10 Must-Watch New Movies: The Ultimate Guide To Theatrical And Streaming Releases (Late 2025 & Early 2026)

The film landscape is exploding with new releases, offering a compelling mix of star-studded mysteries, high-octane sports dramas, and long-awaited animated sequels. As of today, December 12, 2025, the focus is split between major streaming debuts arriving just in time for the holiday season and the massive blockbusters currently shaping the cinema schedule for 2026. Whether you are looking for a cozy night in with a new Netflix or Prime Video mystery or planning your trip to the theater for a 2026 animated epic, this comprehensive guide has you covered with the freshest, most up-to-date movie recommendations.

This winter movie preview highlights the immediate must-see films hitting platforms this month, alongside a look at the biggest, most talked-about projects that are already dominating the 2026 movie calendar. Get ready to update your watchlist; the next wave of cinematic masterpieces is here.

The Immediate Must-Watch: Top New Movies Streaming in December 2025

The end of 2025 is dominated by major streaming originals, with production studios leveraging their platforms to drop prestige projects right before the holidays. These titles are perfect for a weekend binge and represent some of the most current and best new movies to watch right now.

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

The third installment in Rian Johnson's beloved murder-mystery series, Wake Up Dead Man, sees the return of the world's greatest detective, Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. This sequel, which is already generating significant Oscar buzz, is a high-profile Netflix release and is being touted as Blanc’s "most dangerous mystery yet." The film follows a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town, forcing a local police chief to seek help from the renowned private detective.

• Key Cast Entities: Daniel Craig (Benoit Blanc), Josh O'Connor, Mila Kunis, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
• Director: Rian Johnson
• Genre: Whodunit Mystery, Crime Thriller
• Release Date: Late 2025 (Netflix)

2. The Phoenician Scheme (Prime Video)

Wes Anderson’s latest cinematic venture is a highly-anticipated Prime Video original. The Phoenician Scheme brings his signature visual style and ensemble cast to a new, sprawling narrative centered on wealth and family. The plot revolves around a powerful and complex family and their family business, promising the quirky dialogue and meticulously crafted sets that Anderson is famous for.

• Key Cast Entities: Benicio del Toro (as Anatole "Zsa-Zsa" Korda), Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, and Scarlett Johansson.
• Director: Wes Anderson
• Genre: Comedy-Drama
• Release Date: December 5, 2025 (Prime Video)

3. F1 (Apple TV+)

For fans of high-octane action and sports dramas, the Apple Original Film F1 is a must-see streaming movie this month. This film dives deep into the world of Formula One racing, with a focus on authenticity, made possible by the involvement of F1 star Lewis Hamilton as a producer. The movie stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 prodigy who returns to the track after a 30-year absence to help save his old team, APXGP. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, ensuring a visually stunning and immersive experience.

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• Key Cast Entities: Brad Pitt (Sonny Hayes), Lewis Hamilton (Producer), Joseph Kosinski (Director), Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer).
• Genre: Sports Drama, Action
• Release Date: December 12, 2025 (Apple TV+)

4. Ella McCay (Theatrical Release)

A major theatrical release this month is Ella McCay, a political comedy-drama from legendary director James L. Brooks. The film stars Emma Mackey as the titular Ella McCay, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor who is suddenly thrust into the role of governor after her mentor steps down. The movie blends comedy and drama as Ella attempts to juggle her challenging political career with complex familial issues.

• Key Cast Entities: Emma Mackey (Ella McCay), Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Julie Kavner, and Woody Harrelson.
• Director: James L. Brooks
• Genre: Comedy-Drama, Political Satire
• Release Date: December 12, 2025 (Theatrical)

Anticipated Blockbusters: Top Film Releases of 2026 and Beyond

While the immediate future holds plenty of streaming gold, the 2026 schedule is already packed with massive theatrical events. These upcoming movie releases are already generating buzz and represent the next wave of global blockbusters, from animated sequels to live-action remakes and big-budget sci-fi.

5. Toy Story 5 (Theatrical)

Pixar is returning to its most beloved franchise with Toy Story 5, a film that promises to evolve the series beyond the traditional "lost toy" narrative. Directed by Andrew Stanton, a key figure in the Toy Story universe, the sequel will tackle a new, highly relevant theme: the impact of modern technology and electronic toys on the classic toy world. The central conflict is being described as "Toy Meets Tech," suggesting a fresh and innovative direction for Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the whole gang.

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• Key Entities: Andrew Stanton (Director), Pixar, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Electronic Toys, Disney.
• Genre: Animated Adventure, Family
• Release Date: June 2026

6. Moana (Live-Action Adaptation)

Following the trend of live-action adaptations, Disney's Moana is set to bring the beloved Polynesian adventure to life in 2026. The film will follow the same core plot as the 2016 animated hit, focusing on Moana’s journey to save her island and find her true path. The production has generated significant excitement with the casting of newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and the return of Dwayne Johnson to reprise his role as the demigod Maui. Original voice actor Auliʻi Cravalho remains involved as an executive producer.

• Key Cast Entities: Catherine Laga'aia (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Auliʻi Cravalho (Executive Producer).
• Genre: Musical Adventure, Fantasy
• Release Date: July 10, 2026

7. Greenland 2: Migration (Theatrical)

The post-apocalyptic thriller Greenland is getting a sequel, Greenland 2: Migration, which is slated for an early 2026 release. Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin are set to return, continuing the story of a family surviving a catastrophic comet impact. This highly anticipated sequel promises more intense action and a deeper exploration of a world struggling to rebuild after a global disaster.

• Key Cast Entities: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Lionsgate.
• Genre: Disaster Film, Action, Sci-Fi
• Release Date: January 9, 2026

8. Steven Spielberg's Untitled Event Film (Theatrical)

One of the most intriguing and highly-anticipated titles on the 2026 calendar is the untitled event film from legendary director Steven Spielberg. While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, its scheduling as a major summer release indicates a significant, large-scale cinematic experience. The sheer presence of Spielberg’s name is enough to make this one of the top film releases to watch out for.

• Key Entities: Steven Spielberg (Director), Universal Pictures.
• Genre: Untitled Event Film (Likely Sci-Fi or Adventure)
• Release Date: June 2026

More New Movies and Streaming Recommendations

Beyond the major blockbusters, several other new movies are hitting the screens and streaming services, ensuring a diverse range of options for every taste. These titles are integral to topical authority and round out the list of best new movies to watch this winter and beyond:

• SOULM8TE: A new Blumhouse thriller set for a January 9, 2026, release, following the success of the studio's other genre films.
• Supergirl: The DC Universe is expanding with this long-awaited film, scheduled for June 2026, which will introduce a fresh take on the iconic character.
• Masters of the Universe: The live-action adaptation of the classic He-Man franchise is also slated for a June 2026 release, promising a high-fantasy adventure.
• The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Re-Release: For the ultimate theatrical experience, Fathom Events is bringing the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy back to cinemas in January 2026, celebrating the 25th anniversary with a special DBOX presentation.

The current film slate, extending from the immediate December streaming debuts to the major 2026 theatrical events, offers something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of star-studded murder mysteries like Wake Up Dead Man, high-speed sports action like F1, or family-friendly animated adventures such as Toy Story 5, your watchlist is officially full for the next several months. Don't miss these essential new movies to watch as the cinematic year closes and the next one begins.