Netflix is closing out 2025 with one of its biggest monthly slates in years, highlighted by long-awaited finales, high-profile film premieres, returning fan favorites, and a hefty batch of classic titles joining the catalog.
Stranger Things Takes Center Stage
The streaming giant’s marquee release is, unsurprisingly, Stranger Things.
After the explosive ending of Season 5 Episode 4, viewers will finally see where the story heads when Season 5 Volume 2—a three-episode continuation—drops on December 25.
Just six days later, on December 31, Netflix will roll out the Stranger Things series finale, accompanied by a special theatrical event marking the end of the beloved sci-fi saga.
The anticipation surrounding the Duffer Brothers’ concluding chapter has already reached fever pitch, signaling the end of a defining Netflix era.
Jay Kelly Makes Its Streaming Debut
Another December highlight is the arrival of Jay Kelly, the latest project from acclaimed filmmaker Noah Baumbach.
Starring George Clooney as an aging movie icon and Adam Sandler as his devoted manager, the film earned strong early praise for its emotional depth and sly commentary on Hollywood life.
Following a brief theatrical run, Jay Kelly lands on Netflix December 5, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes documentary.
Knives Out Returns With a Darker Mystery
Rian Johnson’s third installment in the Knives Out franchise, titled Wake Up Dead Man, debuts on December 12.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, this time drawn into a chilling, spiritually tinged murder mystery set within a gothic church.
Josh O’Connor co-stars as a young priest seeking Blanc’s help, with a star-studded ensemble including Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner.
Action, Animation & Holiday Releases
Kicking off the month on December 1 is Troll 2, the most expensive Nordic film ever produced, continuing Norway’s monster-sized blockbuster series.
On the more heartfelt side, Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut with Goodbye June—a family drama written by her son Joe Anders—premiering December 24.
Fans of animated adventure can look forward to the conclusion of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft Season 2 on December 11, while Emily in Paris returns for Season 5 on December 18, taking Lily Collins’ character to a brand-new setting in Rome.
Classic Films Join for the Holiday Season
Netflix is also bolstering its December catalog with a strong selection of well-known hits. Among the additions:
Kung Fu Panda 1–3
Rio & Rio 2
Over the Hedge
Pulp Fiction
The Wolf of Wall Street
Little Women (2019)
Love & Death and The Staircase (their first time on Netflix)
Teen Wolf, complete seasons
These additions arrive December 1, offering families and film lovers a wide range of options during the holiday period.
Full List of Arrivals and Departures
Netflix is rolling out dozens of films, series, documentaries, and live events throughout the month, along with a substantial number of classic titles set to leave the platform by December 31. Highlights include:
December 11: Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft Season 2
December 12: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
December 18: Emily in Paris Season 5
December 25: Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2
December 31: Stranger Things The Finale
Meanwhile, several major franchises—Back to the Future, Austin Powers, Transformers, and more—are set to depart early in the month or shortly before New Year’s Eve.
