2021 Holiday Movie Preview: ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ ‘The Power of The Dog,’ ‘House of Gucci’ & More

While Summer is known for its high octane blockbusters and big budget thrill rides, the holiday movie season is the source of what is usually the year’s best in cinematic delights. This year, even with the pandemic still raging, is no different. With the availability of streaming options opening up movie watching choices more than ever before, the lineup this season is as potentially amazing as any year before. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most promising and fun looking films that make the upcoming holiday movie season the most exciting.

The Power of the Dog 

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in this western about an imposing rancher and his relationship to his sister-in-law, played by Kirsten Dunst. Directed by Jane Campion (The Piano), The Power of the Dog looks to be a breathtaking exploration of the darkness of the human heart.

(November 17 in limited release, December 1 on Netflix)

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

The proper Ghostbusters sequel that fans have been clamoring for for decades has been about to come out for almost a year and a half. At this point, I’m almost just hoping that we’ll be able to get past it and move on with our lives. Still, the film, which follows the grandchildren of the original ghostbusting team, was written and directed by Jason Reitman, son of original Ghostbusters maestro Ivan, which means that maybe—just maybe—they’ll be able to capture the spirit and fun of the original 1984 classic.

(November 19 in theaters everywhere)

House of Gucci 

Ridley Scott directs and all-star cast that includes Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in this real life tale of threats and betrayal in the fashion world. Lady Gaga stars as a woman who marries into the Gucci family and sets off a chain of events that stunned the fashion world. The prestige of the film’s cast alone is enough to garner interest but the tale itself is a twisted ride that should make for excellent Oscar bait.

(November 24 in theaters everywhere)

8 Bit Christmas 

Looking remarkably like a millennial retelling of A Christmas Story, 8-Bit Christmas is the tale of one father’s (Neil Patrick Harris) recounting of the year that everyone sought that most coveted of Christmas gifts: the Nintendo Entertainment System. Sure to be full of nostalgia, and striking a balance between A Christmas Story and Jingle All the Way, 8-Bit Christmas looks to be a delightful holiday romp that the whole family can enjoy.

(November 24 on HBOMax)

Silent Night

Kiera Knightly and Matthew Goode star in this film that follows a family longing for the perfect Christmas gathering with friends and loved ones in the face of an impending apocalypse. Director Camille Griffin makes her feature debut with this film that seems set on taking awkward gatherings to their most logically awkward conclusion. The Holidays could always use a little black comedy to help us pull through, and this appears to deliver that in droves.

(December 3 in theaters everywhere and on AMC+)

Being the Ricardos 

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, Being the Ricardos follows Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) in the face of a business crisis that could end both their careers and their marriage. Sorkin, following the heat of last year’s The Trial of the Chicago 7, looks to further make his mark on movies with this look at two of Hollywood’s most enduring and influential icons.

(December 10 in theaters everywhere, December 21 on Amazon Prime)

West Side Story 

Steve Spielberg’s long-gestating remake of the classic musical finally hits the big screen. Starring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as the star-crossed Tony and Maria, Spielberg aims to bring spectacle and magic back to cinemas with this new vision. There are plenty of classic musical vibes and new school tricks in the trailer for the film, which stands to be the film to beat this coming awards season. 

(December 10 in theaters everywhere)

Spider-Man: No Way Home

The third entry into the MCU’s official Spider-Man series almost broke the internet earlier this year with the reveal that Alfred Molina would be reprising his role as Doctor Octopus from the 2002 Sam Raimi movie Spider-Man 2. This, of course, has everything to do with the fact that Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) are messing with higher dimensions and opening portals to other worlds. That angle alone has sent fans into a furor of speculation as they wonder if former Spider-Men Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield might also reprise their roles making this a low key adaptation of the animated hit, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.  

(December 17 in theaters everywhere)

The Matrix Resurrections 

In which lingering questions from the original trilogy, such as “Does he still know kung fu????” are finally answered.

(December 25 in theaters everyone and on HBOMax)

The Tragedy of Macbeth 

Written and directed by Joel Coen, working for the first time without his brother Ethan, this retelling of Macbeth stars Denzel Washington in the titular role alongside Frances McDormand as the venerable Lady Macbeth. While I don’t know if it can reach the glorious cinematic heights of Justin Kurzel’s 2015 adaptation with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, all of the pieces are there for The Tragedy of Macbeth to be a remarkable adaptation of one of the Bard’s most famous pieces.

(December 25 on AppleTV+)

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