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I love going to the movies. Sometimes with friends, sometimes on a solo date where you can feel quiet and luxurious. Especially on a slow Sunday afternoon when the theater is nearly empty. At home, I’m so happy to curl up on the couch and spend my evenings (and let’s be honest, long winter afternoons) watching movies leisurely. For me, movies have always been a way to mark time, and it’s been a comforting thing to return to, no matter the season.
But movies hit differently during the holidays. Perhaps it’s the mix of nostalgia and anticipation in the air, or the way winter naturally invites us inside. As we look back on what has passed, we quietly imagine what lies ahead. Especially on New Year’s Eve, a good movie becomes more than just entertainment, it becomes part of the ritual. Something that tightens the night, softens the end of the year, or purposefully signals the transition to the next season.
The best New Year’s Eve movies to watch this holiday season
When coziness is at an all-time high and the calendar is begging for a fresh start, there’s nothing we love more than tackling our New Year’s Eve movie bucket list. Sometimes I’m alone, sometimes I’m with my loved ones, but I always try to end the year on a good note.
What makes a great New Year’s Eve movie?
Not all movies are shown on New Year’s Eve, but that’s part of the magic. The best New Year’s Eve movies tend to have a few qualities in common that make them especially satisfying towards the end of the year.
Feeling of remorse. Whether it’s characters reflecting on their choices or simply the quiet space the film creates, great New York movies leave room for you to stop and reflect without feeling heavy.
Don’t feel pressured, stay hopeful. These films don’t require reinvention or overnight transformation. Instead, they offer gentle optimism and remind us that new starts can be subtle, personal, and imperfect.
emotional warmth. This is the best pick that will make you feel romantic, nostalgic, soothing, etc. It’s the type of movie that leaves you with a lasting impression even after the end credits.
flexible energy. Some are best before midnight when anticipation is high. They’re also ideal after the countdown, when the confetti has died down and you want something calming for the year ahead.
With that in mind, check out our edit of the best New Year’s Eve movies, from timeless classics to cozy favorites you’ll want to watch again and again every year.
new year’s eve classic movies
These movies build anticipation, are romantic and reflective, and give you enough of a celebratory feeling to grab a glass of bubbly as the countdown approaches.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Witty, warm and watchable over and over again, this is of New Year’s Eve movie for romantics. That iconic midnight scene captures the hope and vulnerability of choosing what (or who) ultimately matters.
Available: YouTube
Apartment (1960)
Set against the backdrop of winter New York City, this classic piece beautifully balances melancholy and optimism. It’s a reminder that a fresh start doesn’t have to be loud for it to be meaningful.
Available: amazon prime
An Unforgettable Event (1957)
Old Hollywood romance at its most elegant. It’s perfect for when you want to spend a relaxing night immersed in a nostalgic feeling.
Available: apple tv
I Can’t Sleep in Seattle (1993)
Tender and quietly hopeful, this film feels like a love letter to timing and possibility, perfect for Before Midnight.
Available: Hulu
New Year’s Eve (2011)
An ensemble cast, intersecting storylines, and pure holiday brilliance. This is festive and light, perfect for when you want to have a festive evening without getting emotionally heavy.
Available: Hulu
Recommended items perfect for the end of the year
Think about how cozy it is in the early evening. Comforting, relatable, and emotionally stabilizing movies can help you take a breather after a long year.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
It’s a New Year’s classic for a reason. With each passing year, Bridget’s imperfect determination feels refreshingly honest and deeply relatable.
Available: paramount+
Julie & Julia (2009)
A cozy meditation on creativity, ritual, and finding joy in small endeavors. This pairs perfectly with a quiet evening or something homemade.
Available: Hulu
Little Women (2019)
While it’s obviously not a New Year’s Eve movie, its themes of growth, yearning, and coming of age make it a natural fit for year-end reflection.
Available: apple tv
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Gentle, charming and full of warmth, this piece will bring you maximum comfort, especially on cold winter nights.
Available: YouTube
About Time (2013)
A romantic film with emotional depth, this movie leaves a lasting impression. It’s a beautiful reminder to live mindfully and appreciate the ordinary moments that make up life.
Available: amazon prime
romantic new year movies
These movies are about connection, longing, and love, and are perfect for ending the year with a little more open heart.
Carol (2015)
Quiet, atmospheric, and very romantic. carol It feels intimate and introspective. Best to watch when you want something slow and emotionally resonant.
Available: HBO Max
Before Sunrise (1995)
A timeless conversation-driven love story. Perfect for those who love movies that unfold gently and leave a lasting impression.
Available: apple tv
Love Actually (2003)
Messy, sentimental, and definitely cozy. The film captures the emotional turmoil of the season in a way that is comforting rather than overwhelming.
Available: amazon prime
The Holiday (2006)
A cozy favorite that gives you a warm embrace. Although it’s close to Christmas, the theme of starting over makes it perfect for New Year’s viewing.
Available: apple tv
What to see after midnight
As the countdown ends and the energy subsides, these films provide a sense of calm, introspection, and quiet possibility.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Dreamy and pensive, this film feels especially good just after midnight, when the world is quiet and the year feels bigger.
Available: amazon prime
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Whimsical and gently philosophical, this work is nostalgic but a reminder that life is happening in the here and now.
Available: amazon prime
Francis Ha (2012)
A love letter to the person who will become. These words will resonate deeply with those who are entering the new year with more curiosity than certainty.
Available: Netflix
Blue Valentine (2010)
Raw and emotionally honest, this song is best saved for quieter, more contemplative moments when you’re ready for deeper, deeper thinking.
Available: apple tv
A comfort watch that can be comfortably worn even late at night.
These movies are perfect for those long nights wrapped up in a blanket with nowhere to go.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Soft, romantic, and snowy, it feels like comfort food straight out of a movie.
Available: disney plus
Proposal (2009)
It’s light and interesting, and it’s easy to look at when you want something bright without thinking too hard.
Available: Hulu
Setup (2018)
Perfect if you’re looking for a romantic New Year’s movie that’s modern, playful, charming, and of-the-moment.
Available: Netflix
Serendipity (2001)
This film about fate and timing is especially poignant as one year turns into the next.
Available: paramount+
quiet solo watch
Perfect for a solo New Year’s Eve or a leisurely New Year’s Day afternoon.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
A deeply sensuous and introspective film about love and memory. Best viewed when in a meditative mood.
Available: HBO Max
Single Man (2009)
Visually beautiful and emotionally restrained, this film explores sadness, presence, and the quiet hope of connection.
Available: YouTube
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A fitting end to the list and the year. A reminder that love, memory, and growth are rarely linear, but are always worth reconsidering.
Available: apple tv
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
