The New Year is here and it should start with a grand celebration. Find out some of the best NYE movies that you can watch to embark on 2025 with full motivation.
2025 is starting soon and there is a festive essence in the air. When the New Year comes, every individual looks forward to more resolutions, goals, and ideas in life and it requires a fair dose of passion and motivation to achieve them. Movies best sources of motivation in life as they imitate the reality of humans. Whether it is romantic, fiction, or non-fiction; all kinds of movies carry a message that can inspire the audiences. Let’s find out some of the best films to start your New Year with a new you.
34 Movies that You Can Watch on New Year’s Eve
- The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
If you like musical dramas then this film can intrigue you. It is an adaptation of the most iconic musicals which revolves around the story of a young soprano who gets obsessed with a masked musician. While the characters are musically talented, there is a hefty dose of emotions which makes it a perfect starter for your New Year’s Eve movie marathon. Starting from the costume to the set design and the chemistry between the two graceful characters; you will enjoy every bit of it.
- Holidate (2020)
Rom-com movies will always have a special place in everyone’s heart and ‘Holidate’ must be one of them. The film was released in 2020 and the main cast includes Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey. They played the characters of two strangers who got frustrated with the idea of staying single during the holiday season and they pretended to be in a relationship. It starts with a fake presentation for friends and family but just like most other romantic stories, they fall in love, and this time, really!
- About a Boy (2002)
This holiday classic is nothing but a burst of motivation with a greater perspective on life. Hugh Grant played the character of the protagonist Marcus who is a womanizing bachelor. He started meeting single moms at the single parent meetings but instead of a mom, he finds troubled teens seeking help, or let’s say looking for a friend. The relationship between these two old and young male, when they talk about the responsibilities of their lives, is truly captivating and wholesome.
- Tick, Tick … BOOM! (2021)
It is not about a bomb but it is definitely a bomb of a movie. This semi-autobiographical musical is based on playwright Jonathan Larson who wants to complete writing the best musical before he hits the age of 30 years. But he also understands like the rest of the people that adulating is one of the hardest tasks of life. Somewhere between the hard realities and an immense passion for reaching his goal, Larson does something that can inspire everyone. Andrew Garfield did a great job in playing the character of Jonathan Larson.
- The Holdovers (2023)
This film can offer you a different taste of a slice of life that is relatable, engaging, and intriguing at times. The story revolves around a series of misadventures that bring three people together, a teacher, one of his students, and a cafeteria manager. Life is all about the little things that people often ignore and watching this movie will help you embrace them.
- Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2022)
When Snoopy and Charlie Brown come together, you are bound to have the best holiday ever. This new edition of the classic comic offered a breath of fresh air to Snoopy fans and made them emotional as well. The Peanuts Gang finds out that Grandma will not be able to visit home for Christmas this year and decides to throw the best New Year’s party ever. The happy immersive moments in the film can make your New Year’s Eve memorable.
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
This holiday classic is never going to get old due to its organic beauty. It is not only one of the best rom-com movies but also the best New Year movie that you can watch. There are ample New Year’s Eve scenes that can make your beginning of the New Year even better. Heavily romantic and emotive at the same time, this film is highly recommended for all kinds of movie buffs.
- New Year’s Eve (2011)
Just like the name suggests, this movie was a holiday special by Garry Marshall which embraces positivity on a New Year’s Eve. The movie comes with a weak plot and has not received any critical acclaim. But if you can put away your intellect to have some guilty pleasure, this movie can help you out. The weak storyline is further justified by a massive star cast that includes Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, Luda Chris, and many others.
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
If you are looking for some classic adventure, this movie is a must-see with your family and friends. The ’70s disaster movie is filled with incredible action scenes which are based on a huge luxury cruise ship that gets capsized with a big wave. The accident in the movie takes place on New Year’s Eve which makes it the perfect starter for the year. The film consists of an amazing cast that includes Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Albertson, Red Buttons, Shelley Winters, and many others. Winters has been nominated for the Oscars for her amazing performance.
- Four Rooms (1995)
This story takes place in a hotel room on New Year’s Eve and the rooms inter interconnected. It shows that each room leads to a different story or is more like a movie within a movie that is directed by a different director. Popular directors like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez participated in this twisted concept of the multiverse without any superheroes. The movie is not that great but definitely has some unique elements to offer that can keep you engaged.
- After the Thin Man (1936)
A lot of people are not aware of the prowess of the classic actors and actresses who could offer extraordinary performances in just one or two takes. You can enjoy the rapid-fire charm of William Powell and Myrna Loy’s Nick and Nora in this film which can offer you a cinematic treat. The characters are created by Dashiell Hammett where a couple who gets bored with a tiresome New Year’s Eve also gets involved in solving a mystery. Do they get successful? Watch the movie to find out!
- The Godfather Part II (1972)
Surely, nothing can beat the charm of the first Godfather movie in the trilogy. However, if you take a closer look at the second part of the movie; it has more to say than just killing. The simultaneous display of the past and the present of the godly Italian Mafia family through two generations is truly captivating. Although the movie is not made with a New Year’s mood, it still features a memorable NYE party in Cuba with a special New Year’s kiss that you might never want.
- Carol (2015)
This is an Oscar-nominated romantic film which is starred by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. This film explores the turmoil of two women falling in love who belong to two completely different worlds and have their own individual struggles. This homosexual relationship is taking place in the era of the 1950s and you can imagine how stigmatized it was back then. However, their first kiss takes at New Year’s Eve which makes it a must-watch for all. Beautifully romantic, passionate, and motivating; this film can inspire everyone other than homophobic people.
- An American in Paris (1951)
New Year’s Eve parties are meant to be wild and crazy where everyone can embrace their authentic selves. However, in the earlier days, there were no parties but rather balls where the monochromatic palette sticks to black and white only. With Gene Kelly’s incredible choreography, the movie received a special Oscar at the time along with five other Academy Awards. Kelly is an amazing character who represents an American woman and a French dancer. You can easily find this movie on Amazon Prime.
- Phantom Thread (2017)
There are a lot of luxurious pleasures and Phantom Thread can help you explore some. The story takes place in setting of London in the ’50s where fancy dresses and stately houses are part of it. While the movie is mainly based on a tumultuous relationship, the central idea of it is romantic and poignant but never certain. You can easily find the flick on Netflix.
- The Apartment (1960)
Just like the name suggests, the movie is based on an apartment that is offered by a worker at an insurance company to his friends and executives in New York City for their romantic affairs. In modern days, some might call it a ‘hook-up pad’ but the honesty and raw emotions in this classic are what make it special. All the characters in the story end up in a long festive party in the apartment that starts from Christmas and extends to the New Year. This film by the director of ‘Some Like It Hot’ is truly a modern work when it comes to cinema.
- Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones’s Diary is perhaps the most fascinating New Year movie that starts and ends on New Year’s Eve. The story is based on journal keeping and focused on the central character Renée Zellweger who creates a new testament every year by starting the New Year with a fresh and blank page. The film might even inspire you to start writing a diary which is almost in the modern digital world.
- Diner (1982)
This is a highly creative work by Director Barry Levinson who made this movie in his hometown in Baltimore. This movie was kind of a breakthrough for the director where the story dwells in the era of 1950s. It is about a group of friends who are preparing for a New Year’s Eve wedding. It starts from Christmas and then continues with a series of events which makes it an engaging watch for the audiences.
- Trading Places (1983)
It is hard to find people who do not like a bit of humor or a good course of laughter. Fill your New Year’s Eve with a hefty dose of laughter with the holiday classic ‘Trading Places’. The movie spans from the period from Thanksgiving to New Year and you will be able to catch the festive mood as well. Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd offered great chemistry with their hilarious presence and acting skills that can captivate everyone. Watch this movie to have a good laugh with friends and family.
- Sunset Boulevard (1950)
New Year’s Eve parties are not always crowded but it can sure get crazy. This classic hit is the perfect example of twisted Hollywood where anything can happen. Joe Gillis, the central character finds himself to be the only guest at Norma Desmond’s NYE party. While it can be worse; it can also offer a handful of unexpected turns of events.
- While You Were Sleeping (1995)
For women who fall in love with fictional men and come across real men to find out their dissimilarities, this movie is apt for them. Started by Sandar Bullock and Bill Pullman, the story revolves around a young lady who finds herself in the conflict of choosing between real love and imagined love with a romantic and comedic essence. The conflict takes place on a New Year’s Eve which makes it absolutely perfect for the purpose. This rom-com will stay in your heart for a long time.
- Snowpiercer (2013)
Bong Joon Ho is best known for his amazing movies that show the socio-political structure in an engaging way with a greater sense of rebellion in mind. Those who have already found this taste in ‘Parasite’ will enjoy the honesty of ‘Snowpiercer’ which was released in 2013. Featured by Chris Evans, this sci-fi movie comes with a gripping story of a train that never stops and it takes a whole year for it to revolve around the earth. There is a gruesome New Year scene that can offer you goosebumps. It is one of the greatest movies that can captivate everyone.
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Watching romantic movies on NYE is not a guilty pleasure but has a become ritual for many. This ritual is not completed until you watch ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ which was released three decades back. This emotional tear-jerker is impactful and it goes without saying that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan offered a spectacular on-screen chemistry. You will find your eyes to be watery when the character of Hanks imagines a sweet conversation with his late wife on New Year’s Eve.
- About Time (2013)
There are no respawns in life but what if you could do it a year over again? The main character of the movie seems to perform that as his family members have this weird ability of time traveling. With greater power comes greater responsibilities and what he does do with that? He goes a year back for the kiss that he botched on New Year’s Eve. Fun, wholesome, and a little bit of sci-fi; this movie offers all the ingredients that you might seek on an NYE.
- An Affair to Remember (1957)
This cult classic is also an inspiration for the film ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ which adds more curiosity for the modern movie buffs. It is a highly emotional romantic film that starts on New Year’s Eve rather than ending on it. Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant share a kiss on New Year’s Eve and it is an affair since they are engaged with other people. Fate does not want to get together but they decide to meet at the top of the Empire State Building six months later. Watch to find out what happens next!
- Waiting to Exhale (1995)
This movie starts with New Year and ends with it too. It is a wholesome story based on four women who are friends for life and go through a fair share of ups and downs throughout the whole year. With a greater sense of womanhood, empowerment, and unity; this movie is definitely a fun watch. However, Angela Bassett’s character can be a little scary for you as she torches her man’s car when she finds out that he is cheating on her.
- High School Musical (2006)
High School Musical will be the all-time favorite NYE movie that is filled with a lot of emotions ranging from happiness, and sadness to longing and kindness. Other than the high-octane musical essence in the movie, it also celebrates love and friendship to a whole new level. As a result, the movie has become a favorite of not only kids but the audiences of all ages. Make sure to enjoy the “Start of Something New”.
- Forrest Gump (1994)
If there is any movie character that constantly urges you to become better and kinder to others it has to be none other than Forrest Gump. It is not just about Hank’s marvelous acting skills or Gump’s love for selfish Jenny. Forrest Gump is a movie that can teach you the greatest philosophies of life. Even though there are fair comedic elements; there are also immersive moments that can make you cry. Like Gump’s mama said, “Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what are you gonna get’’. So, embrace every moment you have!
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
The release of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ makes it look cool but can you forget the OG Ghostbusters from the classics? No, it’s not possible. Ghostbusters II offers a finer sequel with a New Year’s Eve-friendly entry in the franchise. The plot is based on evil ooze which is flowing under the streets of New York City and feeding people negativity. Bringing positivity among the cranky New Yorkers is not an easy task and to save the metropolis, they must sing “Auld Lang Syne” to spread some good vibes.
- Sex And the City (2008)
Sex And the City is such a movie that gets better with time. The story of four middle-aged women struggling through their womanhood and love life is something that can engage everyone. Hilarious, emotional, and sometimes very real; this late-’00s nostalgia is a time-high movie to watch. So, why not join Carrie and Miranda to spend New Year’s together? The movie was released back in 2008 and it never felt so relevant before.
- Ocean’s 11 (1960)
No, this is not the modernized version featured by star cast George Clooney or Brad Pitt. This is the OG Ocean’s 11 that created a huge buzz back in the sixties. The classic hit featured Rat Pack and other New Yorker talents to plane a heist that can put everyone at awe. What can be a better time to make a money heist other than the midnight of December 31st, or the arrival of the New Year? This classic will keep you glued to your seat.
- Highball (1997)
Highball is originally the name of a cocktail and this movie is all about the parties. The story revolves around a group of friends who meet each other at three different parties which include a Halloween costume party, a birthday bash, and a New Year’s Eve get-together. The movie is more like a three-act play where you have to figure out things from conversations that take place among the friends. It is one of the earlier works by writer and director Noah Baumbach.
- Money Train (1995)
New Year’s Eve is not just the perfect time for celebration but also for crimes since everyone is busy with the celebration. Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson offer the chemistry of the perfect crime duo that plan a New Year’s Eve heist to rob a train at the NYC subway. Do they get successful? Find out!
- Rent (2005)
All the performers of Rent sang “It’s going to be a Happy New Year” together in the soundtrack and the hook is going to stay in your mind. If you want to explore, you have to watch the movie!
Make sure to watch these movies for an exciting initiation to 2025.
