Netflix’s holiday lineup this week looks cheerful on the surface—but dig a little deeper, and something more intriguing is going on. Beneath the tinsel and twinkling lights are disguises, secrets, emotional reckonings, and even a killer Santa. From cozy comfort watches to unexpected detours into chaos, here’s what’s quietly climbing to the top between December 12–19.
At the center of the festive buzz is My Secret Santa, a familiar yet irresistible holiday fantasy. Alexandra Breckenridge slips into a literal disguise after life throws her a curveball, setting off a string of predictable—but warmly satisfying—romantic beats. You know where it’s headed, and that’s exactly why it works.
If you’d rather mix your Christmas cheer with a little mischief, Jingle Bell Heist offers a glossy crime caper wrapped in holiday lights. Two small-time thieves, a department store, and plans that spiral out of control—it’s silly, fast, and self-aware enough to keep things fun.
Stepping away from the seasonal noise is Jay Kelly, a quietly powerful road trip drama that sneaks up on you. George Clooney delivers one of his most reflective performances as a man grappling with fame, fatherhood, and the realization that some journeys are more about letting go than catching up.
And for viewers who want to burn the mistletoe altogether, Christmas Bloody Christmas gleefully torches tradition. A malfunctioning robotic Santa on a murderous rampage turns holiday nostalgia into neon-lit carnage. It’s loud, absurd, and unapologetically unseasonal.
Whether you’re craving comfort, chaos, or something in between, Netflix’s December slate proves one thing: not all holiday movies are as innocent as they look.
