From Alice in Borderland season two, Drag Den, Deleter, and more, here are the new movies and shows of December to keep an eye out for.
Related: Your Guide To November 2022’s Must-See New Movies And Shows
Here we are, about to close out this crazy year as we look towards what 2023 has in store. And even though the year maybe coming to an end, that doesn’t mean the new movies and shows coming our way in the next 31 days is slowing down. After all, it is Christmas, which means it’s a time for joy and celebration. And these following films and programs look to give us just that. So, as the final hurrah of the year, here are the new movies and shows of December that should be on your radar.
CONNECT
Let’s start this list off with a K-drama starring Jung Hae-in. This unique series centers on an immortal race called the “connect”. One day, a connect named Ha Dong-soo (Hae-in), loses his eyeball, which then transferred to a serial killer by the name of Oh Jin-seob (Go Kyung-pyo). Because of this, Dong-soo gains the ability to see what Jin-seob sees, which we all know will lead to some thrilling moments. The series lands on Disney+ this December 7.
REBORN RICH
If you aren’t watching Reborn Rich, then you’re missing out on one of the best and most talked about K-dramas of 2022. The series centers on Yoon Hyun-woo, an employee of the Sunyang Group. Despite his loyalties to the company, he is betrayed and murdered by a member of the family. Later on, Hyun-woo wakes up reincarnated in the body of Jin Do-joon, who so happens to be the youngest grandson of the Sunyang family.
Realizing the position he is in, Hyun-woo plots his revenge on the family by plotting a hostile takeover of the company. Ever since its premier in late November, the show has garnered rave reviews for its compelling and thrilling story. In fact, it surpassed Extraordinary Attorney Woo as the most watched miniseries in Korea this 2022. Get into the hype by catching the series on Viu.
PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH
It’s been a long while since we last visited the world of Shrek on the big screen. This is why this film has got us even more hyped. This awaited sequel to 2011’s Puss in Boots follows the titular suave feline on his literal last life after he spends his past eight lives in freak accidents and disasters. Puss decides to hang up his hat and sword, thinking his final days are near. That is until he learns of the Last Wish that can grant him anything he wants.
Now, Puss and his friends team up in order to find the wish and bring back his past lives. Based on the trailers alone, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish looks to be a crowd pleaser and we’re very much hoping it is. The movie arrives in local cinemas on December 7.
PLAN 75
2022 has seen quite a few Filipinos make waves in international films. And this December, we’re about to see yet another Pinay do just that with Stefanie Arianne in Plan 75. In Chie Hayakawa’s dystopian drama, Stefanie plays Maria who is faced with the choices of life and death as she takes care of elderly citizens who are forced to be euthanized.
The Japanese film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of this year’s Cannes Film Festival where it received a standing ovation and won the Camera d’Or Special Mention Award. It has also rode a wave of positive reviews to ultimately become Japan’s entry for the 2023 Oscars for Best International Film. Experience this trip when the movie screens in local cinemas beginning December 7.
DRAG DEN
Drag is currently having its time in the spotlight of Philippine pop culture thanks to the success of season one of Drag Race Philippines. And now, Drag Den is looking to continue that success, all while carving a lane on its own. Hosted by Manila Luzon, Drag Den finds eight Filipino drag queens move into what literally is a den that looks like it belonged to a comic book villain. Over the weeks, the queens will compete in a series of challenges to see who makes it to the top.
While some may want to compares this to Drag Race PH, Drag Den is its own special thing and is bringing that freshness we can get behind. And based on the trailer, it seems that the girls may get violent when it comes to who gets eliminated each episode. Step into the den when the series premieres on Prime Video on December 8.
GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO
We know what you’re thinking, another Pinocchio movie. But among all the films based on this classic fairytale about a wooden puppet come to life to have released this 2022, this one may be the one worth watching. That is because it’s being helmed by the creative maestro himself, Guillermo del Torro. Instead of going live action or back to its 2D roots, this version of Pinocchio mixes things up with its stop-motion animation. Already, it has us hooked. Let’s see if the rest of the movie is just as good when it streams on Netflix beginning December 9.
DRAGON AGE: ABSOLUTION
Fans of the popular Dragon Age RPG series should definitely keep this series on their radar, especially with how a new game is on its way. This animated series centers on a group of rebel mages and thieves unite in order to stop a sinister force from processing a dangerous artifact. The plot and trailer so far give us hints of a classic fantasy tale and we’re hoping that BioWare’s good storytelling is present in this series, too. Dragon Age: Absolution streams on Netflix beginning December 9.
GUDETAMA: AN EGGCELLENT ADVENTURE
In case you didn’t know, popular Sanrio characters Gudetama and Shakipiyo are getting their own Netflix series. And it’s streaming this December. The show follows Gudetama, the lazy egg, and Shakipiyo, a newly hatched chick as they go on a road trip to find their mother. And long the way, Gudetama has a bit of a life epiphany as he realizes just what kind of life he wants to live. Catch this potentially eggs-cellent and wholesome adventure on Netflix beginning December 13.
AVATAR: THE WAY OF THE WATER
The sequel to 2009’s Avatar has taken such a long time to release, it’s practically the stuff of modern movie legends. But it seems as if the time has finally come as the long-awaited sequel is releasing this December. Avatar: The Way of the Water follows series protagonist Jake Sully as he settles in with his new life and family in Pandora. But when an old foe comes back to finish what was started, he must reunite the Na’vi once more to safe his home.
As the name suggests, Avatar 2 is going to explore the waters of Pandora and already, it looks stunning, which is to be expected. And with a runtime at over three hours, it truly will be a visual feast for the senses. Avatar: The Way of the Water screens in local cinemas beginning December 14.
BIG BET
Not only does this K-drama look to give us a compelling crime-thriller story, but it also has the added benefit of being shot mostly in the Philippines. Set in the Philippines, the series revolves around the comeback of an ill-fated casino mogul who returns to the gambling scene, aiming to be the legendary figure in the Philippine gambling that he once was, risking everything he has, including his own life. Directed by Kang Yoon-sung, Big Bet stars South Korean veteran actor Choi Min-sik (Oldboy) as the protagonist with Seon Seok-koo (My Liberation Notes), Lee Dong-hwi (Reply 1988), and Heo Sung-tae (Squid Game). Catch Big Bet on Disney+ this December 21.
THE FABULOUS
A K-drama set in the high-stakes world of the fashion industry? That’s a yes from us. For that new K-drama you’re looking to binge this November, we suggest you check out The Fabulous. This series stars Chae Soo Bin and Choi Min Ho as it follows the exciting and often dramatic world of the fashion industry. The eight episode show explores how a group of young people navigate the crazy world, all while managing their personal lives, needs, and goals. The Fabulous premieres on Netflix on December 23.
GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
A luxurious murder mystery party gone wrong? Sounds like a premise for a great movie and the actual premise for the sequel to one of 2019’s best movies, Knives Out. Glass Onion sees Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc back on the scene once more as he travels to a private island in Greece to solve a mystery involving an eclectic group of suspects who will have you second guessing every twist and turn. Find out who did it in this whodunit when it streams on Netflix beginning December 23.
METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL 2022
MMFF returns once more as eight new movies are looking to entertain Filipinos this Christmas. This year’s offerings have been an interesting selection to say the least with some films already getting good (and bad) attention. All eight movies screen in cinemas nationwide beginning December 25. Check here for a rundown of each movie.
THE WITCHER: BLOOD ORIGIN
Witcher fans are getting a fun gift this Christmas in the form of The Witcher: Blood Origin, a prequel series to the mainline show. Set 1200 years before The Witcher, this limited four part series is set to answer some big questions like the origins of the Witchers, why all the races now live in a singular world, and more. Plus, it also stars Michelle Yeoh and you can never go wrong with Yeoh in an action fantasy. Step into the world of The Witcher once more when the prequel series drops on Netflix this December 25.
ISLAND
Cha Eun-woo playing a priest who performs exorcisms? You got our attention. For those looking for some action and fantasy in their K-dramas, you might want to check out Island. Based on the webtoon of the same name, the series centers on three individuals who fight monsters and other dark creatures on Jeju Island. The series premieres on Prime Video this December 30.
WHITE NOISE
With 2022 coming to an end, why not close out the year with some introspection? That’s what Noah Baumbach is offering with his latest film that is sure to wrack the brain. Starring Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig, White Noise centers on an American family who has to navigate the conflicts of mundane life all while dealing with existential questions on the human experience. Sounds like a fun movie to watch on the last day of the year. White Noise arrives on Netflix on December 30.
NEW SEASONS
The following shows are not new. But they are premiering either new episodes or a new season that definitely warrant a binge watch session or two. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures Stone Ocean The Final Episodes (December 1), His Dark Materials season 3 (December 5), Doom Patrol season 4 (December 8), Money Heist: Korea-Joint Economic Area Part 2 (December 9), Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (December 10), Singles Inferno season 2 (December 13), Emily in Paris season 3 (December 21), Alice in Borderland season 2 (December 22).
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