All the Movies Coming to HBO Max in December 2025

December brings an impressive collection of cinematic treasures to HBO Max with a robust lineup of new premieres and beloved classics. Subscribers can look forward to highly anticipated documentaries like the deep dive into Jeff Buckley’s life and the musical journey of Paul Anka. The month also features a strong selection of animation ranging from Chinese blockbusters to DC superhero reimaginings set in ancient history. Whether you are looking for Golden Age Hollywood gems or fresh holiday content, this month offers something for every type of viewer.

‘Millennium Actress’ (2002)

Anime legend Satoshi Kon directs this dazzling exploration of memory and cinema that arrives on the platform on December 1. The story follows two documentary filmmakers who track down a reclusive legendary actress named Chiyoko Fujiwara. As she tells her life story, the boundaries between her real existence and the roles she played begin to blur into a seamless narrative. This film remains a visually stunning tribute to the history of Japanese filmmaking and the art of storytelling.

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’ (2012)

Greg Heffley returns for another summer of awkward misadventures in this family comedy streaming on December 1. The plot focuses on Greg’s attempts to have the best summer ever while dodging his father’s attempts to send him to a military academy. He schemes to get closer to his crush Holly Hills by lying about having a job at her country club. Fans of the book series will appreciate the faithful adaptation of the humorous and cringeworthy moments of middle school life.

‘Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous’ (2005)

Sandra Bullock reprises her role as FBI agent Gracie Hart in this sequel that drops on December 1. After becoming the face of the bureau, Gracie must abandon her new celebrity lifestyle when her friends are kidnapped in Las Vegas. She goes rogue to track down the captors while navigating a rocky partnership with a tough new bodyguard. The film blends action and comedy as Gracie tries to prove she is still a capable field agent despite her fame.

‘Tiny Furniture’ (2010)

Lena Dunham wrote, directed, and starred in this indie dramedy available starting December 1. The film centers on a recent college graduate who returns home to her mother’s loft in Tribeca with no clear direction in life. She navigates strained relationships with her successful artist mother and her younger sister while drifting through awkward romantic encounters. This project launched Dunham’s career and offers a raw look at post-graduate aimlessness and entitlement.

‘Jimmy the Gent’ (1934)

James Cagney brings his signature energy to this pre-Code comedy about a racketeer with a unique scam. The story follows Jimmy Corrigan as he hunts for missing heirs to claim inheritances for a hefty cut of the profit. Things get complicated when he tries to refine his rough image to win back his former girlfriend who prefers a more sophisticated rival. Viewers can catch this sharp-witted classic when it begins streaming on December 1.

‘Adult Swim Yule Log’ (2022)

This deceptively packaged horror film returns to streaming on December 1 to unsettle holiday viewers. What begins as a cozy loop of a burning fireplace slowly devolves into a surreal and violent nightmare involving home invaders and supernatural entities. The project was originally a surprise drop that played with audience expectations of the traditional yule log format. It stands as a unique experiment in meta-horror that rewards patient observers.

‘Mandalay’ (1934)

This pre-Code drama starring Kay Francis arrives on December 1 and tells the story of a woman sold into a difficult life by her lover. She eventually reinvents herself as a notorious nightclub hostess known as Spot White while harboring a deep distrust of men. The plot intensifies when she meets a doctor on a steamer ship and must confront her past betrayals. It serves as a fascinating example of the darker themes explored in Hollywood before strict censorship took hold.

‘My Dream Is Yours’ (1949)

Doris Day stars in this Technicolor musical comedy about a talent scout searching for a new radio star. She plays a single mother with a golden voice who gets discovered and brought to Hollywood for her big break. The film features animated sequences involving Bugs Bunny and Tweety that interact with the live-action cast. Audiences can enjoy this lighthearted industry fable starting December 1.

‘Battle of the Sexes’ (2017)

Emma Stone and Steve Carell star in this biographical sports drama that recounts the legendary 1973 tennis match. The film explores the personal struggles of Billie Jean King as she fights for gender equality while grappling with her own sexuality. Bobby Riggs plays the chauvinistic foil who challenges her to a televised match that captivates the world. This timely story of social change and athletic prowess hits the platform on December 1.

‘The Damned Don’t Cry’ (1950)

Joan Crawford delivers a powerful performance in this film noir about a woman climbing the social ladder through deception. After a tragedy, she leaves her small-town life behind to reinvent herself as a sophisticated socialite involved with organized crime. Her ambition eventually traps her between rival gangsters, forcing her to fight for survival. This stylistic thriller becomes available for streaming on December 1.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

Satoshi Kon’s psychological thriller about a pop idol transitioning into acting arrives on December 1. The protagonist Mima faces a crisis of identity as a stalker and a ghostly version of her former self torment her. The animation expertly conveys her fracturing reality, making it difficult to distinguish between her life and the violent TV drama she stars in. It remains one of the most influential animated films regarding the dark side of fame.

‘Gunsmoke in Tucson’ (1958)

This classic western tells the tale of two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. One brother becomes a marshal while the other falls into a life of crime and cattle rustling in the Arizona territory. Their inevitable conflict leads to a dramatic showdown that tests family loyalty against justice. Western fans can watch this story of morality and violence starting December 1.

‘Racket Busters’ (1938)

Humphrey Bogart stars as a menacing racketeer in this crime drama based on real events in the trucking industry. The plot follows a truck driver who initially resists joining a union but is eventually pushed to fight back against mob corruption. It highlights the gritty urban struggles of the era and features tense confrontations between the working class and organized crime. The film joins the HBO Max library on December 1.

‘The Seventh Victim’ (1943)

Producer Val Lewton delivers a masterclass in atmospheric horror with this story about a woman searching for her missing sister in New York City. Her investigation leads her to a group of devil worshippers operating in Greenwich Village. The film is renowned for its pervasive sense of dread and its famous shower scene that predates ‘Psycho’. This chilling classic becomes available on December 1.

‘Walk the Dark Street’ (1956)

Chuck Connors stars in this film noir about a twisted game of revenge involving a hunter and a gambler. The plot involves a man who blames another for his brother’s death and concocts a scheme involving a heart attack-inducing scare. Tensions rise as the two men engage in a psychological battle on the streets of Los Angeles. Viewers can experience this tense B-movie thriller on December 1.

‘Little Caesar’ (1931)

Edward G. Robinson created the archetype for the movie gangster in this seminal crime film streaming on December 1. He plays Rico, a small-time criminal who ruthlessly climbs the ranks to become the top boss of the Chicago underworld. The movie charts his rapid rise and inevitable fall due to hubris and betrayal. It remains a foundational piece of cinema history that defined the gangster genre.

‘They Won’t Believe Me’ (1947)

Robert Young plays against type in this noir courtroom drama about a man on trial for murder. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks as he explains the series of affairs and accidents that led him to the defendant’s chair. The film is noted for its shocking twist ending that subverts audience expectations. This gripping tale of infidelity and fate arrives on December 1.

‘The Shop Around the Corner’ (1940)

James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan star in this romantic comedy about two bickering co-workers who are unknowingly pen pals. Set in a Budapest gift shop during the Christmas season, the film balances humor with genuine emotional warmth. It serves as the source material for many modern adaptations but retains a unique charm all its own. Subscribers can enjoy this holiday classic starting December 1.

‘Jim Thorpe – All-American’ (1951)

Burt Lancaster stars in this biography of the celebrated Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. The film chronicles his rise from the reservations to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and professional football star. It also depicts the personal tragedies and racial prejudice that plagued his career and stripped him of his medals. This tribute to a sports legend begins streaming on December 1.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

This inspirational drama tells the true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe play the mathematicians who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The film highlights their struggle against racial and gender discrimination in the workplace during the Space Race. It becomes available to watch on December 1.

‘Wilson’ (2017)

Woody Harrelson stars as a lonely and neurotic middle-aged misanthrope who seeks out his ex-wife. upon discovering he has a teenage daughter he never knew about, he attempts to force a family bonding experience. The film is based on a graphic novel and features dark humor derived from Wilson’s complete lack of social filter. This quirky character study arrives on the platform on December 1.

‘Lu Over the Wall’ (2017)

Director Masaaki Yuasa presents a colorful animated film about a gloomy middle school student who bonds with a mermaid. The mermaid, Lu, loves music and causes the town’s people to dance uncontrollably whenever she hears a beat. The story explores themes of prejudice and acceptance as the town reacts to the supernatural presence. Animation fans can stream this vibrant fantasy starting December 1.

‘Paul Anka: His Way’ (2025)

This new documentary debuting on December 1 offers an intimate look at the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka. Director John Maggio captures Anka’s seven-decade career, from his days as a teen idol to writing some of the most famous songs in history. The film combines archival footage with new interviews to reveal the man behind the music. It serves as a testament to his enduring influence on the pop culture landscape.

‘Illegal’ (1955)

Edward G. Robinson stars as a district attorney who falls from grace and becomes a defense lawyer for a crime boss. He tries to protect his protégé while navigating a corrupt legal system that he once upheld. The film is a gritty courtroom noir that showcases Robinson’s ability to play morally complex characters. This tense drama joins the lineup on December 1.

‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ (2018)

This beautifully animated film from Kyoto Animation focuses on the delicate relationship between two high school musicians. As they rehearse a piece based on a fairy tale, their real-life dynamic begins to mirror the tragic story of the characters in the music. The film uses subtle animation and sound design to explore themes of attachment and letting go. It arrives on HBO Max on December 1.

‘Mind Game’ (2004)

Masaaki Yuasa’s directorial debut is a psychedelic trip that defies traditional narrative structures. The story follows a loser who is killed by yakuza, meets God, and wills himself back to life to embark on a wild adventure. The animation style shifts constantly, incorporating different artistic mediums to match the chaotic energy of the plot. This cult classic of experimental animation streams starting December 1.

‘Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out’ (2024)

The sequel to the viral horror hit arrives on December 1, following the survivor Zoe as she tries to move on from her trauma. She finds herself trapped in a town that operates on the logic of a cheesy Christmas romantic comedy, but the killer log is still hunting her. The film blends slasher tropes with a satire of Hallmark holiday movies. It offers a unique mix of laughs and scares for the holiday season.

‘Girls Trip’ (2017)

Four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival in this raunchy and heartwarming comedy. The trip tests their bond as secrets are revealed and wild antics ensue throughout the French Quarter. Tiffany Haddish delivers a breakout performance that anchors the film’s energetic ensemble cast. Viewers can join the party when the movie drops on December 1.

‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’ (2006)

Mamoru Hosoda directed this beloved anime about a high school girl who accidentally gains the power to time travel. She uses her ability to fix minor inconveniences and avoid awkward situations, only to realize her actions have serious consequences for others. The film is a touching coming-of-age story that balances sci-fi elements with emotional depth. It becomes available for streaming on December 1.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Charlize Theron stars as an elite MI6 spy sent to Berlin during the Cold War to recover a missing list of double agents. The film is known for its stylish visuals and brutal, long-take fight choreography. Directed by David Leitch, it delivers a gritty and kinetic action experience set against a pulsing 80s soundtrack. Action fans can watch this adrenaline-fueled thriller on December 1.

‘Miss Congeniality’ (2000)

Sandra Bullock stars as Gracie Hart, a tomboyish FBI agent forced to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant. She must undergo a complete makeover to infiltrate the Miss United States pageant and stop a terrorist threat. The film is a comedy classic that highlights Bullock’s physical comedy skills and chemistry with co-star Michael Caine. It arrives on the platform on December 1.

‘DeLorean’ (1981)

This documentary by D.A. Pennebaker offers a candid look at John DeLorean as he attempts to launch his futuristic sports car. The film captures the high-stakes pressure of the automotive industry and DeLorean’s charismatic yet controversial leadership. It provides a fascinating snapshot of a dream that would eventually collapse under financial and legal scandals. Subscribers can watch this real-life drama starting December 1.

‘Key Largo’ (1948)

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall team up in this noir thriller set in a hotel during a Florida hurricane. A returning veteran finds himself held hostage by a notorious gangster, played by Edward G. Robinson, who is hiding out from the law. The rising storm outside mirrors the escalating tension inside the hotel as the characters vie for control. This claustrophobic classic streams starting December 1.

‘The Sea Wolf’ (1941)

Edward G. Robinson delivers a terrifying performance as the brutal captain Wolf Larsen in this adaptation of the Jack London novel. The story follows a pair of fugitives and a writer who are rescued by Larsen’s seal-hunting ship, only to be subjected to his cruel psychological games. The film is a dark exploration of power and nihilism on the open ocean. It joins the library on December 1.

‘Bright Leaf’ (1950)

Gary Cooper stars as a man seeking revenge against a tobacco tycoon who ruined his family. He builds his own cigarette empire using a new machine, eventually driving his rival out of business. However, his obsession with wealth and vengeance comes at a high personal cost. This drama of ambition and the changing South arrives on December 1.

‘Night and Day’ (1946)

Cary Grant portrays the composer Cole Porter in this fictionalized musical biography. The film traces Porter’s career from his university days to his success on Broadway and in Hollywood. It features lush performances of his most famous songs, though it takes significant liberties with the facts of his life. Musical fans can enjoy this star-studded tribute starting December 1.

‘Romance on the High Seas’ (1948)

Doris Day made her film debut in this musical comedy about mistaken identities on a cruise ship. A suspicious wife sends a singer to spy on her husband, leading to a complex web of romantic entanglements. The film showcases Day’s incredible vocal talent and natural screen presence. It becomes available for viewing on December 1.

‘Dames’ (1934)

Busby Berkeley provides the intricate musical numbers for this pre-Code comedy about a reformer trying to ban a Broadway show. The plot serves mostly as a vehicle for the spectacular geometric choreography and kaleidoscope effects that Berkeley made famous. It features the iconic song “I Only Have Eyes for You” and dazzling set pieces. This visual feast streams starting December 1.

‘Song of My City’ (2025)

Filmmaker David C. Roberts presents a unique love letter to New York City arriving on December 1. The film is a cinematic montage constructed entirely from B-roll footage of 1970s movies, creating a new narrative about the city’s past. It captures the gritty energy, neon loneliness, and inadvertent beauty of New York when it was on the brink of collapse. This experimental project offers a nostalgic look at a vanished era.

‘Table 19’ (2017)

Anna Kendrick stars in this ensemble comedy about a group of misfits seated at the worst table at a wedding. The strangers bond over their shared status as unwanted guests and reveal their personal struggles throughout the reception. The film mixes awkward humor with moments of genuine connection among the cast. It joins the comedy lineup on December 1.

‘I’ll See You in My Dreams’ (1952)

Doris Day and Danny Thomas star in this biographical musical about the lyricist Gus Kahn. The film tracks Kahn’s career and his enduring partnership with his wife, who helped drive his success. It features many of the standards Kahn wrote, celebrating the golden age of American songwriting. Viewers can watch this sentimental favorite starting December 1.

‘Larceny, Inc.’ (1942)

Edward G. Robinson parodies his own gangster image in this comedy about criminals who buy a luggage shop to rob the bank next door. Their plan backfires when the shop becomes surprisingly successful, and they are forced to become legitimate businessmen. The film is a humorous twist on the crime genre with a clever script. It becomes available on December 1.

‘Trouble Along the Way’ (1953)

John Wayne stars as a disgraced football coach recruited to save a small Catholic college from bankruptcy. He uses questionable tactics to build a winning team, clashing with the school’s rector and a child welfare agent. The film blends sports drama with light comedy and sentimentality. It arrives on the platform on December 1.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as a couple who decide to skip Christmas to save money for a cruise. Their plan incites the anger of their obsessionally festive neighbors, leading to a community-wide conflict. Chaos ensues when their daughter decides to come home at the last minute, forcing a scramble to decorate. This polarizing holiday comedy streams starting December 1.

‘The Color Purple’ (1985)

Steven Spielberg directed this powerful adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Whoopi Goldberg stars as Celie, a woman struggling to find her identity after suffering years of abuse in the rural South. The film explores themes of resilience, sisterhood, and redemption spanning several decades. This emotional masterpiece becomes available on December 1.

‘The Colors Within’ (2024)

This anime feature from director Naoko Yamada tells the story of a high school student who can see colors in people’s emotions. She forms a band with two other students, and together they use music to express feelings they cannot put into words. The film is celebrated for its stunning visual style that mimics the protagonist’s synesthesia. It joins the animation library on December 1.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn star as divorce mediators who crash weddings to meet women. Their system works perfectly until they crash a high-profile political wedding and fall for the bridesmaids. The film is a staple of the mid-2000s R-rated comedy boom, featuring memorable quotes and a breakout performance by Bradley Cooper. It arrives for streaming on December 1.

‘Mission to Moscow’ (1943)

This historical drama recounts the experiences of Joseph E. Davies, the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union before World War II. The film was made as pro-Soviet propaganda during the war to bolster support for the American alliance with Russia. It is a fascinating historical artifact that presents a highly controversial view of Stalinist politics. Subscribers can view this curiosity starting December 1.

‘Wolf Children’ (2012)

Mamoru Hosoda directs this tender animated film about a woman raising two children who are half-human and half-wolf. After the death of their werewolf father, she moves the family to the countryside to protect their secret. The story beautifully captures the challenges of single parenthood and the pain of letting children find their own paths. It begins streaming on December 1.

‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011)

This superhero prequel explores the origins of the friendship and eventual rivalry between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. Set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the film shows the formation of the first team of mutants. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender deliver compelling performances that revitalized the franchise. It arrives on HBO Max on December 1.

‘The Goonies’ (1985)

A group of kids discovers a pirate treasure map and embarks on a dangerous adventure to save their homes from foreclosure. They must navigate booby traps and evade a family of criminals in the underground caverns. This Spielberg-produced classic defines the 80s adventure genre for a generation. It becomes available to watch on December 1.

‘Kid Galahad’ (1937)

Edward G. Robinson stars as a fight promoter who discovers a talented young boxer played by Wayne Morris. Bette Davis co-stars as the woman caught between the promoter and the boxer, adding romantic tension to the ring drama. The film also features Humphrey Bogart in a supporting role as a rival gangster. Boxing movie fans can catch this title on December 1.

‘It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley’ (2025)

Streaming starts on December 4 for this highly anticipated documentary directed by Amy Berg. The film utilizes never-before-seen journals, letters, and home movies to construct a portrait of the late musician Jeff Buckley. It explores his struggle with his father’s legacy, his meteoric rise, and the tragic accident that cut his life short. This is the definitive look at the artist behind the album “Grace”.

‘Architecton’ (2024)

Filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky presents a meditative documentary about the materials that build our world, premiering on December 4. The film focuses on concrete and stone, examining the environmental impact of human construction compared to ancient architecture. It is a visually striking piece that uses no narration, relying instead on powerful imagery and soundscapes. This A24 production challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with the built environment.

‘The Christmas Showdown’ (2025)

This new holiday movie from OWN arrives on HBO Max on Sunday, December 7. The story follows two childhood best friends who reunite in their hometown to compete for the same directing job on a Christmas Eve spectacular. As the competition heats up, they rediscover their bond and the true meaning of the holiday season. It stars Amber Stevens West and brings heartwarming drama to the festive lineup.

‘Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos’ (2025)

This entry in the Music Box documentary series premieres on Thursday, December 11. The film chronicles the journey of Nigerian superstar Wizkid as he prepares for his historic sold-out concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It explores the explosion of Afrobeats on the global stage and Wizkid’s role in redefining African identity in pop culture. Fans get an exclusive look at the work ethic and cultural pride driving his success.

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984)

Rob Reiner’s legendary mockumentary about a fading British heavy metal band arrives on December 12. The film satirizes the rock and roll lifestyle with hilarious accuracy, following the band “Spinal Tap” on a disastrous American tour. It introduced phrases like “turn it up to eleven” into the cultural lexicon. Viewers can enjoy the improvisational genius of the cast in this comedy staple.

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

The sequel to the record-breaking Chinese animated film premieres on Saturday, December 20. Ne Zha returns to face a new ancient threat while his physical body remains destroyed, forcing him to rely on his spirit and the help of his friends. The film promises to escalate the visual spectacle and action that made the first movie a global phenomenon. It draws deeply from Chinese mythology while delivering modern superhero thrills.

‘Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires’ (2025)

Batman gets a historical reimagining in this animated feature debuting on Monday, December 22. The story transports the Dark Knight mythos to the Aztec Empire, where a young boy named Yohualli Coatl trains in the temple of the bat god to avenge his father. He uses Aztec technology and weaponry to fight against Spanish Conquistadors led by a version of Two-Face. This “Elseworlds” tale offers a unique visual style and cultural twist on the character.

Share your thoughts on which December release you are most excited to watch in the comments.