During the holiday season, we hear a lot about Christmas movies, and there's even a solid collection of Thanksgiving movies, too. But what about New Year's Eve movies? Not all of us love going out to parties on December 31, especially this year, when we've been spending more time at home than usual. Those of us who are planning on ringing in 2021 from the couch might be starting to think about how to spend the evening, and (aside from eating yummy snacks) a movie marathon could definitely make the cut. After all, there's a surprising number of New Year's-themed movies, even if they don't get quite as much hype as the ones centered on other holidays.
Some of our favorite movies are exclusively about New Year's Eve, while others simply feature scenes that take place on the last day of the year. No matter what, though, they couldn't be more fitting to end 2020 and begin 2021 on a good note.
Read on for a list of the best feel-good New Year's movies to watch as we count down to the start of 2021. It's been a long year, and hopefully, the months ahead will bring us all much more happiness.
'New Year's Eve'
This 2011 movie had an all-star cast that included Zac Efron, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Jessica Biel, and so many others. New Year's Eve, similar to Valentine's Day, followed the stories of several different people, who all ended up intersecting in some way, as they brought in the new year.
'When Harry Met Sally'
Following the ups and downs of the friendship-turned-relationship between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) in When Harry Met Sally is like taking a masterclass on how to craft the perfect romantic comedy. The film tells the story of two friends who end up becoming more … and the whole story ends up coming to a head at a New Year's Eve party.
'200 Cigarettes'
Starring Ben and Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, Dave Chapelle, and so many other stars, 200 Cigarettes tells the story of the lead-up to a New Year's Eve party that's supposed to happen in 1981, and what goes on with the people who are invited to the shindig.
'Bridget Jones' Diary'
An adaptation of the book of the same name, Bridget Jones' Diary stars Renee Zellweger in the title role. Everything in the movie is framed by the fact that Bridget makes a New Year's resolution to write down everything that happens to her in her diary. She vows to always tell the whole truth, even when it requires her to be uncomfortably honest.
'High School Musical'
Everything that happens in High School Musical begins when Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) first meet while on vacation with their families on New Year's Eve and sing together. And the rest? Well, it's perfect to sing along to, whether we're watching with or kids or not!
'Sleepless in Seattle'
Once again, Meg Ryan is here to star in a romantic comedy that is perfect to watch on New Year's Eve. Sleepless in Seattle tells the story of a widower (Tom Hanks). In one particularly emotional scene, which takes place on New Year's Eve, he's talking to his late wife. But, of course, Tom and Meg's characters end up getting together in the sweetest way. This one is perfect to pair with When Harry Met Sally — just an idea!
'While You Were Sleeping'
In While You Were Sleeping, Sandra Bullock plays a woman who is mistaken for the fiancée of a man who is in a coma (played by Peter Gallagher), even though she just has a little crush on him. This movie takes place during the holidays, and on New Year's Eve, a scene at a party shows Sandra kicking major butt.
'About Time'
In About Time, Domhnall Gleeson plays Tim, a man who can time travel, and even uses that power to go back and kiss a girl he regrets not smooching on New Year's Eve. It also stars Rachel McAdams in her second movie about time traveling after The Time Traveler's Wife.
'Waiting to Exhale'
Starring the late Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, and Angela Bassett, Waiting to Exhale is about four women and their romantic relationships … and since the movie starts and ends on New Year's Eve, it seems appropriate to watch on the holiday (especially for those of us hoping to find love in the new year!).
'The Holiday'
Following the stories of two women — played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet — who swap houses in England and Los Angeles for the holiday season, The Holiday is mostly about Christmas, but also happens to end on New Year's Eve with one of the sweetest scenes in the whole movie.
'Sex & The City'
The Sex and the City movie just so happens to include a scene that takes place on New Year's between Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) that shows how friends, well, show up for each other when they really need it. Perfection!
'A Lot Like Love'
A Lot Like Love follows two people (played by Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet) over a seven-year period. They first hook up, and then become best friends, and eventually, they even fall in love. The movie also happens to include a very memorable New Year's kiss.
'Carol'
Carol follows the romantic relationship between two women (played by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara) and on New Year's Eve, a particularly steamy scene plays out. This isn't quite a love story, though, but it's the perfect pick for a New Year's movie marathon.
'Rent'
Looking for a musical to watch on New Year's? Rent, starring Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and Rosario Dawson, is a pretty solid choice. Not only is it the beloved film version of the Broadway classic, but it also includes an entire New Year's sequence.
'The Holidate'
Released on Netflix in 2020, The Holidate is about two people, Jackson and Sloane (played by Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey), who agree to be each other's plus ones all year long. And that just so happens to include a pretty big New Year's Eve party at a nightclub.
