Summary:
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The holiday week sees a surge of film and television releases, with Netflix and theaters debuting major content.
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Stranger Things Season 5 episodes released on Christmas Day, with the finale set for New Year’s Eve.
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Christmas Day theater releases include Marty Supreme, Anaconda, and Song Sung Blue, offering diverse options for viewers.
The period between Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally one of the most active weeks for film and television releases, as audiences have more time to watch and studios compete for holiday attention.
This year is no exception. Netflix is closing out the year with a major episodic release, while theaters are debuting several high-profile films on Christmas Day aimed at a wide range of audiences. Together, the lineup reflects how streamers and studios increasingly treat the holiday break as a key moment for visibility, conversation, and sustained viewership.
Below is a guide to the most notable releases arriving this week, including what’s new, what’s generating interest, and where viewers can watch as the year comes to an end.
1) Stranger Things 5 (Volume 2)
When: Dec. 25
Where: Netflix
IT’S STRANGER THINGS WEEK pic.twitter.com/kHKl9YWQIR
— Netflix (@netflix) December 23, 2025
Netflix will release the next three episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 on Christmas Day, continuing its staggered rollout of the show’s final season. The release is positioned as one of the platform’s largest scripted launches of the year and is expected to draw significant viewership during the holiday period.
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2) Stranger Things 5 Finale
When: Dec. 31
Where: Netflix (with limited theatrical showings in select markets)
The series finale of Stranger Things will debut on New Year’s Eve, closing out the franchise nearly a decade after its debut. Netflix has confirmed limited theatrical screenings in some locations, marking a rare crossover release for a streaming series finale.
The Christmas Day Theater Releases
3) Marty Supreme
When: Dec. 25
Where: Theaters
MARTY SUPREME CHRISTMAS DAY pic.twitter.com/ek9DsBUZbh
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) December 23, 2025
Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet, opens in theaters on Christmas Day. The film has drawn attention for its unconventional premise and highly visible marketing campaign, which has fueled online speculation and discussion ahead of its release.
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4) Anaconda
When: Dec. 25
Where: Theaters
First look at Ice Cube as Ice Cube in ‘ANACONDA’
The film follows 2 best friends who go to the rainforest to remake their favorite movie ‘Anaconda’, but are put in danger when an actual giant anaconda appears. pic.twitter.com/6Czxd0q9iM
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 18, 2025
A reboot of the 1997 cult classic, Anaconda arrives in theaters with a comedic approach led by Paul Rudd and Jack Black. The film positions itself as a lighter, more self-aware take on the original creature feature.
5) Song Sung Blue
When: Dec. 25
Where: Theaters
Song Sung Blue stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a couple who form a Neil Diamond tribute act. Based on a true story, the film joins the slate of music-driven, relationship-focused releases traditionally timed for the holiday box office.
Still in Theaters
6) Avatar: Fire and Ash
When: Released Dec. 19
Where: Theaters
James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash continues its theatrical run during the holiday week. The film was designed for large-format viewing and remains a major draw for premium theater experiences.
7) The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
When: Released Dec. 19
Where: Theaters
The latest SpongeBob SquarePants feature film remains in theaters following its mid-December release. The animated sequel is aimed at family audiences during the holiday break.
Released Earlier This Month
8) Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
When: Released Dec. 12
Where: Netflix
The latest installment in the Knives Out franchise continues to attract viewership following its early December debut. The film has remained visible on streaming charts as audiences catch up during the holiday slowdown.
