As always with this time of year, there are plenty of new Netflix movies and TV shows to air alongside the platform’s impressive range of Christmas movies.
There’s George Clooney’s The Midnight Sky, a post-apocalyptic science fiction or, for something lighter, try Bridgerton, a brilliant period drama with seriously luxurious costumes. You can end 2021 with the right title Death to 2021, which will take us through these most intense years and then back with History of Swear Words, organized by the only Nicolas Cage. There’s also the exciting Your Name Engraved here, and Sabrina fans will be thrilled to experience the lands Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 4 on New Year’s Eve.
With so many great options coming soon, you’re sure to find something to enjoy during the holiday season, so get ready to relax with our summary of the top six new Netflix shows and movies to try.
The midnight sky – December 23
Available: Worldwide (Netflix Original)
Perhaps not the most festive film, this Netflix original sees George Clooney, who also directs, as a lone soul on planet Earth. Try contacting a manned spacecraft that includes Felicity Jones ’Sully. The reason? An apocalyptic event has shaken the earth and scoured it with radiation, leaving almost no survivors, and Augustine de Clooney tries to warn interstellar travelers.
Sure, Earth is experiencing a good chunk of catastrophe right now, but The Midnight Sky could provide some science fiction-flavored escapism during the holiday season.
Your name is engraved here – December 23rd
Available: Worldwide (Netflix Original)
Arriving the same day as The Midnight Sky, this film follows two boys from a boys’ boarding school. Jia-han and Birdy are close friends who fall in love with the homophobic society of Tawain’s post-martial law, even though things are slowly changing. Her school is starting to admit girls, and one new student in particular could challenge their relationship. The film is based on the own experiences of director Patrick Liu.
Your Name Engraved Herein is Taiwan’s highest grossing LGBTQ movie and it’s worth watching this Christmas.
Bridgerton – December 25th
Available: Worldwide (Netflix Original)
A new original series, this period drama follows the Bridgerton brothers as they navigate the London social scene. Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings form a false relationship, but it seems that some real feelings between the couple are ready …
The series is based on the popular novels of the same name by Julia Quinn, with this season adapted from the first book. Bridgerton seems to be becoming a more sensational version of a Jane Austen-style story, so if your taste is decadent and the intrigue of high society, look no further than this series. Plus, it will be a good break from the usual festive fare on Christmas Day, and all the episodes arrive at once, so this is your whole neat viewing plan.
Died until 2021 – December 27
Available: Worldwide (Netflix Original)
It has been a course. What better way to close 2021 than with a Charlie Brooker special? The creator of Black Mirror returns with Death to 2021, a comedy mock documentary that will be presented next year. The star cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, Leslie Jones, Joe Keery, Tracey Ullman, Kumail Nanjiani, Diane Morgan, Samson Kayo and Cristin Milioti.
It’s really been a year beyond everything we’ve seen in Black Mirror, so expect something special from death until 2021.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 4 – December 31st
Available: Worldwide (Netflix Original)
Sabrina is back for the fourth and final installment of this witch series, with New Year’s Eve coming up, so you can close 2021 with a blast. After the third season, two Sabrinas got into the fight, season 4 brought a war to the horizon, and if that wasn’t enough, Lucifer and Lilith have a baby on the way, which is sure to be a problem for one (or both) Sabrinas. If you start 2021 with some dark, action-packed magical drama, check out Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 4.
History of oaths: January 5th
Available: Worldwide (Netflix Original)
Sure, it’s weird, but Nicolas Cage presents History of Swear Words for Netflix. The show will do exactly what it says on the can: each episode will take us to the story of bad language, with interviews of experts and comedians along the way, including Nick Offerman and Sarah Silverman. Honestly, we wouldn’t think of anyone better than Nic Cage to present a show like this. The good news is that all the episodes start airing at once, so you can watch it all in one day, if you’re ready.