It’s only October, but Hollywood is already gearing up for the holidays with a long list of planned releases of festive films.
Whether you like rom-coms, family comedies or even slasher films, these new releases will help you get in the holiday spirit.
1. ‘Candy Cane Lane’
Starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, this family-friendly comedy presents Murphy as a father so dedicated to his neighborhood’s Christmas decorating contest that he accidentally makes a deal with an elf who wreaks havoc on his town.
“Candy Cane Lane” premieres Dec. 1 on Amazon Prime.
2. ‘It’s A Wonderful Knife’
If you like holiday horror, this slasher take on the beloved 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life” could be perfect for you.
Here’s a plot summary: A year after saving her small town from a serial killer, a young woman thinks everyone would be better off without her and wishes she’d never been born. Suddenly transported to a version of her town where that is true, she has to take down the killer again.
“It’s a Wonderful Knife” is out Nov. 10.
3. ‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’
Although a trailer hasn’t been released yet, this Netflix comedy will reportedly tell the story of two frenemies who come together with their families for Christmas.
Starring Brandy Norwood (aka Brandy) and Heather Graham, the movie will be released on Netflix on Nov. 16.
4. ‘Thanksgiving’
If family movies aren’t really your speed, Eli Roth’s new slasher could be right up your alley.
Starring Patrick Dempsey and TikTok star Addison Rae, it tells the story of a serial killer who comes to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to carve up more than a turkey.
“Thanksgiving” will be in theaters Nov. 17.
5. ‘Dashing Through the Snow’
This upcoming Disney comedy stars Ludacris as a single father who doesn’t like the holidays. A trailer has not yet been released, but the official synopsis from Disney describes it as a “hilarious and touching story” that shows a family’s journey to bond with each other and learn to appreciate Christmas.
“Dashing Through the Snow” will be out on Disney+ Nov. 17.
6. ‘EXmas’
This rom-com stars Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell as exes who are forced to spend Christmas together. After Graham and Ali break up, Graham’s family invites Ali to spend Christmas with them in his absence. When Graham unexpectedly comes home for Christmas, chaos ensues.
It will be on Amazon Freevee and Prime Video Nov. 17.
7. ‘The Naughty Nine’
In a twist on the heist genre, nine kids on Santa’s “Naughty List” break into the North Pole to get the presents Santa refuses to deliver them.
Starring Danny Glover as Santa Claus, “The Naughty Nine” premieres on the Disney Channel on Nov. 22 and will be available for streaming on Disney+ the next day.
Bonus: Anything from Hallmark
Hallmark’s annual Countdown to Christmas will feature 31 new holiday-themed rom-coms this year.
Starting Friday, one or more new movies will premiere on the channel every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 17.