Top OTT releases this week: Horror, romance, action & holiday specials to watch now

As December begins, streaming platforms are rolling out an exciting mix of horror films, heartwarming holiday adventures, gritty thrillers, emotional dramas, and long-awaited sequels. Whether you enjoy intense psychological sagas, supernatural mysteries, warm family comedies, or epic monster action, this week’s OTT lineup has something for every mood. 

From Malayalam horror to Tamil crime thrillers, from Christmas capers to star-studded interview specials, here is a detailed look at the major releases arriving on Netflix, Prime Video, Sony LIV, and JioHotstar.

Also Read: 7 must-watch Netflix miniseries that deliver big stories in just a few episodes

Dies Irae – December 5 (JioHotstar)

The Malayalam horror-thriller Dies Irae centres on Rohan Shankar, a wealthy Indo-American architect who leads a carefree life in his grand Kerala estate. His peaceful existence is shattered when he learns that Kani—his former classmate and brief romantic interest—has died by suicide. Troubled by guilt, curiosity, and regret, Rohan visits her home, where he secretly takes her hair clip as a keepsake.

What seems like a small, impulsive act soon unleashes eerie and disturbing events inside his house. Strange sounds, unsettling movements, and unexplainable shadows convince Rohan that Kani’s spirit may be haunting him. Seeking answers, he turns to his neighbour Madhusudanan Potti, a traditional exorcist who warns him that something darker may be involved.

As Rohan digs deeper, he uncovers a troubling mystery involving Kani’s obsessive stalker, a decomposing hidden body, and a grieving mother who resorted to black magic in desperation. Rohan must navigate this dangerous web of secrets to free the tormented spirit and save himself from a deadly supernatural force.

Jay Kelly – December 5 (Netflix)

Noah Baumbach returns with Jay Kelly, a thoughtful comedy-drama starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. The film follows the inner turmoil of Jay Kelly, an iconic but ageing movie star whose glamorous life begins to feel empty. Behind his global fame lies a man battling a midlife crisis, a loss of purpose, and a growing emotional void caused by years of prioritising his career over his relationships.

When Jay’s youngest daughter turns down his vacation plans, he embarks on a spontaneous trip across Europe with Ron—played by Adam Sandler—his loyal, patient manager. The journey becomes a reckoning for Jay as he confronts his past choices, reconnects with his estranged daughters, and reunites with an old friend who accuses him of altering his life’s trajectory.

The story blends humour with sincerity as Jay questions his identity, the meaning of loyalty, and whether it is too late to reshape his legacy. Clooney and Sandler deliver an emotional and honest exploration of fame, regret, and redemption.

Kuttram Purindhavan – December 5 (Sony LIV)

Kuttram Purindhavan: The Guilty One is a gripping Tamil crime-thriller about Bhaskar, a man on the brink of retirement who desperately needs money for his son’s urgent neurological surgery.

One night, Bhaskar’s life takes a devastating turn when a distressed father pleads with him to examine his struggling young daughter, Mercy. Bhaskar reluctantly agrees, but the event spirals into tragedy—one that later mirrors a missing-person case reported in the same area.

As Vidaarth’s determined police constable investigates the disappearance, Bhaskar becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving guilt, fear, and moral conflict. Unaware of his role in the girl’s fate, he finds himself carrying the crushing weight of secrets that threaten to ruin his family. Meanwhile, Mercy’s mother Esther desperately searches for the truth, adding emotional intensity to the unfolding mystery.

My Next Guest with David Letterman and Adam Sandler – December 1 (Netflix)

In this standalone 2025 episode of David Letterman’s acclaimed interview series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Adam Sandler sits down for a candid and heartfelt conversation.

The episode traces Sandler’s remarkable journey—from his early, awkward stand-up days and breakthrough on Saturday Night Live to his long comedy career and recent critically acclaimed dramatic roles, including Jay Kelly. With anecdotes about his first disastrous performance, the unwavering support of his family, and the evolution of his craft, the interview offers an intimate glimpse into Sandler’s life.

Recorded in front of a live audience at NYU, the special captures the beloved actor at a moment of renewed artistic appreciation, celebrating both his humor and his emotional depth.

Oh. What. Fun. – December 3 (Prime Video)

Michelle Pfeiffer stars in the warm holiday comedy-drama Oh. What. Fun. as Claire Clauster—the loving but underappreciated matriarch who holds her chaotic family together every Christmas. Despite planning the perfect holiday year after year, Claire’s family remains oblivious to her efforts.

This time, tired of the chaos and disappointment, Claire decides to leave everything behind and take a spontaneous solo Christmas adventure. As she discovers unexpected joy, peace, and self-worth, her bewildered family begins a frantic search for her.

What follows is a heartwarming story about gratitude, understanding, and the true meaning of togetherness. As Claire’s family realises how much she has done for them, they mend old wounds and celebrate a Christmas filled with appreciation and love.

Stephen – December 5 (Netflix)

The Tamil psychological thriller Stephen stars Gomathi Shankar as a man who walks into a police station and confesses to multiple murders. What appears to be a straightforward case becomes a complex psychological puzzle when a psychiatrist is assigned to evaluate him.

As she questions Stephen, the lines between truth and imagination blur. His confessions conflict with his memories, creating a maze of contradictions. The psychiatrist must navigate this unsettling mental landscape, unsure whether Stephen is a manipulative killer, a traumatised victim, or an unreliable narrator playing an elaborate psychological game.

The film evolves into a tense, character-driven drama that keeps viewers questioning Stephen’s real identity until the very end.

The Abandons – December 4 (Netflix)

Set in the rugged Washington Territory of 1854, The Abandons is a sweeping Western drama about two powerful families locked in a vicious land dispute.

Lena Headey stars as Fiona Nolan, a widowed Irish immigrant who has formed a “found family” by taking in abandoned children and societal outcasts. Opposing her is Constance Van Ness (Gillian Anderson), the wealthy and ruthless matriarch determined to seize the land for its valuable silver deposits.

As the families clash, the tale unravels into a saga of murder, vengeance, hidden secrets, and forbidden love. In a world where justice exists outside the law, both families must confront their moral limits, making The Abandons a gritty and emotionally charged frontier epic.

The Bad Guys 2 – December 1 (JioHotstar)

In the fun-filled animated heist sequel The Bad Guys 2, Mr. Wolf and his reformed gang—Mr. Shark, Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Snake—struggle to rebuild their reputation as society remains hesitant to accept former criminals. Matters worsen when a new villain, the “Phantom Bandit,” commits crimes using their signature methods and frames them for a major heist.

Meanwhile, a notorious trio of female criminals, the “Bad Girls,” led by Kitty Kat, blackmails the group into stealing MacGuffinite—a metal that attracts gold—from the MoonX rocket.

What follows is a wild, gravity-defying adventure as the Bad Guys attempt to pull off a massive heist in space, clear their names, protect Governor Diane Foxington’s past as the “Crimson Paw,” and prove that they truly have changed.

The Girlfriend – December 5 (Netflix)

Rashmika Mandanna stars as Bhooma Devi in the Telugu romantic drama The Girlfriend. Bhooma, a shy literature postgraduate, steps into a new phase of life filled with dreams and hope. But things take a dark turn when she becomes romantically involved with Vikram—a charismatic college “stud” whose charm masks deep narcissism and emotional toxicity.

As Vikram tightens his control through gaslighting, manipulation, and possessiveness, Bhooma finds her confidence steadily eroding. She also struggles against societal expectations and pressure from her strict single father.

The film explores the psychological toll of toxic relationships and follows Bhooma’s powerful journey toward reclaiming her voice, identity, and emotional independence.

The Heritage (Scheda) – December 7 (JioHotstar)

Set in the quiet seaside town of Hel, the Polish mystery drama Scheda (The Heritage) begins with the sudden death of a respected navy captain. His passing forces his three estranged siblings and their families to come together, only to be pulled into a tense investigation filled with old wounds and buried secrets.

As the captain’s will exposes long-standing rivalries and hidden truths, the family faces the possibility that their polished public image may crumble under the weight of deception, betrayal, and unresolved history.

The Night My Dad Saved Christmas 2 – December 5 (Netflix)

This Spanish holiday comedy sequel brings more festive chaos as Santa Claus is kidnapped by the ruthless director of a toy corporation determined to take over Christmas.

With Santa missing, an ordinary and somewhat clumsy actor tries to fill his shoes—leading to hilarious misadventures. Assisted by his teenage son Lucas, a quirky group of allies, and the reformed thief Salva, he must rescue Santa, face unexpected villains, and restore the magic of Christmas—all in one unforgettable night.

Also Read: Underrated spy thrillers on OTT you shouldn’t miss

Troll 2 – December 1 (Netflix)

The Norwegian monster-action sequel Troll 2 continues the story of palaeontologist Nora Tidemann, adviser Andreas Isaksen, and Captain Kris Holm. This time, a gigantic “megatroll,” dormant under the Norwegian mountains for centuries, awakens and begins a destructive march across the country.

Armed with improved UV-based weapons, the authorities race to stop the creature as it heads toward Trondheim. The team must uncover more ancient truths about Norway’s folklore, including the efforts of early Christian settlers who attempted to eradicate trolls.

To save Norway from devastation, the trio forms new alliances and prepares for a massive showdown against a mythic force of nature.