December is a time for family problems, and that is why I am here with a streaming guide filled with ghoulies goodies that understands the assignment. One thing Netflix excels at is genre movies that put families front and center. Whether they are fighting ghosts, trying to survive hectic circumstances, or trying to kill each other, these movies will make you happy that you put a cap on family time this holiday season. So, grab some leftovers and get ready to hit play on some wild film suggestions. Let us end this year with a bang (or five)!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Before I Wake (2016)
A couple adopts a child whose dreams and nightmares manifest in the real world. I was late to check out this Mike Flanagan film on Netflix. To be honest, I mostly hit play because of the cast. I needed to see what Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, and Jacob Tremblay were doing with my own eyes. While it’s not my favorite movie on the list, I love that it reminds us that even adopted parents can be the worst. This lady really almost put this kid at risk, and we don’t talk about that enough as a society. I’m putting her in bad mother (and guardian) jail immediately. Aside from that, the movie does have some sick imagery despite its meager budget.
Cobweb (2023)
A young boy investigates knocking sounds in the walls of his house and discovers a dark family secret. I ran at this movie because it was directed by Samuel Bodin (Marianne). Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, and Cleopatra Coleman being in the cast was the cherry on top of the eerie sundae. Cobweb is like a waking fairytale nightmare. It’s gorgeous, creepy, and unsettling in all the right ways. It also has one of Lizzy Caplan’s top-tier performances, and I live every time I rewatch it. If this wasn’t on your holiday watchlist, it should be. Ignore the autumn vibes and get into the sickening scenery. Make sure you watch it while it is on Netflix. You will thank me later.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
A fractured family must face their chilling past in a haunted home they fled from. They soon discover they are still in danger from the things they have avoided dealing with all of these years later. Overall, this was a great show, even if the ending pissed me off. It proved that Mike Flanagan understands family drama and that his audience craves it. The series gave us ghosts, twists and turns, and a lot to talk about. So, if you are looking for a binge this December, it is one of the best ones on Netflix. Between the family drama and The Bent-Neck Lady reveal, this is a pretty awesome way to spend a holiday. Come for the stellar cast and stay for all the ghosts hiding in the background of scenes.
Nowhere (2023)
A pregnant woman escapes from a country at war and hides in a container aboard a cargo ship. When she gives birth after a dangerous storm, she must fight the harrowing conditions for the survival of her and her newborn. I’m not one for pregnancy horror, but I could not resist hitting play on this because I do like a survival horror/thriller. This was a weirdly fun Netflix find, and I suggest it if you want a little adrenaline this holiday season. It also features an outstanding performance from Anna Castillo as Mia. She deserved awards and more attention for her work. So, if you are looking for something popular but very different than the other recs on this list, this might be your girl.
Under the Shadow (2016)
A mother and daughter trying to survive war-torn Tehran of the 1980s discover an evil entity is haunting their home. Under the Shadow is creepy, educational, and severely underappreciated. It has amazing performances, gorgeous cinematography, and immaculately disturbing vibes. If you liked The Others (2001), then think of this as its very distant and cool cousin. I would even recommend doing them as a double feature because I am a professional couch potato with a vision. If you have not watched this Netflix gem yet, the holidays are a good time to fix that. If you have, then maybe revisit and make a friend watch along with you. After all, unsettling movies are the gift that keeps on giving.
So, these Netflix movies are how I plan to spend this December. Let me know if any of these also make it onto your holiday watch list. Or if you have a completely different list of family forward genre movies awaiting you this month. I am so serious because I am really nosy. Happy Holidays to you, your TV, and your favorite snacks. I am proud of you for making time for Netflix this holiday season, friends.