The 12 movies we’re most looking forward to this holiday season

No awards season is complete without a few surprise films hoping to win big. This year, those include the ambitious space drama “Marty Supreme” starring Timothée Chalamet, and the latest “Avatar” sequel from James Cameron – a filmmaker known for his Oscar success. We’re also anticipating some fun, lighthearted movies released specifically to offer a break from the serious contenders, like a new installment of “Anaconda.” Don’t forget to balance out the emotional dramas with some enjoyable, if not exactly high-quality, entertainment – a little cinematic comfort food!

‘Hamnet’ (Nov. 26)

Chloé Zhao’s deeply moving film about love and loss has captivated audiences and won awards at festivals worldwide, including London, San Diego, Toronto, and Spain. Those who saw it at Telluride were reportedly moved to tears. If you’re hesitant about a potentially heartbreaking experience, know that the film begins with a vibrant and passionate portrayal of Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) falling in love. And Jessie Buckley, as his future wife, delivers a truly remarkable performance that’s likely to earn her even more recognition than the film itself. Just go see it – a dark movie theater is the perfect place to let it all out.

‘The Secret Agent’ (Nov. 26)

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s new film, a thrilling crime story from Brazil, was a standout at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a fast-paced, immersive experience reminiscent of classic crime thrillers like “Goodfellas.” Set during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s, the film portrays how ordinary citizens quietly and cleverly resisted the oppressive regime over many years. However, the biggest draw is Wagner Moura – known from “Civil War” and “Narcos” – who delivers a powerful performance and establishes himself as a truly compelling leading actor. He portrays a character filled with rage, passion, and a deeply affecting past, all with remarkable subtlety.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ (Dec. 5)

Want more scary robot puppets? Absolutely. The first movie wasn’t bad, and it really tapped into the creepy, decaying vibe of an abandoned children’s restaurant. With a solid cast including Josh Hutcherson, Mckenna Grace, and familiar faces from “Scream” – Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich – horror fans should be excited for another dose of scares. Here’s something to consider: the first “Freddy” film was Blumhouse’s biggest hit, earning $120 million more than films like “Get Out” or “M3GAN.” Clearly, people enjoy this series, and you might too. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair’ (Dec. 5)

Fans have been wanting this for years, and now it’s finally here: Quentin Tarantino’s complete “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair.” Originally released as two separate movies, this version combines them into one, staying true to Tarantino’s original, unique blend of genres. The film follows a woman’s relentless quest for revenge against those who have wronged her, and Uma Thurman’s performance is even more captivating as she battles her way to redemption and, surprisingly, a sense of peace. — Mark Olsen

‘Ella McCay’ (Dec. 12)

James L. Brooks, a celebrated and compassionate filmmaker, is back with a new movie after a 15-year hiatus. Known for classics like “Broadcast News” and “Terms of Endearment,” Brooks’s latest, “Ella McCay,” is a political comedy set during the Obama administration. The film follows an optimistic lieutenant governor (Emma Mackey) who unexpectedly takes charge when her political mentor (Albert Brooks) goes to Washington. Featuring a strong ensemble cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Rebecca Hall, and Kumail Nanjiani, “Ella McCay” aims to deliver Brooks’s signature style: humorous and honest stories about ordinary people striving – and sometimes stumbling – in their pursuit of what’s right. —Josh Rottenberg

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (Dec. 19)

I’m so excited for the next ‘Avatar’ movie, ‘Fire and Ash’! After ‘Avatar’ changed everything in 2009, James Cameron is back to tell another incredible story. This time, Jake and Neytiri are facing a new threat – a really tough Na’vi clan called the Ash People – and their whole family is caught in the middle. It’s great to see Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and even Kate Winslet returning! From what I’ve heard, this one is going to be even more intense and emotional than the first, and the visuals are going to be absolutely stunning. And the best part? Cameron’s already planning two more sequels! It seems like he’s determined to keep this world alive for a long, long time.

‘The Housemaid’ (Dec. 19)

Director Paul Feig, known for fun, female-driven comedies, has been moving towards thrillers since his 2018 hit, “A Simple Favor.” He’s a strong choice to adapt Freida McFadden’s popular, twisty novel about a maid who enters a wealthy family’s home and disrupts their lives. While Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are the main draws as the troubled maid and her employer, keep an eye on Brandon Sklenar, who could become a major star. — Amy Nicholson

‘Is This Thing On?’ (Dec. 19)

Bradley Cooper’s first two films as a director, “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro,” felt like grand, ambitious projects aiming to say something significant about life and art. His new film, “Is This Thing On?,” is different – it’s a more intimate, relaxed, and simpler work, though still deeply emotional. Will Arnett delivers a surprisingly moving performance as a man using stand-up comedy to cope with a divorce. The film is a gentle and poignant story for anyone still grappling with the past, even when they seem to have moved on. — Mark Olsen

‘Anaconda’ (Dec. 25)

Even if you loved the original 1997 movie and its four sequels, you probably can’t recall much about the storylines. And that’s okay! The basic premise – a giant snake eating people – is all you really need to know. This new reboot, however, promises to be much cleverer than previous installments. It follows two middle-aged friends, Paul Rudd and Jack Black (bringing the same energetic humor he showed in “School of Rock”), who decide to remake their favorite cheesy ’90s film as a low-budget indie project. Things get real when the snake used on set is accidentally replaced with a live, dangerous one. – Joshua Rothkopf

‘Marty Supreme’ (Dec. 25)

Timothée Chalamet showed off his musical skills by learning guitar for a role last year, but his next project sounds even more interesting. He’s playing table tennis champion Marty Reisman in a new biopic, and apparently, he’s become quite the ping pong player – even receiving coaching from Olympic medalist Wei Wang. The film, playfully titled “Marty Supreme,” is generating Oscar buzz for its willingness to be different. Plus, rising star Odessa A’zion is also in the cast, which is a great bonus. – Amy Nicholson

‘No Other Choice’ (Dec. 25)

Park Chan-wook’s latest film, based on a 1997 novel by Donald Westlake, feels surprisingly relevant today. It follows Yoo Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a loyal employee who loses his job when his company is bought out. Struggling to support his family, he devises a desperate plan to eliminate rivals for a new job opportunity. The film is a sharp and darkly humorous commentary on today’s competitive economic climate, and Lee Byung-hun (known from “Squid Game”) brings a surprising warmth and charisma to his role, complementing Park’s meticulous filmmaking style. — Mark Olsen

‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ (Dec. 25)

This movie is truly unusual, which actually works for a film about Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers. It’s a musical, but instead of typical songs, it features energetic chants and dances reminiscent of a whirling dervish performance. Amanda Seyfried fully commits to the role, portraying a historical figure who led a movement advocating for gender equality and celibacy. Directed by Mona Fastvold and co-written with Brady Corbet, it feels like a companion piece to their film “The Brutalist,” and also features the same Oscar-winning composer, Daniel Blumberg. While you’ll gain insight into the Shakers, the film focuses more on Ann Lee’s passionate beliefs than a deep exploration of her life. The unconventional song and dance numbers are captivating, and serve as a reminder of America’s history of both freedom and vibrant, expressive culture. — Glenn Whipp

2025-11-18 14:32