7 Must-Stream Shows And Movies This Week (Dec 25 – Jan 1) To End The Year With A Bang
The final week of the year is here, and streaming platforms are pulling out the biggest guns to ensure your holiday break and New Year’s celebration are packed with epic viewing. As of Thursday, December 25, 2025, the streaming calendar is dominated by one of the most anticipated finales in television history, alongside major movie debuts that usher in 2026. Whether you're looking for a massive sci-fi send-off, a chilling psychological horror, or a modern Western crime thriller, this week's lineup has the perfect content to binge-watch and discuss with family and friends.
The period between Christmas and New Year's Day is traditionally a powerhouse for content consumption, and this year is no exception. We’ve compiled the seven freshest, most unique, and highest-impact releases landing on your screens from December 25, 2025, through January 1, 2026, ensuring you know exactly what to prioritize on your queue.
The Final Showdown: Netflix's Blockbuster Send-Off
The undisputed headliner for this week is the conclusion of a global phenomenon, promising an emotional and action-packed farewell that will dominate social media and water cooler conversations worldwide. This is the ultimate holiday binge.
1. Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 (Netflix)
Release Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
The final chapter of the epic saga finally arrives, split into two volumes, with Volume 2 delivering the climactic episodes that will determine the fate of Hawkins and the world. The previous volume left the core group of heroes scattered but united in their mission to stop the ultimate evil. This volume focuses entirely on the final, brutal confrontation with Vecna, the powerful entity from the Upside Down, and the closing of the terrifying dimensional gate.
Cast and Plot Details
The stakes have never been higher, with the returning ensemble cast ready for their last stand. The main cast includes Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Jim Hopper (David Harbour), Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin). Fan favorites like Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke), and Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) are also central to the final strategic assault. The plot is confirmed to be a massive, sprawling battle across multiple fronts, with the Duffer Brothers promising a conclusion that is both satisfying and heartbreaking, tying up all loose ends from the past five seasons. Expect feature-film-length episodes, high-octane action, and profound emotional moments as the kids of Hawkins finally grow up and face their destiny.
- Genre: Sci-Fi Horror, Supernatural Drama, Coming-of-Age.
- Topical Authority Entities: Duffer Brothers, Upside Down, Vecna, Hawkins, Eleven's Powers, Jim Hopper's Return, Will Byers' Connection, Final Battle.
2. Cover-Up (Netflix Documentary)
Release Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
For those looking for a break from fictional horror, Netflix also drops a compelling true-crime documentary. This feature-length film delves into a major historical conspiracy, tracing the investigation and the people who fought to bring the truth to light. True-crime enthusiasts and fans of investigative journalism will find this a gripping watch right after the Christmas rush.
New Year's Day Premieres: Thrills and Crime to Start 2026
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, two highly anticipated feature films will drop on Starz, offering a perfect way to kick off the new year with intense, character-driven storytelling.
3. The Home (Starz)
Release Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Comedian Pete Davidson steps into a serious, chilling role in this psychological horror film directed by James DeMonaco (creator of The Purge franchise). Davidson plays Max, a young man fresh out of the system who takes a job as a caretaker at a seemingly idyllic, yet unsettling, retirement home. As Max delves deeper into his new role, he begins to uncover dark, disturbing secrets about the elderly residents and the staff running the facility, leading to a descent into paranoia and terror.
The film is a stark departure for Davidson, showcasing his dramatic range in a claustrophobic and tense environment. The supporting cast includes veteran actors like John Glover, Bruce Altman, and Mary Beth Peil, adding to the film’s pedigree. This is a must-watch for horror fans and those curious to see a major star tackle a new genre.
- Starring: Pete Davidson (as Max), John Glover, Bruce Altman, Mary Beth Peil.
- Director: James DeMonaco.
- Genre: Psychological Horror, Thriller.
4. Americana (Starz)
Release Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Blending the grit of a crime thriller with the atmosphere of a modern Western, Americana is a star-studded feature that premiered to early buzz at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW). The film centers on a small South Dakota town where the lives of a struggling musician, a local police officer, and a notorious artifact dealer violently collide over a rare, highly valuable Native American artifact.
The film features a compelling ensemble cast, including Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, and the musical artist Halsey in a key role. Directed by Tony Tost, the narrative promises a bloody dance of ambition, greed, and cultural tension. It’s a compelling choice for viewers seeking intense drama and a unique cinematic style reminiscent of early Quentin Tarantino films.
- Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey.
- Director: Tony Tost.
- Genre: Crime Thriller, Modern Western, Drama.
The Best of the Rest: Essential Holiday Binge-Watching
While the new releases are exciting, the week between holidays is also the perfect time to catch up on the major titles that dropped earlier in the month, providing hours of quality entertainment for your extended time off.
5. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)
This highly anticipated sequel, which premiered earlier in December, is the perfect mystery-comedy for a cozy night in. Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, tackling a brand-new, complex whodunit in a fresh, glamorous setting with an entirely new all-star cast. The intricate plot twists and witty dialogue make it an ideal holiday viewing experience.
6. Fallout Season 2 (Prime Video)
If you missed the second season of the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic series, now is the time to dive into the Wasteland. Based on the iconic video game franchise, Season 2 continues the story of Lucy, The Ghoul, and Maximus as they navigate the dangerous, retro-futuristic world of a nuclear-devastated America. The show offers a perfect blend of dark humor, action, and compelling world-building.
7. Emily in Paris Season 5 (Netflix)
For a lighter, more escapist viewing experience, the fifth season of Emily in Paris is ready to be binged. Follow Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) as she navigates professional challenges and romantic entanglements in the beautiful, fashionable city of Paris. It’s a stylish, feel-good series that provides the perfect dose of holiday cheer and wanderlust.
Your Streaming Strategy for the Week (Dec 25 - Jan 1)
To maximize your viewing pleasure during this busy week, consider a strategic approach. Start with the heavy hitters:
- Friday, Dec 26: Dedicate the day to the emotional rollercoaster of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2. This is the conversation starter of the week.
- Weekend Binge (Dec 27-29): Catch up on the big December movie release, Wake Up Dead Man, or dive into a full season binge of Fallout 2 or Emily in Paris 5.
- New Year's Eve/Day (Dec 31 - Jan 1): Ring in 2026 with a fresh cinematic experience. Choose the psychological terror of The Home or the modern grit of Americana on Starz.
This week offers a fantastic blend of high-stakes fantasy, gripping true crime, and intense New Year's thrillers. Prepare your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the best of the streaming world as we wave goodbye to 2025.
Relevant Entities/LSI Keywords: Netflix, Prime Video, Starz, Hulu, Disney+, Streaming Guide, Holiday Binge, New Releases, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna), Benoit Blanc, Daniel Craig, Pete Davidson, James DeMonaco, Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Tony Tost, Psychological Horror, Crime Thriller, Sci-Fi Finale, The Upside Down, Knives Out Mystery, The Abandons, Percy Jackson Season 2, Lily Collins, Emily Cooper.
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