From Blockbusters to Binge-Worthy Series: Your Ultimate 2025-2026 Watchlist
The entertainment calendar is absolutely packed. Get ready for a massive wave of new movies, returning series, and must-see documentaries hitting screens across every platform. From high-octane action thrillers and nostalgic family reboots to powerful true stories and the final chapters of beloved anime sagas, there’s something for everyone. We’ve sorted through the noise to bring you a definitive guide to what’s coming, when it’s arriving, and why you should be excited.
High-Stakes Thrills and Action-Packed Adventures
Milla Jovovich is back in her element. The action icon stars in Protector (2026), a ruthless thriller set to release on February 20. She plays a former war hero whose past comes roaring back when her daughter is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring, forcing her into a relentless hunt for justice. For those who prefer psychological chills, Hayden Panettiere’s new film Sleepwalker (2026) is set to shake audiences. Releasing January 9 in theaters and on VOD, this thriller promises a truly chilling experience. Apple TV continues its run of explosive espionage with Tehran Season 3 (2026), premiering January 9. The Emmy-winning series adds Hugh Laurie to the cast, raising the stakes for Niv Sultan’s undercover agent. Over on Netflix, the Korean sci-fi disaster film The Great Flood (2025) drops on December 19, trapping stars Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo in a dystopian survival story you won’t want to miss.
Comedies, Reboots, and Family Fun
Get ready for some serious laughs and a dose of nostalgia. Tubi is dropping a wild new comedy, Mo’ Waffles (2025), on December 19. The premise is pure chaos: when a hip-hop legend named Modi Fresh vanishes right before his waffle restaurant’s grand opening, his eccentric team is left to solve the mystery. Peacock is bringing back a cult classic with The ’Burbs (2026), a modern reimagining of the 1989 suburban thriller. Premiering February 8 and starring Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall, it blends dark comedy with genuine suspense. The moment many have waited for is finally here. Camp Rock 3 (2026) arrives in Summer 2026 on Disney+ and Disney Channel, reuniting the Jonas Brothers as Connect 3. They return to camp to mentor a new generation of musicians competing for a coveted opening slot on their tour. For a touch of classic magic, The Magic Faraway Tree (2026) brings Enid Blyton’s beloved fantasy world to UK cinemas on March 27, starring Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield.
Gripping Dramas and Powerful True Stories
Some stories demand to be told. ABC is bringing the incredible life of a sports icon to the screen with Goolagong (2026), a mini-series premiering January 4. It chronicles the inspiring journey of tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley from rural Australia to becoming a Wimbledon champion. Another must-watch drama is My Father’s Shadow (2025), a Cannes-honored Nigerian film from director Akinola Davies Jr. Starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, it follows two brothers reconnecting with their estranged father in 1993 Lagos and hits theaters on February 6. For wildlife lovers, Apple TV+ presents Born to Be Wild (2025) on December 19. This six-part series follows endangered baby animals—from elephants and cheetahs to penguins and moon bears—as they are raised and prepared for reintroduction into the wild by dedicated conservation teams.
For the Sports Fanatics: Dynasties and Legends
Sports history is filled with epic tales of triumph and heartbreak. AMC+ is set to redefine NFL history with Rise of the 49ers (2026), a docuseries premiering February 1. Featuring interviews with legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young, it explores the San Francisco 49ers dynasty and the genius of coach Bill Walsh. Netflix offers another deep dive into football greatness with Elway (2025), a definitive documentary on the life of John Elway. Premiering December 22, 2025, it covers his entire journey, from his college days and Super Bowl triumphs to his personal struggles and legacy as a team executive. And for live action, don’t miss NFL Christmas Gameday 2025, streaming exclusively on Netflix with two major matchups and holiday performances.
Unmissable Streaming Exclusives
Your streaming queues are about to get very full. Netflix is a dominant force with a diverse slate.
- Emily in Paris Season 5: Premiering December 18, 2025, this new chapter sees Emily moving to Rome for a bold reinvention filled with new romance and career drama.
- Members Only: Palm Beach: Dropping December 29, this luxury reality series pulls back the curtain on the secrets and unwritten rules of Florida’s richest and most exclusive enclave.
- What’s in the Box?: Neil Patrick Harris hosts this wild new game show, premiering December 17. Eight teams compete in a high-stakes trivia-and-strategy battle for life-changing prizes, including a $250,000 Super Box.
- My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman: Season 6: On December 16, 2025, Letterman returns for intimate conversations with Michael B. Jordan, MrBeast, and Jason Bateman.
The world of animation is also getting some incredible new entries. The Elephant (2025) is a can’t-miss experimental event from Adult Swim, created by the minds behind *Adventure Time* and *Steven Universe*. It premieres December 19. Japan is delivering several highly anticipated films, including Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the New Castle of Devil’s Undersea Rock (2026) and Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway (2026). Finally, the saga concludes with Lupin the IIIrd: The Movie – The Immortal Bloodline (2026), hitting theaters for a limited run from January 4–6.