The Holiday Movie Season: A Guide to the Most Anticipated Films
The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is always a high-stakes time for Hollywood. It’s during this month that studios make their final push to release films that could earn both critical acclaim and box office success. This year, the holiday season is packed with a mix of big-budget blockbusters and smaller, independent films that are generating excitement among audiences and critics alike.
Here’s a look at the 17 new films that are capturing attention this season:
Released Thanksgiving Week
‘Eternity’
Elizabeth Olsen stars in this emotional drama about a woman who must choose between spending eternity with the love of her life or her first love, who has been waiting for her in the afterlife. Miles Teller and Callum Turner co-star in this film now playing in theaters.
‘Hamnet’
This film has already sparked significant Oscar buzz. Paul Mescal plays a young William Shakespeare alongside Jessie Buckley as his wife. Directed by Chloé Zhao, known for “Nomadland” and “The Rider,” this film marks a return to form for the acclaimed director.
‘Jay Kelly’
George Clooney takes on a dramatic role in this comedy-drama from Noah Baumbach. The film features an ensemble cast including Adam Sandler, Isla Fisher, and Laura Dern. It will be available in theaters and will begin streaming on Netflix on December 5.
‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’
Daniel Craig returns as the Southern detective Benoit Blanc in this new mystery. The film features a star-studded cast, including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Jeremy Renner. It is currently in theaters and will start streaming on Netflix on December 12.
‘Zootopia 2’
After nearly a decade since the original “Zootopia” captivated audiences, the sequel is back with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde tackling another case. The film features a stellar voice cast, including Jason Bateman and Idris Elba.
December 5
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’
This sequel to the successful horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s” continues the story of people trying to survive in a haunted pizza parlor. The film is now in theaters.
‘Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair’
Quentin Tarantino’s long-awaited vision of his “Kill Bill” saga is finally being shown in its entirety. The film includes a never-before-seen animated scene and runs over 280 minutes. It is now playing in theaters.
December 12
‘Ella McCay’
James L. Brooks returns with this dramedy about a young woman torn between family and work. Emma Mackey stars alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Woody Harrelson. The film is now in theaters.
‘Goodbye June’
Kate Winslet stars in and directs this drama about a group of estranged siblings coming together during the holidays. The film is now in theaters and will begin streaming on Netflix on December 24.
December 19
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
The latest installment in James Cameron’s “Avatar” franchise follows the heroes as they face the aggressive Ash People. The film features Sam Worthingon, Kate Winslet, and Zoe Saldaña. It is now in theaters.
‘The Housemaid’
Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney star in this thriller about a young woman whose job as a housekeeper turns into a nightmare. Directed by Paul Feig, it is now in theaters.
‘Is This Thing On?’
Bradley Cooper returns as a director in this dramedy about a middle-aged man reinventing himself as a stand-up comedian. The film features Laura Dern and Andra Day. It is now in theaters.
‘The Secret Agent’
This Brazilian film starring Wagner Moura has generated awards talk. It follows a man on the run during the country’s military dictatorship in the ’70s. The film is now in theaters.
‘The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants’
The beloved animated characters return for another adventure. Regina Hall, Mark Hamill, and George Lopez are part of the voice cast. The film is now in theaters.
December 25
‘Anaconda’
Paul Rudd and Jack Black star in this comedy about two guys remaking their favorite childhood horror movie. The film is now in theaters.
‘Marty Supreme’
Timothée Chalamet stars in this film about a 1950s-era table-tennis champion. Directed by Josh Safdie, it features Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler the Creator. The film is now in theaters.
‘Song Sung Blue’
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson portray a couple who perform as a Neil Diamond tribute act. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film is now in theaters.
