2020’s been a slow year for all of us. Cinemas were closed for a while and many productions were put on hold. It’s no overstatement to say that we’ve only made it through the boredom because of our onscreen heroes.

As we celebrate the end of this year, we look forward to the films and shows coming to our screens. Whether you’re finally visiting the theatres again, or potato-ing your life away in front of the TV this December, rest assured, there’s a show for everyone on our watchlist.

Here are our top 11 shows to look forward to this holiday season:

For the Cinephiles

1. The Promised Neverland

Based on the popular prison break manga, The Promised Neverland follows the story of three orphans, Emma, Ray and Norman from Grace field house. As they discover the dark secret behind the orphanage and recognise the paradise they grew up in to be a façade, the children come up with a dangerous plan to escape Grace field house with their siblings.

In theatres: 18 December

2. The Cursed Lesson

If you love a good horror flick, this one is right up your dark alley. Lee Chae Young stars as an online fashion model who joins a mysterious yoga class that promises to help her achieve a perfect body shape. Trouble ensues as the police investigate a neighbourhood murder committed by a former student of the yoga class.

To all the yoga-enthusiasts out there, you might want to cancel your Classpass membership after this one.

In theatres: 26 November

3. The Diam Diam Era

The latest Jack Neo film documents the changes to Singapore from 1976 until the late 1980s. Through the experiences and tribulations of the second generation of Zhao Di’s and Ah Kun’s family, the film explores the attitudes, life views and differences between the two generations, as they take on different stances in response to the government’s policies.

In theatres: 26 November 2020

4. Josee

A Korean remake of the 2003 Japanese film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, the movie tells the story of a disabled woman (played by Han Ji Min) who reimagines her own world through the books she reads. She introduces herself as Josee to Yeong Seok (Nam Joo Hyuk), and as he approaches her slowly and sincerely, the couple experience first love and heartbreak in all its joys and pains.

This film marks a second collaboration between Nam Joo Hyuk and Han Ji Min, after their critically acclaimed 2019 drama, The Light in Your Eyes, leaving us with little doubt about the chemistry between the leads.

In theatres: 10 December

5. Not My Mother’s Baking

In this locally made film by director Remi M Sali and executive producer Ho Pak Kin of Studio59 Concepts, the daughter of Malay-Muslim celebrity chef falls in love with son of Chinese roast pork seller — what ensues is an exploration of the nuances of cross-cultural relationships, while addressing sensitivities pertaining to race and religion in Singapore.

In theatres: 10 December

For the Netflix Bingers

6. Run On

If you’re up for a sweet romantic Korean drama, look no further. Run On tells the story of a former sprinter who always speeds ahead, and a movie translator, who constantly needs to rewind to the past. At their respective paces, the two meet in the middle and embark on a sweet romance together.

Release date: 16 December

7. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

With critically acclaimed performances by the late Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom centres around a recording session of the legendary “Mother of Blues”, Ma Rainey in 1927 Chicago. As Ma fights her white manager and producer over the control of her music, Boseman’s character, an ambitious trumpeteer named Levee, works to start his own band.

The film marks Boseman’s last appearance before his passing in August earlier this year.

Release date: 25 November

8. Bridgerton

If you are a fan of Julia Quinn’s romance novels or are a sucker for period dramas, then look no further. The first of her novels to be adapted to screenplay, Bridgerton tells the story of eight siblings as they each search for love in Regency- era London.

Shonda Rhimes took on the task of adapting Quinn’s quirky romance novels into this Netflix series, and has been working on it since 2018. With successful shows like Grey’s Anatomy under her belt, Bridgerton is a Christmas binge session we look forward to.

Release date: 25 December

9. The Prom

This musical comedy boasts star power, as it features big names in Hollywood: Meryl Streep, James Corden and Nichole Kidman. Based on the popular Broadway musical of the same name, The Prom follows a group of has-been Broadway stars as they rally behind a teen who wants to attend prom with her girlfriend. From the creator of Glee, Ryan Murphy, we’re expecting a lot of big jazzy numbers and snappy comedic moments.

Release date: 11 December

For Fans of TV

10. The Great British Bake Off: Christmas Special

Get in the mood for the holiday season by adding a little Christmas sparkle from your telly. The iconic Bake Off hosts merry bakers from past editions Paul, Prue, Noel, and Sandi to compete in festive-themed challenges. They just may inspire you to get into the kitchen and start planning those Christmas bakes yourself! Available on BBC Lifestyle (StarHub Channel 432) and BBC Player.

Release date: 10 December

For the Sports Fans

11. ONE Championship

Last but not least, here’s one for the MMA fans out there. The ONE Championship match will be broadcasting live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium. ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia defends his belt against human wrecking ball Murat Aygun, in this exciting final match.