Netflix has revealed everything coming to the streaming service in December 2025, and there are some big names. Obviously, the name at the top of the list — and everyone's minds — is the series finale of "Stranger Things." The hit Netflix original horror/sci-fi series concludes its fifth and final season, starting with a three-episode volume dropping on Dec. 25 and ending with the two-hour (and one-minute!) series finale on Dec. 31.
But my most anticipated new title on Netflix this month isn't a show. No, I'm most excited for the third installment in Rian Johnson's Knives Out franchise: "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." I'll watch just about anything with Daniel Craig in it, but he has been a delight to watch as the detective Benoit Blanc in the previous two Knives Out movies. I expect this third movie to be no exception.
Aside from these top picks, I've got the full slate of everything new on Netflix this month listed below. Plus, we have a roundup of what’s leaving Netflix in December 2025, so you have one last chance to watch.
New on Netflix in December 2025: Top picks
‘Stranger Things' season 5: Volumes 2 & 3
By the time you're reading this, you might have already seen the first four episodes of "Stranger Things" season 5. I haven't, though, so you'll have to forgive that I simply don't know what's happened in volume 1.
For those who have never seen an episode of "Stranger Things," the show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the mid-1980s. This fictional town is home to the Hawkins National Laboratory, which secretly experiments with the paranormal and supernatural, and opens a portal to an alternate dimension known as the "Upside Down."
This causes all sorts of chaos, and one Hawkins resident, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), disappears into the Upside Down in season 1. He's ultimately rescued by his friends and a young psychokinetic girl named Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), but he still maintains a connection to the dark dimension.
Season 5 is set four years after the events of season 1, and has the "Stranger Things" gang headed into the Upside Down one last time to defeat the evil entity known as Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). The three-episode volume 2 arrives on Netflix on Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET, and the series finale drops at 8 pm. ET on Dec. 31, leaving you just enough time to watch before the new year.
Stream volume 2 on Netflix starting Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET; stream the finale starting Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET
'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'
If you haven't watched the "Knives Out" movies before, you should stop watching you're doing and start marathoning the first two films. These whodunits are delightful mystery movies, and I'll be perfectly content if director/writer Rian Johnson continues to churn them out.
The good news is, you don't need to have seen the first two films to watch "Wake Up Dead Man." Aside from Daniel Craig, as the world-renowned private investigator Benoit Blanc, no character in this movie was in the previous two (two actors are returning in different roles). Each "Knives Out" movie is self-contained, which, frankly, is part of what makes them so enjoyable to watch.
In "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," Blanc has been called to a small church in upstate New York, where the Msgr. Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) has just died in seemingly impossible circumstances. The prime suspect? Rev. Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor), another priest at the church who was the last to be with the late priest. Blanc will need to work with local police chief Geraldine Scott to discover who is really behind this murder most foul, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Jeffrey Wright and more.
Stream on Netflix starting Dec. 12
'Jay Kelly'
While "Wake Up Dead Man" may be my most anticipated movie this month, it's not the only movie I'm eagerly anticipating. "Jay Kelly" stars George Clooney as the titular (fictional) actor, who, after a few dramatic moments in his personal life, has found himself wondering if he's done the right things.
That leads him to drop out of his upcoming move and head to Europe to catch up with his daughter (Grace Edwards), much to the chagrin of his manager, Ron (Adam Sandler). Jay convinces Ron that he'll make a couple of public appearances on the way, and, with that, the two of them and Jay's publicist, Liz (Laura Dern), head to Paris.
This movie is billed as a comedy drama, and from the trailer, I expect director/co-writer Noah Baumbach to deliver doses of both in equal measure. Yes, there are elements of lighthearted humor, but the tone of the trailer is a wistful, arguably regretful one. Expect this movie to get you deep in your emotions if it's executed properly.
Stream on Netflix starting Dec. 5
'Emily in Paris' season 5
"Emily in Paris" is one of the most popular shows on Netflix, despite critics and audiences both split on whether or not it's actually good. For some, it doesn't even matter if it's good; for them, it's the very definition of a guilty pleasure show.
For those of you who haven't seen this romantic comedy-drama series, it stars Lily Collins as the titular Emily Cooper, an American expat in Paris, living her best life while making almost no effort to assimilate into French culture. It also comes from the mind of "Sex and the City" creator Darren Star, which might explain some of its popularity.
In season 4, Emily ditched Paris for Rome, and season 5 has her continuing her Roman holiday, though now she's ditched the Latin hills for the canals of Venice. Despite the picturesque setting, Emily is dealing with plenty of drama. Season 5 has her bouncing back from heartbreak and career fallout, and that's tough to come back from, no matter how fabulous you look doing it.
Stream on Netflix starting Dec. 18
NFL Christmas Gameday
The NFL is returning to Netflix this Christmas, with a pair of matchups that would have looked pretty good at the beginning of the season. At 1 p.m. ET, Cowboys vs. Commanders features two division rivals trending in opposite directions from where they were a year ago. After parting ways with their coach last year and trading away their star player over the offseason, the Cowboys are in the thick of the playoff hunt, with an elite offense and a terrible defense. The Commanders, meanwhile, can only dream of being the team that made it to the NFC Championship just a year ago. They're currently 3-8, and bad enough that even injuries can't excuse the poor play.
Yet, it's still a division rivalry game, which means anything can happen. The same can be said for Lions vs. Vikings, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET. Last year, these were arguably the two best teams in the NFL. The Lions, despite some bumps in the road, remain a contender, but the Vikings are floundering with a 4-7 record and a serious quarterback problem. But again, it's a division rivalry, so anything can happen. In fact, the Vikings beat the Lions earlier this season, and there's no reason they can't do it again.
Stream on Netflix starting at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 25
Everything new on Netflix in December 2025
Synopses provided by Netflix
COMING SOON
"Cashero" (KR) (Netflix series)
An ordinary man who inherits super strength discovers a greater evil out to steal his power. The one catch? Every use drains money from his wallet.
"Pro Bono" (KR) (Netflix series)
When a respected judge's world falls apart overnight, he joins a top law firm's pro bono team — where hope and purpose wait in humble, unexpected places.
"Robby Hoffman: Wake Up" (Netflix comedy special)
Shot at The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever on Tuesday, Oct. 21 and directed by John Mulaney, Robby Hoffman's first Netflix comedy special is not one to miss.
DECEMBER 1
"All The Empty Rooms" (Netflix documentary)
In this moving short documentary, a journalist and a photographer set out to memorialize the bedrooms left behind by children killed in school shootings.
"CoComelon Lane" season 6 (Netflix family)
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Dive into the holidays as the residents of CoComelon Lane sing along with Santa, celebrate Hanukkah and more.
"Love is Blind: Italy" (IT) (Netflix series)
Divided into pods, Italian singles meet, date and get engaged — sight unseen — in their quest to find and marry their one true love.
"My Next Guest with David Letterman and Adam Sandler" (Netflix series)
Adam Sandler invites Dave backstage on his comedy tour, then they sit down at NYU to chat about standup, famous roles and his beloved Stratocaster.
"Playing Gracie Darling" (AU) (Netflix series)
Decades after her childhood best friend vanished at a séance gone wrong, a psychologist must face her haunted past when another young girl goes missing.
"Troll 2" (NO) (Netflix film)
When a dangerous new troll unleashes devastation across their homeland, Nora, Andreas and Major Kris embark on their most perilous mission yet.
- "A League of Their Own"
- "As Good as It Gets"
- "Bad Teacher"
- "Big Momma's House"
- "Big Momma's House 2"
- "Brightburn"
- "Burlesque"
- "Cheaper by the Dozen"
- "Cheaper by the Dozen 2"
- "Christmas Break-In"
- "Godzilla"
- "Hollow Man"
- "Joy for Christmas"
- "Kung Fu Panda"
- "Kung Fu Panda 2"
- "Kung Fu Panda 3"
- "Little Women"
- "Pulp Fiction"
- "Stripes"
- "The Ugly Truth"
- "Victoria" seasons 1-3
- "What Lies Beneath"
- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
- "Zero Dark Thirty"
DECEMBER 2
"Matt Rife: Unwrapped - A Christmas Crowd Work Special" (Netflix comedy special)
Matt Rife: Unwrapped - A Christmas Crowd Work Special arrives just in time for the holidays. In the special, he explores gifts, traditions, and who’s made it on the naughty or nice list this year.
- "Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches" season 2
DECEMBER 3
"My Secret Santa" (Netflix film)
A single mom needs a job. A ski resort needs a Santa. Disguised as a St. Nick lookalike, can Taylor fool a charming hotel heir into ho-ho-hiring her?
"Stranded with my Mother-in-Law" season 3 (BR) (Netflix series)
Tensions rise as six new couples arrive on paradise island with extra baggage — their mothers-in-law — and compete for a huge cash prize.
"With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration" (Netflix series)
'Tis the season! Meghan shares her favorite holiday traditions, seasonal crafts and family recipes with friends old and new in this festive special.
- "The Northman"
DECEMBER 4
"The Abandons" (Netflix series)
In 1850s Washington, two families led by powerful matriarchs — one wealthy, one poor but deeply loyal — battle for supremacy on the unforgiving frontier.
"The Believers" season 2 (TH) (Netflix series)
To save their families, Win and Game raise the cash and the stakes for a sinister politician's dreams. Meanwhile, Dear sets out on her own to start over.
"Fugue State 1986" (CO) (Netflix series)
An army veteran lures a young student into a dark, twisted friendship in this chilling drama about a massacre in '80s Bogotá, inspired by real events.
"I Wish You Had Told Me" (PH) (Netflix series)
When a young missionary uncovers his late father's long-held secret, he travels from the Philippines to Spain in search of his dad's forbidden love.
"Lali: Time to Step Up" (AR) (Netflix documentary)
Pop star Lali pulls back the curtain in this intimate documentary, tracking her artistic evolution and self-discovery while on her first stadium tour.
- "A Lot Like Christmas"
- "Forrest Gump"
- "Mean Girls" (2004)
- "Mean Girls" (2024)
DECEMBER 5
"Jay Kelly" (GB) (Netflix film)
Movie star Jay Kelly confronts his past and present on a journey through Europe with his devoted manager in this film from Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach.
"Love and Wine" (ZA) (Netflix film)
A prestigious wine farm heir trades lives with his down-to-earth childhood friend to prove that his luck with the ladies is more than wallet deep.
"The Making of Jay Kelly" (GB) (Netflix documentary)
From the immersive opening shot to the emotional final line, go behind the scenes with director Noah Baumbach, George Clooney, Adam Sandler and more.
"The New Yorker at 100" (Netflix documentary)
For the first time, The New Yorker opens up its offices to Academy Award-winning director Marshall Curry, allowing unprecedented access to its newsroom at a pivotal moment for all media, offering a rare look at what it took to publish a century of intrepid journalism, generation-defining fiction, and unforgettable cartoons.
"The Night My Dad Saved Christmas 2" (ES) (Netflix film)
When the sneaky director of a toy company kidnaps Santa, it's up to a father and son to rescue him and save Christmas from disaster.
"The Price of Confession" (KR) (Netflix series)
Accused of killing her husband, a woman is offered a way out by a mysterious stranger: in exchange for a confession in her place, she must commit murder.
"Owning Manhattan" season 2 (Netflix series)
Ryan Serhant aims to break into the posh uptown housing market, but will team rivalries, egos, gossip and betrayals stand in the way of success?
DECEMBER 7
- "Babylon"
- "Cast Away"
DECEMBER 8
"Elmo and Mark Rober's Merry Giftmas" (Netflix family)
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends work with former NASA engineer turned YouTube star Mark Rober to make special presents for a Merry Giftmas exchange.
DECEMBER 9
"Badly in Love" (JP) (Netflix series)
In Japan's first dating show for rebellious yankiis, 11 singles butt heads, forge bonds and live together for 14 days as they go all out to find the one.
"Blood Coast" season 2 (FR) (Netflix series)
With Lyès in prison and a violent new gang vying to take over Marseille's drug trade, the squad faces more danger than ever — from both inside and out.
"Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within" (Netflix documentary)
In this joyful short documentary, children at a Ugandan orphanage find healing, spread hope and achieve global acclaim — one viral dance video at a time.
- "The West Wing" seasons 1-7
DECEMBER 10
"The Accident" season 2 (MX) (Netflix series)
A year after tragedy struck four families, pain lingers while new secrets surface. Now, each one must decide: seek redemption or revenge.
"Record of Ragnarok" season 3 (JP) (Netflix series)
After a shocking sixth round, the gods double down to humble humanity. Ragnarok continues as kings clash, beliefs collide, and fate is forged in battle.
"Simon Cowell: The Next Act" (GB) (Netflix documentary)
Music mogul and record executive Simon Cowell has single-handedly created some of the biggest music superstars in the world. In this brand-new Netflix docu-series, cameras follow him everywhere as he sets out to do it again, to try and create the next global boyband sensation. This is unlike any show he has made before. From raw open casting calls to the release of their debut single, this is an all-access pass for viewers to catch every moment of Simon’s next chapter. Will he strike gold once again?
DECEMBER 11
"The Fakenapping" (SA) (Netflix film)
Failed entrepreneur and struggling dad Sattam finds himself tangled in a madcap scheme when he decides to repay his debts — by kidnapping his own father.
"Had I Not Seen the Sun" part 2 (TW) (Netflix series)
In the aftermath of Jen-yao's violent acts, long-buried truths threaten to shatter all hope — including the love he can never reclaim again.
"Lost in the Spotlight" (ID) (Netflix film)
Just as he lands a prestigious role, a famous actor mysteriously loses his ability to act, sparking a journey of self-discovery amid public pressure.
"Man Vs Baby" (GB) (Netflix series)
Trevor's back, baby! Heartfelt mishaps and Christmas capers abound as comedy legend Rowan Atkinson returns for another chaotic house-sitting experience.
"Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" season 2 (Netflix series)
Lara races across the globe to uncover ancient African relics before a techno-visionary bent on playing god uses them to unleash worldwide destruction.
"The Town" (TR) (Netflix series)
A group of cash-strapped friends find their morals and relationships tested when they stumble upon four bags of stolen money in their hometown.
DECEMBER 12
"City of Shadows" (ES) (Netflix film)
When Barcelona awakens to a body hanging in flames from one of Gaudí's most iconic buildings, a disgraced detective must come back to catch the killer.
"Home for Christmas" season 3 (NO) (Netflix series)
Hoping to ease the lingering heartbreak of last Christmas, Johanne decides to enjoy this year's festivities free from love troubles... or so she thinks.
"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" (Netflix film)
Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history.
- "The Amazing Digital Circus" season 1 (episodes 5-7)
DECEMBER 13
- "The Talented Mr. Ripley"
DECEMBER 14
- "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie"
DECEMBER 15
"The Creature Cases" chapter 6 (Netflix family)
Director Scratch has exciting new creature cases to keep her agents busy as Sam and Kit return to solve more animal mysteries all over the world!
- "A Cowboy Christmas Romance"
- "Christmas at the Chalet"
- "The Christmas Classic"
- "Christmas on the Alpaca Farm"
DECEMBER 16
"Culinary Class Wars" season 2 (KR) (Netflix series)
A fresh wave of "Black Spoon" cooks face the formidable "White Spoon" chefs in this epic culinary showdown. Who will withstand the heat — or flame out?
- "Castle Rock" seasons 1-2
DECEMBER 17
"The Manny" season 3 (MX) (Netflix series)
As Jimena struggles to save her company, her relationship with Gabriel faces a series of setbacks. Can their love win, or is this the end of the line?
"Murder in Monaco" (GB) (Netflix documentary)
Monaco, 1999. One of the world's richest men dies in his penthouse. This documentary unpacks the mysterious murder of billionaire banker, Edmond Safra.
"What's In The Box?" (Netflix series)
In this game show hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, players answer trivia questions to win spectacular hidden prizes — or steal them from the competition.
DECEMBER 18
"10DANCE" (JP) (Netflix film)
Two dancers, opposites in all but their art, agree to train together for a competition. At first, they clash, but soon become drawn to each other.
"Emily in Paris" season 5 (Netflix series)
Emily trades bonjour for buongiorno as she seeks to reinvent herself in Rome, but when love, career and loyalty collide, la dolce vita gets complicated.
DECEMBER 19
"A Time For Bravery" (MX) (Netflix film)
A psychoanalyst on community service aids an agent shattered by infidelity; together, they will confront danger and discover second chances.
"Breakdown: 1975" (Netflix documentary)
In 1975, as America faced social and political upheaval, filmmakers turned chaos into art. This documentary explores how a turbulent era gave rise to iconic movies like “Taxi Driver,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” and “Network,” featuring insights from Martin Scorsese, Ellen Burstyn, Seth Rogen, and more.
"The Great Flood" (KR) (Netflix film)
When a raging flood traps a researcher and her young son, a call to a crucial mission puts their escape — and the future of humanity — on the line.
Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day (Netflix live event)
A colossal global showdown between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, live from Miami, Florida.
DECEMBER 22
"Elway" (Netflix documentary)
Told in his own words, the definitive story of Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway goes deep on his NFL dreams, heartbreaks and Super Bowl redemption.
"Sicily Express" (IT) (Netflix series)
With Christmas around the corner, two blundering Sicilian friends working in Milan discover a dumpster that transports them to their families in seconds.
- "The Closer" seasons 1-7
DECEMBER 23
"King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch" season 3 (Netflix series)
With billion-dollar dreams and a powerhouse partner, Ken Goldin goes global with an amazing array of memorabilia — and some truly unusual finds.
- "Eden"
DECEMBER 24
"Goodbye June" (GB) (Netflix film)
Kate Winslet directs and joins Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn and Andrea Riseborough in a tender tale of a family’s farewell to their mother.
"Tom Segura: Teacher" (Netflix comedy special)
This marks the comedian’s fifth stand-up special for Netflix, following Tom Segura: Mostly Stories (2016), Tom Segura: Disgraceful (2018), Tom Segura: Ball Hog (2020), and Tom Segura: Sledgehammer (2023). His dark and twisted comedic series, Bad Thoughts, which was nominated for an Emmy, is returning for a second season in 2026.
- "Downton Abbey: A New Era"
DECEMBER 25
Christmas Gameday: Cowboys vs. Commanders (Netflix live event)
Christmas Gameday returns with two big-time divisional matchups, featuring the Cowboys vs. Commanders and Lions vs. Vikings.
Christmas Gameday: Lions vs. Vikings (Netflix live event)
Christmas Gameday returns with two big-time divisional matchups, featuring the Lions vs. Vikings and Cowboys vs. Commanders.
"Stranger Things" season 5: Volume 2 (Netflix series) (Releasing at 8 p.m. ET)
With Hawkins under lockdown, El in hiding and danger lurking at every turn, the entire party unites with a single goal: to hunt and kill Vecna.
DECEMBER 26
"Cover-Up" (Netflix documentary)
This documentary traces the career of legendary investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, whose tenacious reporting exposed cover-ups from My Lai to Abu Ghraib.
DECEMBER 29
"Members Only: Palm Beach" (Netflix series)
In this reality series, a group of socialites navigate the drama and decadence of Palm Beach, where the parties are lavish and the gossip is endless.
DECEMBER 30
"Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" (Netflix documentary)
Unravel the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandy, whose child abuse arrest with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.
"Ricky Gervais: Mortality" (GB) (Netflix comedy special)
In a special that further solidifies his reputation as one of the most influential voices in comedy, Gervais takes on his own mortality in a brutally honest and darkly funny stand-up special about his life, death and the state of the world.
DECEMBER 31
"Stranger Things" season 5: The Finale (Netflix series) (Releasing at 8 p.m. ET)
With Hawkins under lockdown, El in hiding and danger lurking at every turn, the entire party unites with a single goal: to hunt and kill Vecna.
- "Sleeping with Other People"
NEW NETFLIX GAMES DECEMBER 2025
Boggle Party
Race against the clock to find words (the longer, the better) in a jumbled-up letter grid. Play solo or make it a party with up to eight players.
Lego Party!
Square off against your friends in the ultimate LEGO party game. Compete in hilarious minigames and hunt for gold through themed Challenge Zones.
Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends!
One person at this party secretly has no idea what everyone else is talking about. Figure out whose clues are fishy to unmask the crasher.
Pictionary: Game Night
Draw 'til you drop — or one of your friends guesses what you're sketching — in this hilarious and fast-paced spin on the classic group game.
Puzzled
Build a brain-boosting daily habit. Solve new word, logic and visual puzzles every day and explore collections inspired by favorite Netflix worlds.
Tetris Time Warp
Time-travel with friends to different eras of Tetris, from the 1984 original to the classic Gameboy version. Can you warp your way to a top score?
Toca Boca Hair
Create amazing looks with endless hair, makeup and fashion styling options in this virtual salon. Unleash your imagination and set new trends.
WWE 2K25: Netflix Edition
Smack down the competition in this immersive wrestling game. Step into the ring for broadcast-style matches with WWE's heaviest-hitting Superstars.
Leaving Netflix in December 2025
Leaving 12/1/25
"Austin Powers in Goldmember"
"Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery"
"Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"
"Back to the Future"
"Back to the Future Part II"
"Back to the Future Part III"
"Beverly Hills Cop"
"Beverly Hills Cop II"
"Beverly Hills Cop III"
"Billy Madison"
"Clueless"
"Cold Pursuit"
"The Dark Tower"
"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"
"Edge of Tomorrow"
"Escape Room"
"Game Night"
"The Goonies"
"The Happytime Murders"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Kicking and Screaming"
"The Nutty Professor"
"The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps"
"Paddington"
"Wonka"
Leaving 12/3/25
"How I Met Your Mother" seasons 1-9
Leaving 12/5/25
"Compliance"
Leaving 12/7/25
"Gods of Egypt"
Leaving 12/9/25
"Daddy's Home"
"Daddy's Home 2"
Leaving 12/17/25
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2"
Leaving 12/18/25
"The 100" seasons 1-7
"Arrow" seasons 1-8
"Supernatural" seasons 1-15
Leaving 12/25/25
"Transformers"
"Transformers: Age of Extinction"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"
Leaving 12/29/25
"10 Things I Hate About You"
"Idiocracy"
"Sweet Home Alabama"
Leaving 12/30/25
"Ready Player One"
Leaving 12/31/25
"Evil" seasons 1-3
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