25 Must-Watch Movies On Netflix Right Now: The Ultimate December 2025 Streaming List

Are you looking for the absolute best movies to stream on Netflix right now? The streaming giant has just refreshed its library with a massive slate of critically acclaimed Originals and major licensed hits for the end of the year. This ultimate guide, updated for December 2025, cuts through the noise to bring you the freshest, most compelling, and highest-rated films available, ensuring your movie night is perfectly planned with the latest must-watch cinema.

The final month of 2025 is proving to be one of Netflix's strongest, featuring highly anticipated sequels, major awards contenders, and breakout animated hits. From the return of a beloved detective to a stunning historical drama and a unique K-Pop phenomenon, these titles represent the pinnacle of current streaming entertainment and are guaranteed to answer the perennial question: "What should I watch tonight?"

The Newest Netflix Originals: December 2025 Must-Streams

This section focuses on the films that have just dropped or are the biggest talk of the town this month, providing the freshest content and highest topical authority.

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

The third installment in the globally popular Rian Johnson franchise sees the return of the world's greatest detective, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). This time, the baffling death occurs inside the quiet confines of a church, setting the stage for a darker, more complex whodunit. The ensemble cast is packed with major stars, including Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, and Kerry Washington, making it one of the most anticipated mystery films of the year. The film’s release on December 12th makes it the centerpiece of Netflix’s holiday slate.

2. Jay Kelly (2025)

Directed by Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach, this comedy-drama is a poignant and often hilarious look at the life of a Hollywood star. The film centers on Jay Kelly (played by George Clooney), a famous movie actor who begins to contemplate the meaning of his career and life as his memories increasingly revolve around his past projects. With an all-star ensemble cast that also features Adam Sandler, *Jay Kelly* is being hailed as a mature, reflective, and deeply personal love letter to the movie industry, hitting the service on December 5th.

3. KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

A surprise animated phenomenon, *KPop Demon Hunters* became one of Netflix's most-watched films of 2025. It follows the electrifying story of the ultra-popular K-Pop girl band Huntrix, whose three members—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—secretly moonlight as demon hunters. They must juggle their global superstardom and sold-out stadium tours with their duty to protect their fans from supernatural threats. This unique blend of high-energy K-Pop culture, slick animation, and supernatural action offers a fresh, fun, and highly rewatchable experience.

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4. Ella McCay (2025)

From legendary writer/director James L. Brooks comes this political comedy-drama starring Emma Mackey (of *Sex Education* fame) in the title role. Ella McCay is the youngest lieutenant governor in her state, a quirky and ambitious woman whose messy life is constantly on the verge of unraveling under the immense pressure of her career. The film is a fascinating character study on stress, ambition, and the chaos of modern politics.

Critically Acclaimed 2025 Originals and Hidden Gems

Beyond the December blockbusters, Netflix has delivered a strong lineup of critically lauded films throughout the year. These titles offer depth, artistic merit, and a chance to discover a new favorite.

5. Train Dreams (2025)

Based on the acclaimed novella by Denis Johnson, *Train Dreams* is an exquisite and lyrical period drama set in the American West at the beginning of the 20th century. Directed by Clint Bentley and starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, the film is a quiet, birth-to-death character study of Robert Grainier, a logger and railroad worker whose life mirrors the changing world around him. It’s a meditative and visually stunning piece of cinema that rewards patient viewers.

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6. Nouvelle Vague (2025)

Richard Linklater directs this stylish, black-and-white comedy-drama that serves as a love letter to the French New Wave movement. The film chronicles the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic first feature, *Breathless*. Starring Guillaume Marbeck as Godard and Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, *Nouvelle Vague* is a must-watch for film enthusiasts, capturing the revolutionary spirit of 1960s French cinema with Linklater's signature dialogue-driven style.

7. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2025)

The beloved stop-motion duo returns in a new feature-length adventure that has delighted fans and critics alike. The film sees Wallace's new "smart gnome" invention take on a mind of its own, leading to a hilarious and inventive caper. The perfect family film, it maintains the charm and intricate craftsmanship that has made Aardman Animations a cinematic treasure.

8. The Electric State (2025)

This big-budget sci-fi adventure, directed by the Russo Brothers and starring Millie Bobby Brown, is one of the year's biggest spectacles. Set in a retro-futuristic 1997, the film follows a young woman and a mysterious robot as they traverse a visually stunning, post-apocalyptic American West in search of her missing brother. It’s a visually ambitious film that delivers on thrilling action and emotional depth.

The Essential Back-Catalog: Critically Acclaimed & International Hits

Netflix's strength also lies in its diverse selection of high-quality licensed and international films that have recently been added or remain highly popular.

9. Society of the Snow (2023)

This Spanish-language survival thriller remains a global sensation and a powerful viewing experience. Directed by J.A. Bayona, it recounts the harrowing true story of the 1972 Andes plane crash and the extraordinary lengths the survivors went to in order to live. It is a masterful, emotionally resonant, and visually stark film that earned multiple Oscar nominations and is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

10. The Northman (2022)

A brutal, visually stunning, and historically rich Viking epic directed by Robert Eggers. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, and Anya Taylor-Joy, the film follows the quest of a Viking prince seeking vengeance for the murder of his father. Its raw intensity and gorgeous cinematography make it a cinematic event not to be missed.

11. Parasite (2019)

The South Korean masterpiece that swept the Academy Awards is a must-watch for any serious film viewer. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this dark comedy thriller about class struggle and social inequality is a brilliant, genre-bending film that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking. Its recent re-addition to the platform makes it a high-priority stream.

12. Nowhere (2023)

A tense Spanish survival thriller that has captivated audiences worldwide. The film stars Anna Castillo as a pregnant woman who, while attempting to flee a totalitarian country, finds herself trapped alone in a shipping container on the open sea. It is a minimalist, claustrophobic, and incredibly gripping film that relies solely on the lead actress’s powerful performance.

13. The Platform (El Hoyo) (2019)

This Spanish sci-fi horror film is a chilling and potent allegory about capitalism and social hierarchy. Set in a vertical prison where food is distributed via a platform that descends through the levels, the film explores how greed and human nature manifest under extreme conditions. It’s a disturbing, original, and essential piece of modern genre cinema.

More Highly Recommended Films to Stream

For those looking for lighter fare, action, or classic comfort cinema, these films round out the best of Netflix's December 2025 offerings:

• Forrest Gump (1994): The timeless classic starring Tom Hanks, recently licensed for streaming, is a perfect comfort watch.
• As Good as It Gets (1997): Jack Nicholson’s Oscar-winning performance in this sharp romantic comedy-drama is a masterclass in acting and writing.
• The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015): A stylish, fun, and underrated spy thriller from Guy Ritchie, starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer.
• Always Be My Maybe (2019): A genuinely charming and hilarious romantic comedy starring Ali Wong and Randall Park.
• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): Catch up on the previous Benoit Blanc adventure before watching *Wake Up Dead Man*.
• The Other Guys (2010): A top-tier action-comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, a great choice for a laugh.
• Neon Drift (2025): This Brazilian indie sci-fi film is a true hidden gem, set in a dystopian city where memories are a commodity.
• Nonnas (2025): An underrated dramedy that follows a group of elderly Italian grandmothers who start a successful, chaotic restaurant.

Why These Films Are the Best on Netflix Right Now

The current Netflix catalog is defined by a blend of big-budget Originals and internationally acclaimed cinema. The sheer variety—from the star-studded mystery of *Wake Up Dead Man* to the animated global appeal of *KPop Demon Hunters* and the historical depth of *Train Dreams*—ensures that every taste is catered to. Focusing on the latest releases and highly-rated films provides the freshest viewing experience, keeping you ahead of the curve in the streaming world.

To maximize your viewing pleasure, consider the critical reception and genre intention of each film. For a thought-provoking watch, queue up *Nouvelle Vague* or *Society of the Snow*. For pure entertainment and a major cinematic event, *Jay Kelly* and *The Electric State* are your best bets. The platform’s commitment to high-quality, diverse content, particularly in the lead-up to the awards season, makes this the ideal time to dive into the best movies Netflix has to offer.