Here are the best movies and TV shows to watch on Netflix in December
Netflix has more great programming than anyone could possibly consume in their lifetime, and in these days of social distancing, we need it more than ever. So how do you find the best movies and TV shows on Netflix? Here's TODAY's list of Netflix 2021 recommendations for what to watch today — from new releases to classics to binge watch. So settle back in the sofa and start bingeing!
What to watch on Netflix in December 2021
All New
"Lost in Space: Season 3"
The epic final season shows the Robinsons' survival instincts kicking into hyperdrive as they hurry to reunite and protect Alpha Centauri from a robot invasion. (Dec. 1)
"The Power of the Dog"
A rancher (Benedict Cumberbatch) is charismatic and scary, and when his brother shows up with a new wife and son, he torments them until he realizes he might be in love. (Dec. 1)
"The Great British Baking Show: Holidays (Season 4)"
Old favorites return to the tent to tackle end-of-year treats. (Dec. 3)
"Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas"
Shaun's hunt for a bigger stocking hits a snag, so the farm community sets out on a wild holiday adventure. (Dec. 3)
"Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo)"
The host of "Nailed It!" hosts her first hourlong comedy special with her sexy, fun, honest standup. (Nov. 7)
"The Unforgivable"
Released from prison into a society that won't forgive her, a convicted woman (Sandra Bullock) searches for the sister she was forced to leave behind. (Dec. 10)
"The Witcher (Season 2)"
Get your coins ready, as the show about monsters, magic and fate returns. (Dec. 17)
"Emily in Paris (Season 2)"
Emily (Lily Collins) is back in the City of Light for the hit comedy's sophomore season.
"Cobra Kai (Season 4)"
The conflict between karate masters Daniel and Johnny continues. (Dec. 31)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Dec. 2
"Single All the Way"
Dec. 3
"Mixtape"
Dec. 6
"David and the Elves"
Dec. 21
"Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster"
"Emily in Paris (Season 2)"
Dec. 24
"The Silent Sea"
Dec. 29
"Anxious People"
Certified Classics
"Chocolat" (2000)
A chocolate shop with magical properties opens in a French village and shakes everyone up. (Dec. 1)
"Looper" (2012)
Joe's future self meets his past self and there's assassination on the menu. Or is there? (Dec. 1)
"Tremors" (1990)
Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one. (Dec. 1)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Dec. 1
"Pet Sematary" (1989)
"Closer (2004)
"Wild Things" (1998)
Dec. 11
"Fast Color" (2018)
Dec. 15
"The Giver" (2014)
Dec. 16
"Darkest Hour" (2017)
Going, Going ... Gone!
Dec. 8
"Mariah Carey's Merriest Christmas"
Dec. 15
"Lee Daniels' The Butler" (2013)
"The Theory of Everything" (2014)
Dec. 31
"Cold Mountain" (2003)
"Do the Right Thing" (1989)
"The Machinist" (2004)
"Titanic" (1997)
What to watch on Netflix in November 2021
All New
"The Harder They Fall"
Outlaw Nat Love (Jonathan Majors) realizes his enemy (Idris Elba) is being released from prison, so he reunites the gang to track down Rufus Buck to get revenge in this Western. (Nov. 3)
"Love Hard"
Natalie (Nina Dobrev) is a hopeless romantic who swipes right on a dreamy guy, only to find out she's been catfished by the dreamy guy's friend! (Nov. 3)
"We Couldn't Become Adults"
A fortysomething recalls his past 1990s relationships and looks for his vanished hopes and dreams. (Nov. 3)
"Passing"
Based on the novel by Nella Larsen, the story follows two Black women (Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga) who can pass as white and live on the other side of the color line in 1929 New York. (Nov. 10)
"Red Notice"
An all-star cast (Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Dwayne Johnson) show up in this film about an FBI profiler pursuing an art thief, who then becomes his reluctant partner in crime to catch another crook. (Nov. 12)
"Arcane"
Amid discord between twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on roval sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions. (Nov. 13)
"Cowboy Bebop "
A ragtag crew of bounty hunters are chasing down the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. A live-action adaptation of the classic anime series. (Nov. 19)
"Tick, Tick...BOOM!"
Based on a semi-autobiographical one-man show by "Rent" creator Jonathan Larson, a theater composer (Andrew Garfield) navigates love, friendship and the pressures to create something amazing before time runs out. (Nov. 19)
"School of Chocolate"
Pastry and chocolate pros take their skills and careers to the next level, under the guidance of chocolatier Amaury Guichon. (Nov. 26)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Nov. 1
Don't miss the list of Netflix holiday programs, which start heading down your streaming chimney this month!
Nov. 9
"Swap Shop"
Nov. 14
"Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You"
Nov. 15
"Snowbound for Christmas"
Nov. 17
"Tiger King 2"
Nov. 19
"Blown Away: Christmas"
Nov. 28
"Elves"
Certified Classics
"A River Runs Through It" (1992)
A stern minister's son, one reserved and one rebellious, grow up in rural 1920's Montana while learning fly fishing. (Nov. 1)
"Moneyball" (2011)
Oakland A's manager Billy Beane assembles a team based on an algorithm. (Nov. 1)
"Stripes" (1981)
Two pals sick of their jobs join the Army ... for the fun of it. (Nov. 1)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Nov. 1
"Total Recall" (2012)
"Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992)
"Addams Family Values" (1993)
Going, Going ... Gone!
Nov. 11
"Fruitvale Station" (2013)
Nov. 19
"Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" (2011)
Nov. 26
"Broadchurch" (Seasons 1-3)
Nov. 30
"A Knight's Tale" (2001)
"Million Dollar Baby" (2004)
"School of Rock" (2003)
"Waterworld" (1995)
What to watch on Netflix in October 2021
All New
"Diana: The Musical"
Princess Diana's life takes center stage in this original musical, which was filmed ahead of its official Broadway opening. (Oct. 1)
"Seinfeld"
All nine seasons of the show about nothing are set to reside on the platform for the next five years, so start your first binge now! (Oct. 1)
"The Guilty"
As a 911 operator, Joe (Jake Gyllenhaal) struggles to save a caller, but there's a lot more to it than one person in peril. (Oct. 1)
"MAID"
Inspired by a New York Times-bestselling memoir, Alex is a single mother who barely makes ends meet as a housecleaner while trying to overcome homelessness and help her daughter. (Oct. 1)
"Bad Sport"
Six stories that intersect sports and crime, told by athletes, coaches and law enforcement. (Oct. 6)
"Baking Impossible"
This new competition series pairs innovative bakers with engineers to create "Bakineers" to create confections that will boggle the mind. (Oct. 6)
"There's Someone Inside Your House"
Makani moves from Hawaii to Nebraska to live with her grams and finish high school, but her classmates are being stalked by a killer who exposes secrets. The teen and her pals decide to figure out the killer's identity before they turn into victims. (Oct. 6)
"You: Season 3"
Joe is married with a baby, but the love of his life and he might not be able to get along without murdering a few people along the way. (Oct. 15)
"Sex, Love & goop"
Couples try to achieve more intimacy and better sex with help from Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow and her team of experts. (Oct. 21)
"Colin in Black & White"
A dramatic series from Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay that explores the football playing activist's high school years and what led him to take a stand while taking a knee. (Oct. 29)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Oct. 1
"Paik's Spirit"
"Swallow"
Oct. 7
"Sexy Beasts: Season 2"
Oct. 11
"The Baby-Sitters Club: Season 2"
Oct. 12
"Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It"
"The Movies That Made Us: Season 3"
Oct. 20
"Night Teeth"
"Stuck Together"
Oct. 22
"Locke & Key: Season 2"
Oct. 26
"Sex: Unzipped"
Certified Classics
"An Inconvenient Truth" (2006)
Former Vice president Al Gore walks us through the ways climate change will affect Earth and all its residents, with a plea to find ways to slow it down. (Oct. 1)
"Ghost" (1990)
Woman falls for man, man and woman spin clay in a sexy way, woman loses man, woman finds his spirit. (Oct. 1)
"Victoria & Abdul" (2017)
The story of Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and the Indian Muslim servant Abdul Karim. (Oct. 16)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Oct. 1
"Spy Kids" first three films (2001-03)
"Titanic" (1997)
"Tommy Boy" (1995)
Sept. 20
"Grown Ups"
Going, Going ... Gone!
Oct. 31
"Catch Me If You Can" (2002)
"The Da Vinci Code" (2006)
"Legally Blonde" (2001)
What to watch on Netflix in September 2021
All New
"How to Be a Cowboy"
With social media and rodeo skills, Dale Brisby is keeping the Wild West tradition alive and is ready to teach the world how to cowboy right. (Sept. 1)
"Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror"
As the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks nears, this series documents the origin of the attacks to the response from the U.S. (Sept. 1)
"Sharkdog"
He's a dog! He's a shark! He loves fish sticks! For kids too young to watch "Sweet Tooth," here's a different kind of furry/scaly hero. (Sept. 3)
"Worth"
An attorney must complete an impossible task: deciding how to compensate families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks. (Sept. 3)
"Untold: Breaking Point"
Mardy Fish became the No. 1 ranked male tennis player, but also had to face mental challenges on and off the court. (Sept. 7)
"Metal Shop Masters"
A competition series between welding legends who take contestants on a true iron man/woman race against the clock. (Sept. 10)
"Prey"
Five hikers who don't always get along are pursued by an unseen hunter who will not let them alone. (Sept. 10)
"You vs. Wild: Out Cold"
A plane crash leaves Bear with amnesia, and he has to decide how to save the missing pilot and survive in this interactive adventure. (Sept. 14)
"Squid Game"
It's "Hunger Games" meets "Kill Bill," kind of, and it's in Korean (mostly). But this candy-colored horror series about desperate people willing to play children's games for money at all costs is the very definition of a Netflix binge series.
"Chicago Party Aunt"
Chicago partier Diane is a huge Bears fan and isn't much into adulthood, but she does love her nerdy nephew. (Sept. 17)
"Attack of the Hollywood Cliches"
Rob Lowe hosts this special that looks at some of the biggest cliches in cinematic history along with A-listers, screenwriters, academics and critics. (Sept. 28)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Sept. 2
"Afterlife of the Party"
"Q-Force"
Sept. 8
"The Circle: Season 3"
Sept. 15
"Nailed It! Season 6"
"Nightbooks"
Sept. 17
"The Stronghold"
Sept. 22
"Dear White People: Volume 4"
"Jaguar"
Certified Classics
"The Blue Lagoon" (1980)
Brooke Shields and Chris Atkins grow up on an isolated island, find each other, have a child, then find some berries. (Sept. 1)
"Labyrinth" (1986)
David Bowie wants that baby, and Jennifer Connelly is going to have to do something a-mazing to get him back. (Sept. 1)
"Jaws," "Jaws 2," "Jaws 3," "Jaws: The Revenge" (1975-87)
Man meets apex predator, apex predator goes to lunch. Check out all the toothsome entries in the legendary epic, then cancel your beach vacation. (Sept. 16)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Sept. 1
"Cold Mountain" (2003)
"House Party," "House Party 2," "House Party 3" (1990-94)
"Once Upon a Time in America" (1984)
Sept. 20
"Grown Ups"
Going, Going ... Gone!
Sept. 3
"Kicking and Screaming" (1995)
Sept. 11
"Turbo" (2013)
Sept. 30
"Air Force One" (1997)
"Boogie Nights" (1997)
"The Queen" (2006)
"Kung Fu Panda," "Kung Fu Panda 2" (2008, 2011)
What to watch on Netflix in August 2021
All New
"Pray Away"
Survivors, former leaders and others who were subjected to "conversion therapy" talk about how it has devastated their lives. (Aug. 3)
"Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified"
Get out your tinfoil hats! Claims of extraterrestrial encounters are on the rise, and they may actually be more real than delusion. (Aug. 3)
"Cooking With Paris"
The former "it" girl and socialite now offers tips on how anyone can learn to cook — even if you're making edible glitter bombs. (Aug. 4)
"The Swarm"
Hungry locusts bred for protein, not angry bees, are the focus of this terrifying film, when their breeder learns she might get eaten herself! (Aug. 6)
"Untold"
A documentary series focusing on epic tales from the wild world of sports, starting with "Malice at the Palace," in which the famous Pacers-Pistons brawl is told from those who were there. Later in the month, "Caitlyn Jenner" explores the former Olympian's transition. (Aug. 10, Aug. 24)
"The Kissing Booth 3"
In the summer before Elle heads to college, she has to decide: Move across the country with Noah or attend college with her best friend Lee. (Aug. 11)
"The Chair"
The first woman of color to become chair at a major university has almost insurmountable challenges to face. (Aug. 20)
"The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf"
"The Witcher" ventures into 2D anime in a film that explores a new threat on the Continent. (Aug. 23)
"Clickbait"
"Rashomon" meets the web in this thriller series, in which eight different POVs try to get to the heart of a gruesome crime. (Aug. 25)
"He's All That"
A re-imagining of the 1999 rom-com "She's All That," the story follows an influencer who takes on a challenge to turn a school loner into a prom king. (Aug. 25)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Coming soon
"Comedy Premium League"
Aug. 11
"Bake Squad"
"Misha and the Wolves"
Aug. 13
"Beckett"
"Fast & Furious Spy Racers: South Pacific Season 5"
Aug. 20
"Sweet Girl"
"Everything Will Be Fine"
Aug. 25
"Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed"
Aug. 31
"Sparking Joy"
Certified Classics
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986)
Every kid should have a skip day from high school turn out like this one. (Aug. 1)
"Magnolia" (1999)
A mosaic of interwoven stories among a stellar A-list cast, plus frogs fall from the sky. (Aug. 1)
"Space Cowboys" (2000)
Outer space needs more older heroes like these veterans — and fewer billionaires. (Aug. 1)
Also add to the Netflix queue:
Aug. 1
"My Girl" and "My Girl 2" (1991, 1994)
"Seabiscuit" (2003)
"The Machinist" (2004)
Aug. 11
"Like Crazy" (2011)
Aug. 25
"The November Man" (2014)
Going, Going ... Gone!
Aug. 9
"Nightcrawler" (2014)
Aug. 12
"Safety Not Guaranteed" (2012)
Aug. 30
"Casino Royale" (2006)
"Quantum of Solace" (2008)
"Stranger than Fiction" (2006)
Aug. 31
"Chinatown" (1974)
"The Departed" (2006)
"The Ring" (2002)
