dec Looking for something new to watch this month. So are we, that’s why we made this list. Here are 14 new TV shows and movies premiering in December to add to your watchlist.
We didn’t include all holiday releases. Click here for all the new holiday movies premiering in 2023.
Renaissance the Film | Dec 1
This film chronicles the entire journey of the “Renaissance World Tour,” from its inception to the mesmerizing opening show in Stockholm, Sweden, and the grand finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It provides an in-depth look at Beyoncé’s dedication, hands-on involvement in all aspects of the production, her creative vision, and her quest to leave a lasting legacy while honing her craft.
Where to Watch:In theaters
How I learned to Fly | Dec 1
Two eenage brothers suddenly find themselves on their own after being mysteriously abandoned by their parents. Deeply haunted by the mental and physical abuse inflicted by their father (Method Man), elder brother Daniel (Marcus Scribner) is determined to prevent their lives from falling apart. He maintains a daily routine, works as a dishwasher and does his best to keep a roof over their heads. Younger brother Eli (Lonnie Chavis) struggles to cope with the absence of his mother, leaving her voicemail messages in search of answers. Embarking on a journey of survival and self-discovery, they uncover moments of beauty, newfound meaning and enduring love that strengthen their bond despite the uncertain road ahead.
Where to Watch:In theaters
Candy Cane Lane | Dec 1
Eddie Murphy portrays Chris, a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. To better his chances of winning, he makes a deal with mischievous elf Pepper (Jillian Bell) — without knowing the zaniness that will follow. She casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, wreaking havoc on the entire town. In danger of ruining the holidays for everyone, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross) and their three kids must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell.
Where to Watch:Prime Video
Raising Kanan (S3)| Dec 1
Season three picks up where we left off in Southside Jamaica Queens, with the Thomas family reeling from a coordinated attack by the Mob on Raquel, Marvin, and Lou-Lou. After a close call, Raquel seeks a fresh start, but Kanan remains skeptical about her departure from the criminal world. As the trailer suggests, the truth is elusive, and Kanan has been burned before.
Where to Watch:Starz
Sweet Home (S2) | Dec 1
back for a second season, and though real-world circumstances are very different, the story still hits hard. Whereas season 1 focused on Hyun-soo (Song Kang) and other survivors barricaded in their apartment building Green Home, season 2 will follow them into the outside world. There, they will have to contend with more monsters. But equally terrifying are the other humans they encounter.
Where to Watch:Netflix
How the Gringo Stole Christmas | Dec 1
This holiday comedy merges the hilarity of “Meet the Fockers” with the charm of “All About My Father.” George Lopez shines as Bennie, who is brimming with excitement over his daughter Claudia’s (played by Emily Tosta) return home for a traditional Mexican-Hispanic-American-Chicano Christmas celebration in East L.A. The festive mood, however, takes an unexpected turn when Claudia shows up from New York with her new boyfriend, Leif (portrayed by Jack Kilmer)—a gringo who wasn’t on the guest list. Cultural worlds collide, turning Bennie’s gathering into an uproariously dysfunctional family Christmas that’s sure to be unforgettable.
Where to Watch:In theaters/VOD
May December | Dec 1
Todd Haynes’ latest melodrama is loosely based on the true crime story of sixth-grade teacher Mary Kay Letourneau who had sex with her 12-year-old student. Twenty years after their notorious romance, Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) and her 23-years-younger husband Joe (Charles Melton) are facing their twins’ high school graduation. Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) visits to better understand the controversial woman she is portraying in a film. As she gets to know them, the family’s dynamics begin to unravel under an outsider’s gaze.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Thriller 40 | Dec 2
The documentary, directed by Nelson George, features never-before-seen footage like recording sessions of the album. It also features behind-the-scenes footage from making the short film. As well as a rare interviews with Jackson himself. Thriller 40 will feature commentary from Misty Copeland, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Will.I.Am, and more.
Where to Watch: Showtime/Paramount+
The Melodic Blue | Dec 5
Baby Keem’s internal battle leads us through fragments of memory and temptation as he navigates the depths of The Melodic Blue. Amandla Stenberg stars.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Black Hamptons (S2) | Dec 5
In season The Black Hamptons season 2, The Brittons and the Johnsons are back and the feuds are bigger than ever as they realize that the confusion amongst themselves is just the tip of the iceberg. A new threat looms over the Black Hamptons that could destroy everything they have built.
Where to Watch: BETPlus
Hush (S2) | Dec 7
This season, Dr. Logan is determined to clear her name and reclaim her fame, employing her pawns to not only assist in her freedom but also to cover up more than initially promised, all at any cost, before the secrets of the penthouse are exposed.
Where to Watch: AllBlk
Leave The World Behind | Dec 8
Married couple Amanda (Julia Roberts) and Clay (Ethan Hawke) rent a luxurious home for a weekend with their kids. But their vacation is soon upended by the arrival of two strangers, G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and daughter Ruth (Myha’la Herrold). They bring news of a cyberattack that has led them to seek refuge in the house they claim to be their own. The two families must co-exist as they face a disaster that could destroy life as they know it.
Where to Watch:Netflix
Culprits (S1) |
Culprits kicks off where most crime stories end: after a high-stakes heist, when the crew of elite criminals have gone their separate ways and have tried to leave their old lives behind. Past and present collide when a ruthless assassin starts targeting them one by one. Why are they being stalked, who is behind the mayhem, and will they be able to find one another in time to protect themselves and the people they love?
Where to Watch: Hulu
Our Son | Dec 8
The story revolves around Gabriel (Billy Porter) and Nicky (Luke Evans), a couple married for 13 years, navigating the challenges of divorce. Struggling with personal and creative issues while caring for their son Owen, the couple faces stress and anxiety, leading to an irreparable situation. As they announce the news to friends and family, a custody battle ensues, forcing them on a journey of self-discovery to support their son.
The cast includes Andrew Rannells, Robin Weigert, Kate Burton, and Phylicia Rashad.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Blood Vessel | Dec 8
Brought together by chance, six people fleeing a town devastated by oil pollution stow away on a mysterious ship — not realizing the dangers that await.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Poor Things | Dec 8
Emma Stone stars as Bella Baxter, a young woman resurrected by the brilliant yet unconventional scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s guardianship, Bella exhibits a keen eagerness to learn. Yearning for worldly experiences she has yet to encounter, Bella elopes with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a suave yet hedonistic lawyer, embarking on a globe-trotting adventure. Unhindered by the biases of her era, Bella becomes resolute in her mission to champion equality and liberation. Jerrod Carmichael also stars.
Where to Watch: In theaters
American Fiction | Dec 15 (expanded) Dec 22
Based on Percival Everett’s acclaimed novel “Erasure,” the film follows the journey of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. Monk is a respected author and English literature professor who finds himself at odds with the expectations of the publishing world. As his latest novel is deemed “not Black enough” by publishers, Monk grapples with the intersection of his artistic integrity and the commercial demands of the industry.
The story takes a poignant turn when Monk’s family faces tragedy and his ailing mother requires care beyond their means. In a moment of defiance, Monk creates a pseudonymous novel laden with Black clichés, only to witness its rapid success and Hollywood’s eager interest. Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the consequences of Monk’s actions and the intricate web of authenticity, race, and societal progress.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Reacher (S2) | Dec 15
“‘Reacher’ Season Two begins when veteran military police investigator Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) receives a coded message that the members of his former U.S. Army unit, the 110th MP Special Investigations, are being mysteriously and brutally murdered one by one. Pulled from his drifter lifestyle, Reacher reunites with three of his former teammates turned chosen family to investigate, including Frances Neagley (Maria Sten); Karla Dixon (Serinda Swan), a forensic accountant for whom Reacher has long had a soft spot; and fast-talking, switchblade-wielding family man David O’Donnell (Shaun Sipos). Together, they begin to connect the dots in a mystery where the stakes get higher at every turn, and that brings about questions of who has betrayed them—and who will die next. Using his inimitable blend of smarts and size, Reacher will stop at nothing to uncover the truth and protect the members of his unit. If there’s one thing Reacher and his team know for certain, it’s that you do not mess with the Special Investigators. This season, get ready for Reacher and the 110th to hit back hard.”
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Where to Watch:Prime Video
Rebel Moon | Dec 15/Dec 22
The plot revolves around Kora (Boutella), a stranger with a mysterious past, who crash-lands on a distant moon in the universe. After landing she begins a new life among a peaceful settlement of farmers. But she soon becomes their only hope for survival when the tyrannical Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee) and his cruel emissary, Admiral Noble (Ed Skrein), discover the farmers have unwittingly sold their crops to the Bloodaxes (Cleopatra Coleman and Ray Fisher) — leaders of a fierce group of insurgents hunted by the Motherworld.
Tasked with finding fighters who would risk their lives to defend the people of Veldt, Kora and Gunnar (Michiel Huisman), a tenderhearted farmer naive in the realities of war, journey to different worlds in search of the Bloodaxes. Along the way they assemble a small band of warriors who share a common need for redemption. Those people are Kai (Charlie Hunnam), a pilot and gun for hire; General Titus (Djimon Hounsou), a legendary commander; Nemesis (Doona Bae), a master swordswoman; Tarak (Staz Nair), a captive with a regal past; and Milius (E. Duffy), a resistance fighter. Back on Veldt, Jimmy (voiced by Anthony Hopkins), an ancient mechanized protector hiding in the wings, awakens with a new purpose. But the newly formed revolutionaries must learn to trust each other and fight as one before the armies of the Motherworld come to destroy them all.
Where to Watch: In theaters/Netflix
Wonka | Dec 15
The film introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, bursting with innovative ideas and an unwavering determination to change the world, one delectable bite at a time. This storyline illustrates that the best things in life often begin with a dream, and if you’re fortunate enough to cross paths with Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
The star-studded cast includes Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant, among others. Notably, Hugh Grant’s role as an Oompa Loompa has sparked some discussion.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Maestro | Dec 20
From Director Bradley Cooper, Maestro is the towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between cultural icon Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro, at its core, is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Percy Jackson and the Olympians | Dec 20
Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) is a 12-year-old boy who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon and, thus, a modern demigod. As he’s coming to terms with his newly awakened divine power, Zeus (the late Lance Reddick) accuses Percy of stealing the master lightning bolt. Percy and his friends — Athena’s daughter Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and the satyr Grover (Aryan Simhadri) — embark on a quest to find it and restore order to Olympus.
Where to Watch:Disney Plus
Dr. Death (S2) | Dec 21
The true crime anthology based on the podcast of the same name adapts the latter’s third season, which chronicles the terrible acts of charismatic surgeon Paolo Macchiarini aka “Miracle Man.” Renowned for his innovative operations, Macchiarini (Edgar Ramírez) draws the attention of investigative journalist Benita Alexander (Mandy Moore). As she produces a news special spotlighting his work, Alexander begins to suspect that the doctor is hiding dark secrets about how far he’s willing to go in the name of research.
Where to Watch:Peacock
The Color Purple Musical | Dec 25
“The Color Purple” remains true to its source material, Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and the acclaimed Broadway musical adaptation. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and empowerment, with a powerful emphasis on the voices and experiences of Black women.
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.”
“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino.
Where to Watch: In theaters