The only holiday watchlist you need if you’re not leaving the house

If your idea of a perfect holiday involves staying in, snacking endlessly, and letting the algorithm take over, we’ve done you one better. Between cosy nights in and chaotic family gatherings, consider this your holiday escape plan. This watchlist brings the chaos, the charm, and the comfort—whether you’re chasing a twisty thriller, a Christmas caper, or Emily Cooper’s latest life crisis.

The Housemaid
January 2, in theatres 

Based on American author Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel, this movie is about—as the name suggests—a struggling housemaid who finds out that the wealthy couple she is working for are hiding some dangerous secrets. Filled with twists and suspense, it stars Sydney Sweeney, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, and Amanda Seyfried.

Jingle Bell Heist
November 26, on Netflix 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Directed by Michael Fimognari, and starring Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells, this romantic comedy follows two thieves, Sophia (Holt) and Nick (Swindells), who realise they’ve both been put on the task of robbing the same department store in London, on Christmas. Dare we say we sense some work romance?

Dhurandhar
December 5, in theatres 

Ranveer Singh leads the cast of this action-packed espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar. The movie takes inspiration from real-life events involving covert operations by Indian agents in Pakistan. The stacked cast includes Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal.

Emily in Paris, Season 5
December 18, on Netflix 

Everyone’s favourite Netflix show returns with its fifth season, and spoiler alert: It’s not in Paris! The last season (which came out in two parts, remember?), set the tone for how Emily will be splitting her time between Rome and Paris. She will step into a big role, i.e., running Agence Grateau Rome, and since drama seems to follow her everywhere, she will face some career setbacks, heartbreaks, and ahem, surprises. Safe to say, we’re already seated.

People We Meet on Vacation
January 9, on Netflix 

Emily Henry fans, rejoice! The long wait is over—her bestselling 2021 novel is coming to Netflix. In case you haven’t read the book yet, we suggest you must, while you still have time. It is about two best friends, Alex and Poppy, who are polar opposites and live far apart. But every summer for a decade, they have been taking a week-long holiday. Who doesn’t love a friends-to-lovers trope?

Ella McCay
TBA, in theatres 

A comedy drama wherein a young politician, played by Sex Education’s Emma Mackey, prepares to fill in the big shoes of her mentor who happens to be the state’s long-serving governor. The movie also stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, Jack Lowden, and Kumail Nanjiani.

Lead image: Netflix 

Inside images: IMDb 

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India's November-December 2025 print edition.

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