When it comes to movies and TV shows, the 21 Mag cherishes stories that break away from the norm—the ones that spotlight diverse characters and extraordinary experiences.
This December brings an exciting lineup of premieres that deliver on all fronts, and we’ve handpicked 21 of them just for you!
Fans of beloved shows have plenty to anticipate, with Netflix’s Squid Game returning for a second season and Dexter getting a prequel titled Dexter: Original Sin. Movie lovers aren’t left out either, with Mufasa: The Lion King and the third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise set to grace our screens.
But it’s not just about sequels— Fresh adaptations like Mary, a unique retelling of Mary, the mother of Jesus’s story, and Nightbitch, a darkly comedic movie about a stay-at-home mom experiencing disturbing canine-like transformations, are set to be released this month. Closer to home, there’s also Christmas In Lagos, a Jade Osiberu tribute to the spirit of the “Detty December”.
So, without wasting time, let’s dive in.
Our Top 21 Picks Of Movies And Shows To Tune Into This December
- That Christmas
That Christmas is an animated holiday comedy coming to Netflix on the 4th.
The movie is set in Wellington-on-Sea, a charming, cute little seaside town and its story unfolds during a devastating snowstorm that disrupts everyone’s Christmas plans and explores interconnected stories of family, friendship, and love.
With its charming setting and heartwarming themes, That Christmas offers a unique take on the festive spirit. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted and charming movie to get you into the Christmas spirit, add this to your watchlist.
- Nightbitch
Nightbitch, starring Amy Adams, is a bold, chaotic exploration of the trials of motherhood.
Based on the 2021 book of the same name, the movie follows a stay-at-home mom, known simply as Mother, who discovers that she’s turning into a dog.
Mother, who used to be a thriving artist, sacrificed her career to take care of her son and is now trapped in a life of monotony and underappreciation. As her dissatisfaction and frustration grow, she longs for something other than her dreary life.
She soon gets her answer as she begins to undergo an animalistic transformation.
It’s weird, messy, and extremely emotional.
If that’s your speed, then tune in with us on the 6th of this month.
- F*** Marry Kill
What would you do if you realized you were dating a serial killer?
In F*** Marry Kill, Eva Vaughn, a true crime junkie, dives into the chaotic world of online dating at her friend’s insistence on her thirtieth birthday. While trying to find “The One”, she ventures into the world of serial dating and begins juggling three boyfriends.
The twist? One of them might be the serial killer terrorizing her town.
What follows is a hilarious ride as Eva and her friends try to figure out which of her men is a F***boy, husband material, or a serial killing psychopath.
With Lucy Hale playing the role of Eva and a funny trailer already making waves, F*** Marry Kill is one movie we’ll definitely be watching when it’s released on the 6th.
- The Sticky
Prime Video’s The Sticky is a darkly funny take on the syrup industry.
The show follows Ruth, a middle-aged maple farmer who must find a way to survive when the authorities threaten to take everything she’s built.
As a last resort, she turns to a life of crime.
The series is based on the real-life Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist (yes, that really happened), but very loosely, as in the trailer, they make it clear that “this is absolutely not the true story.”
If you’d enjoy a six-episode, half-hour show about crime, comedy, and syrup, tune into Amazon Prime on the 6th.
We’ll be watching. Will you?
- Mary
Netflix’s Mary is a coming-of-age story that explores the untold layers of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
The movie delves into her growth, courage, and unwavering faith as she deals with the immense responsibility of bringing the Savior into the world.
In it, we see Mary as she faces rejection from society and is forced into hiding due to the otherworldly nature of her pregnancy and the danger it poses to King Herod’s rule.
Herod’s ruthless pursuit of power results in a deadly chase for the newborn Jesus, whom he sees as a threat to his throne. Mary takes us on a journey with the young Mary and Joseph as they desperately try to protect their child from the King’s wrath.
To be released on the 6th, Mary is a fresh take on the story of Jesus’ birth, making it a must-watch this December.
- The Six Triple Eight
The Six Triple Eight tells the remarkable true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only women-of-color Army Corps unit stationed overseas during World War II.
These incredibly bold women were tasked with the monumental job of sorting and delivering millions of backlogged letters to U.S. troops who needed some morale. The story follows their struggles in the face of racism, sexism, and all the dangers faced in war zones.
The Six Triple Eight honors the resilience of the battalion’s women and illuminates the impact of black women on history.
With Kerry Washington in the lead as well as a cast full of beautiful women of color, we’ll be watching The Six Triple Eight when it comes to Netflix on the 6th.
7. Carry On
Carry-On brings the tension this festive season!
Taron Egerton stars as Ethan Kopek, a young airport security agent caught in a deadly game when a mysterious traveler blackmails him on Christmas Eve.
Forced to let a dangerous package pass through security and onto a Christmas Day flight, Ethan must make life-changing decisions under pressure.
If you’re in the mood for a tense, action-packed Christmas movie, then Carry-On is a must-watch for you. Tune in to it on the 13th.
8. Seven Doors
Seven Doors is a Nigerian limited series premiering on Netflix on the 13th.
The series takes viewers to 18th and 19th-century Nigeria, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and tradition.
Femi Adebayo plays the role of a regal Yoruba king married to an Igbo queen (Chioma Akpotha). Their marriage, which is a symbol of inter-tribal union, soon becomes a warzone when a Hausa investor arrives in their kingdom with plans that threaten their traditions.
Nigerian period drama with a twist?
Sign us up!
9. Everyone Loves Jenifa
Jenifa is back on our screens!
This time in Everyone loves Jenifa, she has to figure out how to compete against her newest philanthropic neighbour as well as face down a deadly Ghanaian drug baron.
With love, betrayal, and a drug-related problems, Jenifa has to find a way to survive.
There’s drama, comedy and a LOT of familiar faces.
Catch it in theaters on December 13th, or start your Jenifa’s diary binge while you wait!
10. Dexter: Original Sin
Fans of the original Dexter series, you’re in luck.
Dexter Original Sin takes us back to 1991, diving into the origin story of one of TV’s favorite morally complex serial killers.
Set in Miami, the show follows a young Dexter Morgan as he tries to balance mastering control of his dark urges and following the “Code” his father wants him to abide by with his forensics internship at the Miami Metro.
For fans of the previous seasons, this prequel provides a fresh insight into Dexter’s mind, but with all the tension and drama you can expect from a show about a serial killer who works in a police station.
To be released on streaming services from the 13th, we can’t wait. Hope you’ll be tuned in, too.
11. Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter tells the action-packed origin story of one of Marvel’s most famous villains, Kraven. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the titular character, a man who gains animal-related powers after being bitten by a lion.
The movie also explores his difficult relationship with his criminal father, Nikolai Kravinoff, played by Russell Crowe.
The film follows Kraven’s journey into villainy as he sets out to become the greatest—and most dangerous—hunter in the world. For fans of Sony’s Marvel universe, including the Spider-Man and Venom movies, you can expect to see some familiar faces and references as Kraven is set in the same universe.
If you love intense action, you’re in for a treat, as this movie is rated R, promising plenty of bloody violence.
So, mark your calendars for December 13th. We’ll be watching—will you?
12. Laid
Reliving past relationships with your bff should be a fun way to hang out— But not if you’re Ruby.
For her, going through her list of exes is more horror than fun, as they all keep dying in mysterious and random ways.
What seems like a coincidence at first quickly escalates, and by dead ex-number six, she has to get to the bottom of things. Especially now that there’s someone new she’s interested in.
Releasing on the 19th, Laid is one rom-com series we will NOT be missing.
13. The Waiter
AY’s beloved character, Akpos, is back on our screens this Christmas in The Waiter.
This time around, Akpos finds himself in the middle of a hotel invasion by unknown terrorists while working as a waiter. Chaos ensues as the terrorists take over, holding both the hotel guests and staff hostage.
Starring Regina Daniels, Shaffy Bello, AY himself, and Deyemi Okanlawon, The Waiter promises to be packed with comedy, action, and intense drama.
Set to hit the cinemas on the 20th, we can’t wait to dive back into the hilarious world of Akpos. Will you be there?
14. Mufasa: The Lion King
Disney’s The Lion King is a classic that has captured the hearts of many, regardless of age, since its release 30 years ago. The live-action movie’s release in 2019 reignited that love, leaving fans eager for more stories from the Pride Lands.
Disney delivers with Mufasa, a live-action musical that serves as a prequel to the 2019 version. Mufasa: The Lion King will delve into Mufasa’s origin story, exploring his brotherhood with Scar and other defining moments that shaped his path to becoming the legendary king of the Pride Lands.
Set to hit theaters on December 20th, Mufasa: The Lion King promises an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.
15. Maria
Angelina Jolie returns to our screens with Maria, a biopic coming to Netflix on the 11th.
Maria follows the life of Maria Callas, one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. The story follows Maria’s final days as she retreats to Paris, reflecting on a life filled with both triumph and heartbreak.
With Angelina playing the lead, we can be sure that this movie is not to be missed. We’ll be watching. Will you?
16. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog speeds back into cinemas this December, teaming up with Tails, Knuckles, and an unexpected ally—Dr. Robotnik.
Together, they face their most terrifying enemy yet: Shadow the Hedgehog, a powerful and mysterious character voiced by none other than Keanu Reeves.
Set to be released on December 20th, just in time for Christmas, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans and families alike.
17. Alakada: Bad and Boujee
Toyin Abraham takes us back to the hilarious world of Yetunde, the queen of fake life. Like the other movies in the franchise, Bad and Boujee follows Yetunde as she navigates the world of the elite, by making up stories about her social status to mask her insecurities.
Of course, her lies always come back to haunt her in the end.
Bad and Boujee is the fifth in a line of Alakada movies from 2009 till date and we can’t wait to watch what it has to offer.
Premiering on the 20th, we’ll definitely be watching. Will you?
18. Christmas in Lagos
It’s Detty December, and Christmas in Lagos is the festive film we’ve all been waiting for!
Directed by Jade Osiberu, it follows a diverse group of characters navigating love, friendships, and family during the holiday season. From Fiyin’s unrequited love for her best friend Elo to Gbemi’s love triangle and Ivie’s romantic twist, it’s full of drama.
With a star-studded cast that includes actors like Shaffy Bello, Rayxia Ojo, and Richard Mofe Damijo and cameos from singers like Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, and Wurld, it’s set to be one of December’s biggest hits.
Catch it on Amazon Prime on December 20th!
19. Babygirl
Babygirl is an erotic A24 movie set to be released on the 25th that explores the story of Romy (Nicole Kidman), a successful New York CEO who risks everything for an affair.
The movie follows Romy as she balances being the owner of her company with maintaining her professional reputation as well as being a mother and wife. On the surface, Romy seems to have her life put together, but deep down, she’s burdened by unfulfilled sexual desires.
This all changes when she becomes involved with a young intern who gives her an opportunity to fulfill these long-hidden desires.
Described by The New York Times as “delicious, spicy, sexy, and daring”, Babygirl promises to be a thrilling must watch this holiday season.
- Nosferatu
Nosferatu visits the timeless horror trope of vampiric obsession but from a fresh new perspective.
The movie follows the beautiful Ellen, who’s an unwilling victim caught in the gaze of the Vampire Count Orlok, whose presence threatens to consume her town and anyone who stands in his way.
As the people closest to her start to face grave danger, she seeks help from a Professor who is on a mission to destroy the creature.
Nosferatu promises to be a terrifying experience, as its trailer is scary enough to be its own horror movie.
Read More: 8 Horror Movies That Are Guaranteed To Scare The Sh*t Out Of You
With a star-studded cast that includes actors like Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Nicholas Hoult, Nosferatu will deliver on its promises of horror.
Mark your calendars for Christmas Day. We’ll be there, watching. Will you?
- Squid Game Season 2
Fans of Squid Game can finally start counting down— Season 2 of the highly anticipated Korean thriller drama is set to be released soon.
By soon, we mean the 26th. So, if you’ve got your hopes up, you’re still going to have to wait a little bit more.
The second season will follow the same protagonist as the first, Lee Jung-Jae, as he returns to the competition three years after his win. However, he returns not as a participant but to expose and destroy the sadistic operation behind the game.
As with the first season, there’s bound to be deadly twists, betrayals, and intense drama.
We’ll be tuning in to Netflix on the 26th. Will you?
And there you have it—our top 21 picks for movies and shows to dive into this December!
From rom-coms to epic fantasy anime and action-packed shows, there’s something for every mood.
So, mark your calendars, grab your tickets, stock up on popcorn— you’ll need it, buy a bottle (or three) of your favorite wine, and get ready for a month packed with unforgettable stories.
