The end of 2024 has gracefully arrived, and the treasure trove of the 2025 film calendar is just on the horizon. While many of the year's major releases have already graced the theaters, December presents a plethora of chances to catch up on those overlooked gems from the comfort of your own abode.

Uncover the Hidden Gems on Netflix This December

'Zero Dark Thirty' (Streaming now)

After Kathryn Bigelow's remarkable Oscar win for 'The Hurt Locker', which delved into the trauma and stress endured by an Explosive Ordinance Disposal team during the Iraq War, she crafted a thrilling tale centered around the most significant American military operation in the Middle East in the 21st century. 'Zero Dark Thirty' meticulously depicts the investigation into Osama Bin Laden's whereabouts, culminating in Seal Team 6's historic raid on his compound. This pairing of filmmaker and source material is truly a masterpiece and remains a military thriller that is always worth revisiting. It showcases Bigelow's exceptional storytelling skills and the gravity of the mission.The film's attention to detail and the intensity of the story make it a must-watch. It takes the viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the heart of one of the most crucial events in recent history. The way Bigelow portrays the tension and the determination of the characters is truly remarkable.

'Top Five' (Streaming now)

Once a stand-up comedian has solidified their joke-telling prowess, venturing into semi-serious filmmaking becomes the next milestone. Chris Rock's 2014 film 'Top Five' saw him donning the Woody Allen treatment, playing a subtly veiled version of himself in a New York rom-com. The story revolves around a comedian who decides to embark on an introspective journey. Rock's chemistry with Rosario Dawson, who portrays a reporter profiling his troubled entertainer, is outstanding. 'Top Five' serves as a reminder of Rock's diverse talents as a performer, seamlessly blending comedy and drama.This film showcases Rock's ability to handle different genres with ease. The story is both humorous and thought-provoking, making it a delightful watch. It offers a unique perspective on the life of a comedian and the challenges they face.

'Shiva Baby' (Streaming December 7)

Emma Seligman's 'Shiva Baby' transformed Rachel Sennott into an indie film superstar. It is a clever single-location comedy that provides the perfect backdrop for Sennott's talents. The actress plays a bisexual Jewish woman who is forced to confront the aimlessness of her life while mourning at a shiva attended by people she didn't want to see. If you missed this film due to its COVID-affected release, Netflix now offers you the perfect opportunity to rediscover its charm.The film's simplicity and the raw emotions it portrays make it stand out. It captures the essence of a particular moment in a young woman's life with great authenticity. Sennott's performance is truly captivating, and the story keeps you engaged from start to finish.

'Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…'

One of the most mysterious and concerning developments in the entertainment industry in the 2020s was Jamie Foxx's sudden disappearance from public life during a health scare that almost claimed his life. Foxx has kept the details of the incident extremely private, but now he is ready to share the whole story in a new stand-up special. 'Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…' will give fans an inside look into his health scare and subsequent recovery. It also serves as a launching pad for his acting comeback, which includes his upcoming role in the Cameron Diaz comedy 'Back in Action'.This special is not only a testament to Foxx's resilience but also a chance for fans to connect with him on a deeper level. It sheds light on a difficult period in his life and showcases his ability to bounce back.

'Maria' (Streaming December 11)

Angelina Jolie has her eyes set on Oscar glory with 'Maria', Pablo Larraín's latest portrayal of a famous 20th-century woman grappling with the dichotomy between her public and private selves. Similar to his previous films 'Jackie' and 'Spencer', Larraín depicts opera legend Maria Callas with a level of empathy that the media failed to capture during her lifetime. Jolie's performance in this film is the heart and soul of it. She underwent extensive training to become a proficient opera singer for the role.This film is bound to have a significant impact on the award season conversation. It is a testament to Jolie's dedication and talent. Watching her bring Maria Callas to life on screen is a truly mesmerizing experience.

'The Dead Don’t Die' (Streaming December 16)

When Selena Gomez received the Spotlight Award at the 2024 IndieWire Honors, she expressed her gratitude to Jim Jarmusch for believing in her when he cast her in 'The Dead Don’t Die'. Anyone looking to revisit Gomez's performance can do so when the film streams on Netflix this month. Jarmusch infuses his offbeat, punk rock sensibilities into the zombie apocalypse genre, assembling a star-studded cast that includes Adam Driver, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Iggy Pop.While it may not have reached the same level of brilliance as Jarmusch's 'Only Lovers Left Alive', 'The Dead Don’t Die' remains a fun late-career work that proves Jarmusch still has an abundance of creativity within him. The film's unique blend of humor and horror keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

'Mad Max: Fury Road' (Streaming December 30)

What better way to bid farewell to a chaotic year and embrace an even more exciting one than by watching 'Mad Max: Fury Road' on New Year's Eve? George Miller's epic reboot of the 'Mad Max' franchise is rightfully regarded as one of the great blockbusters of the 21st century. The film is essentially a non-stop chase scene that keeps the adrenaline pumping for two thrilling hours.It is action filmmaking at its finest, using a simple yet powerful relationship between Tom Hardy's Max and Charlize Theron's Furiosa to tell a nearly wordless story of apocalyptic pursuit. No matter what 2025 has in store for you, just remember that taking a moment to scream 'What a lovely day!' is always a valid option.