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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to holiday movies, nobody does it like the Muppets. These lovable creatures know how to throw Christmas spirit in your face with just the right mix of heart, humor, and complete insanity. They’ve got something for everyone… Comedy, heartfelt songs, and even moments that sneak up and make you go, “Damn, why am I crying over a talking frog?” Muppet Christmas movies are proof that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be magical. They just have to be full of love, laughs, and maybe a turkey or two running for its life.

The Muppets have mastered the art of taking classic Christmas tales and putting their wild spin on them. And when they’re not reworking Charles Dickens or George Bailey’s life, they’re coming up with their own bonkers holiday stories that somehow still capture the true meaning of Christmas. It’s the kind of joyful chaos you want during the holidays, like when your family is fighting over the last slice of pie, but deep down, you know everyone’s having having a blast doing it. That's a Muppet Christmas movie.,

What makes Muppet Christmas movies stand out is they’ll cast Michael Caine as Scrooge and surround him with singing rats! Or they’ll make Kermit question his existence while Miss Piggy hilariously spirals. Don't we all? And then there’s the catchy tunes that you’ll hum all season long, even if you don’t want to admit it. You love it.

Whether it’s a cozy jug-band in a small town or Gonzo pretending he’s Charles Dickens, every Muppet Christmas movie has something special. Sure they’re silly, but they always remind me that Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up for the people (or Muppets) you love.

This is the Christmas classic. Gonzo as Charles Dickens? Genius. Michael Caine giving Oscar level acting surrounded by singing frogs and rats? Unmatched.

It’s like the Muppet version of a potluck. You’ve got Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock in one big holiday mashup. And yes, Miss Piggy arrives dramatically late, because she’s a star.

A heartfelt road trip to deliver lost letters to Santa. It’s sweet, it’s silly, and Pepe the Prawn steals the show with his one-liners. This one is special.

The Muppets go full It’s a Wonderful Life here, with Kermit wondering what life would be like if he’d never existed. Spoiler: Miss Piggy becomes a washed-up reality star. Iconic.

This one’s pure, old-school Jim Henson charm. Emmet Otter and his friends bring small-town sweetness and banjo vibes while chasing their dreams. It’s about family, music, and holiday spirit, wrapped up in a jug-band jam session.