Quiet New Year’s at Home? 10 Best New Year's Movies to Watch This Year

December 28, 2020 by Angie Long

With the new year comes an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to what’s ahead. And Hollywood has done a great job of capturing this time of year for movie buffs. If you’re planning a quiet night at home for New Years' Eve 2021, you’ll want to keep the following New Year’s themed movies in mind. 

Best Movies to Watch on New Years

New Year's Eve (2011) PG-13

This romantic comedy, which is set up a lot like the film Love Actually, highlights the lives of different New Yorkers and how they are affected by the holiday. The ball drop is in jeopardy, and there’s relationship drama, but there’s also a lot of feel-good vibes that help you look forward to the year ahead. Plus, it’s packed with stars that include Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Effron and Halle Berry.

Groundhog Day (1993) PG

This Bill Murray classic never gets old. Although it involves Groundhog Day instead of New Year’s Day, there’s something about it that makes you think of new beginnings and finding ways to start over — even if you have to do it by waking up to experience the same day, over and over again. 

About Time (2013) R

This romance stars Rachel McAdams and Domhall Gleeson, who finds out that he can travel back in time. When he discovers this, he chooses to go back to a New Year’s Eve party that changed his life. Throughout the film, he attempts to earn the love of Rachel McAdams, all while avoiding making life-altering decisions that could affect his future and the future of his family.

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Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) R

Renée Zellweger stars in this romantic comedy that begins and ends on New Year’s Eve. Watch Bridget attempt to make resolutions and change her lifestyle while navigating a love triangle between herself and two men played by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.  

The Apartment (1960) PG

This classic romantic comedy uses New Year's Eve as a backdrop for a romantic confession. Romantic entanglements are surrounding an insurance company employee who allows company executives to use his apartment for their affairs. Drama ensues, and it takes viewers on a comedic adventure that spans the days between Christmas and New Year’s. 

When Harry Met Sally (1989) R

There are so many classic scenes in this rom-com starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. If you haven’t seen it, you must. If you have seen it, watch it again. Crystal and Ryan star as “friends” who confide in each other through years of failed relationships. In the end, on New Year’s Eve, they’re faced with a reality that has been hiding in plain sight. 

Phantom Thread (2017) R

This film takes place in 1950s London, where there’s a glamorous New Year’s Eve party that makes you wish you were there (minus the rest of the film’s secrets and betrayals). Daniel Day-Lewis stars as a dressmaker who finds his life disrupted by his strong-willed lover. 

The Godfather, Part II (1974) R

Some say this sequel to the classic mob movie is even better than the first. The film follows Michael (played by Al Pacino) on his journey to the top of the family while also giving a preview of the life of Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando in the first film) in 1920s New York. One of the most nail-biting scenes occurs on New Year's Eve when Michael confronts his brother about his betrayal.

Trading Places (1983) R

This classic comedy stars Dan Akroyd and Eddie Murphy. Akroyd plays a snobby investor, while Murphy plays a con artist who finds himself in the middle of an argument over whether a person’s success is determined by their genes or their environment. Humor ensues as Murphy finds himself in the lap of luxury, being watched closely by betting investors.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986) G

Don’t forget about the kiddos this New Year’s. With a film for practically every holiday, you can’t go wrong with good-old Charlie Brown. Tasked with a complex book report assignment over Christmas break, Charlie Brown finds himself between the assignment and a New Year’s Eve party. It’s a cute film for kids and adults alike. 

With these films in your queue, you can enjoy a night in with some popcorn and champagne, and start a new New Year’s tradition... or continue an old one in style!