Top 15 Must-See Movies in Cinemas for December 2023 - Updated

The First Love Chronicles, also known as 14 Again: I Love You Two Thousand, is one of the most anticipated films this holiday season. The story follows Gib and Tor, a couple reunited after many years, who become the 'guardians' of a group of 14-year-olds. Surprising twists bring back their youthful memories, allowing them to relive their teen years and cherish the moments they spent together as 14-year-olds.

Gib and Tor, rejuvenated, look back on the meaningful experiences they shared while growing up. They are swept up in the sweetest moments of adolescence. This film offers a heartfelt look at first love, coming of age, and the happiness found in treasured memories.

Blending romance, humor, and maturity, The First Love Chronicles promises to deliver an emotional and relaxing experience for viewers. The film showcases beautiful imagery and meaningful dialogue, along with messages about the value of love and friendship. A heartwarming romantic film, it is a must-watch this December, offering audiences a delightful journey through youth and sweet memories.

Napoleon's Empire is a globally acclaimed film hitting theaters this December, directed by Ridley Scott. The film offers an authentic portrayal of the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his early days as a young artillery officer to his rise as the ruler of France, and the subsequent years of his downfall. The movie is expected to run for over 3 hours and focuses on the passionate romance between Napoleon and Josephine, alongside the brutal battles that defined his reign.

The film provides a unique look at the intense and romantic relationship between Napoleon and Josephine, while also diving into the emperor’s journey to power. It highlights his emotions and personal struggles, with the trailer already leaving a strong impression on viewers through its breathtaking visuals and realistic depictions of historic battles. Expect dramatic and bloody war scenes, as the movie brings Napoleon’s legendary empire to life.

Napoleon's Empire is set to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience, blending romance and action as it explores the life and career of one of history's most formidable leaders. The film will also immerse audiences in the bloody battlefields and pivotal decisions Napoleon faced in building the French Empire.

The Truth From the Lips is a movie releasing on December 2nd, based on the story of Carla Bhem, a secretary at a real estate company called Sédim. Despite her hard work, she is underpaid and unfairly treated by her boss, leading to a lonely and sad existence. Her life takes a turn when Paul Angéli, a 25-year-old recently released from prison with no experience in real estate, enters the scene. Despite the odds, a romantic bond begins to develop between Carla and Paul.

The film delves into the evolution of Carla and Paul’s relationship and the obstacles they must overcome. It presents an emotional love story filled with the struggles between love and the harsh realities of life. With stellar performances from the lead actors, The Truth From the Lips promises to evoke deep emotions and reflection on love, justice, and the potential for change in a challenging environment. The film is rated 18+, so viewers should be mindful when heading to theaters.

The Soul Eater is a chilling horror film hitting theaters this December, continuing the success of the previous Tết horror movie, Hell Village. This installment expands on the story and uncovers the dark origins of a gruesome ancient ritual known as the 'human skull wine' in a haunted village.

The brief trailer gives a glimpse into the dark lore surrounding the 'human skull wine,' a deadly concoction that, according to legend, grants the drinker the ability to possess the body and soul of another. Alongside this horrifying mystery, the film dives deeper into various elements of Vietnamese folklore. The trailer also teases a rat wedding scene and showcases traditional Vietnamese cultural motifs such as water puppetry, imperial pavilions, and folk poetry.

Upon the trailer’s release, The Soul Eater has generated significant excitement among audiences, eager to explore the unexplained supernatural events that were left out in the previous film set in Hell Village. Viewers are looking forward to spine-tingling horror scenes and tense, disturbing moments as the story unfolds in the eerie world of 'The Soul Eater.'

The Sun Walker is a film centered around two vampire siblings, Marco and Nhật, who have lived a mysterious life for 400 years. They have kept their true identities hidden from humans, aware that revealing themselves could lead to serious complications.

However, a human girl uncovers their secret, setting the stage for a thrilling series of events. Marco, the older brother, is determined to track down the girl to protect their vampire secret, while his younger brother, Nhật, races against time to safeguard her life. The tension between the siblings and their chase for the girl creates the most intense and gripping moments in the film.

The Sun Walker promises to captivate audiences with its action-packed sequences and tense chases. The film explores the clash between humans and vampires, weaving in elements of romance and sacrifice. It is set to be an exciting experience for fans of action and vampire genres this December.

Wonka (2023) is a musical comedy infused with elements of magic, telling the story of the young Willy Wonka, who later becomes the owner of the Chocolate Factory in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' Directed by Paul King, the mastermind behind the successful Paddington films and a key contributor to the Harry Potter films, this movie promises to be a quality production.

The plot of Wonka 2023 follows the journey of Willy Wonka as a young man. He sees himself as a magician, chocolatier, and inventor, but the local chocolate market is dominated by a cartel, making it difficult for anyone, including him, to succeed in the business. However, Willy creates a magical flying chocolate that captivates the town, eventually leading him to build his own chocolate factory and empire.

Wonka promises to deliver plenty of lighthearted humor mixed with magical moments, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Through the tale of Willy Wonka, audiences will discover the origins and early journey of the famous Chocolate Factory owner. This film is set to provide an entertaining and joyful experience, bringing excitement and fun to audiences this holiday season.

The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka) is an animated film released this December, carrying the signature style of Studio Ghibli. The first trailer has sparked excitement for the return of this renowned studio to the big screen. Stepping into this enchanting world, viewers will embark on thrilling adventures alongside captivating characters. This emotionally rich story promises to be a highly engaging experience.

The film begins with Masato, who faces the heartbreaking loss of his mother during the Battle of Tokyo in 1944. His father remarries Natsuko, the younger sister of his late wife, and the family moves to Natsuko’s peaceful countryside home. Masato’s new life is filled not only with challenges at school but also with complex relationships, particularly his connection with Natsuko, who is pregnant.

The Boy and the Heron offers audiences not only the breathtaking visuals and exquisite animation Studio Ghibli is known for but also a deeply emotional narrative about family, love, and the search for life’s meaning. The film promises to deliver heartfelt moments and a profound message about humanity during this year’s holiday season.

Breathless is a must-see film this December. It follows the story of a roaming criminal, played by Jean-Paul Belmondo, and his American girlfriend, portrayed by Jean Seberg. This is a standout role in Belmondo's acting career.

The movie delivers a thrilling, suspense-filled narrative with captivating twists. Audiences will follow the life of the wandering criminal and his complicated relationship with his American girlfriend. This role marks a significant breakthrough for Jean-Paul Belmondo, showcasing his versatility and exceptional performance in character portrayal.

Unlike classic films that evoke nostalgia for a past era, Godard's work is modern, bold, and groundbreaking, making it a true cinematic experience. The language and style take center stage, with traditional elements like plot, tension, and character development taking a backseat, creating a looser, more experimental form. Don't miss Breathless in theaters nationwide on December 16th.

Parrot & Heron Adventure: The Mysterious Jewel is an animated movie for children set to release this December. The story follows Richard, a parrot raised among herons, who is confident in his bravery and believes he's destined to lead the flock. However, the leadership position is given to a heron named Marx, leaving Richard frustrated and determined to leave the group.

On his solo journey, Richard stumbles upon a group of sparrows held captive by the evil peacock, Zamano. To gain their freedom, the sparrows need to find a precious jewel. Richard decides to join forces with his new friends to form a courageous and united team in search of the mysterious jewel. Exciting and thrilling adventures await as the characters discover the true value of friendship, courage, and teamwork.

Parrot & Heron Adventure: The Mysterious Jewel is a heartwarming animated film that offers young audiences lovable, humorous, and touching stories. Through exploring the world and overcoming challenges together, the characters will inspire children with positive messages about bravery, unity, and friendship. Get ready to embark on a colorful, fun-filled adventure with Richard and his companions!

Aquaman 2 and the Lost Kingdom is one of the most anticipated blockbuster films releasing this December. The movie takes us back into the thrilling adventures of Aquaman, focusing on his clash with the formidable foe, Black Manta, in this highly awaited sequel.

Although Black Manta suffered a defeat in the previous film, he is far from giving up on his vengeance. Now more dangerous than ever, he harnesses the power of the legendary Black Trident, unleashing an ancient, dark force. To confront this looming threat, Aquaman must team up with his estranged brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Together, they form an unexpected alliance, putting aside personal differences to defend Atlantis, Aquaman's family, and even the world from the brink of destruction.

Aquaman 2 and the Lost Kingdom promises to deliver a cinematic experience filled with jaw-dropping action sequences, stunning visual effects, and a captivating narrative. Don’t miss the return of Aquaman and the heart-pounding adventures that await when the film hits theaters nationwide on December 22.

At the Table, Under the Scheme is an intriguing Vietnamese film that centers on friendship and love among a group of close-knit friends. During their pursuit of dreams and life plans, they unexpectedly get caught up in a dark and unforeseen conspiracy.

The main characters include Gạo (played by Diệu Nhi), a carefree girl; Du Lai (played by Khả Như), a clumsy woman; Triệu (played by Thúy Ngân), a hot-tempered girl; and Trí (played by Kiều Minh Tuấn), a creative soul. Together, they embark on an adventure full of twists and surprises.

This film brings plenty of humor and suspense, promising an engaging entertainment experience. It explores the bond between friends and the challenges they unexpectedly face. From comical situations to deeper reflections on friendship and loyalty, At the Table, Under the Scheme continues to showcase the power of human connection and the strength that unity brings in overcoming obstacles.

The Demon Dog is a Vietnamese horror film released at the end of 2023. The story begins with a horrific event where a man returns to his hometown to arrange his father's funeral while keeping a secret about his girlfriend's pregnancy. During the funeral preparations, Nam experiences a terrifying dream where he sees his family hanging like dogs. That night, his father appears in his dream to warn him that something related to dogs will bring destruction to their family.

The story explores the shifting boundaries between trust and suspicion as Nam investigates the truth behind his haunting dream. With a suspenseful plot and subtle horror elements, The Demon Dog will captivate horror fans who are eager to delve into the mysterious and supernatural. The combination of tense action scenes and spine-chilling moments promises to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.

Siam's Ghost is a standout Thai horror film, set to premiere on December 1st. It promises to deliver a gripping, heart-pounding experience for fans of spine-chilling thrillers. The story revolves around a complex love triangle between three best friends who all fall for the same person. This shared obsession leads them into the world of dark magic. Their once peaceful lives are shattered as they are dragged into a bloody tragedy, and a relentless cycle of revenge is passed down to future generations.

With its captivating plot and distinct Thai cinematic style, Siam's Ghost offers tense and eerie moments throughout. The film delves into the dark corners of human existence and the presence of supernatural forces, creating an atmosphere filled with fear and unease. The mix of spiritual and demonic elements is sure to bring a chilling experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Set to be one of the most exciting horror films of December 2023, Siam's Ghost is sure to leave viewers with a sense of dread, thrilling them with intense, unforgettable moments.

Release Date: 01/12/2023
Director: Jetniphat Sasing
Cast: Lura Chansri, Natthaphon Nindonwai, Phichet Priabyodying, Phornloet Phiphatrungrueang, Ariya Buakong
Genre: Horror, Thriller

Duration: 90 minutes

Striking It Rich is an upcoming film, set for release on December 1st, about the life of Lee Kang-jin, a student who has long been the victim of bullying. His life takes an unexpected turn when he finds an envelope full of cash belonging to a notorious loan shark, Rang. This discovery marks the start of Kang-jin’s dramatic transformation. Rang becomes his mentor, teaching him the art of high-interest lending, turning the quiet and bullied student into a financial powerhouse. Kang-jin soon becomes the king of loans at Geumhwa High School.

The film explores the rapid and bold changes in Kang-jin’s life, showing how financial power and ambition can reshape a person’s destiny. With Rang’s guidance, Kang-jin becomes a 'genius' in the school’s loan business, using his newfound wealth to rise to the top.

With a blend of humor and suspense, Striking It Rich promises to entertain viewers with its entertaining storyline, while also offering insights into the value of success, power, and wealth. The film contrasts the life of a bullied student with his transformation into a loan-sharking mogul, making audiences reflect on the true meaning of success and happiness.

Release Date: 01/12/2023
Director: Hwang Dong-seok
Cast: Yoo Seon-ho, Kang Mi-na, Yoo In-soo, Shin Soo-hyun
Genre: Action, Drama
Duration: 95 minutes

No Close Ties is a Thai film about a group of high school students who share a never-ending passion for filmmaking. The story follows this tight-knit group as they face challenges while working on a short film competition, where they must base their project on the life of a beloved classmate who has passed away.

With very little known about their deceased friend, the group of friends must dig deep to uncover hidden secrets, leading to surprising revelations that could forever change their understanding of their passion for filmmaking. Throughout this journey, they discover new insights about life, friendship, and love.

No Close Ties delivers a heartfelt narrative that underscores the importance of friendship and the beauty of self-exploration. The film offers touching and inspiring moments, with positive messages about overcoming adversity and the strength of personal growth. On December 1st, this touching drama will be officially released at major theaters nationwide.

Release Date: 01/12/2023
Director: Atta Hemwadee
Cast: Ingkarat Damrongsakkul, Pathaseth Kooncharoen, Panachanok Wattanavrangkul, Jirapat Siwakosit, Natticha Chantaravareelrkha
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Duration: 129 minutes