Films and series not to miss this Christmas

Christmas, as we know, is one of the best times of the year, but it can also feel somewhat repetitive. Turn on Italia1 and you find Trading Places, open streaming platforms and you find The Grinch. In short, it’s always the same story. That’s why we want to offer you some new suggestions to spend December with fresh titles for the holidays. From Christmas horror to snowy spy series, here’s the list of releases not to miss while waiting for Christmas Eve, extending even beyond Epiphany.

Black Doves - Netflix

For many, just knowing there’s a new series with Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw would already feel like a gift. Who could blame them? But there’s more: Black Doves is another enjoyable show from Netflix that disguises British icons as a pair of spies reuniting after a long time to face an unprecedented challenge together. They must uncover the truth behind a sudden killing that somehow involves the protagonist, Helen (Knightley), a covert agent for over ten years, who will investigate alongside her friend and professional hitman (Whishaw), with the chemistry between the leads as the series’ strength.

The Sticky: The Great Maple Heist - Prime Video

Christmas makes us all sweeter. If you thought you’d heard it all, perhaps you haven’t heard the story of The Sticky: The Great Maple Heist, a six-episode show about a real event from 2012 that became global news. It centers on a maple syrup heist worth $18 million stolen from Quebec’s national reserves. The series follows protagonist Ruth Landry, played by Margo Martindale, an ordinary maple syrup farmer teaming up with a questionable mobster (Chris Diamantopoulos) and a security guard (Guillaume Cyr) after authorities threaten to take away what she loves. Jamie Lee Curtis in the cast is an unexpected holiday gift.

Fly Me to the Moon - Apple TV+

During the holidays, people often take wonderful trips, so why not aim for the Moon this year? Apple TV+ offers a ticket to the stars with Fly Me to the Moon, featuring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. A rom-com between opposite worlds, but above all, the story of how NASA became popular through simple yet effective marketing techniques, much like Coca-Cola made Santa Claus iconic by dressing him in red.

Nosferatu - in theaters from January 1, 2025

Extending beyond the calendar, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu also carries a festive air. Maybe a putrid and certainly terrifying one, but the story, adapted by the director and screenwriter from Murnau’s classic, is set during the approach of the Christmas season. Instead of Santa Claus, however, the town where Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) lives with her husband will receive Count Orlok, who seems more inclined to take from victims than to give.

Our Little Secret - Netflix

Let’s talk more about Christmas and one of its recent icons: Lindsay Lohan. Our Little Secret marks her third collaboration with Netflix, creating a mistletoe-rom-com. In this Stephen Herek-directed film, Lohan stars as Avery, visiting her boyfriend's family for the holidays for the first time. Coincidentally, she ends up under the same roof as her ex, Logan (Ian Harding from Pretty Little Liars), who had proposed to her ten years ago.

That Christmas - Netflix

If you love animation and heartfelt stories, That Christmas is perfect for you. Written by Richard Curtis, the creator of Love Actually, alongside Peter Souter, it also features the new song Under the Tree by British singer Ed Sheeran. In this animated movie, the characters must save Christmas after the worst snowstorm ever in Wellington-on-Sea. The film boasts a stellar voice cast: Brian Cox as Santa Claus, alongside Bill Nighy, Fiona Shaw, and Jodie Whittaker.

Mufasa - in theaters from December 19, 2024

December 25 is often the day families head to the movies. Among the 2024 offerings, the prequel to the famous story of The Lion King could unite all ages. Mufasa tells the origins of Simba’s father through an exciting and emotional adventure, enriched with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film combines tales of past great kings with innovative animation techniques, best enjoyed on the big screen.

Elton John: Never Too Late - Disney+

The festive season isn't complete without a musical special. If you’ve already seen Sabrina Carpenter's on Netflix, don’t miss Elton John: Never Too Late, available on Disney+. After a final world tour bidding farewell to millions of fans, Elton John reflects on his career in an emotional, personal journey. It recounts his hits, struggles with addiction, challenges, and triumphs—everything that shaped the unstoppable, iconic Elton John we know.

Squid Game 2 - on Netflix December 26, 2024

In 2021, people gathered at Christmas to watch an apocalyptic film like Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up. Why not do the same with the second season of the dystopian Squid Game? While it may not warm the hearts of holiday diners, it offers undeniable entertainment—and perhaps, an opportunity to reflect on the pressures of consumer society.

Hot Frosty: A Christmas Magic - Netflix

Christmas calls for some warmth. Netflix presents the rom-com Hot Frosty, where a young widow witnesses a frozen statue turn into a living (and muscular) human during a cold winter night. This surreal event shakes up her life. The protagonist is played by Lacey Chabert from Mean Girls, and the titular Hot Frosty is portrayed by Dustin Milligan.

Babygirl - in theaters

The Italian release date for Babygirl, a provocative film starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, is still uncertain. However, it’s impossible to exclude from the must-watch list. The story involves a CEO of a major company unlocking her sexual desires thanks to a young intern. An unexpected, welcome gift for the woman. This is a film you can’t miss.