Every New Year is a time to reflect on the past and set your resolutions for the coming year. It can also be a time to enjoy some good movies! If you’re looking for something to watch on 31 December, here are 17 great New Year’s Eve-themed films that will help get you into the spirit of this hopeful holiday.
From light-hearted comedies to heartwarming tales, there’s something for everyone on this list. So sit back, relax, and ring in the new year with some of your favourite characters on the big screen!
1. New Year’s Eve (2011)
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than by watching a classic romantic comedy? Sleepless in Seattle is the perfect New Year’s Eve movie. It’s funny, heartwarming, and features an all-star cast, including Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
The plot of the movie revolves around a widower, raising his son on his own, who falls in love with a woman he listens to through a radio show. Even though they’ve never met before, the two share a connection that seems destined to last a lifetime.
Starring: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Héctor Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank, and Sofía Vergara.
2. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than by watching a classic romantic comedy? Sleepless in Seattle is the perfect New Year’s Eve movie. It’s funny, heartwarming, and features an all-star cast, including Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
The plot of the movie revolves around a widower who falls in love with a woman he meets on the radio. Even though they’ve never met in person, the two share a connection that seems destined to last a lifetime.
Sleepless in Seattle is the perfect New Year’s Eve movie because it reminds us that love can happen when we least expect it. So curl up with your loved ones on New Year’s Eve and enjoy this classic romantic comedy.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger, and Rob Reiner.
3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally is a great film to watch on New Year’s Eve, the story follows Harry and Sally as they meet, become friends, and eventually fall in love. The film is full of humour and heart, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Furthermore, it’s the perfect movie to watch with a loved one. So if you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve movie that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again, look no further than When Harry Met Sally.
Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, and Bruno Kirby.
4. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
New Year’s Eve is a special time of the year when people stay up late to watch the ball drop and celebrate the start of a new year. For many, it’s also a time to watch their favourite New Year’s Eve movie.
While You Were Sleeping is a popular New Year’s Eve movie. The heartwarming romantic comedy tells the story of an unassuming woman (played by Sandra Bullock) who saves a stranger’s life and is mistaken for his fiancee. As she gets to know his family and friends, she starts to fall for him.
The film is full of laughs, love, and New Year’s Eve cheer. It’s the perfect movie to watch with friends or family on New Year’s Eve.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Glynis Johns, and Jack Warden.
5. About Time (2013)
New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times for people to watch movies. There are so many great New Year’s Eve movies out there, and it can be hard to choose which one to watch.
If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve movie that is both heartwarming and funny, then you should definitely check out About Time. The movie is about a man who discovers that he has the ability to travel back in time. He uses his new power to try to make his life better, but he soon discovers that changing the past can have unexpected consequences.
About Time is a great New Year’s Eve movie because it has both a feel-good message and plenty of laughs. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants to ring in the New Year with a smile on their face.
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, and Margot Robbie.
6. Rent (2005)
What better way to ring in the New Year than with a great cheery movie? Rent is the perfect film for anyone looking for an uplifting and feel-good way to celebrate the coming of the new year. The 2005 musical drama tells the story of a group of friends struggling to make ends meet in New York City’s East Village.
While the film covers some heavy topics, including addiction and HIV/AIDS, it ultimately celebrates life, love, and friendship. With an all-star cast that includes Taye Diggs, Rosario Dawson, and Tracie Thoms, Rent is a New Year’s Eve must-watch.
Starring: Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, and Tracie Thoms.
7. A Lot Like Love (2005)
New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest movie nights of the year. Whether you’re staying in to avoid the cold or hosting a party, there’s nothing like ringing in the New Year with a good movie. If you’re looking for something light and romantic, A Lot Like Love is a perfect choice.
A Lot Like Love stars Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet as two strangers who keep crossing paths over the course of seven years. Though their relationship starts off as casual, it gradually becomes clear that they are perfect for each other. New Year’s Eve is all about new beginnings, and A Lot Like Love is a charming reminder that sometimes the best things come to those who wait.
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Amanda Peet, Kathryn Hahn, Kal Penn, Ali Larter, Taryn Manning, and Tyrone Giordano
8. Phantom Thread (2017)
If you’re looking for a heartwarming New Year’s movie that will make you laugh and cry, then look no further than Phantom Thread. The film follows the unlikely romance between a young woman and a talented fashion designer, set against the backdrop of the glamorous world of 1950s London. Newcomer Vicky Krieps delivers a standout performance as Alma, the strong-willed woman who comes into Reynolds’ life and turns it upside down.
With its stunning costumes and beautiful cinematography, Phantom Thread is a visual feast for the eyes. So curl up on the couch with your loved ones and get ready to ring in the New Year with this unforgettable film.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, and Vicky Krieps.
9. Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2021)
New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and that means it’s time for another Snoopy Presents special! On this one, the lovable beagle is teaming up with Woodstock to ring in the new year with a bang.
In For Auld Lang Syne, the pair travel back in time to New Year’s Eve’s past, learning about the origins of some of our most cherished traditions along the way. From ringing in the New Year with a kiss to making resolutions for the future, this fun-filled adventure is sure to get you into the spirit of celebrations.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute New Year’s Eve movie or just want to start your year off with a little bit of laughter, be sure to check out Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.
Starring: Etienne Kellici, Isabella Leo, Wyatt White, Terry McGurrin, Rob Tinkler, Hattie Kragten, Lexi Perri, Holly Gorski, and Caleb Bellavance.
10. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986)
The classic Christmas special Happy New Year, Charlie Brown first aired in 1986. The special follows Charlie Brown and the gang as they prepare for New Year’s Day. From decorating their tree to attending a New Year’s Eve party, the characters are busy celebrating the holiday.
Despite some setbacks, they all have a wonderful time. In the end, Charlie Brown learns an important lesson about New Year’s resolutions. Over three decades later, Happy New Year, Charlie Brown remains one of the most beloved New Year’s Eve movies of all time. So if you’re looking for a little holiday cheer this New Year’s Eve, be sure to add it to your movie night list.
Starring: Chad Allen, Jeremy Miller, Melissa Guzzi, Elizabeth Lyn Fraser, Aron Mandelbaum, Jason Mendelson, Kristie Baker, and Bill Melendez.
11. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones’s Diary follows the titular character, played by Renee Zellweger, as she navigates her way through single life in London. From disastrous dates to workplace mishaps, Bridget’s journey is both relatable and hilarious.
However, despite her many misadventures, she never loses sight of her ultimate goal: finding true love. So whether you’re single or taken, this movie is sure to put a smile on your face and remind you that anything is possible in the New Year.
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, and Gemma Jones.
12. Ghostbusters II (1989)
f you’re looking to start off the new year with loads of laughs, few films are as funny as Ghostbusters II. The sequel to the 1984 original follows the further adventures of the Ghostbusters team as they battle a new paranormal threat that has emerged and is threatening the safety of New York and its resident.
Even if you’re not a fan of comedy, Ghostbusters II is still worth watching; thanks to its special effects and vibrant New York setting, the film has become something of a holiday classic. So whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a New Year’s Eve party, be sure to include Ghostbusters II in your festivities.
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts.
13. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
While there are many great films to choose from, one that always stands out is Waiting to Exhale. Released in 1995, Waiting to Exhale follows the lives of four African-American women as they navigate love, loss, and friendships. Starring an all-star cast including Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, and Loretta Devine, the film was a critical and commercial success.
In addition to being a feel-good movie, Waiting to Exhale also features one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve scenes in movie history. So whether you’re looking for a laugh or a few tears, be sure to add Waiting to Exhale to your New Year’s Eve watch list!
Starring: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon.
14. Diner (1982)
Looking for a New Year’s Eve movie that’s classic but still feels relevant? Look no further than Diner (1982). Set in Baltimore in 1959, the film follows a group of friends as they navigate their way through young adulthood.
The characters are incredibly relatable, and the film perfectly captures the ambience of a bygone era. Even though it is set over 50 years ago, the themes of friendship and love are timeless. So if you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve movie that you can really get lost in, Diner is an ideal choice.
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, Timothy Daly, and Ellen Barkin.
15. An Affair to Remember (1957)
One of the most iconic New Year’s Eve movies is An Affair to Remember. The movie is about a man and a woman who meet on a ship and fall in love, but they are both already engaged to other people. They agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building on New Year’s Eve, but the woman is hit by a car and becomes paralysed. The man goes to her hospital room on New Year’s Eve, and they declare their love for each other.
The movie is a classic romance, so if you are looking for a New Year’s Eve movie that will give you feel all the feels, then An Affair to Remember is the movie to watch.
Starring: Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, and Richard Denning.
16. Lady Bird (2017)
There are many great New Year’s Eve movies to choose from, but one of the more recent favourites is Lady Bird. Lady Bird is a coming-of-age movie that follows the main character, Christine McPherson, as she navigates her high school senior year in Sacramento, California.
The movie captures the uncertainty and excitement of teenage years, and its relatable characters make it a perfect choice for a New Year’s Eve film. So if you’re looking for a great movie to watch on New Year’s Eve, be sure to check out Lady Bird!
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Lois Smith.
17. Money Train (1995)
Money Train is a New Year’s Eve movie that is sure to get you in the mood for celebrating. The movie follows two estranged brothers who work as New York City subway train conductors. When they learn that their jobs are in jeopardy, they devise a plan to rob the city’s transit authority.
The movie is full of action and suspense and is sure to get your heart pumping. So, if you are looking for a New Year’s Eve movie that will get you energised and pumped for the new year, be sure to check out Money Train.
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Blake, and Chris Cooper.
We hope our list of the best 17 New Year’s Eve movies has inspired you to spend your evening in front of the TV with some snacks and drinks, enjoying one (or more!) of these classics.
From nostalgic classics to laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone on this list. So curl up on the couch, pop some popcorn and get ready to ring in the new year with a smile on your face.