5 movies you must see in December on Netflix and Prime Video, including “masterpiece” drama

It’s that time of year again – Christmas! For me, that means cozying up inside and finally checking out some new movies. Good news is, Netflix and Prime Video both have a bunch of stuff coming out soon that I’m really excited to watch.

This December, enjoy these five top picks, ranging from a critically acclaimed new drama starring George Clooney to the latest intriguing mystery investigated by Detective Benoit Blanc.

Check out our list below.

Jay Kelly

The upcoming comedy-drama features George Clooney as a well-known actor who takes a fast-paced and surprisingly meaningful trip across Europe with his manager (Adam Sandler). During their travels, they’re forced to think about their lives, relationships, and what they’ll be remembered for.

Critics have praised Jay Kelly, with The Daily Telegraph calling it a powerfully emotional “midlife crisis masterpiece” and the Chicago Reader describing it as surprisingly original.

The film, directed and co-written by Noah Baumbach (known for Barbie), also features a strong supporting cast with award-winning actress Laura Dern, Billy Crudup from The Morning Show, and Riley Keough of Daisy Jones & the Six.

Streaming on Netflix from 5 December.

Merv

This charming romantic comedy stars Charlie Cox, known from Daredevil, and Zooey Deschanel of New Girl. It tells the story of a couple who break up, but have to continue working together to care for their dog, who becomes depressed by the split.

During a trip to Florida, the couple attempts an awkward reconciliation, and their dog, Merv, begins to perk up, hinting at a possible rekindling of their romance.

Chris Redd from Saturday Night Live, Patricia Heaton of The Middle, and David Hunt, known from 24, star in this new comedy. Jessica Swale, who directed Summerland, is at the helm.

Streaming on Prime Video from 10 December.

Wake Up Dead Man

The newest Knives Out mystery brings back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc. This time, he’s investigating the death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (played by Josh Brolin), who unexpectedly dies while giving a sermon. All eyes turn to the new priest, Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), as the prime suspect.

The movie boasts a fantastic cast, including Glenn Close from 101 Dalmatians, Mila Kunis of Family Guy, Jeremy Renner from the Marvel universe, Kerry Washington known from Scandal, Andrew Scott who starred in All of Us Strangers, and Cailee Spaeny from Alien: Romulus, among others.

With a remarkably high 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Wake Up Dead Man has been hailed as the best installment in the series so far by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Streaming on Netflix from 12 December.

The Great Flood

This South Korean film depicts a massive flood that engulfs the world, centering on a scientist and her son who find themselves trapped inside an apartment building.

With the rain falling and floodwaters rising, they encounter a security officer on a secret assignment that could determine the fate of humankind.

The new film, The Great Flood, starring Kim Da-mi (from Itaewon Class) and Park Hae-soo (Squid Game), recently premiered at the Busan International Film Festival. ScreenAnarchy called it a bold and visually impressive movie that is both fascinating and puzzling.

Streaming on Netflix from 19 December.

Goodbye June

Helen Mirren stars as June in Goodbye June, a film marking Kate Winslet’s first time directing. The story focuses on June, an older woman whose health declines during the Christmas season.

Because of this, her family—her husband and four grown children—are coming together to support each other as they face the possibility of losing her.

This film has a personal touch – it was written by Kate Winslet’s son, Joe Alwyn. The cast also includes familiar faces like Timothy Spall (from Death Valley), Toni Collette (Wayward), Johnny Flynn (One Life), Andrea Riseborough (Lee), and Stephen Merchant (The Outlaws), alongside Winslet herself.

Streaming on Netflix from 24 December.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! You can purchase Ariana & Witches at all good newsagents or online for only £8.99.

2025-12-03 10:20