With the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day behind us, movie theaters across the country saw a flurry of big-name premieres on December 25, 2025. The likes of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson led the charge in Song Sung Blue, while Jack Black and Paul Rudd took the spotlight in Tom Gormican's Anaconda. Timothée Chalamet also made waves with his performance in Marty Supreme. According to Collider, these star-studded arrivals have left the upcoming weekend's theatrical slate noticeably quiet, with no major new releases on the horizon. So, what are film lovers to do as the year winds down? The clear answer: fire up the streaming services and see what the small screen has in store.
Prime Video, ever attuned to viewers' cravings, has stepped up with a fresh batch of must-see movies. Topping the list for the weekend of December 26–28, 2025, is Sinners (2025), an action-horror film that's already making serious Oscar buzz. Alongside it, the visually arresting sci-fi epic The Creator (2023) and the animated classic Madagascar (2005) are also drawing attention, offering something for every taste and age group.
So, what's the story behind Sinners? This film, directed by Ryan Coogler—best known for his work on Black Panther—stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers, Smoke and Stack Moore. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the story follows the brothers as they pursue their dream of opening a nightclub. But their aspirations are quickly threatened by a danger they never saw coming: vampires. As Watch With Us reports, "The club’s a success, but the brothers encounter a problem they’d never thought they would face—vampires! Led by the charismatic Remmick (Jack O’Connell), these vampires want more than blood—they want to take over the nightclub and turn everyone into a bloodsucking creature of the night."
The film doesn't just deliver scares and action—it's also being hailed for its deeper messages. Critics have praised Sinners for weaving in subtle commentary about racism and immigration in America, using the horror genre to explore weighty social issues. According to Watch With Us, "Director Ryan Coogler is a real virtuoso filmmaker—every shot serves a purpose, and almost every line of dialogue matters. A visual treat and a bloody good time, Sinners will make you believe in vampires again—and that studios can still make great big-budget genre movies."
The acclaim isn't just critical; audiences are loving it too. Sinners boasts a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb, making it one of the year's most celebrated releases. It's also a strong contender for the 2026 Academy Awards, especially with the introduction of a new Best Casting category. The ensemble cast, led by Michael B. Jordan and supported by Hailee Steinfeld and Jack O'Connell, has been singled out for praise, with Jordan's performance described as the finest of his career.
But if horror isn't your thing, Prime Video has more to offer. The Creator (2023), directed by Gareth Edwards, is a visually ambitious science fiction film starring John David Washington and Gemma Chan. The story is set in a not-so-distant future where artificial intelligence has wreaked havoc across much of the United States, leading to a worldwide ban—except in New Asia, where AI technology is still embraced. This division sets the stage for a tense conflict between New Asia and a U.S.-led resistance.
Washington plays Sergeant Joshua Taylor, a soldier tasked with finding and destroying a secret weapon that could tip the balance of power. The twist? That weapon is a child named Alphie, played by Madeleine Yuna, who possesses the ability to control all technology. Taylor's mission quickly becomes a moral quandary as he grapples with the ethics of harming an innocent being—especially one who isn't quite human. As Watch With Us puts it, "Because Alphie is an innocent bystander in all of this, Taylor is faced with a dilemma—can he kill an innocent for the greater good? And can anyone really 'kill' Alphie, who isn’t really alive?"
Upon its release in 2023, The Creator received mixed reviews, with some critics finding its narrative ambitions a bit too heavy. Yet, as time has passed and expectations have shifted, the film's reputation has grown. Its visual effects, in particular, have drawn widespread acclaim, earning the film two Academy Award nominations in 2024 for Best Sound and Best Achievement in Visual Effects. Watch With Us notes, "The visual effects were nominated for an Academy Award, and it’s the true star of The Creator. From the look of New Asia to a thrilling third act set in outer space, the special effects will make you believe in a future ruled by computers and minimalist aesthetics."
For families gathered together after the holidays, there's also a perfect pick: Madagascar (2005). This animated adventure from DreamWorks follows a group of pampered zoo animals—voiced by Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, and David Schwimmer—who find themselves stranded in the wilds of Madagascar. While the film is packed with laughs and slapstick moments, it also carries a surprisingly heartfelt message about friendship and solidarity in the face of the unknown. As Collider observes, "Madagascar... has much more substance than many would realize. With a tale of friendship and solidarity in the face of the unknown, the movie has an emotional core that might surprise some, but, of course, thrives in its comedic moments, with a talented cast getting the chance to shine."
With a runtime of 86 minutes and a family-friendly vibe, Madagascar is an ideal choice for viewers of all ages looking to unwind together. The film's enduring appeal has even spawned a successful franchise, cementing its place as a go-to for holiday gatherings.
Prime Video's weekend lineup doesn't stop there. For those in the mood for romance, the classic Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) is also available. Starring Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell, this beloved rom-com was a rare genre contender for the Best Picture Oscar and remains a favorite for its wit and charm. As Watch With Us notes, "Charles (Hugh Grant) is a terminally single Londoner who is cursed with attending one wedding after another involving people he barely knows. His fortunes change when he meets Carrie (Andie MacDowell), a free-spirited American who reciprocates his advances." The film's blend of humor and heart has stood the test of time, making it another solid option for viewers seeking comfort and nostalgia.
With the theaters taking a brief pause after the Christmas rush, it's clear that streaming is where the action is this weekend. Whether you're in the mood for pulse-pounding horror, mind-bending sci-fi, a family-friendly romp, or a romantic classic, Prime Video has you covered. As the year draws to a close, these films offer a welcome escape—and maybe even a little inspiration—as we look ahead to what stories the new year will bring.
