It’s time for us to get into the month of December and see what’s out there for us at the multiplex and at home on streaming with new movie options.
As we did last month, we’ve broken down what movies are coming out this month that catch our attention. Promising options range from a new Aquaman film to the new Wonka musical.
Also, there’s the musical adaptation of The Color Purple and a new movie from Illumination for the whole family.
Let’s break down which movies this month you should keep an eye on, and when you’ll be able to catch them at the movies and/or on your couch.
Wonka
Timothée Chalamet dons the top hat and cane to portray chocolatier Willy Wonka during his early days of conconcting confections for eager sugartooths.
Paul King (the first two Paddington films) directs this musical fantasy that looks like a treat for the whole family.
Release Date: Dec. 15 (theaters)
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
Aardman Animation is headed back to the coop for a second Chicken Run film, this one taking place some time after the events of the 2000s classic.
This time, the chickens will have to break into an austere factory to save Ginger and Rocky’s adventurous daughter.
Release Date: Dec. 15 (Netflix)
Rebel Moon
Zack Snyder is back to the world of sci-fi for his latest Netflix project, this one looking like a Star Wars riff for the ages.
Sofia Boutella leads the ensemble for Netflix’s big Christmastime release.
Release Date: Dec. 15 (theaters), Dec. 22 (Netflix)
American Fiction
Jeffrey Wright leads this sharp satire on representation in media, with Cord Jefferson making a striking debut for his first time behind the camera.
American Fiction looks like it’ll factor heavily into the Oscars race, so be sure to put this one on your calendar.
Release Date: Dec. 15 (theaters)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Jason Momoa returns as the king of Atlantis in James Wan’s follow-up to his 2018 bombastic Aquaman.
This might be Momoa’s last time out as Aquaman as the DC Extended Universe closes up shop, so this one is a grand finale for an entire cinematic universe.
Release Date: Dec. 22 (theaters)
Migration
Illumination is putting the Minions and Mario characters to the side for its first original project in some time.
Mike White (The White Lotus) pens the screenplay about a family of birds who try to fly South for the winter but get unexpectedly detoured.
Release Date: Dec. 22 (theaters)
The Iron Claw
Zac Efron and The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White headline this dramatic tragedy about the Von Erich family from filmmaker Sean Durkin.
A24 has positioned this one as one of its main Oscar contenders for the winter, and it could really register with the actors’ branch.
Release Date: Dec. 22 (theaters)
The Color Purple
Blitz Bazawule directs this adaptation of the stage musical that comes from Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film.
Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson and Colman Domingo lead the ensemble for this Christmas day release.
Release Date: Dec. 25 (theaters)
The Boys in the Boat
George Clooney returns to the director’s chair for this true-to-life story about the Washington rowing team that competed at the 1938 Olympics.
Callum Turner and Joel Edgerton lead the cast for this sports drama.
Release Date: Dec. 25 (theaters)
Candy Cane Lane
Eddie Murphy leads this holiday comedy that stands as the biggest Christmas-themed release of the month.
It’s also one you can check out on Amazon Prime Video right now.
Now Playing
