10 Shockingly Good Movies To Stream On Netflix Right Now (December 2025)

Finding a truly good movie on Netflix can feel like a treasure hunt, but fear not: the streaming giant has delivered a phenomenal slate of new releases and high-authority classics for December 2025. This list cuts through the noise to bring you only the must-watch films that are critically acclaimed, generating buzz, or simply perfect for a weekend binge. Whether you're craving a star-studded mystery, a profound drama, or a gritty crime thriller, these selections are guaranteed to elevate your viewing experience.

From the highly anticipated return of Detective Benoit Blanc in a new murder mystery to a star-studded comedy-drama from an Oscar-nominated director, this is your definitive guide to the best movies to stream on Netflix right now, as of December 2025. Get ready to update your queue with these fresh and compelling cinematic choices.

The Newest Must-Watch Netflix Original Films (Late 2025 Releases)

The end of the year always brings Netflix's biggest awards contenders and blockbuster releases. These recent additions are the freshest and most talked-about titles available on the platform this month.

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1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

The world's most famous detective is back. *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* is the third installment in the beloved whodunit series, and it’s arguably the darkest and most complex yet. Detective Benoit Blanc, once again played by the incomparable Daniel Craig, finds himself in a new, impossible scenario.

• Director: Rian Johnson
• Starring: Daniel Craig (Benoit Blanc), Josh O'Connor (Rev. Jud Duplenticy), Kerry Washington (Vera Draven), Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
• The Buzz: This film centers on the mysterious death of a Catholic priest, Rev. Jud Duplenticy, who is killed in a seemingly impossible fashion. Blanc must navigate a new circle of eccentric suspects, including the ambitious politician Cy Draven and his half-sister Vera Draven, to unravel a plot filled with weaponized online drama and deep-seated resentment. It's a masterful crime caper that delivers on the promise of the previous films.

2. Jay Kelly (2025)

From the director of *Marriage Story* and *Frances Ha* comes a deeply personal and often hilarious comedy-drama. *Jay Kelly* is a profound character study of a man grappling with his own identity and fame.

• Director: Noah Baumbach
• Writers: Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer
• Starring: George Clooney (Jay Kelly), Adam Sandler (Ron), and Laura Dern (Liz).
• The Buzz: George Clooney plays the titular famous movie actor, Jay Kelly, who embarks on a whirlwind journey through Europe with his devoted manager, Ron, played by Adam Sandler. The film explores Jay’s mid-life personality crisis, forcing him to confront whether he has a true self, or merely a collection of the personalities he has played. Critics are calling it a brilliant, introspective piece of cinema.

3. The Great Flood (2025)

If you're looking for a high-stakes, large-scale spectacle, look no further than this South Korean sci-fi disaster film. *The Great Flood* is a tense, 108-minute thriller that has been a major highlight of Netflix’s December slate.

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• Genre: Sci-Fi Disaster Thriller
• Starring: Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo.
• The Buzz: Following a catastrophic global flood, the film centers on a desperate fight for survival. The teaser trailer alone promised stunning visuals and relentless tension, making it a must-watch for fans of the disaster genre. It premiered on Netflix on December 19, 2025, and instantly became one of the most talked-about international films of the year.

4. Caught Stealing (2025)

Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky returns with a gritty, R-rated crime thriller based on the novel by Charlie Huston. This is a dark, chaotic look at the underbelly of 1990s New York City.

• Director: Darren Aronofsky
• Starring: Austin Butler (Hank Thompson).
• The Buzz: Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a washed-up former star baseball player who now works as a New York City bartender. When he agrees to watch a friend's apartment, he quickly becomes tangled in a violent criminal underworld, pursued by two sets of vicious killers. It’s a dark and messy crime caper that showcases Butler's range and Aronofsky’s signature intense style.

Critically-Acclaimed Dramas and Timeless Classics

Beyond the fresh Netflix Original Films, the platform consistently rotates in some of the most critically-acclaimed dramas and essential movies of all time. These are the high-authority titles you should stream if you’ve missed them, or if you simply want to revisit a masterpiece.

5. Train Dreams (2025)

While technically a new release, *Train Dreams* offers a quiet, profound experience that stands apart from the blockbusters. This film is an adaptation of the acclaimed novella by Denis Johnson.

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• Director: Clint Bentley
• Starring: Joel Edgerton.
• The Buzz: Clint Bentley’s sophomore effort is a profound story of an ordinary man—his joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams—set against a vast, beautiful, and often harsh landscape. It made its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and has been lauded as a quiet masterpiece, focusing on the simple, yet moving, complexities of a life lived.

6. The Northman (2022)

For fans of epic historical action and dark, gritty cinema, *The Northman* is a must-watch movie. Directed by Robert Eggers, this film is a brutal, visually stunning Viking saga.

• Director: Robert Eggers
• Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, and Willem Dafoe.
• The Buzz: The story follows Prince Amleth, who witnesses the murder of his father, King Aurvandill, and vows revenge on his uncle, Fjölnir. The film is a meticulously researched and stylized historical epic, showcasing a relentless quest for vengeance. Its sheer scale and stunning cinematography make it one of the best action/historical dramas available on the platform.

7. Pulp Fiction (1994)

A true cinematic cornerstone, Quentin Tarantino's neo-noir black comedy crime film remains one of the most influential movies ever made. Its non-linear storyline and iconic dialogue are perfect for a rewatch.

• Director: Quentin Tarantino
• Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis.
• The Buzz: The film interweaves the storylines of two hitmen, a gangster's wife, a boxer, and a pair of diner bandits. *Pulp Fiction* is an essential piece of film history, offering a masterclass in dialogue and character development. It is a high-authority title that consistently ranks among the best streaming choices.

The Best Feel-Good and Comfort Movies

Sometimes, you just need a movie that is comforting, heartwarming, or deeply moving. These selections offer a break from the intense dramas and thrillers, providing emotional depth and classic storytelling.

8. Forrest Gump (1994)

This Academy Award-winning film is a cultural phenomenon that blends comedy, drama, and historical fiction. It's an enduring story about an extraordinary life lived by an ordinary man.

• Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field.
• The Buzz: The film chronicles the life of Forrest Gump, a kind-hearted man with a low IQ, as he witnesses and sometimes influences several defining historical events of the 20th century. It’s a deeply emotional journey that explores themes of love, loss, and destiny. It's a perfect choice for a family viewing or a nostalgic night in.

9. Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel is a vibrant, critically-acclaimed drama that manages to feel both timeless and contemporary. It’s a beautifully shot and acted film.

• Director: Greta Gerwig
• Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, and Meryl Streep.
• The Buzz: The story follows the lives of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—as they come of age in 19th-century New England. Gerwig's non-linear storytelling gives the film a fresh perspective, highlighting the sisters' individual ambitions and the unbreakable bond of family. It’s a critically-acclaimed drama that is a joy to stream.

10. As Good as It Gets (1997)

This romantic comedy-drama is a classic for a reason, featuring two Oscar-winning performances. It's a sharp, witty, and surprisingly tender look at unlikely connections.

• Director: James L. Brooks
• Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear.
• The Buzz: Jack Nicholson plays Melvin Udall, an obsessive-compulsive novelist who finds his life intertwined with a single mother, Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), and his gay artist neighbor, Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear). The film is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, with a blend of humor and genuine emotion that makes it one of the best movies to stream for a feel-good experience.

Why These Movies Are the Best Streaming Choices This Month

The current Netflix lineup for December 2025 is a powerful mix of brand-new, high-budget Original Films and cinematic masterpieces. The inclusion of *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* and *Jay Kelly* provides fresh content that is already dominating conversations and awards predictions, offering viewers the chance to watch the newest major Hollywood releases from the comfort of their home.

For those seeking high topical authority, the presence of films from acclaimed directors like Rian Johnson, Noah Baumbach, Darren Aronofsky, and Robert Eggers is a clear indicator of quality. These are not just filler movies; they are critically-acclaimed dramas and thrillers featuring A-list actors like Daniel Craig, George Clooney, Austin Butler, and Joel Edgerton. By choosing from this list, you are guaranteed a high-quality, engaging viewing experience that answers the question of what to watch this weekend. Whether you prefer a deep dive into a sci-fi disaster film like *The Great Flood* or a re-examination of a classic like *Pulp Fiction*, your next must-watch movie is ready to stream.