15 Must-See Movies for Winter 2025–26｜Theatrical Releases for December–February (Zootopia 2, New Avatar Film, FNAF 2 & More)

Winter 2025 brings a strong lineup — from major franchise sequels and standout Japanese films to family-friendly animation. We’ve selected 15 must-see titles releasing in theaters from December to February.

Zootopia 2, the new Avatar film, FNAF 2, a new Gundam chapter, and more highly anticipated works are on the way. From heartwarming dramas to high-energy action, use this list as your guide when choosing what to watch this winter.

🎬 2025-26 Winter Release Lineup (in order of release date)

For those who want to quickly check out the winter 2025 theatrical releases, we've compiled the lineup in order of release date. Get an overview first, then click on any film that catches your eye—links are provided. Use this as a reference for planning your winter movie-watching!

• 📅 2025/12/5The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Zootopia 2 ／/ Tenmonkan Detective Stories
• 📅 2025/12/12The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Demon Exorcism Inc. ／/ Welcome to Eddington ／/ Romantic Killer
• 📅 2025/12/19The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Avatar: Fire and Ash ／/ Beautiful Journey
• 📅 2025/12/26The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Theatrical Release: "Emergency Interrogation Room THE FINAL" ／/ Whoever steals this book
• 📅 2026/1/2The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Working Man
• 📅 2026/1/23The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Five Nights at Freddy's 2
• 📅 2026/1/30The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Gundam: Hathaway's Flash ／/ Running Man
• 📅 2026/2/6The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Soon, it will be time to say goodbye.
• 📅 2026/2/27The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A": Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Underwater Ghost Castle

✨ This Winter's Must-See BIG 3 (3 Works You'll Want to Check Out First)

Zootopia 2 (December 5 Release)

Judy and Nick are back! When a snake appears in Zootopia, the dream city where animals live like humans,The Mystery of Zootopia's Birthwill be revealed. The latest installment in the series masterfully weaves together humor and social themes.

The mystery behind Zootopia's creation revealed!? Also check out the star-studded Japanese voice cast featuring Ryosuke Yamada and Nana Mizuki!

🎫Purchase tickets for "Zootopia 2" (Movie Ticket)

【Disney+】Watch "Zootopia"
(Broadcast schedules are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.)

Avatar: Fire and Ash (Releasing December 19)

A sequel depicting the grand battle over Pandora's new tribe and the power of ”fire.” Family, nature, the future of humanity—Director CameronBattle of FlamesA sci-fi epic depicting it on an overwhelming scale.

IMAX recommended. A film that lets you experience the overwhelming visual revolution once again.

🎬Theater Information for "Avatar: Fire and Ash" (TOHO Cinemas)

The "Avatar" series【Disney+】Check
(Broadcast schedules are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.)

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (Released January 23)

The sequel to the smash-hit horror film is finally here. New members join the team at the derelict pizza joint ”Freddy Fuzz Bears Pizza,” and once again, the protagonist's sister is summoned. This awakens the terror that had been sealed away within the pizza parlor.

A new member joins the pizza shop mascot team, and the terrifying effects that won't disappoint gamers have been powered up!

🎫Purchase tickets for "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" (Movie Ticket)

You can review the previous installment in the following article.
▶︎Five Nights at Freddy's The terror lurking in the nighttime pizzeria—are you ready?

The previous film, Five Nights at Freddy's, is available to watch on Prime Video.
Amazon Prime Video(※Rental/purchase format; not an all-you-can-watch service)

🔥 Hot Topics Keep Coming｜Japanese Films, Foreign Films, and Anime All Gathered Here

Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash - The Witch of Circe (Releasing January 30)

The official website for Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash - The Witch of Circe has been renewed and reopened.
Character concept art for new characters appearing in this title has also been partially revealed.

▼Latest updates herehttps://t.co/blV08CyV1M# Flash of Hassaway # Circe the Witch # Gundam Movie pic.twitter.com/7JD18MOkeX

— Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash (@gundam_hathaway) October 9, 2025

Image credit: Official X (@gundam_hathaway)
©Sotsu・Sunrise

blockbuster"Hassaway of the Flash" SequelThe battle for Maftei enters a new chapter, and as the conflict with the Federation government intensifies, Hathaway is forced to make new strategic decisions and choices. His relationships with Kenneth and Gigi also become strained, and his inner conflict, torn between ideals and reality, is depicted in greater depth.

Hathaway's inner drama grows more profound. The sequel delivers even more spectacular combat scenes with the introduction of new mobile suits.

🎫Purchase tickets for "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash - The Witch of Circe"

Watch "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash" on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial!
Watch movies, TV shows, live TV, and sports with [Amazon Prime Video]

Tenmonkan Detective Story (Releasing December 5)

Set in Tenmonkan, the most bustling district in southern Kyushu, this heartwarming drama follows the compassionate detective Kurai Hayato (played by Teranishi Takuto) as he tirelessly tackles the troubles of the townspeople. From his encounter with a single mother with a troubled past to getting caught up in disputes over the town's redevelopment, Hayato springs into action to protect people's feelings.

Detective dramaWhile also deeply portraying its appeal as a human drama.

🎫Purchase tickets for "Tenmonkan Detective Story" (Movie Ticket)

Demon Exorcism Inc. (Released 12/12)

In South Korea, where devil-worshiping cults run rampant, Bao (Ma Dong-seok) and his two partners run a company that performs exorcisms. They receive a request from a doctor desperate to save his possessed sister. As they investigate, the true nature of the entity haunting her and the vast darkness lurking behind it begin to surface...

Ma Dong-seokA unique demon-exorcising action game fought with fistsThe balance of horror, action, and comedy is exquisite, and the unique setting truly shines.

🎫Purchase tickets for "Devil Exorcism Inc." (Movie Ticket)

Check out Ma Dong-seok's works on Abema
All titles available to watch anytime on ABEMA

Welcome to Eddington (Released 12/12)

."MidsommarDirector Ari Aster, of Midsommar fame, stars Joaquin Phoenix in this explosive thriller where a small-town election campaign spirals into a nationwide crisis. In a locked-down town, the sheriff and mayor clash, and their fake news and conspiracy theories, rapidly spreading through social media, send the town careening out of control.

Realistically portraying the madness and conflict of the SNS eraA socially conscious thriller enveloped in Ali Aster's signature unease throughout.

🎫Purchase a ticket for "Welcome to Eddington" (Movie Ticket)

Beautiful Journey: A Couple's Time Travel (Releasing December 19)

A composer representing JapanJoe Hisaishi Makes His Hollywood Debutand heartbreakingTime-Travel RomanceA moving story that adds color to life. Lovers separated by an accident are guided by a ”mysterious door” that offers a second chance at life. Traveling between past and present, they strive to reclaim the time and feelings they lost.

A fantastical human drama that tenderly explores the universal wish "What if I could live my life over?" accompanied by beautiful music.

🎫Purchase tickets for "Beautiful Journey: A Couple's Time Travel"

Romantic Killer (Released December 12)

💥Bring it on,
　　Romantic Love in Japan

New Poster Visual Revealed･*:.｡♡🔫

movie # Romakira 12.12 FRY🎬# Moka Kamishiraishi # Kyohei Takahashi # Masaya Kimura # Sota Nakajima# Romantic Killer pic.twitter.com/QWxs06Mrnw

— Romantic Killer Movie Official (@romakira_movie) October 2, 2025

Image credit: Official X account for the movie "Romantic Killer" (@romakira_movie)
©2025 "Romantic Killer" Production Committee ©Hyakushi Watashi / Shueisha

A live-action adaptation of the popular LINE Manga original, this youth romance comedy features a star-studded cast including Kyohei Takahashi (Naniwa Danshi), Masaya Kimura (INI), and Sota Nakajima (FANTASTICS). A high school girl who's part of the ”love cancellation” crowd gets caught up in a wizard's "forced love program" designed to make people fall in love. She gets swept up in the chaos as handsome guys keep appearing one after another.

Faithfully capturing the original's vibe, with a stellar cast and impeccable pacingRomance-Smashing ComedyEvolve.

🎫Purchase tickets for "Romantic Killer" (Movie Ticket)

🌈 Heartwarming Classics & Family Films to Watch This Winter

Theatrical Release: "Emergency Interrogation Room THE FINAL" (December 26 Release)

Popular drama starring Yuki AmamiThe Final Chapter of the "Emergency Interrogation Room" SeriesFacing a suspect implicated in a nationwide conspiracy, interrogator Makabe Yukiko (Yuki Amami) moves to question the Prime Minister in pursuit of the ultimate truth.

The series finale, where psychological warfare and tension reach their peak, serving as the culmination of the series.

🎫Purchase tickets for the theatrical release of "Emergency Interrogation Room THE FINAL" (Movie Ticket)

Whoever steals this book (Released 12/26)

📖┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈*
Main Visual Revealed
🔖

Chasing the book thief
　Journeying Through the Cursed “Story”
　　Mystery-Solving Adventure Fantasy Begins!

The movie '# Whoever steals this book』
12.26 (Fri) ROADSHOE

⟡𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 # Rinka Kataoka # Sora Tamaki
⟡𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐂 #YUKI「Share」# This Thief pic.twitter.com/YuHTaSXnCo

— Movie 'Whoever Steals This Book' Anime Official (@kononusu_anime) October 15, 2025

Image credit: Official X account for the movie "Whoever Steals This Book" (@kononusu_anime)
©2025 "Whoever Steals This Book" Production Committee

An animated film based on the novel of the same name by Fukamidori Nobu, set in the town of books, ”Yomichō,” where a high school girl whose books have been stolen teams up with a mysterious girl to...An adventure fantasy where you wander into the world of booksAs they pursue the truth behind the curse hidden within the stolen book, reality and fiction begin to intertwine, revealing the looming crisis threatening the town.

The morning drama sensation Rinka Kataoka and Sora Tamaki take on their first voice acting roles in this adventure fantasy, vividly brought to life by a powerhouse staff and a cutting-edge studio.

🎫Purchase a ticket for "Whoever Steals This Book" (Movie Ticket)

Working Man (Released 1/2)

Jason Statham stars, Sylvester Stallone produces, and David Ayer directs in this ultimate action lineup. Levon (Jason Statham), a former special forces operative working on a construction site, must confront a massive criminal organization to rescue his missing daughter. He does so by unleashing his dormant combat skills and wielding his tools as weapons.

The star-studded team of Statham × Air × Stallone presents,“Dad's Serious Side” Explodes in This Hard-Hitting Action Film!

🎫Purchase tickets for "Working Man" (Movie Ticket)

Watch Jason Statham movies with a 30-day free trial
Watch movies, TV shows, live TV, and sports with [Amazon Prime Video]

Running Man (Releasing January 30)

Master of HorrorStephen KingA sci-fi action film based on the novel Battle Runner. A man who loses his job and struggles to pay for his daughter's medical treatment joins a reality show for a massive prize, but it turns out to be...Capture = Instant Death: A 30-Day Mad Game of Tagwas.

Can an ordinary guy with no money or skills survive 30 days on the run from a professional killer? This extreme chase is packed with thrills.

🎫Purchase tickets for "Running Man"

Soon, it will be time to say goodbye (Released 2/6)

🕊️｡. Theater List Released🎞 .｡🕊️

The movie '# We'll be parting ways soon.'s
The screening theaters have been decided!

Nearby theaters
Be sure to check it out.*·.⟡

▼Click here for detailshttps://t.co/o6G3S7khtE

🎬Released February 6, 2026
The Movie: Soon, We'll Part Ways
# Minami Hamabe 　# Meguro Ren pic.twitter.com/HAxh9NogS2

— 【Official】Movie 'Soon, We'll Part Ways' (@hodonaku_movie) November 20, 2025

Image credit: Official X account for the movie "Soon, We'll Part" (@hodonaku_movie)
©2026 "Soon, We'll Part" Production Committee ©Amane Nagatsuki/Shogakukan

The live-action film adaptation of Nagatsuki Amane's bestselling novel of the same name stars Minami Hamabe and Ren Meguro in dual lead roles.“Funeral Planner”A human drama. After failing every job interview, Misora (played by Minami Hamabe) finds herself working at a funeral home. Through her interactions with bereaved families and the final moments of the deceased, she comes to understand "for whom funerals are held" and discovers her own way of living.

A moving film that quietly depicts hope beyond farewell, capturing the original story's emotional temperature through director Takahiro Miki's delicate direction and the dual lead performances of Minami Hamabe and Ren Meguro.

🎫Purchase a ticket for "Soon, We'll Part" (Movie Ticket)

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Underwater Ghost Castle (Releasing February 27)

Doraemon the Movie: 40th Anniversary Special. Nobita and his friends discover a warp hole leading to a mysterious undersea ruin and step into a legendary submarine nation once deemed dangerous. Awaiting them there is a choice that could shake the very existence of humanity and the deep-sea civilization. Nobita and his friends, alongside Doraemon, embark on an adventure to change the future.

Reconstructing classic masterpieces with the latest technologyThe scale of the undersea city, the themes of friendship and courage, and the choice at the climax pierce the heart.

For the latest information on tickets and theaters, please check the official website and official accounts.
Official X Account for "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Underwater Ghost Castle"

Watch Doraemon all you want on Abema!
No. 1 in Original Content! 【ABEMA】

Summary｜For your winter movie selection. Start with the films that catch your eye!

Theatrical releases from December 2025 to February 2026 feature a wide array of films, ranging from major blockbuster series to quality Japanese productions and family-friendly animations.Zootopia 2", "The Latest Avatar Film", "FNAF 2Alongside highly anticipated films like "", winter is truly a bountiful season for cinema, featuring memorable human dramas and socially conscious thrillers.

Be sure to check out the latest information on films you're interested in early, and enjoy them on the big screen at the cinema. Showtimes, tickets, and official website links are listed for each film. Use this information to compare options and find the perfect film before you go.

Related Articles :

▶︎12 Films to Watch in Winter 2025｜A compilation of heartwarming classics & newest releases
▶︎Prime Video New Releases for December 2025｜7 Must-Watch Movies & TV Shows at a Glance
▶︎Netflix December 2025 Highlights｜15 Must-Watch New Releases and Returning Series

Zootopia 2 © Disney Avatar: Fire and Ash ©2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved. Five Nights at Freddy's 2 ©2025 SCOTT CAWTHON PRODUCTIONS and UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash - The Witch of Circe © Sotsu/Sunrise "Tenmonkan Detective Story" © 2025 "Tenmonkan Detective Story" Production Committee "Devil Exorcist Inc." © 2025 LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT & BIG PUNCH PICTURES & NOVA FILM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. "Welcome to Eddington" © 2025 Joe Cross For Mayor Rights LLC. All Rights Reserved. "Beautiful Journey: Two People's Time Travel" © 2025 Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc. All rights reserved. "Romantic Killer" ©2025 "Romantic Killer" Production Committee ©Hyakushi Wataru/Shueisha Theatrical Film "Emergency Interrogation Room THE FINAL" ©2025 Theatrical Film "Emergency Interrogation Room THE FINAL" Production Committee "Whoever Steals This Book" ©2025 Fukamidori Waki / KADOKAWA / "Whoever Steals This Book" Production Committee "Working Man" © 2025 CADENCE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED "Running Man" ©2025 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. "Soon, We'll Part" ©2026 "Soon, We'll Part" Production Committee ©Amane Nagatsuki/Shogakukan "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Underwater Ghost Castle" ©Fujiko Pro・Shogakukan・TV Asahi・Shin-Ei・ADK 2026

*The information on this page is current as of November 2025. Please check the official website for the latest distribution status.