Reelixa Logo

Reelixa

Your source of reviews and news about movies

Best movies to watch on new year's eve

Celebrate the end of the year and the promise of new beginnings with a selection of films perfect for the occasion. From heartwarming romances to quirky comedies, these movies capture the spirit of the holiday.

About Time
The Apartment
When Harry Met Sally...

New Year's Eve holds a unique place in our collective imagination. It's a night steeped in tradition, reflection on the past year, and hopeful anticipation for the future. It's no wonder that filmmakers have long been drawn to this moment, using the stroke of midnight as a powerful narrative device.

Movies set around New Year's Eve often explore themes of change, second chances, and the courage to pursue dreams or mend relationships. The countdown to midnight serves as a natural climax, a point where decisions are made, confessions are whispered, and resolutions are born. Rom-coms frequently utilize this setting for grand romantic gestures or pivotal moments of realization, while dramas might use it to highlight isolation or the weight of past choices.

Beyond the glitz and parties, New Year's Eve in film often taps into something more universal: the human desire for a fresh start. Whether it's a classic from the golden age of Hollywood or a modern ensemble piece, these films remind us that even as one year ends, the possibility of a new one is always just around the corner. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these movies set the mood for ringing in the new year.

14. Four Rooms (1995)

Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Alexandre Rockwell, and Allison Anders each directed a segment of the anthology film Four Rooms, all set in a single hotel on New Year's Eve. Tim Roth plays Ted, the hapless bellhop who is the only connecting thread between the four bizarre and comedic stories unfolding in different rooms. It's a wild, uneven, but often entertaining ride through a very unusual New Year's Eve night, showcasing the distinct styles of the four directors.

Four Rooms

13. The Family Stone (2005)

The Family Stone centers around a quirky, bohemian family gathering for Christmas, with the arrival of their conservative eldest son's girlfriend shaking things up considerably. While primarily a Christmas film, the holiday period often extends through New Year's Eve, and the film captures the intensity and sometimes awkward dynamics of spending extended time with family during this reflective season. With a fantastic ensemble cast, it's a film full of both humor and heartfelt moments about acceptance and belonging.

The Family Stone

12. The Holiday (2006)

Nancy Meyers' The Holiday is a transatlantic romantic comedy that sees two women, one from California and one from England, swap homes for the Christmas and New Year period to escape their relationship problems. The film follows their respective adventures and burgeoning romances in their new surroundings. Set against the backdrop of the cozy holiday season, it's a charming and feel-good movie that's perfect for snuggling up with as the year ends and a new one begins.

The Holiday

11. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones's Diary introduces us to the delightfully relatable Bridget Jones as she navigates her love life and career in London. The film famously begins with Bridget making her New Year's resolutions, setting the stage for her year of hilarious misadventures. While spanning more than just the holiday, the themes of self-improvement and new beginnings feel perfectly aligned with the spirit of the New Year. Renée Zellweger's portrayal of Bridget is iconic, and the film's blend of humor and charm is irresistible.

Bridget Jones's Diary

10. Love Actually (2003)

Richard Curtis's ensemble rom-com Love Actually weaves together multiple storylines exploring different facets of love during the Christmas and New Year holiday season in London. While primarily set around Christmas, the film features a sweet and chaotic New Year's Eve party scene where several of the plotlines converge. With its huge cast of beloved actors and its mix of humor and heart, it's become a modern holiday classic perfect for watching as the year draws to a close.

Love Actually

9. The New Year Parade (2008)

The New Year Parade is a poignant independent film that follows two working-class families in Philadelphia as they prepare for and participate in the city's unique Mummers Parade on New Year's Day. The film offers a realistic and often tough look at family dynamics, tradition, and the challenges of everyday life. It's a film grounded in authenticity, capturing the specific culture and community spirit surrounding this annual Philadelphia event. It's a slice-of-life drama worth seeking out.

8. The New Year (2010)

The New Year is a quiet, character-driven drama centered around a young woman living with Lupus in a small town in Maine. As the New Year approaches, she finds herself re-evaluating her life, her relationships, and her future. The film offers an intimate and sensitive portrayal of dealing with chronic illness and the universal human desire for connection and hope as one year turns into the next. It's a subdued but affecting film that focuses on personal journeys during a time of reflection.

7. New Year's Day (2000)

New Year's Day follows a young man who wakes up on January 1st to discover he is the last person alive in London. This British indie film takes a unique, post-apocalyptic premise and turns it into a character study about isolation and the search for meaning. As he wanders through the deserted city, he reflects on the past year and the choices that led him to this strange new beginning. It's a thought-provoking and atmospheric film that offers a starkly different take on the traditional New Year's narrative.

6. 200 Cigarettes (1999)

200 Cigarettes offers a stylish and slightly chaotic look at a group of interconnected young people navigating love, friendship, and disappointment on New Year's Eve 1981 in New York City. Featuring a fantastic ensemble cast including Paul Rudd, Courtney Love, Kate Hudson, and Ben Affleck, the film jumps between different storylines as everyone heads towards the same party. It's a snapshot of a specific time and place, filled with the anxieties and possibilities of ringing in a new year when you're young and finding your way.

200 Cigarettes

5. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Is there a more quintessential romantic comedy than When Harry Met Sally...? Nora Ephron's witty script and Rob Reiner's direction perfectly capture the evolution of a relationship over years. The film famously culminates in a New Year's Eve scene that is both climactic and utterly romantic, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have undeniable chemistry, and the film's exploration of friendship and love still resonates deeply today. Plus, the 'I'll have what she's having' scene is legendary for a reason!

When Harry Met Sally...

4. The Apartment (1960)

Billy Wilder's classic The Apartment is a masterpiece of filmmaking, blending comedy, drama, and romance with unparalleled skill. While set across several months, it features one of cinema's most iconic and poignant New Year's Eve scenes. Jack Lemmon plays a timid insurance clerk who lends his apartment to executives for their affairs, leading to complicated and heartfelt situations. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its sophisticated storytelling and sharp dialogue remain timeless. It's a must-watch for any film lover.

The Apartment

3. About Time (2013)

About Time is a charming and insightful film that uses a unique premise – the ability to travel back in time – to explore the simple yet profound beauty of everyday life. While not exclusively a New Year's film, a pivotal and incredibly sweet scene takes place on New Year's Eve, marking a significant turning point for the protagonist, Tim. Directed by Richard Curtis (known for Love Actually), this movie will make you appreciate the small moments and the people you share them with. It's a truly moving experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

About Time

2. New Year's Eve (2011)

Garry Marshall's New Year's Eve brings together a constellation of stars for a series of interconnected stories all unfolding on the most anticipated night of the year in New York City. From a pregnant woman rushing to give birth to a cynical man stuck in an elevator with Michelle Pfeiffer, the film captures the diverse hopes, dreams, and anxieties that converge as the ball drops in Times Square. It's a feel-good ensemble piece that reminds us of the possibilities and second chances that a new year can bring. Keep an eye out for surprising cameos and heartwarming moments!

New Year's Eve

1. Happy New Year (2014)

Kick off your New Year's festivities with the Bollywood action-comedy extravaganza, Happy New Year! Directed by Farah Khan, this film is a high-octane heist caper wrapped in a dance competition. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and a stellar ensemble cast, it follows a group of lovable losers who plan to steal diamonds during a world dance championship in Dubai. Expect dazzling visuals, catchy music, and a whole lot of heart. It's a film that's big, bold, and perfect for a fun group watch as the clock ticks towards midnight!

Happy New Year

More related articles about recommended movies and TV shows