New movies to stream right now are proving that theater releases and streaming exclusives don’t have to compete anymore. This week, December 25-28, 2025, audiences are choosing between Wake Up Dead Man dominating Netflix and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 hitting VOD platforms faster than expected.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Wake Up Dead Man arrived on Netflix December 12 and dominates the Top 10 for a second consecutive week
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 went from theaters to digital rentals in just 18 days (released December 23)
- Rian Johnson’s latest mystery thriller stars Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, and Jeremy Renner in a church-based whodunit
- Horror fans are rushing to rent the FNaF sequel while it’s fresh, with no confirmed streaming service launch date yet
Why Wake Up Dead Man Dominates Streaming This Week
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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery isn’t your average thriller sequel. Directed by Rian Johnson, this third installment in the Knives Out franchise swaps the mansion setting for a mysterious church in New York. The mystery begins when Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) is murdered, and Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) must navigate secrets darker than any previous case.
Netflix’s algorithm has been kind to this film. The movie spent its first week at number one and refuses to budge. Audiences appreciate that Johnson brought fresh faces while maintaining his signature puzzle-box storytelling. Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Mila Kunis join the star-studded cast, creating ensemble tension that keeps viewers guessing until the final reveal.
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Horror fans got a surprise this week when Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 hit digital rental platforms on December 23—less than three weeks after its December 5 theatrical debut. This aggressive release strategy signals distributor confidence in the franchise’s ability to profit from both windows simultaneously. Josh Hutcherson returns as Mike Schmidt, once again caught in Freddy Fazbear’s nightmare.
The sequel expands the lore considerably. Matthew Lillard continues his iconic role as William Afton, while newcomers like Skeet Ulrich and Wayne Knight bring depth to the twisted story. Director Emma Tammi leaned into body horror and psychological tension this time, creating horror that resonates beyond jump scares. The 1 hour 44 minute runtime moves quickly, perfect for holiday viewing when people want thrills without major time commitments.
Streaming Platform Comparison: Netflix vs. Premium VOD
| Title | Availability | Cost | Release Date on Platform |
| Wake Up Dead Man | Netflix (streaming) | Subscription only | December 12, 2025 |
| Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, others | $19.99-$24.99 to rent/buy | December 23, 2025 |
| 4K Blu-ray/DVD (FNaF 2) | Physical media | Varies | February 17, 2026 |
| Streaming Platform Launch (FNaF 2) | Not yet announced | TBA | TBA |
What Critics Are Saying About Both Films
The critical reception split interestingly this week. Wake Up Dead Man maintains Rotten Tomatoes enthusiasm with 92% critic approval, praising Johnson’s refusal to repeat formulas across all three films. Audiences loved the church setting, the moral complexity, and Craig’s continued mastery as Benoit Blanc. One standout detail: dedicated fans noticed the film contains subtle callbacks to Johnson’s other work, rewarding close viewers.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 pulled stronger horror credentials this time around. With a 16% critic score, reviewers weren’t impressed, but audience scores tell a different story. Fans appreciated the commitment to the game’s convoluted mythology and practical effects that elevated cheap jump scares into genuine dread. Horror purists argue the franchise is finally finding its footing.
Which Streaming Release Should You Choose for Your Holiday Break?
That depends on your mood entirely. If you want a puzzle-driven mystery featuring an incredible ensemble and sophisticated filmmaking, Wake Up Dead Man offers endless rewatchability. Netflix’s recent announcement that Rian Johnson is already working on Knives Out 4 proves audiences can’t get enough of Benoit Blanc’s cases. The film works perfectly for casual holiday viewing since solutions reward attention instead of requiring theater-quality sound design.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 demands commitment but delivers the complete horror experience the first film promised. If you’re renting through Prime Video or Apple TV+, make sure your household can handle psychological horror during holiday gatherings. The $19.99 rental price feels justified when you consider the production value and proven sequel success. Unlike franchise horror films that coast on nostalgia, this sequel actually expands world-building meaningfully.
Watch the Official Trailers
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Official Trailer
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Official Trailer
Sources
- Netflix – Top 10 streaming data and official releases
- Variety – Industry coverage of theater-to-streaming windows
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical reviews and audience scores
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.