Fall Into Media: New Releases for Thanksgiving Break!

By: Maya Doraiswamy

Thanksgiving break arrives as a welcome pause in the midst of fall semester, offering a few precious days to relax, reset, and enjoy wherever the holiday may take you. With a wave of exciting releases right around the corner, the fall holiday season is the perfect opportunity to dive into some highly anticipated media. In this article, I’ll be covering all things new and essential in entertainment—movies, shows, books, and music—to indulge in this upcoming break.

Movies & Shows:

• Wicked: For Good (Nov. 21) - One of my most anticipated releases of the year, the Wicked saga returns with magic, drama, and a long-awaited conclusion. Perfect for fans of musicals, fantasy, and cinematic spectacle, I found the first movie to be visually stunning and emotionally rich, packed with an unforgettable soundtrack, intriguing character dynamics, and profound social commentary.

• Stranger Things Season 5 (Nov. 26) - For “one last adventure,” Netflix’s iconic series drops its final season’s first installment. As truly one of my all-time favorites, I cannot recommend Stranger Things enough as an exciting blend of mystery, thrill, and drama. With beautifully written, complex characters and an intense, gripping storyline, the show has kept me utterly invested since the first season.

• Zootopia 2 (Nov. 26) - Nearly 10 years since the beloved original, Zootopia returns with clever humor and charming characters. A family favorite, I’d say this is a fun classic—perfect for a bit of nostalgia, some laughs, and an easy, entertaining holiday watch.

• Eternity - A new sci-fi romcom set in the afterlife, this movie balances philosophical questions and heartfelt scenes with humorous moments. This would be ideal for watchers wanting something unique, thought-provoking, and funny yet emotional this break.

• Now You See Me: Now You Don’t - The third entry in the illusionist-heist franchise, you can expect witty humor, clever twists, and a fun team dynamic in this film. While it seems to be more of a hit or miss among the masses, it’s certainly fun and energetic if you’re wanting something light and lively for a casual movie night.

• The Black Phone 2 - As a chilling continuation of the hit horror film, if you’re looking to add a thrill to your holiday weekend, this sequel promises scares and suspense with an intense, supernatural storyline.

Books:

• Coldwire by Chloe Gong - A futuristic cyber-punk thriller set across real and virtual worlds. With sharp social commentary and interesting character dynamics, this is a must-read for sci-fi fans and one of the most highly anticipated YA releases of 2025.

• Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson - The latest book by one of my favorite murder mystery authors to date, this has been an eagerly awaited novel for myself. A witty, twisty read mixing humor, heartfelt emotion, and suspense, the story centers on a girl who must essentially solve her own murder. With a plot that intrigued me like no other, this book keeps you deeply invested as such a fresh and clever mystery.

• The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer - A richly atmospheric fantasy set in a world of curses, secrets, and magic-laced politics. This is perfect for those looking to lose themselves in an immersive, captivating storyline blending elements of murder mystery and fantasy.

• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - The latest addition to The Hunger Games universe, this was an automatic must-read for myself. Completely obsessed since reading the books as a child, I find myself constantly returning to both the book and movie versions. If you’re looking for powerful and enthralling storytelling, profound social commentary, and, in my opinion, one of the greatest fantasy series in our generation’s literature, The Hunger Games would be my first recommendation.

• I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang - Focused on a young girl wishing she could be the “perfect daughter,” this is a powerful contemporary exploring identity, self-discovery, and the pressures placed on teens. Written by a favorite author of mine, this is a compelling pick for readers wanting something unique, emotionally resonant, and richly introspective.

Music:

• So Close to What (Deluxe) - Tate McRae (Nov. 21)

• Play (Deluxe) - Ed Sheeran (Nov. 28) 

• Everyone’s A Star - 5 Seconds of Summer

• Ultrasound - The Neighbourhood

• Wishbone - Conan Gray

• I Barely Know Her - Sombr

• Man’s Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter

• Friday I’m In Love/Just Like Heaven - Olivia Rodrigo

• MAYHEM - Lady Gaga

• Dracula - Tame Impala

• The Life of a Showgirl - Taylor Swift

As we approach an eagerly awaited Thanksgiving break, take this time to appreciate what makes this season feel special—loved ones, relaxation, and joyful activities—and allow yourself to indulge a little. Especially amid the stress of countless responsibilities carried by students and teachers alike, it becomes all the more important to carve out moments of simple enjoyment. So, whether you find yourself curling up with a gripping new book, queuing the most anticipated screen releases, or curating new music for the perfect fall playlist, I hope this compilation helps enrich your break with all the fun that media has to offer!