The Top 5 Films to Watch This December (That Aren’t Holiday Movies)
Let’s face it: December is dominated by holiday cheer. All of the films to watch are crammed with candy canes, Santa hats, and people learning the “true meaning of Christmas” (spoiler: it’s usually love). But what if you’re more “Bah, humbug” than “Deck the halls”? Or maybe you just want a break from the relentless jingle of bells? Well, grab your popcorn, because I’ve rounded up the top 5 non-holiday films to watch to spice up your December movie nights—zero elves or mistletoe included.
1. The Killer
Streaming on Netflix
If holiday movies are too sweet for your taste, The Killer is the perfect antidote. Directed by David Fincher, this psychological thriller stars Michael Fassbender as an assassin who’s not exactly having a jolly good time. With sleek cinematography, sharp dialogue, and a protagonist who’s more Grinch than Santa, it’s a moody masterpiece perfect for a dark winter night.
2. Twilight
Streaming on Amazon Prime
What’s better than glittering vampires and awkward teenage romance to break up the holiday monotony? Twilight is the ultimate guilty pleasure: melodramatic, moody, and perfect for a dreary December night. Whether you’re Team Edward, Team Jacob, or just Team “Let’s Bask in the Nostalgia,” this iconic saga is a cozy escape into a world where the drama is as thick as Forks’ fog.
3. Saltburn
Streaming on Amazon Prime
For fans of psychological drama with a dash of dark humor, Saltburn is the ultimate escape. Directed by Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), it’s a twisted, visually stunning exploration of privilege and obsession. Think Gossip Girl meets The Talented Mr. Ripley, but with more chaos. Perfect for those who prefer their December vibes to be as icy as the weather.
4. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Streaming on Amazon Prime
Take a trip back to Panem with this gripping Hunger Games prequel. Starring Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, it dives into the origins of President Snow and explores the dystopian drama we all love. With high stakes, intense emotions, and no mention of sleigh bells, it’s the perfect antidote to holiday overload.
5. Behind Her Eyes (Mini-Series)
Streaming on Netflix
Okay, so Behind Her Eyes isn’t a movie—it’s a mind-bending mini-series that will absolutely shock you. It’s got the mystery, the twists, and a wild plotline that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about reality. Following a woman who gets caught in a tangled web of secrets involving her boss and his wife, this psychological thriller will haunt you long after the credits roll. Buckle up, because the ending will blow your mind.
The Top 5 Films to Watch This December (That Aren’t Holiday Movies)
This December, let the world of movies remind you there’s more to the season than snowflakes and sentimental endings. Whether you’re in the mood for intense drama, heart-pounding action, or twisted humor, these five films offer a refreshing escape from the holly-jolly overload. So, put away the candy canes, dim the twinkling lights, and dive into a cinematic experience that proves December can be as thrilling, dramatic, or dark as you want it to be—no Santa required.
