The streaming wars are heating up just in time for the holidays, and the weekend of December 13–15, 2025, is delivering a massive slate of must-watch content across all major platforms. Whether you are craving a star-studded whodunit, a high-octane action thriller, or a heartwarming animated series from Pixar, your watchlist is about to get a serious upgrade. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to bring you the freshest, most compelling new movies and series that critics and fans are already buzzing about.
From the return of a beloved detective to a new comedy-drama from an acclaimed director, this is the definitive list of what to stream this weekend. Get ready to cancel your plans, grab your favorite snacks, and dive into the best new entertainment available on Netflix, Disney+, Max, and Prime Video.
The Weekend's Top 7 Must-Watch Streaming Releases
This weekend’s line-up is dominated by major original films and highly anticipated series debuts. We've focused on the most significant new additions that offer compelling stories and A-list talent, ensuring your binge-watching session is time well spent. These titles represent the pinnacle of December streaming releases for 2025.
1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)
Release Date: December 12, 2025
The third installment in Rian Johnson’s critically acclaimed mystery franchise is finally here, and it promises to be the most twisty yet. Daniel Craig returns as the iconic Southern private detective, Benoit Blanc, who this time is tasked with solving a seemingly impossible crime: the murder of a Catholic priest.
- Genre: Whodunit, Mystery, Comedy-Drama
- The Plot Hook: A respected priest is found dead under baffling circumstances that defy logic, forcing Blanc to confront a case that tests his deductive reasoning like never before. The film is packed with the franchise's signature social commentary, this time reportedly touching on the perils of weaponizing online content through an aspiring politician character.
- Star-Studded Cast: The ensemble cast is, as always, phenomenal, featuring Josh O’Connor (as Rev. Jud Duplenticy), Kerry Washington (as Vera Draven), Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and Daryl McCormack (as Cy Draven).
- Why You Should Stream It: The *Knives Out* series has redefined the modern mystery genre. This entry is a guaranteed cinematic event, perfect for a cozy weekend night in. Fans are calling this Benoit Blanc's new case his most dangerous.
2. Carry-On (Netflix)
Release Date: December 13, 2025
If you're looking for a pulse-pounding, claustrophobic thriller, look no further than *Carry-On*. This new action film is being compared to classics like *Die Hard* for its single-location, high-stakes premise.
- Genre: Action Thriller, Suspense
- The Plot Hook: The story centers on Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a young, overworked TSA agent. His life is turned upside down when a mysterious passenger, played by Jason Bateman (known only as "Traveler"), blackmails him into allowing a dangerous package to slip through airport security and onto a Christmas Day flight. Ethan must find a way to outsmart the criminal before disaster strikes.
- Cast Highlights: Taron Egerton (Ethan Kopek), Jason Bateman (Traveler), and Sofia Carson (Nora).
- Why You Should Stream It: It’s a perfect popcorn movie—a tense, tight, and fast-paced new Netflix thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from take-off to landing.
3. Dream Productions (Disney+)
Release Date: December 13, 2025
For families and fans of Pixar's emotional storytelling, *Dream Productions* is the must-see Pixar miniseries of the season. This animated mockumentary comedy expands the world of *Inside Out* and *Inside Out 2*.
- Genre: Animated, Comedy, Mockumentary
- The Plot Hook: The four-part series takes place inside Riley's mind, specifically at the "Dream Productions" studio, where her dreams are created and filmed. It’s an imaginative look at the inner workings of the mind, bridging the gap between the two feature films.
- Why You Should Stream It: It offers a fresh, funny, and insightful look at the beloved characters and concepts of the *Inside Out* universe. It's a short, bingeable, and high-quality addition to the Disney+ streaming library, perfect for all ages.
More Highly Anticipated December Streaming Debuts
Beyond the major weekend drops, several other high-profile films and series have premiered recently or are slated for the immediate future, making them excellent choices for your extended weekend streaming guide.
4. Jay Kelly (Netflix)
Release Date: December 2025 (Confirmed for the month)
From acclaimed writer-director Noah Baumbach (known for *Marriage Story* and *Frances Ha*), *Jay Kelly* is a poignant, star-studded comedy-drama that explores the complexities of fame and midlife reflection.
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- The Plot Hook: The film follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) and his devoted manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), as they take an unexpected and profound journey across Europe. It’s a reflective piece on the mistakes made in a long career and the search for meaning.
- Cast Highlights: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern (as Liz).
- Topical Authority: This film is a major event for cinephiles, solidifying Netflix's commitment to prestige projects from top-tier filmmakers.
5. The Manny: Season 3 (Netflix)
Release Date: December 17, 2025
The popular comedic series returns for its third season, bringing back the blend of family chaos, cultural clashes, and heartwarming moments that have made it a global hit.
- Genre: Comedy, Family Series
- Why You Should Stream It: If you’re caught up on the first two seasons, this is the perfect opportunity to dive back into the lives of the family and their unconventional caretaker. It’s a great piece of new Netflix content for a lighter binge.
6. Murder in Monaco (Netflix)
Release Date: December 17, 2025
For fans of true crime and political intrigue, this new documentary promises a deep dive into a high-profile, real-world mystery.
- Genre: True Crime Documentary
- Why You Should Stream It: Documentaries are a cornerstone of the best new shows to stream, and a true-crime story set in the glamorous, secretive world of Monaco is sure to be compelling viewing.
7. What’s In The Box? (Netflix)
Release Date: December 17, 2025
While details are still emerging, this new series is listed as a major release for the week, suggesting a compelling and potentially mysterious premise.
- Genre: Series (Likely Thriller or Drama)
- Why You Should Stream It: Sometimes the most intriguing watches are the ones you know the least about. Keep an eye on the trailers and early reviews for this one—it could be the dark horse hit of the weekend streaming schedule.
Maximizing Your Streaming Weekend: A Guide to Topical Authority
To ensure you get the most out of your subscriptions, remember that the December 2025 streaming schedule is packed with more than just originals. Many platforms are adding classic films and full seasons of popular shows. For example, Hulu is expanding its library with holiday classics and other major films this month.
When choosing what to watch, consider the platform's overall library. A Netflix subscription offers a wide array of genres, from the high-brow mystery of *Wake Up Dead Man* to the action of *Carry-On*. Disney+ provides family-friendly content like *Dream Productions*, while services like Max and Prime Video are continually dropping major films and prestige television. Keep an eye on the new movies and TV shows section of your preferred app to catch surprise additions.
Ultimately, this weekend is a goldmine for anyone looking for fresh, high-quality entertainment. Whether you commit to the three-hour whodunit or the four-part animated gem, these streaming releases December 2025 are the perfect way to spend a chilly weekend indoors.
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