Best movies on Netflix December 26 reveal shocking twist Wake Up Dead Man defeats new #1 movie The Great Flood

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By: Jessica Morrison

The best movies on Netflix right now deliver all the post-holiday entertainment you’re craving. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and The Great Flood are dominating Netflix’s top charts this week, offering wildly different thrills for every mood.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Wake Up Dead Man currently ranks #2 on Netflix with 20.9 million hours watched since release on December 12
  • The Great Flood claimed the top spot on December 23, becoming the #1 movie this week on the platform
  • Wake Up Dead Man scores 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and features Daniel Craig returning as Detective Benoit Blanc
  • The Great Flood is a South Korean disaster thriller that went from festival darling to global streaming sensation

Wake Up Dead Man Stars Daniel Craig Investigating a Church Mystery

Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film brings Detective Benoit Blanc back for another impossible case. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery traps the Southern-fried detective at a small-town church with a dark history, where he teams up with an earnest young priest to solve a perfectly impossible crime.

The star-studded cast features Daniel Craig in the iconic Blanc role, alongside Josh O’Connor and Glenn Close, who steals scenes as a powerhouse supporting character. Critics and audiences alike praise the film for nailing Johnson’s signature blend of political, religious, and personal themes wrapped in classic whodunit excess.

At 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, Wake Up Dead Man has been called the best mystery yet in the franchise, delivering the twists and character depth that made the original Knives Out a cultural phenomenon.

The Great Flood Takes #1 With Apocalyptic Stakes

Meanwhile, The Great Flood just knocked Wake Up Dead Man off the top this week with its high-concept disaster scenario. The South Korean sci-fi thriller, directed by Kim Byung-woo, shows a cataclysmic worldwide flood threatening to wipe humanity off the face of the earth. Kim Da-mi stars as a researcher fighting to save her young son while navigating water levels rising everywhere around them.

The film combines intense action sequences with genuine emotional stakes. A mother and child trapped in a sinking apartment building transforms into humanity’s last hope scenario as a crucial mission becomes their only escape route. The tension never lets up, and viewers are already calling it one of the year’s most gripping disaster films.

Title Release Date Current Rank Genre
Wake Up Dead Man December 12, 2025 #2 Movie Mystery thriller
The Great Flood December 19, 2025 #1 Movie Disaster sci-fi

Why These Streaming Releases Matter for Your Watchlist

Both films represent Netflix’s holiday-season strategy perfectly. Wake Up Dead Man appeals to viewers who love intricate plots, sharp dialogue, and A-list ensemble casts working at peak performance. Glenn Close’s role alone has sparked conversation online, with critics praising her ability to command every scene she’s in.

The Great Flood targets audiences seeking high-stakes action and emotional depth. It’s the kind of film that keeps you on edge for two hours straight, with practical effects and cinematography that justifies a big-screen experience even when you’re watching on your laptop. The South Korean film industry continues dominating global streaming with productions like this one that blend spectacle with genuine storytelling.

What Other Movies Rank in Netflix’s Top 10 Right Now?

Beyond these two blockbusters, Netflix’s top 10 this week includes Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (familiar holiday favorite), KPop Demon Hunters (animated action), and The Croods: A New Age (animated family fun). For streaming enthusiasts looking to maximize their holiday break, this is one of the strongest weeks Netflix has delivered in months.

Emily in Paris Season 5 is also performing strongly as viewers complete the final season. Meanwhile, the conclusion of Stranger Things Season 5 from earlier this week drew massive viewership across the platform, proving Netflix still dominates December viewing habits.

Which Netflix Movie Should You Watch Tonight?

Choose Wake Up Dead Man if you’re in the mood for clever mysteries with stellar performances and unexpected twists. The film respects your intelligence while delivering genuine surprises that hit differently on a second watch. It’s perfect for mystery lovers and Rian Johnson fans who’ve been waiting for this moment since the director announced the third installment years ago.

Go with The Great Flood if you want explosive action sequences, emotional family stakes, and the kind of high-concept premise that keeps you thinking long after the credits roll. For viewers who loved disaster films like Twisters or apocalyptic thrillers, this Korean import delivers everything you’re seeking with stunning production values and a compelling leads performance from Kim Da-mi.

Sources

  • Netflix Tudum – Official top 10 rankings and verified viewership data
  • Rotten Tomatoes – Critical consensus scores and audience reviews
  • Variety – December 2025 streaming roundup and film analysis

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