“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” (Dec. 5)
The sequel continues the chilling saga at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. A year after the events of the first film, former security guard Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa Shelly (Elizabeth Lail) have tried to shield Schmidt’s younger sister Abby (Piper Rubio) from the horrors of the animatronics. New terror awaits when the town launches its first “Fazfest.” Returning villain William Afton (Matthew Lillard) re-emerges, and the roster expands to include McKenna Grace, Teo Briones, Freddy Carter, and Wayne Knight in supporting roles. With a Dec. 5 release date, the film blends nostalgia for the video-game franchise with heightened horror stakes.
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” (Dec. 12, Netflix)
Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns in this third installment from writer-director Rian Johnson, as he investigates a perplexing death within a tightly knit church community. He joins forces with young priest Jud Duplentis (Josh O’Connor) and confronts institutions of faith and secrecy. The ensemble cast also features Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington, among others. After a limited theatrical run beginning Nov.26, the film will be available on Netflix on Dec. 12.
“Silent Night, Deadly Night” (Dec. 12)
This slasher reboot follows Billy Chapman (Rohan Campbell), who is haunted by witnessing his parents’ murder on Christmas Eve. He grows into a figure of violent retribution. Wearing the Santa suit as his hunting guise. Ruby Modine, David Lawrence Brown, and Mark Acheson round out the central cast of the disturbing holiday thriller. With its U.S. release set for Dec. 12 by distributor Cineverse, the film uses festive imagery to heighten the fright.
“Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris” (Dec. 14)
Pop icon Christina Aguilera headlines this cinematic holiday concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of her album My Kind of Christmas. Filmed live in Paris with stylistic segments set at the Eiffel Tower and Parisian cabaret locales, the film blends performance with visual flourish. Released in theaters on Dec. 14, with additional engagements beginning Dec. 21, it presents Aguilera’s vocal range alongside lavish staging for a festive cinematic experience.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” (Dec. 19)
James Cameron returns to the director’s chair for this third installment of the Avatar saga, as Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) face the fire-adapted Ash People tribe. The cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Stephen Lang, and Oona Chaplin, and the film is scheduled for Dec. 19 in the U.S., promising expansive world-building and technological spectacle.
“Is This Thing On?” (Dec. 19)
Directed and co-written by Bradley Cooper, “Is This Thing On?” is a comedy-drama inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, with Cooper also appearing onscreen. The ensemble cast features Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, and Ciarán Hinds. Set for release Dec. 19, the film focuses on performance, identity, and the space between a stage persona and the self.
“The Housemaid” (Dec. 19)
From director Paul Feig and based on the novel by Freida McFadden, “The Housemaid” stars Sydney Sweeney as Millie, a young live-in housemaid hired by the upscale Winchester family — led by Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar). When she begins to uncover the family’s hidden secrets, psychological thriller elements collide with class dynamics and betrayal. The film will open nationwide on Dec. 19 under Lionsgate’s distribution.
