Best Winter Movie Releases You’ll Want to Watch Indoors
As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like settling into your couch with a warm blanket and a great movie. Winter 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional season for film releases, with a diverse lineup spanning from heartwarming holiday comedies to thrilling action adventures and thought-provoking dramas. Whether you’re looking for something to watch on Christmas Day or a cozy evening in December, the upcoming releases offer something for everyone.
The holiday season has always been a prime time for movie releases, and this year is no exception. Studios are rolling out an impressive array of films designed to capture the festive spirit while also providing entertainment for those seeking something beyond traditional Christmas fare. From Netflix originals to major theatrical releases, the winter months ahead promise to deliver memorable cinematic experiences that will keep you entertained throughout the season.
Netflix’s Holiday Offerings
Netflix has invested heavily in its holiday content for 2025, recognizing the demand for festive entertainment during the winter months. The streaming giant is releasing several original films that cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that subscribers have plenty of options to choose from.
One of the first Netflix originals to arrive is “Jingle Bell Heist,” which releases on November 26. This heist comedy brings a fresh twist to the holiday genre by combining the excitement of a robbery with the warmth of the Christmas season. The film stars Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells as two workers who have been mistreated by their employer, the owner of a luxury department store played by Peter Serafinowicz. As Christmas Eve approaches, these down-on-their-luck employees decide to team up and pull off a holiday robbery. What makes this film particularly interesting is the romantic element that develops between the two leads as they plan their heist. The chemistry between Holt and Swindells, combined with the comedic timing required for a heist film, promises to make this an entertaining watch for those who enjoy both humor and holiday spirit.
Following closely behind is “My Secret Santa,” which arrives on December 3. This film will appeal strongly to fans of the popular series “Virgin River,” as it stars Alexandra Breckenridge in the lead role. The premise centers on Taylor, a single mother who is determined to send her daughter to an exclusive snowboarding camp at a luxury resort. However, the cost of this camp is far beyond her budget, so she devises a creative solution. She decides to take a seasonal job at the resort playing Santa, but with a twist: she disguises herself as an old man to fill the role. This gender-bending approach to the traditional Santa character adds humor and originality to the story. As Taylor settles into her new job, she finds herself developing romantic feelings for her handsome boss, played by Ryan Eggold. The combination of comedy, romance, and the heartwarming story of a mother’s dedication to her daughter creates an appealing package for winter viewing.
Major Theatrical Releases
While Netflix dominates the holiday streaming landscape, theatrical releases are also bringing significant entertainment options to cinemas during the winter months. These films range from highly anticipated sequels to original stories designed to capture audiences during the busy holiday season.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” is scheduled for release on December 5, 2025. This sequel to the successful PG-13 horror adaptation of the popular video game franchise brings back Josh Hutcherson as Mike and Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa. The film also features an exciting reunion of talent from the “Scream” franchise, with Matthew Lillard returning as the supervillain William Afton and Skeet Ulrich joining the cast in a new role. The official tagline for the film states “Anyone can survive five nights. This time, there are no second chances,” suggesting that the stakes will be even higher in this installment. For fans of horror and those who enjoyed the first film, this sequel promises to deliver scares and suspense during the winter season.
Another major theatrical release coming on December 5 is “Fackham Hall.” This film stars Damian Lewis, Katherine Waterston, Thomasin McKenzie, and Tom Felton. The story involves a new porter who forms an unlikely connection with the youngest daughter of the esteemed Davenport family. His arrival at the estate coincides with a disastrous wedding that threatens to unravel the family’s carefully maintained proper facade. The film promises to deliver drama and intrigue, making it suitable for those seeking more serious fare during the holiday season.
The Christmas Day Blockbusters
December 25 brings several major releases that are designed to be watched during the Christmas holiday itself. These films represent some of the biggest productions of the winter season and are expected to draw significant audiences.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” releases on December 19, just before Christmas. This is the third installment in James Cameron’s epic fantasy franchise set on the alien world of Pandora. The new film focuses on a previously unexplored clan called the Ash People, who inhabit volcano-dwelling regions of the planet. The major stars from the previous films return, including Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, Sigourney Weaver as Kiri, and Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch. While specific plot details remain somewhat mysterious, the film is certain to deliver the visually stunning cinematography and world-building that has made the Avatar franchise so successful. For those seeking a cinematic experience that showcases cutting-edge visual effects and immersive storytelling, this film is a must-watch.
On Christmas Day itself, December 25, “Marty Supreme” arrives in theaters. This film is directed by Josh Safdie and stars Timothee Chalamet, Odessa A’zion, and Gwyneth Paltrow. While specific plot details are limited, the presence of acclaimed director Safdie and the talented cast suggests this will be a significant dramatic offering for the holiday.
Also releasing on December 25 is “Anaconda,” a comedy that reimagines the 1997 film of the same name. This new version stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as two childhood best friends who hit a midlife crisis and decide to head into the Amazon to remake their favorite movie from their youth. When the snake they rented for filming is killed, the team ventures deeper into the jungle to find a bigger snake to use instead. The film takes a comedic approach to the adventure, honoring the horror roots of the original while flipping the story on its head to create something entirely new. For those seeking humor and adventure during the holiday season, this film offers a unique combination of both.
Additional December Releases
Beyond the major releases already mentioned, December 2025 brings several other films worth considering
