Christmas brings, in addition to quality time with families, some free time for indulgences of all kinds, such as watching a movie. We present some proposals worthy of consideration in order to spend quality time with the family.
American publication IndieWire brings some recommendations for viewers of all ages.
“This year, your neighborhood cinema will screen titles like the seemingly ubiquitous ‘Marty Supreme’ and the genre-defying dramatic musical ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ alongside cerebral, director-driven films like ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’ and ‘No Other Choice,’ but also some productions for younger moviegoers”, the cited article states.
Anaconda
Sony Pictures’ new Anaconda movie is one of the few Christmas titles with truly cross-generational appeal, meaning it will appeal to many families with older children and teenagers. But if you’re an older millennial still haunted by the image of Jon Voight being swallowed alive by a primitive CGI snake in the original 1997 film, this movie is for you, too. Coming from the same era as ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and ‘Lake Placid’, you’re perfectly set to enjoy a deliberately non-serious film about a comical sea animal terrorizing a group of scientists. And while it may not be up to the level of first meeting Voight, Jennifer Lopez, Eric Stoltz, and Ice Cube sweating in the Amazon, it sure beats watching AI-generated videos of a giant snake alone at home.
“Anaconda” opens in theaters on December 25.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash”
If there’s one thing James Cameron always delivers with an “Avatar” movie, it’s impressive length. According to the trailers, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the third of the planned five films, offers at least three and a half hours of escape from holiday obligations — enough to warrant another trip to Pandora, even if, according to rumors, much of the experience is familiar. So if this Christmas you see your younger cousins or new partner visibly longing for a break, subtly bring up climate change and how Cameron is doing it again, then head to the cinema for a huge bucket of popcorn, an epic sequel and a new song from Miley Cyrus.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is already playing in theaters.
Davide
Was the Eve service less emotional than you hoped? Then spend Christmas Day rediscovering one of the most uplifting Bible stories in animated form with ‘David’. Part of a long tradition of adaptations of the David and Goliath story, this dramatic musical is Angel Studios’ latest take on the classic underdog tale and a wholesome way to spend an afternoon. It will surely be even more attractive to children than your pastor’s reflections on Advent.
“David” is now in theaters.
“Father Mother Sister Brother”
The rest of the year, it’s easy to forget why having siblings is a gift. So this holiday season, if it’s been a while since you’ve thanked your brother or sister for being the much-needed buffer between you and your parents, invite them over for Father Mother Sister Brother. Nothing says “I wouldn’t survive Christmas without you” better than seeing A-list actors portray awkward family dynamics in a Jim Jarmusch triptych about aging parents with little or no interest in their children. It might even inspire you to get your skateboard out of the shed for your clandestine rendezvous over a glass of wine in front of the house later.
The film was released on December 24.
“Is This Thing On?”
While that’s not always the case, some divorce movies can be comforting if you’re going through a breakup, as demonstrated by “The First Wives Club” or “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” “Is This Thing On?” — Bradley Cooper’s new comedy-drama about a middle-aged man who takes up stand-up comedy after his marriage falls apart — goes in exactly that direction, emphasizing second chances and self-discovery. At least it won’t do any harm if you’re spending Christmas with a broken heart and need a distraction. Who knows, maybe it inspires you to turn the breakup into a springboard for a second career in comedy, DJing, or whatever else you might have done if it weren’t for your overly pragmatic ex.
The premiere took place on December 19.
Marty Supreme
It’s obvious to say that Josh Safdie’s new film is perfect for sports fans, but we’re not talking about just any sport. If you’re a dedicated fan of an obscure sport — like cycle ball, hobby horsing, or that sport where people do choreography with their dogs — run, don’t walk, to see this movie about ping pong. Timothée Chalamet, in the lead role, perfectly embodies the dedication required to watch a sport that never airs in bars and elicits puzzled looks in conversation. You know what it’s like to be an outsider — now’s your chance to stick with one on screen, regardless of his disastrous decisions.
Premiere: December 25.
“No Other Choice”
On top of all the other reasons why 2025 was an unforgiving year, the abysmal job market and the feeling that AI is about to take over middle-class jobs make this year the perfect time for Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. If, like the protagonist, you feel wronged by the way capitalism works, you probably already know where you should be this Christmas. You may not have reached the point where murder seems like a reasonable solution, but you’ll certainly enjoy the idea of seeing someone else get there.
Premiere: December 25.
“Song Sung Blue”
Before the Beyhive, Little Monsters and Barbz, there were Neil Diamond fans. And nothing goes better with love for the writer of “Holly Holy” and “I Am… I Said” than pure love — just what Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue” calls for. If you’re an incurable romantic, forget the sci-fi epics, Oscar favorites and children’s movies and go to the cinema with your loved one to see Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson battle addictions and make lovey-dovey looks at the microphone. With no rowdy teenagers and no movie snobs, you can indulge in fantasy — maybe even hum “Sweet Caroline.”
Premiere: December 25.
“The Housemaid”
Not everyone spends Christmas with family, which is why there is always a perfect movie for a night at the cinema with your best friend and a glass of wine. This year, that movie is Paul Feig’s The Housemaid, an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestseller. Starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney in a domestic thriller full of class conflicts, sour arguments and confusing romantic tensions, the film goes perfectly with a Sauvignon Blanc and a relaxed evening in a cinema armchair.
The movie is already playing.
“The Plague”
Coming home for the holidays can make you feel like a kid again. If sleeping in your childhood bed brings back memories of middle school bullies, a solo outing to “The Plague” might be just what you need. Although the film follows the cruelty of teenagers at a water polo camp, there is enough catharsis. And even if you’ve already learned to follow your own path, it might be worth remembering that it’s good to dance like nobody’s watching.
Premiere: December 24.
“The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants”
Of course, it’s for the kids—but mostly for the kids in us. Filled with simple jokes and big emotions, this movie is the perfect excuse to turn off your Christmas brain and laugh shamelessly. Surrounded by exhausted adults and excited children, leave your dignity at the cinema door and enjoy the laugh you need after a disastrous year.
The movie is already playing.
“The Testament of Ann Lee”
There are many reasons to dedicate your Christmas to this film: Amanda Seyfried’s exceptional performance, the natural musical numbers and the story of the founder of the Shaker movement. And if you’re into 18th century American furniture, you’ll love Mona Fastvold’s film even more. Watching Ann Lee’s suffering will make you appreciate even more the minimalist pieces created for community life—and the fact that you were born centuries away from that era.
Premiere: December 25.
