As another year winds down, it’s the perfect excuse to look back at the films that hit theaters in Decembers past. These movies arrived just as the holiday season was ramping up and the first decade of the millennium was coming to a close. Whether they were animated fairy tales, prestige dramas, or unexpected cult favorites, each one left its mark in a way that still resonates.
To celebrate turning 15, we’re revisiting the December releases (and one late November title whose cultural moment truly exploded that month) that defined the season. From fantasy adventures to psychological showstoppers and even a talking bear with a tie, here’s a fresh look at five films worth streaming again.
Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel’s story got a buoyant, heartfelt reinvention when Disney introduced Tangled. The classic sheltered princess story was given an overly self-assured thief for a runaway adventure full of lanterns, music, and snarky charm. The film follows Rapunzel as she escapes her tower to see the floating lights she’s dreamed about all her life. It was then that she discovered her strength.
Its reception was instantly warm, with critics praising its animation, humor, and the chemistry between Rapunzel and the smoldering Flynn Rider. The film marked a turning point for Disney’s modern era, blending classic fairy-tale storytelling with the sharper comedic timing that would define the studio’s 2010s resurgence.
Full disclosure – this one came out in late November, but exploded on the scene in December. Full Disclosure #2 – this the my favorite Disney movie. Culturally, society agreed in many ways. Tangled has only grown more beloved, earning a generation of fans who still celebrate its songs, emotional depth, and visual spectacle. The floating lanterns sequence became one of the most iconic animated moments of the decade, and the film’s December boom cemented it as a holiday-season staple for many families.
Stream Tangled on Disney+ here.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
The Pevensies returned to Narnia, this time through a painting, as The Voyage of the Dawn Treader sent Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace aboard Prince Caspian’s majestic ship. Their journey across the Eastern Seas introduced new creatures and settings in an otherworldly take on the balance between courage and temptation.
Reviews highlighted the film’s sense of adventure and visual imagination, even as the franchise shifted studios and slightly adjusted its tone. Moviegoers responded well to the swashbuckling spirit and the emotional beats, particularly Eustace’s character arc, which became one of the story’s lasting takeaways.
In the years since, Dawn Treader has become a sentimental favorite among fans who grew up with the series. Its themes of redemption, identity, and hope have given the film a longer tail than many expected, keeping it alive as a comfort-watch fantasy for audiences rediscovering Narnia.
Stream The Voyage of the Dawn Treader on Disney+ here.
Stream The Voyage of the Dawn Treader on Hulu here.
Black Swan (2010)
Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan follows Nina Sayers, a perfectionist ballerina whose dedication to her craft slowly unravels as she prepares for the role of her life. The film blends psychological horror and artistic obsession as Nina loses her grip on reality while striving to embody both the fragile White Swan and the seductive Black Swan.
Critics celebrated Natalie Portman’s riveting, Oscar-winning performance and the film’s unsettling blend of elegance and dread. Its ballet-meets-nightmare aesthetic quickly became one of the most talked-about cinematic experiences of its year, landing on countless top-ten lists.
Over time, Black Swan has maintained its status as a defining psychological thriller of the 2010s. Its themes of ambition, identity, and self-destruction sparked cultural conversations far beyond movie theaters. The stunning imagery left a haunting memory long after the credits rolled. Its aura has affected all sorts of content ranging from dance documentaries to fashion editorials. Even today, 15 years later, observers still dissect its final act.
Stream Black Swan on Disney+ here.
Stream Black Swan on Hulu here.
Yogi Bear (2010)
Everyone’s favorite picnic-basket enthusiast made his CG-meets-live-action leap in Yogi Bear, which brings Yogi and Boo-Boo into a battle to save Jellystone Park. When the park faces closure, the duo teams up with Ranger Smith and documentary filmmaker Rachel to keep greedy developers from tearing it apart.
Not all the reviews were favorable, but they didn’t all say “Boo-Boo” either. The film earned mixed reviews upon release, but audiences with young kids embraced its bright tone, slapstick energy, and classic cartoon nostalgia. Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake’s voice work gave Yogi and Boo-Boo a modern spark that helped introduce the characters to a new generation.
Over the years, the Jellystone tale found a comfortable home as a family-friendly option on streaming lineups, especially during holiday breaks. Its timeless characters, environmental message, and easygoing charm have helped it maintain a presence (and a warm spot) in the hearts of viewers who grew up with Hanna-Barbera reruns.
Stream Yogi Bear on MAX here.
Stream Yogi Bear on The Roku Channel here.
I Love You Phillip Morris (2010)
This unconventional true-story romance follows charismatic con man Steven Russell, whose life takes a sharp turn after he falls in love with fellow inmate Phillip Morris. The film mixes dark comedy and crime drama while charting Russell’s elaborate schemes to stay connected to the man he loves.
Its reception was notably positive, with critics praising Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor’s performances and the boldness of the film’s tone. Many highlighted how it challenged expectations for both actors, offering roles that were heartfelt, grounded, and refreshingly unpredictable. In 2010, a film choice like this was still seen as a risk and it paid off for all involved here.
As time has passed, I Love You Phillip Morris has become something of a cult favorite thanks to its genre-bending style and sincere portrayal of its central relationship. It stands out as one of the more daring studio-backed releases of the 2010s, earning appreciation for embracing emotional complexity under a glossy comedic surface.
Stream I Love You Phillip Morris on Prime Video here.