Not everyone dreams of squeezing into a packed city square, counting down with strangers while trying (and failing) to get a clear view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks. If you’re the kind of person who prefers a cosy couch, good snacks, and a great movie instead of battling crowds and noise, a New Year’s Eve movies marathon might be your perfect way to welcome the new year.
From iconic countdown classics to feel-good romances and unforgettable party films, here are 20 New Year’s Eve movies to watch, ranked by popularity and cultural impact, complete with descriptions to help you pick your vibe for the night.
1. New Year’s Eve (2011)
The ultimate NYE movie. This star-studded romantic ensemble film weaves multiple love stories together in New York City as the clock ticks toward midnight.
2. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Harry Burns and Sally Albright spend years crossing paths, debating love and friendship, until a New Year’s Eve revelation forces Harry to confront his true feelings
3. The Holiday (2006)
A cozy, heartwarming romance about fresh starts, self-discovery, and unexpected love — perfect for welcoming a new year with hope.
4. About Time (2013)
Tim Lake discovers he can travel through time and uses his gift to improve his love life and relationships.
5. Four Rooms (1995)
Four quirky stories set in a hotel on New Year’s Eve, filled with chaos, dark humor, and surprise appearances. Cult-classic energy at its finest.
6. Carol (2015)
Therese, a young photographer, forms a quiet but intense connection with Carol, an elegant woman trapped in a restrictive marriage.
7. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones begins the year with resolutions to get her life together, but love, embarrassment, and self-discovery quickly complicate her plan.
8. Trading Places (1983)
A classic comedy where social satire meets holiday chaos, with New Year’s Eve serving as a pivotal turning point.
9. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Romantic fate, long-distance yearning, and emotional New Year’s reflections make this a timeless comfort watch.
10. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Lucy, a lonely transit worker, is mistakenly believed to be the fiancée of a man in a coma. As New Year’s approaches, she must confront the truth — and her growing feelings for the wrong brother.
11. The Apartment (1960)
An Oscar-winning classic where New Year’s Eve becomes a symbol of loneliness, redemption, and second chances.
12. Love Actually (2003)
Multiple love stories unfold across London, exploring romance in all its forms. As the holidays end, the film reflects on love’s endurance beyond Christmas and into the new year.
13. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Stylish, thrilling, and set around glamorous celebrations — ideal for those who want a high-energy countdown night.
14. Boogie Nights (1997)
Eddie Adams, reinvented as Dirk Diggler, rises to fame in the adult film industry. A New Year’s Eve party exposes the darker realities behind success and excess.
15. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Reverend Scott leads a group of survivors after a luxury cruise ship capsizes during a New Year’s Eve celebration, turning the countdown into a desperate fight for survival.
16. Ghostbusters II (1989)
The Ghostbusters reunite to save New York City from supernatural forces fueled by negativity, culminating in a New Year’s Eve showdown.
17. Entrapment (1999)
A sleek heist thriller where a New Year’s Eve countdown plays a key role in a high-stakes robbery.
18. Money Train (1995)
Action-packed and gritty, this film uses New Year’s Eve as the backdrop for crime, tension, and moral choices.
19. Bachelor Party (1984)
Rick Gassko’s wild pre-wedding celebration spirals out of control, delivering chaotic comedy perfect for viewers who want pure party energy to close the year.
20. Y2K (2024)
A newer addition to New Year’s Eve movies list, blending nostalgia, comedy, and end-of-the-world humor inspired by the millennium panic.
So grab your snacks, dim the lights, and let these movies carry you through the final hours of the year. After all, every great New Year deserves a memorable movie moment.
Happy watching — and happy New Year!
