From psychological thrillers to epic fantasies, your complete guide to holiday streaming
Featured selection
Memento makes its way to Criterion Channel this month, offering streaming audiences a chance to experience Christopher Nolan’s groundbreaking psychological thriller. The film follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man grappling with short-term memory loss as he seeks to solve the murder of his wife. Nolan’s inventive storytelling blends black-and-white scenes shown chronologically with color sequences in reverse order, creating a unique and mind-bending cinematic journey that has captivated audiences since its release.
Netflix highlights
We’re the Millers adds a burst of humor to Netflix‘s comedy selection. The film features David (Jason Sudeikis), a small-time drug dealer who assembles a fake family to carry out a smuggling operation across the border. Jennifer Aniston delivers a standout performance with impeccable comic timing, while Emma Roberts adds her own spark as part of the mismatched crew. This film takes the family road trip genre and flips it on its head with outrageous situations and unexpected laughs.
Hulu additions
The complete Twilight saga makes its debut on Hulu, inviting viewers to revisit the vampire romance that defined a generation. The saga follows the love story of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), capturing the tension between their supernatural worlds and the human one. While opinions on the series remain split, it undeniably marked a cultural moment in cinema and set the stage for the major careers of Stewart and Pattinson. Fans of the saga and those curious about its impact will find this series a compelling watch.
Max exclusives
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring arrives on Max, setting the stage for epic holiday viewing. Directed by Peter Jackson, this first film of the beloved fantasy trilogy brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life through breathtaking visuals, groundbreaking special effects, and memorable performances from Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Orlando Bloom. A masterclass in world-building and storytelling, this film remains a touchstone for fans of high fantasy and remains as mesmerizing today as when it first premiered.
Prime Video selections
Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario joins Prime Video’s lineup, offering a gripping dive into the complex world of border politics and the drug trade. Emily Blunt leads a powerful cast, supported by Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, in a narrative that showcases both the brutality of the drug war and the moral ambiguities faced by those involved. Villeneuve’s direction, coupled with its hauntingly beautiful cinematography, makes Sicario a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking crime dramas.
Viewing guide
Memento
- Platform: Criterion Channel
- Genre: Psychological thriller
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
- Notable for: Revolutionary narrative structure
We’re the Millers
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
- Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts
- Notable for: Smart ensemble comedy
Twilight series
- Platform: Hulu
- Genre: Romance fantasy
- Directors: Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, David Slade, Bill Condon
- Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
- Notable for: Cultural impact and star-making performances
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
- Platform: Max
- Genre: Epic fantasy
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
- Notable for: Groundbreaking visual effects and adaptation
Sicario
- Platform: Prime Video
- Genre: Crime thriller
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin
- Notable for: Intense storytelling and cinematography
This month’s offerings present an array of films and series that span genres and storytelling styles, ensuring there’s something for every viewer, whether you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking thriller, a nostalgic romantic fantasy, or a laugh-out-loud comedy. With these selections, streaming platforms continue to curate diverse content to entertain, inspire, and provoke discussion.
