The 5 Must-Watch Movies Hitting Theaters And Streaming This Weekend (December 13–14, 2025)

Planning your ultimate movie marathon for the weekend of December 13–14, 2025? This is a pivotal weekend for film fans, offering a perfect storm of brand-new theatrical debuts, a terrifying horror remake, and massive, critically-acclaimed streaming releases you absolutely need to catch up on. Whether you’re looking for a prestige political comedy-drama, a holiday slasher, or a blockbuster sequel, our curated list ensures your weekend viewing schedule is packed with the freshest, most talked-about cinema.

The first half of December 2025 has already delivered some heavy hitters, but the releases arriving on Friday, December 12, 2025, are set to dominate the box office and the home streaming charts. From a hotly anticipated James L. Brooks project to a monster movie that has already become a global phenomenon, here is the definitive guide to the top movies to watch this weekend.

The Weekend's Blockbuster New Releases (December 12, 2025)

The major cinematic event of the weekend is a double-header of high-contrast films: a prestige political piece and a brutal holiday horror remake. Both films are set to premiere on Friday, December 12, 2025, giving audiences plenty of fresh options.

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1. Ella McCay: The Prestige Political Comedy-Drama

Genre: Political Comedy-Drama

The Buzz: Directed and written by the legendary James L. Brooks, *Ella McCay* is the kind of prestige film 20th Century Studios releases to generate major Oscar buzz. It stars rising star Emma Mackey in the title role, alongside a powerhouse ensemble cast including Jamie. The film follows a young, idealistic politician who is thrust into a high-stakes, chaotic campaign that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of American politics.

Why You Should Watch: Brooks' return to the director's chair is always an event, known for his sharp dialogue and deeply human characters. However, early word suggests the film may be polarizing, with some critics reportedly panning it and box office projections eyeing a potentially disastrous opening. This makes it a must-watch for film enthusiasts who want to be part of the debate—is it an underappreciated masterpiece or a critical misfire? Its PG-13 rating for strong language and some sexual material suggests it doesn't pull any punches, making it a mature, thought-provoking choice for the weekend.

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2. Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025 Remake)

Genre: Slasher, Holiday Horror

The Buzz: For horror fans, the counter-programming to *Ella McCay* is the latest reimagining of the controversial 1984 slasher classic, *Silent Night, Deadly Night*. This 2025 remake is directed by Mike P. Nelson and stars Rohan Campbell. It brings back cinema's most infamous, uh, festive serial killer, promising a modern take on the killer Santa Claus trope.

Why You Should Watch: If you're tired of traditional holiday cheer, this is your ticket. The original film was notorious for its shocking premise, and the 2025 version is expected to deliver a brutal, bloody, and over-the-top experience, capitalizing on the current slasher renaissance. It’s the perfect, dark, and thrilling option for a late-night viewing this weekend. The film's pedigree, being a second remake, means the filmmakers have a high bar to clear, making the result a fascinating watch for horror aficionados.

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The Best Movies Still Dominating Theaters

While the new releases are exciting, one major sequel released last week is still drawing massive crowds and remains a top contender for your movie ticket this weekend.

3. Five Nights at Freddy's 2

Genre: Supernatural Horror, Video Game Adaptation

The Buzz: Released on December 5, 2025, *Five Nights at Freddy's 2* is the highly anticipated sequel from Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, based on the survival game by Scott Cawthon. The film has been a box office juggernaut since its debut and is the definitive choice for a big-screen, crowd-pleasing experience this weekend.

Why You Should Watch: The sequel picks up one year after the original nightmare at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. Ex-security guard Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson) and his little sister are back, with the plot promising to dive deeper into the origins of the terrifying animatronics. Matthew Lillard returns, with rumors suggesting an even bigger, more central role for his character. The film introduces Abby Schmidt (Rubio) as she reconnects with her animatronic "friends." For fans of the franchise, this is a non-negotiable watch for the weekend.

Top New and Trending Streaming Options

For those preferring a cozy night in, the streaming platforms have delivered some massive, world-dominating hits that are perfect for a weekend binge.

4. Troll 2 (Netflix)

Genre: Monster Movie, Action-Adventure

The Buzz: Released globally on Netflix on December 1, 2025, this Norwegian sequel has already become a colossal international hit, reportedly ranking as the most-watched movie on the platform worldwide. Directed by Roar Uthaug, *Troll 2* brings back the original cast and ramps up the action with the introduction of a terrifying new threat: the "Megatroll."

Why You Should Watch: If you enjoyed the scale and spectacle of the first *Troll* movie, this sequel promises to be bigger in every way. The film’s success demonstrates its high production value and engaging story, focusing on a new national crisis in Norway as the colossal creature emerges to wreak havoc. It’s an accessible, thrilling blockbuster that you can enjoy instantly from your couch, making it an ideal family or group watch for the weekend.

5. American Sweatshop (Streaming Debut)

Genre: Mystery Thriller, Social Commentary

The Buzz: This mystery thriller, directed by Uta Briesewitz and starring Lili Reinhart, is one of the most talked-about streaming debuts of the month. It was originally a limited theatrical release but has found a massive second life on a major streaming service this December. The film dives into the dark, unfiltered world of social media moderation, where trauma is just another shift.

Why You Should Watch: *American Sweatshop* offers a gritty, timely, and disturbing look at the toll of digital life. Lili Reinhart plays a content moderator tasked with purging offensive media from the internet. The tension escalates when she witnesses a genuine crime in a video and is drawn into a real-world mystery. The film’s intense, 100-minute runtime and focus on a high-pressure, emotionally draining job make it a compelling, thought-provoking thriller for viewers seeking something with depth and genuine suspense this weekend.

More Must-Watch Entities to Boost Your Weekend Viewing

Beyond the top five, the current cinematic landscape is rich with other high-quality films and special events. To ensure maximum topical authority for your weekend plans, consider these additional, highly-relevant options:

• The Shining: 45th Anniversary IMAX: For cinephiles, Stanley Kubrick's immortal horror film is back on IMAX screens for its forty-fifth anniversary, offering a chance to see a masterpiece in a truly grand format.
• My Secret Santa (Netflix): A lighter, more traditional holiday movie for those who need a dose of seasonal cheer, released earlier in the month.
• Fugue State 1986 (Netflix): A new Colombian drama series that has also recently premiered on Netflix, offering an alternative for those who prefer a deep-dive series over a movie.
• Upcoming Anticipation: Keep an eye on new cuts of classics like *Kill Bill* and the latest *Avatar* sequel, which are slated for later in December 2025.

Whether you choose the high-stakes political drama of *Ella McCay*, the gruesome fun of *Silent Night, Deadly Night*, the blockbuster spectacle of *Five Nights at Freddy's 2*, or the streaming hits *Troll 2* and *American Sweatshop*, this weekend is packed with fresh, engaging cinema for every taste.