Top Films to Enjoy on New Year's Eve Before the Countdown Begins
Many people view New Year's Eve as an opportunity to don their finest outfits and attend a swanky end-of-the-year soiree, counting down to January 1. Others prefer to spend the night in, reflecting on the past 365 days. Regardless of which group you belong to, New Year's Eve often has some downtime before the midnight celebration. One way to pass the time? Watch a film that sets the mood for New Year's Eve.
Get your movie marathon started with films that seem tailor-made for this special holiday. From action-packed films to those with unforgettable New Year's Eve scenes, there's a selection of films that are perfect for a New Year's Eve viewing.
1. Sally Meets Harry
A classic romantic comedy, Sally Meets Harry, tells the story of two lifelong friends who attempt to navigate their romantic relationship while living in New York City. The film reaches its climax with a fantastic New Year's Eve party scene.
2. New Year's Eve
As the title implies, this film really gets into the spirit of the holiday. The movie follows various couples and singles as their lives cross paths during New Year's Eve. The film boasts an A-list cast, including Zac Efron and Robert DeNiro.
3. The Journey North
This family-friendly film is sure to elicit some laughter before the stroke of midnight. It follows a character named Nick as he traverses Oregon to Canada with his girlfriend's children on New Year's Eve. Little does he know, the children have their own plans to make his journey as difficult as possible.
4. The Great Gatsby
With all the glitz, glamour, and drama that New Year's Eve often inspires, this film based on the famous novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is sure to impress. Filled with champagne, sparkles, romance, and 1920s drama, this film is the epitome of New Year's Eve glamor.
5. Parisian Artist
Inspired by the old Hollywood era, this film follows an American painter who struggles to make a name for himself in Paris. The film features a black-and-white New Year's Eve party that will have you excited for your own holiday festivities.
6. While You Were Sleeping
This romantic comedy reaches its peak with a New Year's Eve scene towards the end of the movie. In it, a ticket collector is mistaken for the fiancee of a comatose patient.
7. Exhaling the Wait
This film, which begins and ends on New Year's, follows four friends as they navigate careers, family, and romance.
8. Time to Live Again
The protagonist in this film uses his ability to time travel to fix a New Year's Eve kiss, as well as make amends for other mistakes throughout his life.
9. High School Musical
New Year's Day marks the beginning of something new, and so does the opening scene of this beloved film. The movie begins on the night of New Year's Eve as two high schoolers sing a karaoke duet together on vacation.
10. Swapping Places
Start the New Year off with some laughter by watching this comedy starring Eddie Murphy. The film spans from Thanksgiving to New Year's, following a small-time con artist who gets the chance to switch lives with a wealthy stock market maven.
11. Mermaids
In this coming-of-age film, a single mother moves her two daughters to Massachusetts for a fresh start. The movie features a New Year's Eve costume party and plenty of laughs.
12. Ocean's Eleven
Craving some excitement before the ball drops? Ocean's Eleven has it in spades. While it may not seem particularly festive, the film's infamous heist takes place on New Year's Eve.
13. Wonderful Life
Although it's technically a Christmas film, this classic tale about a man who is granted a glimpse into what his life would be like if he had never existed is sure to leave you feeling grateful as you usher in the New Year.
14. Ride the Money Train
This action-packed film features an unforgettable New Year's Eve heist. The movie stars two corrupt cops (played by Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes) who try to rob a train carrying subway fares.
15. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown
From Halloween to New Year's, Charlie Brown keeps us entertained throughout the holiday season. In this New Year's Eve film, the Peanuts gang heads to Peppermint Patty's party while poor Charlie Brown is stuck writing a book report.
16. The Snowpiercer
After the second ice age, survivors of Earth live on a luxury train, celebrating New Year's every time the locomotive completes a loop around the world.
17. Bridget Jones's Journal
At the start of the New Year, Bridget Jones decides to take control of her life by keeping a diary. Throughout the next 365 days, she records every detail of her journey in her journal.
18. 200 Cigarettes
A crowd of single individuals residing in New York City make their way to an boisterous New Year's Eve soiree, as depicted in this 1999 film, featuring Ben Affleck, Paul Rudd, and Dave Chappelle.
19. An Unforgettable Encounter
A man and woman become smitten with one another while embarking on a voyage from Europe to New York. Despite being pledged to others, they share a memorable New Year's Eve kiss.
20. A Lengthy Journey
Loosely based on the celebrated novel by Nick Hornby, this film follows four individuals who had planned to bid farewell to life on New Year's Eve. Upon serendipitously encountering each other on a rooftop, they decide to postpone their plans by six weeks. Through their bonding, they discover reasons to carry on living.
21. The Phantom Whisker
This Academy Award-nominated film transports you to the opulence of the 1950s, complete with eye-catching gowns, sparkling parties, Hollywood stars, and more. While it does delve into dramatic themes, it also offers a glitzy spectacle for New Year's Eve festivities.
22. Four Rooftops
Ring in New Year's Eve at the Mon Signor Hotel, where 12 eccentric guests have decided to celebrate the holiday. The side-splitting film follows a novice bellhop throughout his inaugural day on the job as he tries to cater to each guest's needs.
23. Sunset Boulevard: The Unremarkable Night
If you've ever experienced an underwhelming New Year's Eve celebration, this movie will resonate with you. It follows a screenwriter named Joe Ellis, who discovers that he is merely a guest at the struggling actress Norma Desmond's New Year's Eve shindig.
24. The East Village Chronicles
This film adaptation of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical chronicles the lives of inhabitants residing in the East Village of New York City. Don't forget to belt out the chart-topping hit: "Happy New Year."
25. The Top Floor Apartment
This movie follows an insurance clerk who mediates between executives and their extramarital lovers by allowing them to use his apartment. However, his plan takes a turn when he finds himself smitten with the top executive's current paramour. The story unravels at the company's Christmas party and continues until New Year's.
26. Carol: A Love Story
A captivating period drama, this film delves into the tale of an aspiring photographer named Therese who develops a romantic connection with an older woman named Carol, set in 1950s New York. The pair shares their first New Year's Eve kiss.
After watching these films during your New Year's Eve movie marathon, you might be inspired to plan your own New Year's Eve party. MarthaStewart has a plethora of Holiday Planning Ideas available online, including decorations, recipes, and party themes. In fact, her "New Year's Eve Party Ideas" section is perfect for creating an unforgettable end-of-the-year celebration. Additionally, keep an eye out for entertainment news outlets like News, as they often provide insight on upcoming film releases and celebrity parties taking place on New Year's Eve.
