December has historically been a big month for movie theaters, with kids home for the holidays, leaving parents looking for activities to do with them or simply seeking a reason to get some time alone. Of course, getting swept up in the holiday spirit also tends to encourage people to spend more and be more generous with their money. Historically, big films have come out for the holidays, and this year is no different, with two potential box office titans facing off to make the most at the box office: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash. Meanwhile, for younger families, everyone’s favorite sea dweller is sure to bring fans to the theaters with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
These titles are just a small sampling of the films vying for box-office glory, and fans should not overlook other notable films, such as the over-the-top horror-comedy Anaconda and the underdog sports drama Marty Supreme. We have outlined all the details on all the must-watch films coming to theaters in December 2025. Below that, you will find a complete list of all releases, including limited ones, coming to theaters.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’
In Theaters on December 5, 2025
2023’s Five Nights at Freddy’s was an absolute powerhouse for Blumhouse, marking their most profitable release at the time, bringing in $297 million off a $20 million budget. It is not surprising that a sequel would follow, and with the franchise building on the previous film’s story, a similar turnout for the video game adaptation seems inevitable. Taking place after the events of the first film, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 follows Mike, Vanessa, and Abby as they maintain ties to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza following their initial frightening encounter. Notably, Abby seeks a deeper understanding of the events by investigating the Pizzeria’s origins, only to uncover a new threat.
Besides the returning cast, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 marks the return of director Emma Tammi and writer Scott Cawthon, ensuring fans will get a cohesive sequel comparable to the first. Get ready to enter the world of deadly animatronics once again, as Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 lands in theaters on December 5.
‘Hamnet’
In Theaters on December 12, 2025
Following its People’s Choice award win at the Toronto International Film Festival, Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet has been generating buzz among critics and cinephiles in the lead-up to its theatrical debut. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, Hamnet offers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare as he navigates his personal relationships and the loss of his son. An unconventional biopic that takes some liberties with Shakespeare’s past, nonetheless, presents one of the most emotionally poignant stories based on the revered playwright.
Deeply moving, with a sharp visual direction to match, the critical praise heaped on the film on the festival circuit has helped set Hamnet up as a potential box-office sleeper hit. Audiences will be able to decide for themselves when Hamnet hits theaters on December 12.
‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’
In Theaters on December 12, 2025
“It’s garbage day!” Only fans of the original Silent Night, Deadly Night films will get that reference, but still, the prospect of a relaunch of one of the best (and at times enjoyably bad) Christmas slashers is a welcome prospect for horror hounds. A re-imagining of the 1984 film Silent Night, Deadly Night follows Billy Chapman (Rohan Campbell), who is left scarred one Christmas when his parents are killed by a man dressed as a not-so-Jolly Saint Nick. This trauma manifests in his adulthood, turning him into a killer triggered by holiday celebrations. This holiday season, horror fans can expect plenty of blood-drenched snow and Christmas chaos, as director Mike P. Nelson unleashes Silent Night, Deadly Night into theaters on December 12.
‘Ella McCay’
In Theaters on December 12, 2025
Focused on its titular character, Ella McCay (played by Emma Mackey) follows the young and determined lieutenant governor who is on the cusp of taking over as governor. As she settles into her new role, Ella begins to feel public pressure while also dealing with personal issues; her estranged father, played by Woody Harrelson, and growing tension as her longtime partner (Jack Lowden) struggles with being married to a public figure.
Thankfully, Ella has her outspoken aunt (played by fan-favorite Jamie Lee Curtis) and loyal aide (Julie Kavner) to help her navigate. A phenomenal cast, and the return of James L. Brooks to the director’s chair after 2010’s How Do You Know is an intriguing prospect for film fans. Ella McCay is in theaters on December 12, 2025.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
In Theaters on December 19, 2025
Picking up from the events of Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) and set to introduce the Ash People (Mangkwan clan), a fire-aligned Na’vi faction, Avatar: Fire and Ash has become a highly anticipated next chapter in the fan-favorite franchise. The new mythology added to the franchise appears to continue propelling it forward with new stories and another means to explore humanity’s relationship with nature. With the longest runtime of all the Avatar films, with a massive budget to match, Avatar: Fire and Ash will deliver large-scale spectacle at the box office on December 19.
‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’
In Theaters on December 19, 2025
The new SpongeBob movie will have longtime fans screaming “I’m ready!” as they make their way to theaters to check out The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Here, SpongeBob is set on proving he has matured to his boss, Mr. Krabs, and is worthy of more respect at work. To prove his bravery, he embarks on a mission with his best friend, Patrick, into the depths of Bikini Bottom. The movie marks the fourth theatrical outing for SpongeBob. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants hits theaters on December 19.
‘The Housemaid’
In Theaters on December 19, 2025
While Sydney Sweeney has had a tough go at the box office in 2025, delivering three box-office bombs in three months, The Housemaid has a good chance of breaking that streak. Here, Sydney Sweeney plays Millie Calloway, a young woman with a troubled past looking for a fresh start. Millie takes a job as a live-in maid for the wealthy Winchester family, hired by Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and her husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar). As Millie spends more time with the family, she learns that their picture-perfect veneer hides dark secrets that soon entangle her.
The Housemaid film is based on the novel by one of the most revered and celebrated authors working in crime/psychological thrillers today, Freida McFadden. At the same time, the movie sees director Paul Feig transition from comedy to drama, adding another layer of intrigue that will draw in a broad range of viewers. It is a bit of a wildcard, but one that could prove to be a surprise hit, particularly for those who show up as fans of McFadden, with the original novel selling 4.5 million copies worldwide. The Housemaid will hit theaters on December 19.
‘Is This Thing On?’
In Theaters on December 19, 2025
Following a turbulent relationship, Alex (played by Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) separate, leading Alex to try to find himself by entering the New York comedy scene. It is here that Alex finds a new sense of purpose and begins to use the craft of stand-up to explore his own shortcomings as a partner and parent. An authentic exploration of personal growth, Is This Thing On? is loosely inspired by the real life of British comedian John Bishop. Bradley Cooper acts as director and co-writer (alongside Will Arnett and Mark Chappell) for this poignant dramedy that celebrates family and stand-up comedy. Is This Thing On? is in theaters on December 19.
‘Anaconda’
In Theaters on December 25, 2025
Not so much a remake of the 1997 Anaconda movie, as explained by Paul Rudd in speaking with Collider: “It’s about a bunch of people who … loved the movie Anaconda from the ’90s, but it’s not a remake. It’s a totally unique thing, and it is funny.” Instead, the movie looks to pay homage to the flawed ’90s movie and build a new story around its lore. Here, a group of middle-aged friends, including Paul Rudd, Jack Black, and Steve Zahn, go on an expedition as a means to celebrate their love of the Jennifer Lopez-led movie. Things go wrong when they actually come face-to-face with a giant, deadly serpent.
Blending action, horror, and comedy with an ensemble cast of celebrated comedic actors, Anaconda is the ideal theater outing to inject some energy into the holiday season. Anaconda also features director Tom Gormican, whose previous work included the delightfully dark and humorous The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Anaconda slithers its way into theaters on December 25.
‘Marty Supreme’
In Theaters on December 25, 2025
Timothée Chalamet plays the titular Marty (loosely inspired by real-life sports legend Marty Reisman), a ping-pong player who aims to bring the sport from the underground into the mainstream in the 1950s. Highlighting his dedication to the craft, Timothée Chalamet prepared for the role by training extensively in ping pong to bring authenticity to his portrayal as Marty. Marty Supreme also marks the first solo feature from director Josh Safdie (Good Time, Uncut Gems). The allure of immense talent in front of and behind the screen, presenting an underdog story in a lesser-celebrated sport, makes Marty Supreme a must-watch. Marty Supreme is set to release in theaters on December 25.
‘Song Sung Blue’
In Theaters on December 25, 2025
Based on a 2008 documentary of the same name by Greg Kohs, Song Sung Blue follows real-life married couple Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire Sardina (Kate Hudson), who perform as a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. Spanning decades of their lives, the film explores the couple’s ups and downs as they chase their dream. The pairing of Hugh Jackman, who has the musical chops to fill the role, and Kate Hudson is a perfect pairing for this heartfelt exploration of a love of music underscored by personal struggles. Director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Empire) is also the ideal choice to helm a musical that also explores deeply humane struggles. Song Sung Blue is in theaters on December 25.
Every movie coming to theaters in December 2025. Limited releases are marked with a (*); check local listings for availability.
December 5, 2025
- Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- Man Finds Tape
- Hunting Season *
- Fackham Hall *
- Rosemead *
- Merrily We Roll Along *
- Dust Bunny *
- 100 Nights of Hero *
- Frontier Crucible *
- Little Trouble Girls *
- Happy Holidays *
- Eastern Western *
- The Secret Agent *
December 12, 2025
- Hamnet
- Silent Night, Deadly Night
- Ella McCay
- Lone Samurai *
- Turbulence *
- Not Without Hope *
- Europe’s New Faces *
- Atropia *
- Resurrection *
December 19, 2025
- David
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- The Housemaid
- Is This Thing On?
December 24, 2025
- Father Mother Sister Brother *
- The Plague *
December 25, 2025
- Anaconda
- Marty Supreme
- Song Sung Blue
- The Choral *
- No Other Choice *
- The Testament of Ann Lee *