The year brings a rich lineup of streaming premieres across platforms, with a special spotlight on family-friendly titles as the season of gatherings approaches. Romantic comedies, a distinct holiday subgenre often labeled A Hollywood Christmas, animated adventures for all ages, and a family musical adaptation are all part of the mix. Not every release leans toward lighthearted fare; some lean into darker fantasies or satirical horror. Here are ten standout premieres to watch.
Troll
An epic Norwegian production, spearheaded by a filmmaker known for pushing mythic creatures into the modern day, examines a towering troll waking after a century of dormancy. Shot with a documentary-feel realism, it follows a colossal monster as it awakens beneath a Norwegian landscape and trudges toward Oslo with ominous intent. The film swings between awe-inspiring spectacle and a cautionary tale about legends stepping into the present. It’s a bold, cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
A Hollywood Christmas
Holiday cinema often leans toward warm, genial vibes, but its romance subgenre can be surprisingly sharp. This new title joins beloved stories like Love Actually and Last Christmas by pairing a rising director of Christmas films with a savvy producer who threatens to cancel her latest project. Set against a festive backdrop, the narrative tracks a behind-the-scenes clash that ultimately resolves in a crowd-pleasing finale. It’s a playful riff on the movie-making process during the most wonderful time of the year.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
In a modern retelling of a modern classic, a new cast revisits the complicated tale of a young woman bound to an aristocrat whose physical constraints strain their marriage. The film follows Constanza’s evolving life and intimate relationship within a country house, exploring desire, power, and personal autonomy with a contemporary sensibility. The adaptation preserves the intensity of the source material while offering a fresh cinematic lens on a well-known literary drama.
Night of the 12th
Premiering in a major festival’s competitive section, this French crime drama traces a long, meticulous investigation into a mysterious death. Two Grenoble-based investigators untangle a case that expands across years and leads them deep into a country’s societal layers. Critics praise its methodical pace, exacting atmosphere, and the way the real-world inquiry unfolds with mounting tension. It’s a gripping, meticulous examination of a real-world mystery.
Tomorrow Is Today
From a celebrated Spanish director, this first-ever original Spanish feature on a popular streaming service blends comedy with a science-fiction twist. The story follows a family that, while vacationing by the sea in 1991, is transported through time by a strange storm. The film leans into cultural clashes between the ’90s and today, delivering laughs and warm observation about family quirks, memory, and what makes a home feel permanent. A lively, affectionate look at time travel as a tool for empathy and humor.
Towards Freedom
Set against a pivotal period in American history, this Apple TV+ release revisits a fearless journey from slavery toward emancipation. A renowned director crafts a grand, redemptive portrait centered on resilience and moral courage, anchored by a standout performance that underscores the human cost and hopeful payoffs of the era. It is powered by a strong ensemble, crisp production design, and a narrative that foregrounds dignity and perseverance.
Night at the Museum: The Return of Kahmunrah
In this latest entry of a beloved family saga, the action shifts to animation while retaining the heart of the original premise: the museum’s lively exhibits come to life after hours. The new adventure follows a young guardian who must face a familiar villain intent on unleashing an otherworldly force. The story balances humor, fantasy, and a touch of danger, delivering high-energy sequences and a message about courage and friendship.
Hunting
In a vampire-infused satire, a malevolent predator targets a powerful, influencer-filled party. The hunter, aided by a diverse group of online personalities, exposes a network of wealth and excess while pursuing justice for his daughter. The film blends action and social commentary, delivering a stylish, blood-pumped thriller with sharp, contemporary edges and a memorable cast that enhances every beat.
Nanny
One of last year’s breakout genre sensations returns to the screen in a tense psychological horror drama. A Senegalese immigrant works as a nanny in a bustling city, hoping to provide a better life for her child. But a malevolent force bleeds into her dreams and reality, turning a tender caregiving situation into a chilling battle against the unknown. The film builds mood and dread through strong performances and precise pacing.
Matilda by Roald Dahl: The Musical
Roald Dahl’s beloved story receives a cinematic musical adaptation with vibrant numbers and a score that captures the spirit of the original theater production. The world of Matilda comes alive through the eyes of a gifted child who loves books and discovers power beyond her years. The musical’s energy and charm translate to a cinematic setting, celebrating imagination, resilience, and the triumph of intelligence over adversity.