December Watchlist: 5 Big Movies Worth Your Time (and Money) and Date 🤭🤭

By Joshua Omoniyi

You asked for genuine recommendations, not just hype, and I’ve got you covered. This season is packed, but you don't need to see everything—just the ones that matter. Below are five films dominating the conversation this December: major international blockbusters, a new faith-based animation, and a few Nollywood options you can actually enjoy with the family.

Here is the gist, the reasons to watch, and a straightforward rating to help you decide.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

The Vibe: A massive new chapter in the Avatar universe. Expect incredible world-building, massive set pieces, and elemental spectacle. Think grand visuals, an eco-war storyline, and high-stakes drama on a planetary scale.

The Plot: New threats emerge on Pandora, forcing old and new heroes to choose between survival and protecting their land. Get ready for breathtaking underwater sequences and massive battle scenes.

Why You Should Watch: This is the ultimate "big screen" flex. It is perfect for a cinema night in Lagos or Abuja with friends or parents who want to see where their ticket money went. It is a visual feast.

Trailer: Watch Here

Who is it for? The blockbuster crowd—families, couples, and anyone who wants to be wowed by technology.

Rating: 3.5/5 — Stunning to look at, solid for a Christmas outing, even if the story is a bit predictable.

Anaconda (2025)

The Vibe: A jungle thriller reboot featuring a massive reptile, high survival stakes, and jump-scares. It isn’t art-house cinema; it is pure creature chaos.

The Plot: A research team and hunters cross paths with a monstrous anaconda. People run, boats capsize, and the snake dominates the screen.

Why You Should Watch: This is great for late-night screenings and is guaranteed to generate memes. If you enjoy movies that make you scream and laugh at the same time, this is for your squad.

Trailer: Watch Here

Who is it for? Horror and monster movie fans, groups of friends, and people who love practical effects.

Rating: 3/5 — Fun, provided you aren’t expecting Shakespeare.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

The Vibe: A family animation seeing SpongeBob and the gang on a silly, colourful adventure. It is clean, loud, and designed specifically for the kids.

The Plot: A deep-sea quest filled with jokes for children and visual gags that will make adults smile. Expect bright colours and plenty of humour.

Why You Should Watch: It is the perfect option for siblings, cousins, and any parent who needs a quiet two hours during the holiday break. There are plenty of jokes that will land even better on a second viewing.

Trailer: Watch Here

Who is it for? Families and animation lovers—expect full halls at daytime shows.

Rating: 4/5 — Safe, cheerful, and incredibly rewatchable.

Greenland 2: Migration

The Vibe: A disaster sequel that leans heavily into migration and geopolitics. It is more than just falling debris; it asks what nations do when survival is the only priority.

The Plot: Following a global catastrophe, fleeing populations trigger political conflicts and difficult moral choices. It deals with evacuations, tense decisions, and the politics of who gets saved.

Why You Should Watch: If you enjoyed the panic of the first film, this one explores the aftermath. It is the "what happens next" movie—and many Nigerians will relate to the themes of chaos and political maneuvering.

Trailer: Watch Here

Who is it for? Fans of grounded disaster films and viewers who enjoy dramas with moral dilemmas.

Rating: 3.5/5 — Tense, thoughtful, and less about popcorn action, more about politics.

Troll 2 (2025)

The Vibe: A modern monster romp. This is a loud creature film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It isn't the cult classic from the 90s; this is a fresh, intentional monster movie.

The Plot: A town (or ship) faces off against a huge troll-like creature. Expect destruction, weird one-liners, and massive showdowns.

Why You Should Watch: Perfect for a late-night cinema trip with friends where you can react loudly. It is definitely going to be meme fuel.

Trailer: Watch Here

Who is it for? Monster lovers, the late-night crowd, and anyone looking for loud entertainment.

Rating: 3/5 — Messy, loud, and exactly what it aims to be.

New Animated Faith Film: David (Opens Dec 19, 2025)

The Vibe: A family-friendly, biblically inspired animation that follows King David’s journey from shepherd to royalty. It features musical numbers, moral lessons, and a bright, wholesome tone.

Trailer: Watch Here

Who is it for? Families and faith-based audiences—church groups will likely organize outings for this one.

Rating: 3.5/5 — Earnest, well-produced, and completely safe for all ages.

Nollywood: What to Pick This December

These are Nigerian films with no explicit content, made for family viewing and supporting local cinema.

Behind the Scenes (Dec 12) — A comedy-drama set on a Nollywood movie set. Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, and Tobi Bakre mix on-set drama with real-life ego battles. Expect inside jokes about producers, directors, and makeup artists. A must-watch for Nollywood fans.

A Very Dirty Christmas (Dec 16) — A family gathering gone wrong. Secrets are spilled during a holiday reunion. It is clean enough for older teens and adults, offering more laughs than shock value.

Over Sabi Aunty (Dec 19) — Toyin Abraham leads this story about a church usher whose over-enthusiastic spirit messes up wedding plans and neighbourhood peace. It is funny, sharp, and very relatable.

Colours of Fire (Dec 24) — A larger-budget action drama where a warrior hunts a beast and uncovers a major conspiracy. Good production values and some impressive fight scenes.

Where to watch: Silverbird Cinemas, selected Lagos/Abuja screens, and YouTube premieres for a few titles later in the month. Check your local listings.

Streaming Corner: Top Series to Binge-Watch

​Because sometimes you just want to stay at home, save your transport fare, and burn your data instead. Here are the big series dropping on streaming platforms this December.

​Stranger Things Season 5 (Volume 2 & 3)

Netflix — Dec 25 & 31

The Vibe: The end of an era. The sci-fi phenomenon that took over the world is finally wrapping up with a massive finale split over the holidays.

The Plot: Eleven and her friends face Vecna for the last time to close the Upside Down for good.

Why Watch: This is cultural homework. Everyone on Twitter and Instagram will be talking about this on Christmas Day. You don’t want to be the only one dodging spoilers.

​Fallout Season 2

Prime Video — Dec 17

The Vibe: Post-apocalyptic chaos, dark humour, and retro-futuristic style.

The Plot: Lucy and the Ghoul head to New Vegas to find her father. Expect more monsters and weird wasteland politics.

Why Watch: The first season was a surprise hit. If you like action that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is your jam.

​Man Vs. Baby

Netflix — Dec 11

The Vibe: Rowan Atkinson (yes, the legendary Mr. Bean) returns in a Christmas comedy.

The Plot: Trevor Bingley tries to care for a baby left behind at a nativity scene. Chaos ensues.

Why Watch: Nigerians love Rowan Atkinson. It is simple, physical comedy that the whole house can laugh at without needing to think too hard.

​The Abandons

Netflix — Dec 4

The Vibe: A gritty Western drama from the creator of Sons of Anarchy.

The Plot: Set in the 1850s, two powerful matriarchs battle for land and dominance on the frontier.

Why Watch: It stars Lena Headey (Cersei from Game of Thrones) and Gillian Anderson. If you like intense family feuds and high-stakes drama, add this to your list.

​Emily in Paris Season 5

Netflix — Dec 18

The Vibe: High fashion, questionable life choices, and romance.

The Plot: Emily tries to balance her career and love life, but this time she is exploring Rome.

Why Watch: Let’s be honest—it is a guilty pleasure. It is colourful, dramatic, and very easy to binge in one weekend.

​Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2

Disney+ — Dec 10

The Vibe: Mythology coming to life.

The Plot: Percy and his friends head to the Sea of Monsters to save their camp.

Why Watch: A solid pick for secondary school kids and teenagers on holiday break.

​Quick Mentions (For specific tastes):

• ​Spartacus: House of Ashur (Starz, Dec 5): If you loved the blood and intensity of the original Spartacus, this new chapter is for you.
• ​Love is Blind: Italy (Netflix, Dec 1): For those who live for relationship drama and messy reality TV.
• ​Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft S2 (Netflix, Dec 11): Lara Croft is hunting African artifacts in this final animated season.

Quick Guide: Which One to Watch First?

 Family Outing: SpongeBob or David.

 Cinematic Spectacle: Avatar: Fire and Ash.

 Late-Night Fun: Anaconda or Troll 2.

  Proper Tense Drama: Greenland 2.

  Local Flavour and Laughs: Behind the Scenes or Over Sabi Aunty.

Bonus: I have a free Netflix account where you can watch these movies—message me on WhatsApp at 0707 344 9880.