Every Movie Coming to HBO Max in December 2025

HBO Max closes out the year with a massive slate of films ranging from Golden Age classics to highly anticipated animated features and modern blockbusters. Subscribers can expect a flood of content on the first of the month including celebrated anime titles and Warner Bros. staples alongside new holiday specials. The lineup includes the animated Batman feature set in the Aztec empire and the return of the iconic Spinal Tap mockumentary. Viewers have plenty of options to stream throughout the holiday season with these scheduled additions.

‘Millennium Actress’ (2002)

This acclaimed anime feature from director Satoshi Kon arrives on the platform on December 1. The story follows two documentary filmmakers who track down a reclusive acting legend named Chiyoko Fujiwara to hear her life story. As she recounts her past the timeline blurs between her real life and the various fictional roles she played throughout cinema history. The film explores themes of memory and the enduring power of love through its dazzling visual style.

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

Greg Heffley returns for another summer of misadventures in this family comedy streaming on December 1. The plot combines elements from the third and fourth books in the popular series as Greg tries to fake having a job at a country club to impress his crush. His plans go awry when his father threatens to send him to a military school if he does not shape up. It serves as the third live-action installment in the franchise.

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

Sandra Bullock reprises her role as FBI agent Gracie Hart in this sequel landing on December 1. After her newfound fame from the beauty pageant compromises her undercover work she becomes the face of the FBI on a publicity tour. When her friends are kidnapped in Las Vegas she defies orders to launch her own investigation to save them. The film blends action and comedy as Gracie teams up with a tough new partner.

‘Tiny Furniture’ (2010)

Lena Dunham wrote directed and starred in this indie comedy drama that becomes available on December 1. The narrative focuses on a recent college graduate named Aura who returns home to live with her artist mother and sister in New York. Aura struggles to figure out her next steps while navigating complex relationships and a dead-end job. The film received critical praise for its sharp wit and honest portrayal of post-graduate aimlessness.

‘Jimmy the Gent’ (1934)

James Cagney stars in this fast-paced pre-Code comedy about a racketeer who specializes in finding heirs for unclaimed fortunes. He decides to refine his rough image to win back his former girlfriend who prefers a more sophisticated rival. The movie is known for its rapid dialogue and Cagney’s energetic performance as he tries to pass himself off as a gentleman. Fans of classic cinema can catch this title starting December 1.

‘Adult Swim Yule Log’ (2022)

This surreal horror-comedy special returns to the streaming service on December 1 to unsettle holiday viewers. What begins as a traditional video of a burning fireplace slowly transforms into a bizarre and terrifying narrative involving deadly events in the cabin. The project was created by Casper Kelly who is known for subverting audience expectations with experimental formats. It offers a dark alternative to the usual cheerful seasonal background videos.

‘Mandalay’ (1934)

Directed by Michael Curtiz this romantic drama joins the library on December 1. The plot concerns a woman who finds herself abandoned and penniless in Rangoon before reinventing herself as a cabaret singer. She eventually seeks revenge on the gunrunner who betrayed her while trying to protect a new love interest. The film is a notable example of the studio era exotic melodramas featuring intense performances.

‘My Dream Is Yours’ (1949)

Doris Day stars in this musical comedy about a talent scout who discovers a new radio personality. The story follows their efforts to achieve stardom in Hollywood while navigating romantic entanglements and professional hurdles. This Technicolor production features an animated sequence with Bugs Bunny and highlights Day’s vocal talents. It becomes available for streaming audiences on December 1.

‘Battle of the Sexes’ (2017)

Emma Stone and Steve Carell star in this biographical sports film depicting the famous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The movie explores the personal struggles of both athletes as they prepare for the televised event that became a cultural milestone. It delves into issues of gender equality and sexuality against the backdrop of the tennis world. Subscribers can watch this dramatization of history on December 1.

‘The Damned Don’t Cry’ (1950)

Joan Crawford leads this film noir as a woman who leaves her dull marriage to climb the social ladder through a series of criminal associations. She reinvents herself as a sophisticated socialite but finds her past catching up with her when she becomes involved with a mob boss. The film is recognized for Crawford’s commanding presence and the moody cinematography typical of the genre. This crime drama hits the platform on December 1.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

Satoshi Kon’s psychological thriller makes its way to the service on December 1. The story concerns a pop idol named Mima who retires from singing to pursue an acting career only to suffer a mental breakdown. She is stalked by an obsessed fan and begins to lose her grip on reality as hallucinations merge with terrifying events. The film is highly regarded for its mature themes and intricate editing.

‘Gunsmoke in Tucson’ (1958)

This classic western tells the story of two brothers who end up on opposite sides of the law in the Arizona territory. One brother becomes a marshal while the other falls into a life of crime leading to an inevitable confrontation. The film features plenty of action sequences and explores the bonds of family tested by duty and justice. It arrives on the streaming service on December 1.

‘Racket Busters’ (1938)

Humphrey Bogart plays a menacing racketeer in this crime drama based on real events in the trucking industry. A trucking magnate tries to stand up to the mob’s intimidation tactics and convince his fellow drivers to fight back. The film highlights the struggle against organized crime corruption in New York City. Viewers can stream this gritty tale starting December 1.

‘The Seventh Victim’ (1943)

Produced by Val Lewton this horror film follows a young woman searching for her missing sister in New York City. Her investigation leads her to a group of devil worshippers operating secretly within the city. The movie is celebrated for its atmosphere of dread and psychological tension rather than relying on jump scares. It remains a cult classic and becomes available on December 1.

‘Walk the Dark Street’ (1956)

This thriller involves a big game hunter who concocts a deadly game involving a man who owes him a debt. The hunter proposes a hunt in the urban jungle of Los Angeles where the debtor must survive being tracked down. The film builds tension through its cat-and-mouse premise and noir stylings. It joins the lineup of classic suspense films on December 1.

‘Little Caesar’ (1931)

Edward G. Robinson delivers a career-defining performance as Rico in this seminal gangster film streaming on December 1. The story tracks his meteoric rise from a small-time criminal to a powerful mob boss in Chicago. His ambition and ruthlessness eventually lead to his tragic downfall in a world where loyalty is scarce. This movie is credited with establishing many archetypes of the gangster genre.

‘They Won’t Believe Me’ (1947)

Robert Young stars in this film noir as a man on trial for murder who recounts the events that led him to the courtroom. He narrates a complex tale of infidelity and bad decisions involving three different women. The film is known for its unexpected plot twists and the moral ambiguity of its protagonist. Audiences can discover this courtroom drama starting December 1.

‘The Shop Around the Corner’ (1940)

James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan star in this beloved romantic comedy set in a Budapest gift shop. The two employees constantly bicker at work while unknowingly falling in love with each other through anonymous pen pal letters. It serves as a heartwarming holiday classic with a script full of charm and wit. The film becomes available to stream on December 1.

‘Jim Thorpe – All-American’ (1951)

Burt Lancaster plays the legendary Native American athlete Jim Thorpe in this biographical drama arriving December 1. The film chronicles his rise to Olympic glory and his professional sports career as well as the personal tragedies and stripping of his medals. It attempts to honor his versatility and resilience in the face of adversity. The movie was directed by Michael Curtiz.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

This biographical drama tells the true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA who were instrumental in the early space program. Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer lead the cast as the mathematicians who calculated the flight trajectories for Project Mercury. The film highlights their struggle against racial and gender discrimination to help launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit. It begins streaming on December 1.

‘Wilson’ (2017)

Woody Harrelson stars as a lonely and neurotic middle-aged man who seeks to reconcile with his estranged wife and meet the teenage daughter he never knew. Based on the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes the film combines dark comedy with moments of awkward human connection. Wilson’s lack of filter causes chaos as he tries to build a family unit. Viewers can watch this character study starting December 1.

‘Lu Over the Wall’ (2017)

This animated fantasy film from Masaaki Yuasa centers on a middle school boy who befriends a mermaid named Lu. Her love for music causes her to grow legs and the two form a bond that challenges the town’s superstitious fear of merfolk. The movie features vibrant animation and a heartwarming story about acceptance and friendship. It joins the anime collection on December 1.

‘Paul Anka: His Way’ (2025)

This new documentary explores the life and enduring career of singer-songwriter Paul Anka. It features interviews and archival footage detailing his rise to fame as a teen idol and his longevity in the music industry. The film examines his songwriting process and his influence on pop culture over several decades. It premieres on the service on December 1.

‘Illegal’ (1955)

Edward G. Robinson stars as a district attorney who becomes a defense lawyer for organized crime figures after sending an innocent man to the chair. His descent into corruption is challenged when he must defend a former associate he still cares about. The film is a tough courtroom drama with noir elements and a cynical view of the legal system. It becomes available on December 1.

‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ (2018)

This anime drama focuses on the complex friendship between two high school musicians in a concert band. As they rehearse a piece based on a fairy tale they begin to realize how the story mirrors their own drifting relationship. The film is praised for its delicate animation and emotional subtlety regarding adolescence and separation. It arrives for streaming on December 1.

‘Mind Game’ (2004)

Masaaki Yuasa’s directorial debut is a psychedelic animated adventure that defies conventional storytelling. The plot follows a loser who is killed by yakuza and then cheats death to embark on a wild journey with his crush and her sister. The film utilizes a mix of animation styles to express the chaotic and exuberant nature of living life to the fullest. It hits the platform on December 1.

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

The sequel to the viral horror hit returns with more unexpected twists on the fireplace video concept. Viewers can expect a new layer of absurdity and dark humor hidden behind the cozy holiday imagery. The special continues the tradition of subverting the yule log format for Adult Swim fans. It streams starting December 1.

‘Girls Trip’ (2017)

Four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival in this R-rated comedy streaming December 1. Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish lead the cast as the group reconnects and unleashes their wild sides over a long weekend. The film was a box office hit known for its raunchy humor and celebration of female friendship. It explores themes of loyalty and rediscovering oneself.

‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’ (2006)

A high school girl discovers she has the ability to travel back in time and uses it to fix minor inconveniences in her life. However she soon learns that changing the past has unforeseen and serious consequences for the people around her. This celebrated anime film combines sci-fi elements with a touching coming-of-age romance. It becomes available 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 renowned for its stylized action sequences and brutal fight choreography. She navigates a web of betrayal and shifting alliances in the days leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. This action thriller arrives on December 1.

‘Miss Congeniality’ (2000)

Sandra Bullock stars as a tomboy FBI agent who must go undercover as a contestant in the Miss United States beauty pageant. She undergoes a complete makeover to infiltrate the event and prevent a terrorist bombing. The film is a beloved comedy that highlights Bullock’s physical comedy skills and chemistry with co-star Michael Caine. It begins streaming on December 1.

‘DeLorean’ (1981)

This documentary film by D.A. Pennebaker offers a look into the life of automotive engineer John DeLorean. It captures the period when he was launching his iconic sports car and dealing with the immense pressure of the industry. The film provides a candid portrait of a controversial figure in American business history. It joins the documentary library on December 1.

‘Key Largo’ (1948)

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall star in this tense noir thriller set in a Florida hotel during a hurricane. A group of gangsters led by Edward G. Robinson holds the hotel owners and guests hostage as the storm rages outside. The film is famous for the claustrophobic atmosphere and the psychological standoff between Bogart’s character and the mob boss. It becomes available on December 1.

‘The Sea Wolf’ (1941)

Based on the Jack London novel this adventure film features Edward G. Robinson as the tyrannical captain of a seal-hunting schooner. A writer and a fugitive are trapped on board and must endure the captain’s brutal philosophy and physical abuse. The movie explores themes of survival and the clash between civilized values and primal instincts. It streams starting December 1.

‘Bright Leaf’ (1950)

Gary Cooper stars as a man who returns to his hometown to build a tobacco empire and exact revenge on the tycoon who ruined his family. His ruthless drive for success costs him his personal relationships and happiness. The drama captures the intensity of the 19th-century tobacco wars in the South. Viewers can watch this classic on December 1.

‘Night and Day’ (1946)

Cary Grant portrays the composer Cole Porter in this fictionalized musical biography arriving December 1. The film traces his career from his university days to his success on Broadway and Hollywood. It features many of Porter’s most famous songs performed by the cast in elaborate musical numbers. The movie aims to celebrate the artist’s legacy through a Hollywood lens.

‘Romance on the High Seas’ (1948)

This musical comedy marks the film debut of Doris Day and follows a tangled web of mistaken identities on a cruise ship. A woman sends a singer in her place to spy on her husband while the husband hires a detective to watch the woman he thinks is his wife. The lighthearted plot serves as a vehicle for Day’s musical performances. It hits the service on December 1.

‘Dames’ (1934)

Busby Berkeley choreographed the elaborate musical numbers in this pre-Code comedy about a wealthy reformer trying to censor a Broadway show. The film is best known for its geometric dance sequences and the visual spectacle typical of Berkeley’s work. It features Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler as the young couple fighting for their show. It becomes available for streaming on December 1.

‘Song of My City’ (2025)

This title arrives on the platform on December 1 offering viewers a fresh narrative to explore. While details on the plot are kept under wraps it joins a diverse lineup of international and domestic releases for the month. The film adds to the musical and dramatic offerings available to subscribers this holiday season. Audiences can discover this new addition along with the classic library titles.

‘Table 19’ (2017)

Anna Kendrick stars in this comedy about a woman who is relieved of her maid of honor duties but decides to attend the wedding anyway. She is seated at the table intended for random and unwanted guests who form an unlikely bond. The film explores the humor and awkwardness of social rejection and new friendships. It begins streaming 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 chronicles his partnership with his wife and his rise to become one of the most successful songwriters of the era. It features a soundtrack of classic standards that Kahn helped create. The movie becomes available on December 1.

‘Larceny, Inc.’ (1942)

Edward G. Robinson plays a gangster who buys a luggage shop next to a bank with the intention of tunneling into the vault. However the shop becomes surprisingly successful and he finds himself enjoying the life of a legitimate businessman. The comedy plays on Robinson’s tough-guy image by placing him in absurd situations. It joins the rotation on December 1.

‘Trouble Along the Way’ (1953)

John Wayne stars in an uncharacteristic role as a disgraced football coach hired to save a small Catholic college from bankruptcy. He must build a winning team using questionable methods while trying to retain custody of his daughter. The film blends sports drama with comedy and family themes. It streams starting December 1.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as a couple who decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise while their daughter is away. Their plans are thrown into chaos when she decides to come home at the last minute forcing them to scramble to create a perfect holiday. The comedy is based on a John Grisham novel and has become a seasonal staple. It arrives on December 1.

‘The Color Purple’ (1985)

Steven Spielberg directed this adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel spanning forty years in the life of Celie. Whoopi Goldberg stars as an African-American woman living in the South who survives abuse and bigotry to find her own identity. The film is a powerful drama about resilience and the bonds of sisterhood. It becomes available on December 1.

‘The Colors Within’ (2024)

This anime feature directed by Naoko Yamada focuses on a high school student who can see people’s emotions as colors. She forms a band with two other girls and they attempt to express their feelings through music. The film is noted for its beautiful visual style and emotional storytelling. It premieres on the service on December 1.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn star as two divorce mediators who crash weddings to meet women. Their rules are tested when they crash a high-profile wedding and one of them falls for the bride’s sister. The R-rated comedy features a memorable ensemble cast and became a massive box office success. It arrives for streaming on December 1.

‘Mission to Moscow’ (1943)

This historical drama is based on the memoirs of Joseph E. Davies the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union. The film depicts his observations of the Soviet government and the impending threat of Nazi Germany before World War II. It is a controversial piece of wartime cinema that reflects the political alliances of the era. It begins streaming on December 1.

‘Wolf Children’ (2012)

Mamoru Hosoda directed this animated fantasy about a woman who falls in love with a werewolf and raises their two children alone after his death. The story follows the challenges of single motherhood as the children grapple with their dual human and wolf natures. It is a poignant exploration of growing up and the sacrifices parents make. The film joins the library on December 1.

‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011)

This superhero film serves as a prequel to the X-Men franchise exploring the origins of Professor X and Magneto. Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis it shows how the two mutants met and formed a team to stop a global nuclear threat. The movie focuses on the philosophical divide that eventually turns the friends into enemies. It streams starting December 1.

‘The Goonies’ (1985)

A group of kids embarks on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure in this beloved adventure film. They must navigate a series of booby traps and evade a family of criminals to find the legendary pirate loot of One-Eyed Willy. The movie is a touchstone of 1980s cinema celebrating friendship and youthful adventure. It becomes available on December 1.

‘Kid Galahad’ (1937)

Edward G. Robinson and Bette Davis star in this boxing drama about a fight promoter who discovers a talented young boxer. The promoter tries to manipulate the fighter’s career while the boxer falls for the promoter’s sister. The film features intense ring action and a strong supporting cast including Humphrey Bogart. It arrives on the platform on December 1.

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

This new biographical release examines the tragic and brief life of musician Jeff Buckley. The film delves into his artistic development his relationship with his father Tim Buckley and the legacy of his only studio album. It offers fans a deeper look into the man behind the legendary voice. The movie premieres on Thursday, December 4.

‘Architecton’ (2024)

Victor Kossakovsky directs this documentary that meditates on the use of concrete and stone in human history. The film contrasts ancient ruins with modern construction to question the longevity and environmental impact of our building materials. It is a visually striking work that invites viewers to rethink their surroundings. It begins streaming on December 4.

‘The Christmas Showdown’ (2025)

Holiday tension takes center stage in this new festive movie arriving on Sunday, December 7. The plot revolves around rival families or neighbors competing to create the best Christmas display or celebration. It offers the expected mix of humor and heartwarming moments typical of the genre. Subscribers can enjoy this fresh addition to the seasonal lineup.

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

This concert film and documentary captures the energy of Nigerian superstar Wizkid’s performance in Lagos. It provides an intimate look at the artist’s connection to his hometown and his rise as a global Afrobeats icon. The special features live performances and behind-the-scenes footage. It premieres on Thursday, December 11.

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984)

Rob Reiner’s legendary mockumentary follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on a disastrous American tour. The film satirizes the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle with improvised dialogue and memorable musical numbers. It is considered one of the funniest movies ever made and remains a cultural touchstone. Fans can turn the volume up to eleven starting Friday, December 12.

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

The highly anticipated sequel to the Chinese animated blockbuster arrives on Saturday, December 20. The film continues the mythological adventures of the young deity Ne Zha as he faces new divine challenges and enemies. It features cutting-edge animation and expands on the folklore established in the first movie. This release highlights the growing global appeal of Chinese animation.

‘Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires’ (2025)

This animated feature reimagines the Batman mythology within the setting of the Aztec Empire. Bruce Wayne is depicted as a young Aztec warrior who uses the bat motif to fight against the Spanish invasion and local corruption. The film blends historical elements with superhero tropes for a unique visual experience. It premieres on Monday, December 22.

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