With the holiday season in full swing, Australian cinemas provide a cool escape from the summer heat with fresh releases on Boxing Day. Highlights range from a meta horror reboot to a heartfelt drama exploring loneliness in Japan. This guide spotlights six new films perfect for post-Christmas outings.
Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, marks a prime time for moviegoers in Australia to unwind after Christmas festivities. As temperatures soar, the dark, air-conditioned theaters offer respite with an array of new releases catering to various tastes, from family adventures to awards contenders.
Leading the pack is Anaconda (2025), directed by Tom Gormican and starring Paul Rudd as Griff, a struggling actor, and Jack Black as his friend Doug. The film cleverly reboots the 1997 cult classic by having the duo attempt a low-budget remake in the Amazon jungle—filmed on Queensland's Gold Coast hinterland. When their prop snake fails, a real six-meter serpent intervenes, delivering gory thrills. Co-starring Steve Zahn and Thandie Newton, it's ideal for teens transitioning from small screens.
For political reflection, Orwell: 2+2=5, directed by Oscar-nominated Raoul Peck and narrated by Damian Lewis, delves into George Orwell's Animal Farm and 1984. Using archival footage, it connects early 20th-century authoritarianism to modern conflicts, providing timely insight amid global tensions.
Brendan Fraser stars in Rental Family, directed by Hikari, as Phillip, an American expat in Japan joining a rental family agency. Assigned to pose as the father of 11-year-old Mia for school admission, the story uncovers Japan's loneliness epidemic. Featuring Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, and Shannon Mahina Gorman, it's scored by Alex Somers and Sigur Rós's Jónsi, emphasizing heartfelt connections.
Awards buzz surrounds Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier's dramedy with Renate Reinsve as Nora, estranged from her director father (Stellan Skarsgård). She declines a role in his comeback film, which goes to Elle Fanning, sparking family drama. It earned a 19-minute standing ovation at Cannes.
Paul Feig's The Housemaid, adapting Frieda McFadden's 2022 novel, stars Sydney Sweeney as Millie, hired by Amanda Seyfried's Nina despite resume gaps. As Millie integrates into the family with Brandon Sklenar, dark secrets emerge behind the suburban facade.
Finally, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, directed by Derek Drymon, brings back voices like Tom Kenny and Clancy Brown. SpongeBob summons the Flying Dutchman and faces underworld peril, rescued by friends. Inspired by 1960s toys, it boasts the franchise's highest ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic.
These films blend entertainment, emotion, and escapism for holiday viewers.
