Alongside holiday travels and family gatherings, several films are coming out over the campus break. From big-budget blockbusters to book adaptations and long-awaited sequels, this season brings a wide range of viewing choices.
Here are five movies arriving over break to add to your winter plans.
Dec. 12 — ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’
Rian Johnson returns with the third entry in his modern whodunit series, with detective Benoit Blanc returning as he unravels a fresh web of lies, motives and mysterious suspects. “Wake Up Dead Man” continues the franchise’s tradition of mixing satire with clever puzzles, making it a strong option for students who want something thought-provoking but still fun.
The film promises an all-new cast with big-name performances from actors such as Josh O’Connor and Jeremy Renner and twist-heavy storytelling designed for repeat viewing. With its Netflix release on Dec. 12, it’s likely to spark conversation and even some fan theories throughout December.
Dec. 19 — ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
James Cameron expands his science-fiction epic with “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the next chapter in the world of Pandora. Known for its scale, visual effects and environmental themes, the franchise has long been positioned as a theatrical must-see, and this installment is no exception.
Students looking for a blockbuster experience over break may gravitate toward its immersive worldbuilding and large-format screenings. The story continues the conflict between the Na’vi and human invaders, raising the stakes by hinting at internal Na’vi conflict.
Whether viewers come for the spectacle or the mythology, this sequel is expected to dominate the late-December box office when it releases Dec. 19.
Dec. 25 — ‘Marty Supreme’
Releasing on Christmas Day, “Marty Supreme” features a character-driven comedy-drama centered on ambition, identity and the pursuit of greatness. The film follows Marty Mauser — loosely inspired by American table tennis champion Marty Reisman — played by Timothée Chalamet, whose carefully crafted success begins to crack under various pressures.
With an emphasis on performance, writing and visual style, it stands apart from the season’s more flashy releases. Students who enjoy deep thematics in cinema — or those home for the holidays looking for something thoughtful to watch with family — may appreciate its grounded tone.
Jan. 9 — ‘People We Meet on Vacation’
Adapted from Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, “People We Meet on Vacation” brings a popular romance to the screen. The original novel was big on BookTok and is sure to attract longtime fans and create new ones.
The story centers on two longtime friends whose annual trips together reveal the tension between their shared history and unspoken feelings. With its blend of humor, heart and travel escapism, the film brings a warm contrast to the season’s action and horror releases.
Students familiar with the book may be interested to see how the adaptation handles its dual timelines. Releasing Jan. 9, it’s a cozy mid-break watch for anyone craving something lighter.
Jan. 16 — ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
The long-awaited continuation of the “28 Days Later” universe — a direct follow-up to summer’s “28 Years Later” — arrives with “The Bone Temple,” a horror thriller set decades after the original outbreak.
This sequel leans into atmospheric tension and worn-down characters navigating a landscape shaped by a generation of infection. Early marketing hints at a return to the franchise’s dark realism and fast-paced terror, making it an alluring pick for anyone who loves horror or has followed the series since its earlier entries.
Arriving Jan. 16, it lands just as break winds down, offering a final, adrenaline-heavy watch before classes resume and students return to campus.
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