As December rolls in, the cinematic offerings heat up with an exciting mix of heartfelt dramas, thrilling biopics, and unique adventures. Here’s your guide to the 12 films you shouldn’t miss this month, whether you’re heading to the cinema or streaming from home.

1. Beatles ’64: Relive the Mania

Travel back to February 1964 when Beatlemania took the US by storm. Directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese, this intimate documentary captures The Beatles’ whirlwind visit to America, featuring rare footage by the iconic Maysles brothers. With appearances from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and peers like Smokey Robinson, the film is a charismatic deep dive into a historic cultural moment.

Release Date: 29 November on Disney+.

2. The Return: Homeric Heroics

Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reunite for The Return, a gritty retelling of Odysseus’s comeback after years of war. Directed by Uberto Pasolini, the film delivers a raw, emotional journey filled with blood, grit, and gripping performances.

Release Date: 6 December in the US.

3. Better Man: Robbie Reimagined

Robbie Williams gets an unconventional biopic in Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey. With a CGI chimpanzee representing Williams, this wildly creative film blends bold visuals with raw emotion, offering a unique take on the pop icon’s life.

Release Date: 26 December in the UK, Ireland, and Australia.

4. Nightbitch: Motherhood Unleashed

Amy Adams shines in Nightbitch, a horror-comedy where a suburban mother descends into a surreal identity crisis, believing she’s transforming into a dog. Packed with dark humour and poignant truths, it’s a must-watch for fans of boundary-pushing cinema.

Release Date: 6 December in the UK and Ireland.

5. The Count of Monte-Cristo: A Revenge Masterpiece

Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale gets a stunning adaptation from Chapter 2 studios. With Pierre Niney as Edmond Dantès, this epic saga of betrayal and vengeance is both thrilling and haunting.

Release Date: 20 December in the US.

6. Nosferatu: A Creepy Classic Reimagined

Robert Eggers breathes new life into Nosferatu with an authentic 19th-century twist. Starring Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp, this retelling of the vampire legend promises gothic chills and an immersive aesthetic.

Release Date: 25 December in select countries.

7. Kraven the Hunter: A Tragic Hero

Sony’s Spider-Man universe expands with Kraven the Hunter. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the titular antihero in a tragic tale packed with action, drama, and powerful performances.

Release Date: 12 December internationally.

8. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Set two centuries before The Hobbit, this anime-style Tolkien adaptation brings the battle for Rohan to life. With Peter Jackson as executive producer, it’s a fresh and visually stunning addition to Middle Earth’s lore.

Release Date: 11 December in cinemas.

9. That Christmas: Festive Feel-Good Fun

From Richard Curtis, That Christmas is a heartwarming animation set in a picturesque English village. With intertwining stories of love and connection, it’s the perfect holiday watch for the whole family.

Release Date: 6 December on Netflix internationally.

10. A Complete Unknown: Dylan’s Early Days

Timothée Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biopic focused on Dylan’s rise to fame and his electrifying shift to rock music. Oscar buzz surrounds this compelling look at a musical icon’s transformation.

Release Date: 25 December in the US.

11. Babygirl: Desire and Power

Nicole Kidman stars in Babygirl, a steamy psychological drama about an ambitious CEO navigating forbidden attraction. Directed by Halina Reijn, the film explores workplace taboos with sharp insight and magnetic performances.

Release Date: 25 December in the US.

12. Mufasa: The Lion King

It a prequel to Disney’s photorealistic remake of The Lion King. Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his Oscar-winning film Moonlight, the movie explores how Mufasa, Simba’s father, rose from being an orphan to a noble leader in the Pride Lands. Featuring new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film delves into themes of greatness, morality, and personal transformation. Jenkins, initially criticized for joining a Disney project, was drawn to Jeff Nathanson’s compelling script, which he found emotionally resonant.

Relase Date: 18 December in cinemas internationally.

Final Thoughts

December’s film lineup offers something for everyone, from historical dramas to festive comedies. Whether you’re a music fan, Tolkien enthusiast, or action junkie, there’s plenty to enjoy this month. Which one’s on your watchlist?