Box-office momentum, fueled by a record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend, should maintain its pace through Christmas with highly anticipated upcoming releases.
On the heels of a record-setting box-office low in October, franchise favorites “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2″ shook the box office awake with much-needed hordes of moviegoers.
The second act in the “Wicked” film adaptation more than $147 million in domestic ticket sales and $223 million worldwide during its debut weekend leading up to Thanksgiving.
“Zootopia 2″ carried the musical’s momentum, raking in $153 million domestically and $589 million globally during its debut — positing the animated film as the fourth-highest earning global opening of all time.
“Thanksgiving represents one of the most important moviegoing periods of the year,” said Comscore’s head of marketplace trends, Paul Dergarabedian, per Variety. “This is a welcome result in the wake of what has been a very tumultuous post-summer season for the industry.”
“With about five weeks to go, Thanksgiving sets the stage for a December that’s loaded with big franchises and awards contenders,” Dergarabedian added.
The 2025 Christmas movie lineup features a couple family-friendly movie options with Angel Studio’s “David” and another “Spongebob Squarepants” movie. Older crowds might enjoy the “Avatar” threequel and the Jack Black-Paul Rudd comedy, “Anaconda.”
If you make it to Christmas without seeing “Wicked: For Good” or “Zootopia 2,” both films will still be available to watch in theaters through the end of the year.
Here are some movies you can see in theaters during the week of Christmas.
Movies in theaters Christmas 2025
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldaña) family, still grieving Neteyam’s death, is drawn into escalating turmoil on Pandora when they encounter the Ash People — an aggressive new Na’vi tribe led by the fierce and fiery Varang (Oona Chaplin) — ushering in a deepening conflict and a shifting moral landscape.
Rated: PG-13
Release date: Dec. 19
‘David’
In this retelling of the New Testament story, young David’s faith is shaped by his mother’s gentle songs and the quiet voice of God.
But when Goliath stands to terrify a nation, the young shepherd — equipped only with a sling, a few stones and steadfast faith — steps forward. As he’s swept into the tensions of power and destiny, David is forced to confront what loyalty, love and courage truly demand.
Rated: PG
Release date: Dec. 19
‘Anaconda’
Two lifelong friends (Paul Rudd, Jack Black) suffering through a midlife crisis set out to remake their favorite childhood horror film, “Anaconda,” in the Amazon.
The ambitious shoot turns deadly when their low-budget, guerrilla-style approach leads them to an encounter with a real, enormous anaconda — forcing the rookie filmmakers into a chaotic fight to survive.
Rated: PG-13
Release date: Dec. 25
‘The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants’
Spongebob Squarepants embarks on a mission to prove his bravery by chasing the Flying Dutchman ghost into the depths of the ocean.
But when Spongebob, Patrick, Squidward and Mr. Krabs are all turned into ghosts, they must confront dangerous challenges and uncover hidden marine secrets to survive.
Rated: PG
Release date: Dec. 19
‘Ella McCay’
An idealistic young politician (Emma Mackey) tries to balance family chaos and political ambition as she prepares to take over as governor. Through humor and mayhem, she learns to navigate the challenges of her political career while managing her family relationships.
Rated: PG-13
Release date: Dec. 12
‘Song Sung Blue’
A Milwaukee husband (Hugh Jackman) and wife (Kate Hudson) follow their dreams and form a Neil Diamond tribute band — naming their duo Lighting & Thunder.
As they chase musical success together, their journey of love and ambition is tested by heartbreak and a life-changing accident.
Rated: PG-13
Release date: Dec. 25
‘Merrily We Roll Along’
Over three decades, composer Franklin Shepard (Jonathan Groff) and his lifelong friends — a writer, Mary Flynn (Lindsay Mendez), and playwright Charley Kringas (Daniel Radcliffe) — navigate the unraveling of their relationships, moving backward from the struggles of adulthood in 1976 to their youthful optimism in 1957.
Rated: PG-13
Release date: Dec. 5