New Horror Movies & TV Shows Set to Release in December 2025

The final month of the year brings a surprising abundance of chills to counter the holiday cheer. Horror enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse lineup that ranges from highly anticipated theatrical sequels to fresh streaming content perfect for winter nights. Studios are positioning major creature features and supernatural thrillers to capitalize on the festive downtime. This December promises to deliver fear and suspense across both silver screens and digital platforms.

‘Playing Gracie Darling’ (2025)

This supernatural horror film arrives exclusively on Netflix on December 1. The plot centers on a young woman who attempts to debunk a local urban legend by performing a ritual known as playing Gracie Darling. She quickly discovers that the myth is terrifyingly real when she inadvertently invites a malevolent force into her life. The narrative explores the dangerous consequences of testing the boundaries between the living and the dead. Viewers will witness a harrowing survival story unfold within the confines of a darkened house.

‘Dust Bunny’ (2025)

Writer and director Bryan Fuller reunites with actor Mads Mikkelsen for this limited theatrical release on December 5. The story follows an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbor to kill the monster under her bed. This thriller blends psychological elements with classic creature feature tropes to create a unique atmosphere. Mikkelsen plays the neighbor who gets drawn into the child’s frightening reality. The film promises to subvert childhood fears with a dark and mature narrative tone.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ (2025)

The animatronic mascots return to the big screen for a wide theatrical release on December 5. This sequel continues the terrifying saga of the haunted pizzeria where night shifts turn into a battle for survival. Josh Hutcherson reprises his role as Mike Schmidt while facing new threats and uncovering deeper lore about the possessed machines. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop once again provides the practical effects that bring the frightening characters to life. Fans can expect elevated stakes and more intense scare sequences in this follow-up to the box office hit.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016)

The cultural phenomenon returns to Netflix for its final season with episodes dropping on December 25 and December 31. Hawkins faces its darkest hour as Vecna and the forces of the Upside Down launch an all-out invasion. Eleven and her friends must band together one last time to protect their town and close the gate forever. The Duffer Brothers have crafted a conclusion that promises to resolve long-standing mysteries and deliver emotional goodbyes. This two-part holiday release event marks the end of an era for the beloved sci-fi horror series.

‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’ (2024)

This supernatural drama series continues its exploration of modern witchcraft on AMC+ starting December 25. The story is set in a contemporary world where witches live openly in society while hiding their true power. Murder and mystery plague the idyllic town of Sanctuary as the lead witch Sarah Fenn fights to clear her daughter’s name. The show combines police procedural elements with magical lore to create a tense atmosphere. Audiences will dive back into a community where ancient spells and modern laws collide.

‘Anaconda’ (2025)

A comedic reimagining of the classic creature feature slithers into theaters for a wide release on December 25. The film adopts a meta approach where a group of actors and filmmakers head to the Amazon to remake the original movie. They soon find themselves hunted by a massive snake that does not distinguish between fiction and reality. Jack Black and Paul Rudd lead the cast in this self-aware survival adventure directed by Tom Gormican. The project aims to balance humor with the visceral terror of being stalked by a giant predator.

Tell us which of these December horror releases you are most excited to watch in the comments.