7 Must-Watch New Movies Streaming This Weekend (December 20-22, 2025)
The ultimate streaming dilemma is solved for you this weekend, December 20–22, 2025. With a blockbuster lineup of new releases hitting major platforms, deciding what to watch can be a monumental task. This curated list cuts through the noise to bring you the freshest, most talked-about movies available to stream right now, from an eagerly awaited Netflix whodunit to a star-studded Prime Video holiday crisis and a beloved stop-motion return.
Whether you are in the mood for a mind-bending mystery, a laugh-out-loud Christmas comedy, or a visually stunning cinematic adventure, the end of the year has delivered a powerful slate of films. Get ready to settle in, because these are the essential new movies and hidden gems you need to stream this weekend.
The Weekend's Premier Streaming Releases: December 20-22, 2025
The final full weekend before Christmas is traditionally a major battleground for streaming services, and 2025 is no exception. This year sees massive, high-budget originals dropping alongside critically acclaimed festival favorites, ensuring there is a perfect film for every genre enthusiast.
1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)
The most anticipated streaming event of the entire month is undoubtedly the return of the world's greatest private detective, Benoit Blanc. Director Rian Johnson brings his signature wit and complexity to the third installment of the blockbuster franchise, and this time, the stakes are higher and the setting is more solemn.
- The Plot: The mystery begins with a baffling and seemingly impossible death that takes place inside a quiet, historic church. Detective Blanc is drawn into a new circle of eccentric suspects, each with a motive, a secret, and a connection to the deceased. The film promises a darker, moodier tone than its predecessors, pushing the boundaries of the classic whodunit.
- The Star-Studded Cast: Daniel Craig reprises his role as the charmingly verbose Benoit Blanc. He is joined by an incredible ensemble cast, including Josh O’Connor, the legendary Glenn Close, and Kerry Washington, ensuring a masterclass in dramatic tension and comedic timing.
- Why You Must Watch: This is a prestige picture that delivers on the promise of a satisfying cinematic experience right in your living room. It's the perfect choice for a Friday night viewing party or a Sunday afternoon deep dive into a complex puzzle.
2. The Phoenician Scheme (Prime Video)
For fans of meticulous set design, razor-sharp dialogue, and ensemble casts, Wes Anderson's latest masterpiece is a must-stream. *The Phoenician Scheme* is an espionage black comedy thriller that marks a slight but thrilling departure from his usual quirky, heartwarming fare, leaning into a more dangerous, high-stakes world.
- The Plot: The story centers on Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro), one of Europe’s wealthiest and most controversial businessmen, who has survived multiple assassination attempts. In a move that shocks the world, he appoints his only daughter, a nun named Liesl (Mia Threapleton), as the sole heir to his vast, complicated empire, immediately plunging her into a world of global intrigue and danger.
- Key Entities: The director is the inimitable Wes Anderson. The cast features a who's who of Hollywood talent, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Benicio Del Toro, Bryan Cranston, Hope Davis, and Jeffrey Wright.
- Topical Authority: This film has been hailed as one of the best espionage thrillers in recent memory, blending Anderson's unique aesthetic with a genuine sense of peril. It’s a visual feast and a narrative puzzle that critics are still unpacking.
3. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix)
A triumphant return for the beloved British duo, *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl* brings back the charm, the inventive contraptions, and the sheer genius of Aardman's stop-motion animation. This feature-length adventure is a family-friendly masterpiece that has captivated audiences of all ages since its release.
- The Plot: A sudden crime wave sweeps through Wallace’s village, with various household and garden tools disappearing under mysterious circumstances. The eccentric inventor, Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead), unveils his latest creation: a robotic handyman garden gnome named “Norbot” (Reece Shearsmith), designed to make some extra money. However, the real threat is the shock return of the franchise's most notorious villain, the mute penguin Feathers McGraw, who is back with a new, fowl scheme. Chief Inspector Mackintosh (Peter Kay) is on the case, but it's up to the silent but brilliant Gromit to save the day.
- LSI Keywords: This film is a perfect blend of *classic stop-motion animation*, *family adventure*, and *British slapstick comedy*.
Holiday Hilarity and Block-Building Adventures
As the weekend leads directly into the holiday week, streaming services have prioritized films that capture the festive spirit and cater to family audiences. These next two entries are essential viewing for anyone looking to celebrate the season or entertain the kids.
4. Oh. What. Fun. (Prime Video)
If you need a dose of holiday cheer mixed with domestic chaos, look no further than *Oh. What. Fun.* This Amazon MGM Studios original is a sharp, funny, and surprisingly poignant Christmas comedy from director Michael Showalter.
- The Plot: Claire Clauster is the dedicated matriarch who meticulously plans the perfect family Christmas gathering. However, her efforts are completely overshadowed and she is left feeling forgotten by her demanding husband (Denis Leary) and her visiting adult children. When Claire suddenly goes missing, the family's picture-perfect holiday is thrown into complete disarray, forcing them to confront their neglect and embark on a frantic search to find her before Christmas is ruined.
- Cast & Director: The film boasts a powerful cast, including Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, and Dominic Sessa. Michael Showalter, known for his ability to blend humor and heart, directs this seasonal hit.
- Topical Authority: This film has been praised by critics for revitalizing the often-stale *holiday comedy* genre with its relatable themes of family dynamics and the emotional labor of Christmas.
5. A Minecraft Movie (Prime Video)
While technically releasing on Monday, December 22, this is the movie everyone is talking about and planning their weekend around. *A Minecraft Movie* is the massive-budget fantasy adventure that finally brings Mojang's iconic sandbox game to the big screen, and it's already trending as a must-watch for the entire family.
- The Plot: Directed by Jared Hess, the film is a breathtaking cinematic experience that honors the source material while expanding the lore of the block-building world. It follows a group of unlikely heroes who must band together to save the Overworld from a new, terrifying threat rising from the depths of the Nether.
- Key Entities: The film stars Jason Momoa as Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, a former video game hero who must return to action. The movie is a massive *fantasy adventure* that promises to be the definitive *video game adaptation* of the year, appealing to both veteran players and newcomers.
The Best of the Rest: Genre Deep Dives
For those who prefer to step off the beaten path of blockbusters and holiday fare, this weekend offers a few compelling options across other major streaming platforms, focusing on high-quality drama and international cinema.
6. One Battle After Another (Max)
This prestige wartime drama has been a critical darling throughout the festival circuit and is finally available to stream on Max. The film is an intense, character-driven look at the human cost of conflict, focusing on a small unit of soldiers in a forgotten theater of war.
- The Genre: A gritty, intense *war drama* that has drawn comparisons to classic military epics.
- Why It Matters: It offers a powerful, emotional counterpoint to the weekend's lighter fare, providing a thought-provoking experience for serious movie watchers.
7. London Calling (Hulu)
Hulu’s offering for the weekend is this sleek, stylish British crime thriller. *London Calling* follows a disgraced detective who gets a chance at redemption when he is assigned to a high-profile case involving a shadowy network of international criminals operating in the heart of the city.
- The Vibe: A fast-paced *neo-noir thriller* with a distinctly European flavor.
- Topical Authority: Critics have praised its kinetic action sequences and the lead actor's compelling, morally ambiguous performance, making it a strong contender for the best *international crime film* of the year.
Final Thoughts on Your Streaming Weekend
With massive releases like *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* on Netflix, the star-studded *The Phoenician Scheme* on Prime Video, and the highly anticipated *Wallace & Gromit* return, this weekend is one of the strongest streaming weekends of the year. Whether you choose the complex whodunit, the whimsical stop-motion, or the timely holiday comedy, you are guaranteed a fresh, high-quality cinematic experience. Don't let your subscription fees go to waste—start your binge now!
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