Netflix is serving up a December 2025 lineup that’s impossible to ignore. From jaw-dropping finales and globe-trotting adventures to chilling true crime and pulse-pounding thrillers, there’s something for every binge-watcher. Here’s a countdown of the 10 hottest Netflix shows and movies to stream right now, starting from 10 and saving the biggest hits for last.
10. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson’s third Benoit Blanc adventure slices into Netflix with all the precision of a master chef wielding a very sharp knife. Daniel Craig returns as the endlessly charming Southern detective, this time investigating a murder at a small upstate New York church. With a star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner, the twists are crazier than ever. Johnson calls it Blanc’s “most dangerous” and “most personal” case yet. If Glass Onion left you breathless, brace yourself.
9. Emily in Paris: Season 5
Lily Collins is back as Emily, now expanding her adventures from Paris to the streets of Rome. Season 5 juggles new romance, career milestones, and that eternal question: croissant or cornetto? The show is still serving the iconic fashion, jaw-dropping drama, and Instagram-ready moments fans have come to love. With a sixth season already on the horizon, Emily’s journey is far from over, proving life, love, and baguettes wait for no one.
8. The Abandons
Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy) delivers a gritty Western showdown where Lena Headey’s Fiona Nolan faces off against Gillian Anderson’s Constance Van Ness. Set in 1850s Washington Territory, the series mixes frontier justice, family drama, and power struggles, all with a hint of Shakespearean intrigue. A story about the “haves versus have-nots,” the show’s blend of star-crossed romance and buried secrets keeps viewers hooked episode after episode.
7. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft – Season 2
Lara Croft is back in animated form, voiced by Hayley Atwell, and she’s not just raiding tombs, she’s racing against a corrupt billionaire to secure ancient African artifacts that could change the world. Action-packed and visually stunning, this season pairs globe-trotting adventure with callbacks to the classic games, making it a treat for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
6. Record of Ragnarok: Season 3
Anime fans, this one’s for you. The gods-versus-humans battle continues, now tied at 3-3. Each fight tests humanity’s courage, wit, and strength against divine adversaries. The animation is as over-the-top as ever, with mythological mashups and epic duels that are pure fan service. Season 3 raises the stakes higher than ever, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
5. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (again!)
It’s that good; it earns a second spot. Rian Johnson’s murder mystery became a streaming sensation with 8.1 million views in its debut week on the English film list. The buzz is undeniable: clever plotting, sharp dialogue, and Daniel Craig at his detective best. If you haven’t watched it yet, prepare for twists, turns, and some seriously brilliant sleuthing.
4. The Great Flood
This Korean sci-fi thriller takes disaster to a personal level. Trapped in an apartment as a massive flood engulfs the city, a mother discovers she may be part of a mission to save humanity itself. With 11.1 million views on the non-English film list, The Great Flood combines pulse-pounding tension with existential stakes, making it a must-watch for fans of intense, emotional thrillers.
3. Run Away
Harlan Coben’s latest adaptation is a gripping family thriller. James Nesbitt stars as a father hunting for his missing daughter, only to uncover a tangle of murder, viral conspiracies, and family secrets. Twisty, emotional, and suspenseful, Run Away is perfect for viewers who love mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end.
2. Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story
True crime meets social media in this chilling documentary. Directed by Skye Borgman, it examines how Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt and parenting influencer Ruby Franke were involved in abusive practices. With 15 million views and topping the English film list, it’s a stark reminder that not everything on the internet is as it seems, and the real-life consequences can be horrifying.
1. Stranger Things: Season 5 Finale
The crown jewel of Netflix December 2025: Hawkins is back, and the finale broke records with 31.3 million views on New Year’s Day alone. Eleven is in hiding, Vecna is more terrifying than ever, and the series wraps up an epic saga that has captivated the globe. With over 105 million total views across the Most Popular English TV list, this finale is both a cultural moment and a masterclass in suspense. Fans are already gearing up for One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, a behind-the-scenes look at the series’ monumental finale.
From murder mysteries and true crime to epic sci-fi and heart-pounding finales, December’s Netflix lineup proves there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re hunting for thrills, laughs, or emotional drama, these 10 picks are guaranteed to keep you glued to your screen well into the new year.