Avatar Leads December Line-Up as Cinemas Unveil a Kaleidoscope of Festive Adventures and Big Screen Escapes

From the epic return of Avatar: Fire and Ash, to the sparkle of an animated musical that sings with wonder, to a Christmas comedy that fills the hearth with laughter, through thrillers that sharpen the suspense, and a musical drama that carries the pulse of passion and performance into the year’s final act.

Together, these films weave a tapestry of festivity, resonance, and release.

5 December

Not Without Hope is a harrowing survival thriller. When a fishing trip turns into a fight for survival, four friends stranded in the Gulf of Mexico must battle the elements, exhaustion, and fading hope when their boat is capsized in a violent storm.

Directed by Joe Carnahan, it stars Zachary Levi, Josh Duhamel, Quentin Plair, Terrence Terrell, Marshall Cook, JoBeth Williams and NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith. Read more.

When new animatronics awaken, and old horrors resurface in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 , Mike, Abby, and Vanessa are pulled back into Freddy Fazbear’s twisted world — where survival means facing the past and answering the call of the haunted phone.

Directed by Emma Tammi, this supernatural horror sequel stars Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail. Read more.

In the British Christmas comedy Tinsel Town, a fading Hollywood action star accidentally signs on for a Christmas pantomime in the quiet English town of Stoneford. With a premise as delicious as a cup of eggnog, it’s the perfect blend of comedy, carnage and Christmas. Directed by Chris Foggin, it stars Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson. Read more.

12 December

In the Japanese animated dark fantasy Scarlet, a brave princess awakens in the Land of the Dead, where time twists and memory fades. To survive, she must journey through madness, myth, and the ruins of her own story. Read more.

After witnessing his parents’ murder by a man in a Santa suit, Billy grows up haunted by trauma and institutional abuse — until one Christmas Eve, dressed as Santa himself, he snaps and begins a bloody spree of “punishing the naughty” in the remake of slasher horror Silent Night, Deadly Night.

Directed by Mike P. Nelson, starring Rohan Campbell. Read more.

The South African comedy My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding celebrates the vibrant cultural richness and familial drama of an Indian wedding. Chaos erupts when the guests discover the groom is not Indian. Read more.

Pets on a Train is a animated action-comedy that follows a ragtag group of pets trapped aboard a runaway train. At the center of the story is Falcon, a streetwise raccoon raised by a pigeon who pretends he was raised by a falcon to sound more impressive. When Falcon agrees to help Hans, a bitter badger, with what seems like a harmless train robbery, he unwittingly becomes part of a larger scheme: Hans hijacks the train, ejects all the humans, and leaves only the pets on board. Read more.

19 December

Legendary filmmaker James Cameron transports audiences back to the breathtaking world of Pandora with Avatar: Fire and Ash. The story picks up a few weeks after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water. The Sully family is still living amongst the Metkayina Clan in the picturesque reefs of Pandora, but is learning to adjust to life.

The film introduces new tribes like the Wind Traders and Ash People, explores themes of vengeance and grief, and deepens the mythology with lava-dwelling creatures, volcanic landscapes, and a symbiotic relationship with fire. “This film definitely delivers something fresh and new,” says Cameron. Read more.

Produced in Cape Town, the joyful animated musical David is one of the most inspiring characters in human history: a warrior, poet, shepherd and king. From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorise a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones, and unshakable faith steps forward. Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love, and courage—culminating in a battle not just for a crown, but for the soul of a kingdom. Read more.

In the psychological thriller The Housemaid, a desperate young woman, takes a job cleaning for a wealthy couple in their lavish home. But behind locked attic doors and perfect smiles, she uncovers secrets far darker than her past. Read more.

26 December

In the action comedy-horror Anaconda, two washed-up friends set out to remake their favourite jungle adventure film, only to stumble into a real-life nightmare when a legendary serpent awakens and begins its deadly hunt. Directed by Tom Gormican, this reboot stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd and Thandiwe Newton. Read more.

In the biographical musical drama Song Sung Blue down-on-their-luck musicians Mike and Claire Sardina form a Neil Diamond tribute band and rise to local fame, only to face devastating heartbreak in this musical biopic of love, loss, and performance. Directed by Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name), it stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Read more.

To prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob follows the ghostly Flying Dutchman into the deepest, darkest part of the sea — where no sponge has gone before, in the comedy-adventure The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Read more.

Read more about the latest and upcoming films.