The end of every year arrives with that same familiar ritual: twinkling lights, closing calendars, endless lists piling up — and, of course, the premieres that start competing for space in our already chaotic December binge-watching. It’s curious how, almost without noticing, we organize our routines around what each platform releases, as if streaming had become a kind of modern advent calendar, marking the weeks with new series, specials, and films that promise to warm (or completely unsettle) the heart.

And 2025 does not disappoint. Quite the opposite: Apple, Prime Video, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount+ have decided to play their strongest cards right now, in a nearly choreographed move to hook viewers through nostalgia, escapism, or the simple desire to slow down with comforting stories — or absolutely chaotic ones, because December has room for that too. Between music documentaries, willfully messy Christmas comedies, family dramas, and the return of universes we already know well, everything seems to conspire toward that irresistible “just one more episode.”

It’s the month when audiovisual storytelling shamelessly embraces its mission of keeping us company at the end of the year. And we, as always, willingly accept.

Apple TV+

F1 – December 12

The film starring Brad Pitt as “the greatest driver who never was,” Sonny Hayes, delivers stunning Formula 1 imagery with a thread of personal drama. Sonny was the most promising Formula 1 phenom of the 1990s, until a crash on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire, until he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), now the owner of a struggling F1 team on the brink of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to return to Formula 1 for one last shot at saving the team — and proving himself the best in the world. He will share the track with Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s brilliant rookie, determined to follow his own path. But when engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him, and he discovers that in Formula 1, your teammate is also your greatest rival — and that the road to redemption is never a solitary one.

Amazon Prime Video

Fallout – Season 2 – December 1

The new season begins immediately after the epic finale of the first and takes audiences on a journey through the Mojave Desert to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. Based on one of the greatest video game franchises of all time, Fallout tells the story of the haves and the have-nots in a world where almost nothing is left to own. Two hundred years after the apocalypse, the gentle inhabitants of luxurious underground vaults are forced to return to the radioactive hell their ancestors left behind — and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, deliciously strange, and extremely violent universe awaiting them.

Oh. What. Fun. – December 3

Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly decorated cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls like Claire. But this year, after planning a special family trip, they made a crucial mistake and left her home alone. Exhausted and feeling unappreciated, Claire sets off on an improvised adventure of her own. As the family panics trying to find her, Claire discovers the unexpected magic of a Christmas that goes completely off script.

Merv – December 10

When their beloved dog Merv loses his sparkle after the couple’s breakup, Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) are forced into the most awkward co-parenting arrangement imaginable. Trying to cheer him up, Russ takes Merv to Florida for a much-needed getaway — but Anna shows up unannounced. As Merv regains his spark, mending the dog’s heart might just rekindle sparks between the two of them as well.

HBO Max

Paul Anka – His Way – December 1

From teen idol to hit songwriter, Paul Anka has spent seven decades as one of the most prolific musicians in the world — and he’s still going strong. Part road movie, part living biography, PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY traces the journey of the iconic Canadian through fame and constant reinvention in an ever-changing industry.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley – December 4

Through rare footage and deeply personal accounts, this documentary explores the extraordinary life, singular talent, and untimely death of Jeff Buckley — the enigmatic artist whose haunting voice and only studio album, Grace, left an indelible mark on music history.

The Family McMullen – December 5

Thirty years after The Brothers McMullen, Edward Burns’ Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner that portrayed the lives of three Irish-American brothers from Long Island, the family returns in the long-awaited THE FAMILY MCMULLEN. The new film follows the romantic entanglements of Barry McMullen, now in his fifties, his twenty-something children, his brother Patrick and his widowed sister-in-law Molly (Connie Britton), all facing unexpected challenges in love.

Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? – December 18

An intimate portrait of Adam Duritz, lead singer of Counting Crows, and the emotional and creative impact that the band’s meteoric rise had on his life. The documentary follows how he navigated early fame while creating the band’s second album, the follow-up to their iconic debut.

Netflix

Sean Combs: The Reckoning – December 2

Diddy. Puff Daddy. Love. The public knows the hip-hop icon by many names — but who is the real Sean Combs? In this four-part documentary produced by Emmy and Grammy winner Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and directed by Emmy winner Alexandria Stapleton, Sean Combs: The Reckoning delivers a hard-hitting examination of the media mogul, music legend — and convicted criminal. Born with an insatiable hunger for success and a gift for spotting stars, Combs rose quickly through the music industry with Bad Boy Entertainment, playing a pivotal role in bringing hip-hop to the mainstream and launching artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, and Danity Kane. But along the way, according to former associates, childhood friends, artists, and ex-employees, something dark began to seep into his ambitions. Featuring explosive, never-before-seen material — including exclusive interviews — the documentary exposes the gilded empire he built — and the hidden underworld behind it.

With Love, Meghan – December 3

Meghan opens the doors of her Montecito home for a holiday celebration she calls “magical.” Friends and family help decorate the house, prepare feasts, craft handmade gifts, and share plenty of laughter, with simple tutorials viewers can recreate at home.

The Secret of Santa Claus – December 3

A lively single mother in need of a job decides to disguise herself as a man to get hired as a seasonal Santa at a luxury snow-covered resort. But when she begins to fall for the hotel manager, complications arise that could ruin everything.

The Abandoned – December 4

Washington Territory, 1854 — The matriarchs of two very different families — one wealthy and powerful, bound by blood; the other a found family made up of orphans and outcasts united by love and necessity — have their destinies intertwined by two crimes, a terrible secret, a forbidden love, and land rich in silver beneath the soil. Their clash reflects the American struggle between the haves and the have-nots in a place beyond the reach of justice.

Jay Kelly – December 5

The new film by Oscar-nominated director Noah Baumbach follows famous actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting past and present alongside his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler). Both epic and intimate, humorous and melancholic, Jay Kelly moves at the intersection of regrets and triumphs.

Man and Baby – December 11

Trevor Bingley (Rowan Atkinson) leaves behind a life of stress to work as a school caretaker. But a lucrative offer to look after a luxury penthouse in London over Christmas proves too tempting to resist. On the last day of school, when no one comes to pick up the baby Jesus from the school nativity scene, Trevor finds himself with a new and unexpected companion. With a baby to care for and a multimillion-pound apartment to protect, will he manage to have the quiet Christmas he desires — or will chaos strike once again?

Dead or Alive — Knives Out – December 12

Benoit Blanc returns for his most dangerous case yet — with a brand-new all-star cast of suspects.

Christmas Boyfriend – December 12

A continuation of the pandemic-era hit: Johanne is now 35. Months have passed since her breakup with Jonas. Single, she keeps herself busy to avoid loneliness — helping her siblings, caring for her widowed father, and stepping into a new leadership role at work. When she returns to dating apps, she realizes everything has changed — or maybe she is the one who has changed. The breakup with Jonas was painful, and a big question simmers beneath the surface: will she have the courage to love again?

Emily in Paris – December 18

Now at the helm of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to a new city. When everything seems to be falling into place, a work idea goes wrong — and the domino effect hits both her career and her heart. Searching for balance, Emily leans into her French lifestyle until a major secret threatens one of the most important relationships of her life. Facing conflicts honestly, she emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and is ready for new paths.

Goodbye, June – December 24

Marking Kate Winslet’s directorial debut, the film is set shortly before Christmas, when a turn in their mother’s health throws four adult siblings — and their exasperating father — into chaos. But June, sharp-witted and spirited, orchestrates her own decline on her own terms: with biting humor, brutal honesty, and a great deal of love.

Paramount+

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – December 4

Theoretically, the final installment of the franchise starring Tom Cruise — which broke box-office records just six months ago — finally arrives on the platform to guarantee an extra dose of action star power for the holiday season.