There isn't a dearth of new movies as we inch closer to the 2025 festive break. Indeed, with nine more big-screen offerings due out (depending on where you live, anyway) before 2026 arrives, you won't be found wanting over something to catch at your local multiplex or independent theater.
So, what's out this weekend (December 12-14)? Only Ella McCay, the final new film from 20th Century Studios. As mentioned, though, there's more silver screen entertainment to come in the days and weeks ahead, so read on to see what else you can look forward to.
New movies: December
Ella McCay
Release date: out now (worldwide)
Ella McCay stars Emma Mackey as the titular character. An idealistic young woman, the comedy-drama will see Ella struggle with her work-life balance in a story all about "the people you love and how to survive them".
Jamie Lee Curtis, Kumail Nanjiani, Jack Lowden, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson are among its starry ensemble. One to keep an eye out for during the 2026 awards season? Judging by its absolutely awful 19% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes (RT), I'd wager not...
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release date: December 18 (Australia); December 19 (US and UK)
One of this year's final new movies that's all but certain to dominate the global box office over the festive period, Avatar: Fire and Ash will be the latest installment in James Cameron's incredibly successful sci-fi film franchise.
Little is known about the actual plot of this flick, but we know it'll introduce us to an the aggressive Ash tribe led by fiery chief Varang. This group of Na'vi will ally themselves with Stephen Lang's Quaritch, whose quest to defeat Marine-turned-Na'vi stalwart Jake Sully and his family will continue in this series' epic new adventure. Will it join its brethren in massing over $2 billion worldwide? We'll have to wait and see.
The Housemaid
Release date: December 19 (US); December 25 (Australia); December 26 (UK)
Everyone loves a pre-Christmas thriller, don't they? That must be why Lionsgate decided to release this Sydney Sweeney-Amanda Seyfried flick during the holiday season.
Based on Freida McFadden's best-selling book namesake, The Housemaid sees Millie (Sweeney) hired as the new live-in housemaid for wealthy couple Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar). Predictably, things start to unravel when Millie starts to unearth some dark secrets within the Winchester household and become embroiled in a seductive yet dangerous game of scandals aplenty.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Release date: December 19 (US); December 26 (UK and Australia)
If you plan on being one of the few people who won't be seeing Avatar 3 on release day in the US, the next SpongeBob SquarePants film might be worth checking out, especially if you have kids.
In it, the titular character will venture to the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean for two reasons: one, to follow in the footsteps of the Flying Dutchman and, two, prove how brave is to Mr. Krabs. Expect plenty of slapstick humor and family-friendly adventure fun along the way.
The Choral
Release date: out now (UK); December 25 (US); January 1, 2026 (Australia)
Frequent collaborators Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hynter re-team for this historical drama that'll aim to warm your heart as the festive season approaches.
Ralph Fiennes stars as Doctor Henry Guthrie, who returns from Germany to become the new master of a local men's choir in The Choral Society amid the horrors and chaos of the First World War. A quintessentially British film that, based on its 67% RT critical rating, hasn't performed as well as the last feature that Fiennes fronted in Edward Berger's multi-award nominated flick Conclave.
Anaconda
Release date: December 25 (US); December 26 (UK and Australia)
A metatextual remake of 1997's cult classic namesake, this Paul Rudd and Jack Black vehicle will introduce a new generation of fans to its horror-fuelled, giant snake story in a feature that's not dissimilar to Tropic Thunder's satirization of old-age action movies and The Naked Gun poking fun at crime-based tales.
In it, Doug (Black) and Griff (Rudd) have always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite film – Anaconda – someday. However, when a midlife crisis results in the pair finally making their wish come true, it isn't long before life imitates art and they're pursued by an actual giant anaconda in the Amazon rainforest.
Song Sung Blue
![SONG SUNG BLUE - Official Trailer 2 [HD] - Only In Theaters This Christmas - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ssZU6xUM-YI/maxresdefault.jpg)
Release date: December 25 (US and Australia); January 1, 2026 (UK)
After the unprecedented success of 2017's Hugh Jackman-starring musical film The Greatest Showman, Universal will be hoping lightning strikes twice with this new song-infused flick that'll be out this Holiday season.
Starring Jackman and Kate Hudson and Mike and Claire Sardina, Song Sung Blue will bring the pair's story as Neil Diamond tribute act 'Lightning and Thunder' to life on the big screen. Altogether now: Sweeeeet Caroliiiiine *bam bam bam*!
Sentimental Value
Release date: out now (US); December 25 (Australia); December 26 (UK)
Another indie drama that critics have fawned over since its initial US release in early November (it currently holds 96% critical and 94% audience scores on RT), Sentimental Value is another of 2025's final new movies that, based on its 2026 Golden Globes nominations, will be up for numerous awards early next year.
Stellan Skarsgård gives a career-best performance as Gustav, the estranged father of sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Elle Fanning), who offers the lead role in his comeback film to his eldest. However, when Nora turns it down, the hiring of a young rising star in Hollywood for said flick further complicates Gustav's already testy dynamics with his daughters.
Marty Supreme
Release date: December 25 (US); December 26 (UK); January 22, 2025 (Australia)
Considered by many to be Timothée Chalamet's next chance to win a Best Actor Academy Award, this Josh Safdie-directed sports drama, which currently holds a 97% RT critical score, will be the final A24 film of 2025.
In it, Chalamet plays US table tennis player Marty Mauser, an individual loosely inspired by real-life ping pong champion Marty Reisman, who'll stop at nothing in the pursuit of greatness. Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler Okonma, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, and Abel Ferrera are among its ensemble cast.
New movies: January 2026
It Was Just An Accident
Release date: out now (US and UK); January 8, 2026 (Australia)
A mystery thriller-drama that critics have raved about since its October 15 launch stateside (it's currently sat at 98% on RT), It Was Just An Accident could be an early contender for the most prestigious gongs on the 2026 awards circuit.
The Jafar Panahi-directed film tells the tale of Vahid, a mechanic who unexpectedly encounters the man who may have tortured him in prison. So, Vahid does whatever right-minded person would do: kidnap said individual in order to seek retribution. Things quickly spiral out of control from there. One for film purists and general audiences alike to stick on their 'must-see' list.
Christy
Release date: out now (US and UK); January 8, 2026 (Australia)
The first of two Sydney Sweeney movies to arrive before 2025 ends (in the US, anyway), this sports biopic sees the Euphoria alumnus portray former professional boxer Christy Martin. Christy will chronicle the titular ring-based athlete's rise through the rankings in the 1990s and apparently culminate in her husband's failed attempt to murder her in 2010.
Christy currently holds 67% critical and 96% audience ratings on RT but, as we know from one of this year's biggest duds in The Smashing Machine, good reviews for sports biopics don't always translate into box office success. And, given Christy debuted with one of the worst box-office takings of the year, it's not been as successful as people might have hoped.
Blue Moon
Release date: out now (US and UK); January 29, 2026 (Australia)
An Ethan Hawke-starring flick that's gone down well with fans (76% on RT) and critics (90%) alike, Blue Moon sees the A-lister play legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart.
On the eve of the opening night of the ground-breaking hit musical 'Oklahoma!', which his former collaborator Richard Rodgers created, Hart is forced to face his shattered self-confidence and reflect on his own career in Sardi's bar. Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott also star.
Want more new movies recommendations? Our new Netflix movies, new HBO Max movies, new Prime Video movies, and new Disney+ movies lists are full of streaming-based suggestions for a night at home instead.
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