The New Year is almost here, and you may have already made plans—perhaps to watch New Year’s movies with family or a loved one. This article introduces 17 films that are perfect for watching during the New Year. Keep reading to pick a few of your favorites for your viewing pleasure.
Best New Year’s Movies
Here are the 17 best New Year’s Eve movies to watch. Some might not be around the New Year, but they symbolize hope, a new start, or the rebirth of an old thing, from the old year to the new year.
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Trading Places (1983)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, New Year, Christmas
Directed by John Landis, Trading Places tells the story of a wealthy broker Louis Winthorpe III, and a streetwise con artist, Billy Ray Valentine. In the film, their lives are swapped as part of a social experiment by two rich brothers debating nature versus nurture.
The film explores themes of social class and privilege. Due to its sharp satire and humor, this movie has been loved by many audiences. The story spans three holidays including Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Day.
Four Rooms (1995)
Genre: Comedy, Anthology, New Year
Echoing its literal meaning, Four Rooms consists of four independent yet interconnected short stories. Each story takes place on New Year’s Eve in a Los Angeles hotel and revolves around a bellboy named Ted. While the plots of these stories may seem absurd, they also explore aspects of human nature.
At the end of the story, Ted accidentally stops a group of witches from performing a resurrection ritual, becoming a hero. The film ends humorously and absurdly, with Ted reflecting on everything and feeling an unexpected sense of accomplishment.
The Apartment (1960)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, New Year’s Eve
The timeline of this movie spans across Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It tells the story of a young company employee, C.C. Brooks, who provides his apartment for his boss to keep a mistress, only to inadvertently become involved in his own love story. The film is filled with deep portrayals of humanity and emotions, making it a classic masterpiece to watch on New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve (2011)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, New Year’s Eve
The movie tells several intertwined stories set on New Year’s Eve in New York City. The narrative focuses on the characters’ journeys, capturing the beautiful transitions from heartbreak to reconciliation and from setbacks to renewed confidence as they welcome the new year.
The film brings together a star-studded cast, filled with heartfelt moments and humor. It emphasizes New Year’s wishes, second chances, and new beginnings, making it a touching piece for the holiday season.
Last Night (1998)
Genre: Comedy, Sci-fi
Last Night tells the story of people’s different reactions and choices during the final hours before the end of the world. The film is narrated through several different storylines, including family, love, and the completion of a bucket list.
In the end, as the apocalypse arrives, the sky gradually brightens, symbolizing the end of old things and the beginning of a new phase, leaving the audience with much to ponder.
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The Shape of Water (2017)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Elisa, as a marginalized individual in society, leads a simple and lonely life. However, one day, she seems to find her kindred spirit in the captive aquatic creature. Though their communication is silent, it conveys a profound sense of mutual understanding and love. Yet, faced with rejection from everyone around them, can they accomplish this journey of mutual salvation?
Spirited Away (2001)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
Before saving her parents, Chihiro never imagined she would be blessed with friendship and the courage to grow. Everything she encounters in the spirit world becomes an essential part of her bravery, strength, and independence. This film is a story about growth, reflection, and hope, thought-provoking and teaching the simplest yet most important lessons about life and existence.
Big Fish (2003)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Like Edward’s son, you might find yourself questioning the fantastical stories he tells, wondering, “Did these things really happen?” But in the end, you may realize that perhaps the true meaning doesn’t lie in verifying whether the stories are real.
As Emerson once said, “The meaning of life is not in its length but in its depth.” Edward spent his entire life proving that he was always pursuing a profound and meaningful existence. This is definitely one of the most worthwhile New Year’s movies to watch.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
The Fault in Our Stars tells the story of Hazel Grace, who has cancer, and Augustus, who is also battling the disease. The two meet and fall in love, experiencing love, pain, and growth together. Despite the challenges of their illnesses, they bravely pursue the meaning and happiness in life. If you are an emotional person, be prepared with plenty of tissues.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation tells the emotional story of two foreigners living in Tokyo. When washed-up Hollywood star Bob Harris and young American woman Charlotte meet in a city filled with cultural barriers and loneliness, they develop a spiritual connection. The film’s emotional expression is subtle and delicate, showcasing the silent loneliness in the urban jungle of the new era.
Anora (2024)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Anora is a 2024 sci-fi fantasy film that tells the story of Anora, a young woman with the ability to alter the emotions of others, as she escapes the pursuit of the government and tech corporations in a highly advanced future society. In her quest for freedom and self-identity, she forms alliances with like-minded individuals to resist the forces of social control.
The film explores the conflict between technology and emotion, freedom and control, highlighting how an individual struggles to find themselves and defy fate under oppression. If you have watched many classic New Year’s movies and feel bored, don’t miss this innovative movie.
Palm Springs (2020)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Palm Springs (2020) is a sci-fi romantic comedy about two strangers, Nyles and Sarah, who find themselves stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over. As they bond and explore their situation, they navigate the absurdity of endless repetition while reflecting on life, love, and personal growth.
The film blends humor with existential themes, exploring how people find meaning and connection in an otherwise monotonous existence.
The Half of It (2020)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
The Half of It is a coming-of-age drama that follows Ellie Chu, a shy, intelligent high school student, who is hired by a classmate, Paul, to write love letters to his crush, Aster. As Ellie helps Paul express his feelings, she finds herself falling for Aster, creating a complex love triangle.
The film explores themes of identity, friendship, and unrequited love, offering a fresh take on the classic romantic story while highlighting the complexity of self-discovery and human connection.
La La Land (2016)
Genre: Musical, Romance
A musical romance about Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician, who fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. As they face the challenges of their careers, they must make difficult choices that test their relationship, leading to a bittersweet ending that reflects the conflict between love and ambition.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Genre: Romance, Sci-fi
After a breakup, Joel and Clementine decide to erase each other from their memories using a high-tech procedure. As the process unfolds, Joel realizes he still loves Clementine, and the film explores deep themes of love, memory, and loss through a nonlinear narrative.
As one of the best New Year’s Eve movies, this film shows us the power of love that seems to have the ability to make people feel reborn.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Genre: Romance, Drama
This film follows Jesse, an American traveler, and Celine, a French woman, who meet on a train and decide to spend a night together in Vienna. For 24 hours, they form a deep emotional connection, exploring the fleeting yet meaningful nature of intimacy and human connection.
The Notebook (2004)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ novel, this romantic drama tells the story of Noah and Allie’s love. The film shows their youthful romance and how, years later, they cope with the challenges of aging and memory loss, emphasizing the enduring power of true love and lasting relationships.
Conclusion
After reading the list above, you might have picked up the desired New Year’s movies. On New Year’s Day, you can brew a cup of hot coffee, sit on the couch with your family, and spend the entire day watching these carefully selected films.
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