The Best Movies And TV Shows You Should Watch In December 2023
These are the best movies and TV shows with trailers and release dates you should watch this December
2023 has been been one of the best years in cinematic history with best performing movies and shows like 'Creed III', 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse', and 'The Night Agent'.
Throw in bangers like Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', 'Barbie', 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One', and 'John Wick 4', and you'll agree we've had a really good year. I know there's been the occasional blemish of the critically ill MCU's 'Secret Invasion' with some spice of 'Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts' but never mind, neither of them could compete against the lunacy of 'Fast X'.
But 2023 ends as it began with blockbusters, fan-favorite shows, crime drama, and fantasy series to keep your eyes glued to the screen throughout Christmas.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan - Release Date: December 1, 2023
‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan' returns this Friday on Starz with the first episode of its third season premiering on December 1. The original crime drama series will feature the return of lead actors Patina Miller as Raquel Thomas and Mekai Curtis as Kanan Stark.
Like all spinoffs from the Power Universe, the series left viewers on a cliffhanger in season two’s finale after an explosive shootout between Raquel’s crew and Sal’s Mafia in New Jersey left Ziza dead. Raquel’s plans to expand her business had gone south with Sal, chasing after Marvin for leaving his son dead after attempting to bust up his former girlfriend Toni.
The trailer teases a love affair between Raquel and arch-enemy 'Nique, with the introduction of two new major characters - Jack Ryan's James Greer as Ishmael 'Snaps' and The Blacklist's Erika Woods as Stephanie Henry. Exclusive clips on social media also tease the introduction of one more major player, Ronnie... Unique's brother. This crime family drama might have just gotten more interesting.
Godzilla Minus One - Release Date: December 1, 2023
The blockbuster action-packed Japanese franchise Godzilla returns to the big screens on December 1, 2023 with the release of 'Godzilla Minus One', after a six year hiatus following Shin Godzilla's release in 2016.
Since then, the destructive atomic force of nature Godzilla has faced off in a separate franchise against the King of the Jungle, King Kong in 2021's action sci-fi monster film 'Godzilla Vs Kong.' That franchise also continued this year with the spinoff 'Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters' with expansion plans already in place for 2024's 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.'
Toho Studios 'Godzilla Minus One' is set in post world war II Japan, where the menacing King of Monsters, Godzilla takes a trip back to its ancient roots in Hiroshima. As catastrophe ensues, a failed US nuclear test mutates the creature into a gargantuan Godzilla as it unleashes its atomic breath and terror on the world, destroying everything in its path with one hot stream of blue, atomic fire.
'Godzilla Minus One' looks and feels like a monster movie should, quaking audiences with terrifying awe as they bask in its insatiable hunger for destruction. With the movie tipped to become the best Godzilla film ever, you. do. not. want. to. miss. this.
May December - Release Date: December 1 , 2023
Netflix's romance-comedy 'May December' starring Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry, Julianne Moore as Grace Atherton, and Charles Melton as Joe Yoo drops this Friday, December 1.
Combined with intense storytelling and the real-life case of Mary Kay Letourneau, 'May December' weaves an absorbing plot of a Seattle teacher Gracie Atherton who returns from jail to marry the boy, Joe Yoo, who she molested 20 years ago. Gracie remains convinced that her marriage to Joe is built on the love affair they had years ago but despite having three kids together, a sit-in interview with Elizabeth leads to unravelling melodrama and delusion as strong echoes from a troubled past rock Joe's mind, steering him towards the stark realization that his marriage is built on nothing more than a lie.
Watch the full trailer here.
The Crown Season 6 Part Two - Release Date: December 14, 2023
'The Crown' returns for one last time on Netflix with the second part of its sixth season to be released on December 14, 2023.
Millions of fans, critics, and viewers worldwide bid farewell to the acclaimed Netflix drama that has certainly entertained since its premiere in 2016, painstakingly blending the fact and fiction of the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The first four episodes of 'The Crown Season 6 Part One' portrayed the final days of Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, and the fallout from the fatal car accident.
The last six episodes of the series in Season 6 Part Two bring into sharp focus the teenage life of Prince William as he adjusts to his thrust into the limelight, following the death of his mother while mourning her loss. The final episodes of the epic Royal Family drama also recreate the famous catwalk dress of the Princess of Wales and explores the romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton. But alas, "the show, once 'a joy', has failed to right the terrible flaws of the last season," writes the BBC's Caryn James.
Reacher Season 2 - Release Date: December 15, 2023
Amazon Prime Video's 'Reacher' series starring Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher will return to the streaming platform with a brand new season on December 15.
The American crime action series is a hit, even bigger than Reacher's biceps, and is already one of the most anticipated series of December 2023. Based on Lee Child's collection of novels 'Jack Reacher', the television series captures the life of war hero and former military officer Reacher as he plays good cop, bad cop in Margrave, Georgia, while trying to clear his name of murder. Largely traveling the country with no luggage, credit cards, or any real identification, Reacher finds himself wrapped up in a cauldron of conspiracy beyond his imagination.
Sneak peeks from the latest season's trailer prove once again that Reacher has flexed his muscles into trouble as the new season features the introduction of three new major characters:
The Night Agent's Hawkins as Shane Langston, Herc from American crime drama TV series 'The Wire' as Guy Russo, and The Sopranos' star actor Al Sapienza as Marsh. Russo and Marsh both feature as NYPD cops and you can bet their paths will certainly cross with Reacher's.
The Family Plan - Release Date: December 15, 2023
Apple TV+ will release one of its most exciting and entertaining action comedy movies in years when 'The Family Plan' debuts on the streaming platform on December 15.
The movie features the return to cinematic action of Mark Wahlberg (remember him?) starring as lead actor Dan Morgan. Wahlberg last appeared on screens alongside Tom Holland in 2022's action-adventure 'Uncharted', as the movie beat low-scoring critical reviews to become the sixth-highest-grossing film based on a video game ever.
In 'The Family Plan', Dan Morgan is the diaper-changing spy-turned-dad who makes his living as a car salesman in the cover of day but as a high-level government assassin at unusual hours. When enemies from his past track him down, Dan Morgan must find a way to protect his unsuspecting family from danger while still changing his toddler's diapers.
Wonka - December 15, 2023
Timothée Chalamet's 'Wonka' is one of 2023's most anticipated movies with the musical fantasy film projected at about $35 - $40m when it hits theaters on December 15.
At the Royal Festival Hall in London after the release of the movie's trailer, Timothée Chalamet recently told the BBC he was aware people did not want him to "mess up" the role of the beloved character of Willy Wonka, the much acclaimed center of attraction from Roald Dahl's 1964 children's novel 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory'.
'Wonka', played to infinitely charming perfection by Chalamet is set years earlier and tells the wondrous story of how Willy Wonka fights tirelessly to open his first shop, before becoming known today as the world's greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate-maker. Combined with irresistibly vivid and inventive cinematography, 'Wonka' is "powered by pure imagination & bright, nimble musical numbers." This delicate and intricately crafted piece of art leaves viewers with the lesson that the best things in life begin with a dream. And a bit of magic.
'Wonka' is currently one of the best-reviewed movies of 2023 and is on track to become one of the best ever musical fantasies.
All Of Us Strangers - Release Date: December 20, 2023
As perfect as ratings come, few movies can better Paul Mescal's 'All Of Us Strangers' with an 8/10 IMDb rating and 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
'All Of Us Strangers' is the upcoming British romantic fantasy starring Oscar award nominee Paul Mescal as Harry and Primetime Emmy award nominee Andrew Scott as Adam. The striking fantasy romance blends the story of screenwriter Adam, living in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, with the chance encounter of his mysterious neighbor Harry. As their flirtations journey towards sex and romance, Adam takes a trip back memory lane in search of inspiration as he's drawn back to his childhood home in South London. There, he finds his parents living just as they were on the day they died 30 years ago.
'All Of Us Strangers' is a devastatingly tragic and haunting lullaby that may speak profoundly or specifically to a certain audience with its impacts varying wildly depending on the viewer.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians - Release Date: December 20, 2023
Disney's live action adaptation of Rick Riordan's 'Percy Jackson And The Olympians' is undoubtedly the most anticipated television series of December 2023. Featuring The Adam Project's teenage sensation Walker Scobell as lead character Percy Jackson, the Disney+ fantasy series tells the famed story of the young demigod Percy Jackson and how he comes to terms with his newfound divine powers at Camp Half-Blood.
In a thrilling sequence of events, Percy Jackson having just found out his divine powers as the son of Greek god Poseidon, must restore order to Olympus after being accused by Zeus of stealing his lightning bolt. Percy Jackson must embark on a quest with his new friends Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase to recover the lightning bolt or face the obliterating wrath of the king of the gods Zeus.
The first two episodes of the highly anticipated fantasy are set to premiere on Disney+ on December 20. You can watch the trailer here.
Anyone But You - December 22, 2023
Sydney Sweeney returns to television screens this December 22 as Bea alongside Top Gun Maverick's Glen Powell starring as Ben for the all-new R-rated rom-com 'Anyone But You' (hey, R-rated means kids shouldn't watch it or should only do so with their moms beside them for 'parental guidance').
Co-written by Friends With Benefits' director Will Gluck, the upcoming romance comedy is already one of the most talked-about movies of the year, with its teaser trailer amassing about 10 million views. 'Anyone But You' is romantically captivating, capturing the classic foe-to-friends narrative as Bea and Ben’s initial attraction quickly turns sour.
However, the striking pair find themselves together at a wedding in Australia where they must pretend as the perfect couple for the cameras. But as with these stories, pretence is never too far from reality as they heat up the screen with indulging, absorbing, and enthralling romance.
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child Of Fire - Release Date: December 22, 2023
Zack Snyder is at it again!
Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon' featuring Algerian actress Sofia Boutella from 'Atomic Blonde', Charlie Hunnam from 'King Author: Legend Of The Sword', and Blood Diamond's Djimon Hounsou as major characters will make its streaming debut on Netflix on December 22, 2023.
A priced science-fantasy beyond mere imagination, 'Rebel Moon' follows the heroes of Veldt, a peaceful, moon colony under threat from the imperial warships of Motherworld, as they turn to a mysterious young woman as their best hope of survival or risk extermination.
Zack Snyder creates a whole new galaxy of planets in the star-studded action adventure 'Rebel Moon' as he seeks to go one better of the blockbuster franchise Star Wars.
'Rebel Moon' had initially been pitched as a spinoff for Star Wars but never made the cut; now, it steps into its own epicenter of a new universe with thrilling scenes of romance, poignant tragedy, and extreme violence. The R-rated sci-fi 'Rebel Moon' has two parts with 'Part One: A Child Of Fire' to be released this December and 'Part Two: The Scargiver' in April 2024.
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom - Release Date: December 22, 2023
After multiple delays, DC's Aquaman finally returns again on December 22 with the release of the fan-favorite character in 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom'. Since a two-year mini-hiatus in 2021 when the King of the Sea Aquaman last appeared in 'Zack Snyder's Justice League', fans have had to wait patiently before getting a sneak peek of the revered superhero in a post credit scene of 'The Flash'.
Even more stunning than the dreamy eyes of Jason Momao, 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom' embraces the mythic nature of Aquaman's quest in combination with breathtaking visuals, played-to-perfection acting, and a uniquely compelling plot as the endeared superhero Aquaman is faced with the threat of extermination like never before.
Having failed to defeat Aquaman in the prequel, Black Manta harnesses the dark magic of the mythical Black Trident to unleash an untold ancient and malevolent force in his bid to wipe out Aquaman and his family.
To protect his family and his ancient kingdom of Atlantis, the king of the Sea must forge an unlikely alliance with his estranged brother Orm to save the world from irreversible catastrophe.
The Color Purple - December 25, 2023
American musical drama 'The Color Purple' is a "coming-of-age period drama film" set to be released in theaters on December 25. The powerful film features several star actors like Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins, and Grammy-award winning songwriter Jon Baptiste.
'The Color Purple' movie is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker's 1982 Pulitzer-prize winning novel of same name about the lifelong struggles of an African American woman living in the south in the early 1900s.
Through robust utilization of musical numbers, 2023's 'The Color Purple' movie captures the story of sisterhood as it centers on the spirit of women, the unbreakable bond shared by sisters, and the fierce determination of the human spirit. In a second trailer released in October, viewers catch that specular glimpse of Taraji Henson's seemingly classical dancing skills as she brings to furore once again, another striking performance well-worthy of that Star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame.
Money Heist's 'Berlin' - Release Date: December 29, 2023
La Casa de Papel once again, returns to Netflix on December 29 with the release of Money Heist's spinoff series 'Berlin'.
As you'd expect from Berlin himself, 'Berlin' the series is a crime action drama centering on the eccentric character's golden age before his recruitment by the Professor in 'Money Heist'. 'Berlin' the series explores an ambitious plan by Berlin, Europe's greatest thief as he assembles his masterful gang to pull off one of the most ambitious robberies ever while shuffling his personal life between five ex-wives.
The series will also most likely explore his childhood together with the Professor as they grew up as brothers, each with a distinct degenerative disease, in Spain. You can watch the trailer here.
And that's a wrap on 2023, one of the best years you could ever wish for. 2024 though has its own jinks of armor with the returning trickery of 'Deadpool 3' and the stifling heat of Arrakis as Paul Atreides hopes to lead his fallen House to once-famed glory in 'Dune: Part Two'.
