From romantic declarations to fresh starts: The movies that make New Year’s Eve unforgettable

There’s something magical about settling in with a great movie as the calendar turns toward a fresh year. While others brave the crowds and cold for public celebrations, smart folks know that the best New Year’s Eve parties happen right from the comfort of your living room—complete with your favorite snacks, a glass of something bubbly, and a carefully chosen film to set the mood for the year ahead.

The tradition of New Year’s movies runs deeper than you might expect. If you're a fan of classic cinema, you've probably noticed that "Auld Lang Syne" seems to appear in just about every film from the golden age of Hollywood.

From Charlie Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush” to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” that familiar Scottish melody about remembering old friendships has become the unofficial soundtrack of cinematic new beginnings.

But why do so many movies feature New Year’s Eve as a pivotal moment? The answer lies in what the holiday represents—endings, beginnings, and the hope that comes with a clean slate. It’s the perfect backdrop for romantic declarations, life-changing decisions, and dramatic plot twists.

The ultimate New Year’s romance

When it comes to New Year’s movie magic, “When Harry Met Sally” remains the gold standard, culminating in a midnight kiss that begins with Frank Sinatra’s “It Had to Be You” and ends with the obligatory “Auld Lang Syne.”

The film’s exploration of friendship, love, and timing resonates particularly well with viewers who’ve lived long enough to understand that the best relationships often develop slowly, over years of shared experiences.

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan’s chemistry crackles throughout this Rob Reiner masterpiece, but it’s that final New Year’s Eve scene that has audiences returning year after year.

The raw emotion of Harry’s declaration—delivered not with flowery poetry but with honest, stumbling words about not wanting to waste another minute—strikes a chord with anyone who’s ever realized that life’s most precious moments shouldn’t be postponed.

For those who appreciate classic Hollywood glamour, “An Affair to Remember” offers another timeless New Year’s romance.

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr’s characters meet on New Year’s Eve but make a pact to reunite six months later atop the Empire State Building, creating one of cinema’s most romantic storylines.

Also read: 10 powerful New Year’s resolutions every senior should know for a happier, healthier year

Action and adventure for the bold

Not everyone wants romance with their champagne toast. For viewers who prefer their New Year’s with a side of excitement, Hollywood has served up some thrilling options that prove the holiday can be anything but quiet.

“The Poseidon Adventure” delivers incredible action scenes with its luxury cruise ship capsized by a rogue wave on New Year’s Eve, anchored by an amazing ensemble cast that includes Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Albertson, Red Buttons, and Shelley Winters, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.

This 1972 disaster epic reminds us that no matter how challenging our own year might have been, we’re having a better New Year than those passengers fighting for survival.

The Ocean’s franchise offers a more stylish approach to New Year’s thrills. While the George Clooney version is widely known, the original “Ocean’s 11” stars Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. as the masterminds plotting a New Year’s Eve casino heist.

Watching the Rat Pack tear up the Vegas Strip in its mob-run heyday provides a fascinating glimpse into 1960s cool.

Also read: Why we kiss at midnight on New Year’s Eve—and what it really means

Comedy gems that deliver laughs

“Trading Places” spans Thanksgiving to New Year’s, with the most crucial scenes taking place at an end-of-the-year party aboard a train.

This Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd classic combines sharp social commentary with laugh-out-loud moments, making it perfect for viewers who like their comedy with substance.

The film’s themes of redemption, second chances, and the power of human connection feel especially relevant during the reflective New Year’s season.

Murphy’s Billy Ray Valentine and Aykroyd’s Louis Winthorpe III learn valuable lessons about generosity, poverty, and what really matters in life—messages that resonate deeply as we prepare for a fresh start.

Also read: Why most Americans over 65 skip New Year's resolutions (but maybe shouldn't)

Hidden gems worth discovering

For those willing to venture beyond the usual suspects, several lesser-known films offer delightful New Year’s experiences. “About Time,” a charming British romantic comedy starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson, features one of the film’s best scenes when Tim keeps hopping back in time to get a New Year’s Eve kiss just right.

“An American in Paris” brings Old Hollywood elegance to your celebration, as dancing legends Gene Kelly, Georges Guétary, and Oliver Lavant compete for the same woman’s heart, with their black-and-white New Year’s Eve shindig providing costume inspiration for your own affair.

Also read: How to stick with your New Year’s goals long after January

Family-friendly celebrations

Don’t overlook options that can bring the whole family together!

The Peanuts specials have been New Year’s traditions for decades, and newer offerings like “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne” (available on Apple TV+) continue that legacy with Charlie Brown’s characteristic blend of humor and heart.

These animated classics remind us that New Year’s celebrations don’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Sometimes the best parties are the ones where good friends gather together, sharing hopes for the year ahead.

Also read: 9 Delicious New Year’s foods that promise luck and prosperity

The magic of movie traditions

There’s something comforting about revisiting favorite films as one year transitions to the next.

Movies have a unique power to mark time, creating personal traditions that grow more meaningful with each viewing.

Whether you’re drawn to the sophisticated wit of “The Apartment,” the heart-stopping action of “The Poseidon Adventure,” or the timeless romance of “When Harry Met Sally,” these films offer more than entertainment—they provide a sense of continuity and connection across the years.

The beauty of choosing movies over crowded parties is the control you have over your experience.

You can pause for champagne toasts, rewind favorite scenes, and create exactly the kind of celebration that suits your mood and energy level.

Also read: What 12 grapes at midnight have to do with good luck and new beginnings

Making new memories with old favorites

As 2025 draws to a close and 2026 beckons, consider starting your own New Year’s movie tradition.

Whether you’re flying solo, celebrating with a partner, or gathering the family, there’s something profoundly satisfying about welcoming a new year in the company of beloved characters and timeless stories.

The films mentioned here represent just the beginning of what’s available.

From the glamour of classic Hollywood to the wit of modern romantic comedies, from heart-pounding adventures to gentle family tales, the world of New Year’s cinema offers something for every taste and every mood.

So this December 31st, skip the crowded bars and overpriced parties. Instead, dim the lights, grab your favorite viewing companion (furry friends welcome), and let Hollywood help you ring in the new year.

After all, the best celebrations are often the ones that happen right where you’re most comfortable—and where you have complete control over the remote.

Read next:

• The little-known secret to saving more on holiday trips this year
• Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas lineup is here—and it’s packed with cozy surprises
• 24 Traditional Christmas dishes, ranked from timeless favorites to holiday letdowns

Key Takeaways

• New Year’s Eve movies capture the spirit of reflection and renewal, offering stories about love, second chances, and fresh beginnings.
• Classics like “When Harry Met Sally,” “An Affair to Remember,” and “The Poseidon Adventure” highlight romance, hope, and resilience.
• From comedies to family favorites, New Year’s films bring people together for cozy celebrations at home.
• Starting a movie tradition on December 31 is an easy, meaningful way to welcome the year ahead in comfort and style.

What New Year’s movie will you be watching as the clock strikes midnight? Share your traditions and favorite film picks in the comments below—we’d love to hear which movies have become part of your holiday celebrations over the years.