’s a chance to see a master filmmaker apply his unique visual language to a new genre. The blend of high-tension spy craft and Anderson’s deadpan humor makes this a unique cinematic event.

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2. Sinners (Prime Video)

From the director of modern classics, Ryan Coogler, comes Sinners, an epic vampire horror film that is anything but conventional. This is one of the most talked-about genre films of 2025, and it is now available to stream for a terrifying weekend watch.

Horror Meets Historical Drama in 1932 Mississippi

The film is set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, following twin brothers Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack," both WWI veterans returning home. Both brothers are played by Michael B. Jordan in a stunning dual role performance. Their plan to open a local club quickly invites the supernatural and a demonic presence into their lives, transforming the historical drama into a full-blown vampire epic.

Coogler's direction grounds the horror in a rich, historical setting, exploring themes of post-war trauma and deep-seated community secrets. Its critical reception has been strong, praising Jordan’s performance and the film’s unique blend of period piece and creature feature.

Genre: Epic Horror, Vampire Film, Period Drama

Key Entities: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Mississippi Delta, WWI Veterans, Supernatural.

3. Train Dreams (Netflix)

For viewers seeking a more profound, contemplative experience, Train Dreams is the critical darling you need to add to your Netflix queue. This is not a popcorn movie; it is a deeply profound work of contemporary American cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

A Quiet Masterpiece of Literary Adaptation

The film is an adaptation of the celebrated 2011 novella by the late Denis Johnson. It premiered earlier this year at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and has quietly become one of the year's best-reviewed films.

Directed by Clint Bentley, the moving narrative features a powerhouse cast including Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones. The story explores themes of solitude, the American frontier, and the passage of time in a way that is both minimalist and emotionally resonant.

Genre: Drama, Literary Adaptation, Western

LSI Keywords: Profound drama, contemplative cinema, Sundance hit, Denis Johnson adaptation, Joel Edgerton.

More Freshly Added Films and Streaming Alternatives

If you’ve already devoured the top three, or if you prefer a lighter tone for your weekend viewing, the following releases offer a range of genres from laugh-out-loud comedy to heartwarming romance, all new to streaming this December 2025 weekend.

4. The Naked Gun (Prime Video)

The classic comedy franchise gets a modern, yet reverent, reboot with The Naked Gun, which is now available for streaming on Prime Video. This is the fourth installment in the beloved parody series, and it successfully captures the spirit of the originals.

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The biggest surprise is the casting of Liam Neeson in the lead role of Frank Drebin Jr., who steps into his father’s clumsy shoes to prevent the closure of the iconic Police Squad. Neeson's signature deadpan gravitas works perfectly with the absurd material, a key reason for the film’s positive reception. He is joined by a supporting cast including Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser.

Genre: Action Comedy Parody, Slapstick

5. Merv (Prime Video)

For a dose of charming, lighthearted romantic comedy, look no further than Merv, another new Prime Video original. This film takes the classic "couple splitting up" trope and adds a uniquely modern twist: the dog.

A Romantic Comedy for Dog Lovers

The story follows Anna Finch and Russ Owens (played by Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox), whose breakup leaves their dog, Merv, depressed. The central question of the film is whether the couple should—or even can—stay together for the sake of their beloved pet. Directed by Jessica Swale, it’s a feel-good film perfect for a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Family

6. The Christmas Showdown (Max)

While not a debut this specific weekend, the holiday season means Christmas movies are trending heavily, and The Christmas Showdown is one of the newest originals on Max (formerly HBO Max). It’s a perfect, lighthearted addition to your weekend viewing, offering a fresh take on the classic holiday competition narrative.

Max's Top Trending Classics

If you're in the mood for classics, Max's library is also showcasing top-trending holiday favorites like The Polar Express and the timeless comedy National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

7. The Bold Type (Max)

While technically a TV series, the entire run of The Bold Type (Seasons 1-5) has been added to Max's library this week (December 15-21, 2025), making it an ideal binge-watch for the weekend. This is a great choice for viewers looking for a quick, engaging marathon of drama and friendship.

Your December 2025 Streaming Strategy

With the sheer volume of high-quality new releases, this weekend offers a premium selection that caters to every taste. The key to maximizing your viewing pleasure is to prioritize the new 2025 releases that align with your favorite genres:

• For the Cinephile: Start with the critically acclaimed, profound drama of Train Dreams on Netflix.
• For the Thrill Seeker: Dive into the dark, historical horror of Ryan Coogler's Sinners on Prime Video.
• For the A-List Enthusiast: Indulge in the visual spectacle and star power of Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme on Prime Video.
• For a Lighthearted Night: Laugh along with Liam Neeson's absurdity in The Naked Gun or enjoy the charm of Merv, both on Prime Video.

This December 2025 weekend is a testament to the fact that streaming services are becoming the primary destination for major, fresh cinematic releases. Enjoy the show!