Yahoo Lifestyle Kick Off 2025 From the Comfort of Your Couch With These New Year's Movies
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If you'd rather ring in 2025 on the couch than in the club, why not start a new tradition and screen a few New Year’s Eve movies at home? Think about it: Rather than fighting drunken crowds and frigid temps, you can climb into your comfiest pajamas, whip up a batch of delish champagne cocktails, and sip from the sanctity of your sofa as you stream a cozy classic like An Affair to Remember (ooooh, that swoony New Year's kiss!) or even a newer favorite such as Bridget Jones's Diary, which ends on the big night.
In fact, no matter what type of movie you're into, we've found awesome examples that either take place entirely on New Year's, or feature at least one pivotal scene set on the holiday. From romances like Sleepless in Seattle, to kids' movies you can watch with the littles (Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne) and even apocalyptic chillers (literally—we're looking at you, Snowpiercer), the following films all have an end-of-the-year vibe. We can't think of a better way to wrap up 2024 than by checking out a few of these cinematic treats with your loved ones—just as long as you don't forget to make your New Year's resolutions, that is!
A Midnight Kiss
A family of party planners land the gig of the century: planning a New Year's Eve Party for a big tech entrepreneur. But, the catch is they only have one week to prepare, and nothing seems to go their way.
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The Age of Adaline
Blake Lively's Adaline hasn't aged a day in decades. Through the years she attends countless New Year's Eve parties (the day also happens to be her birthday). While ringing in the new year, she meets Ellis, but how can they make their love work when everyone is affected by aging except her.
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The Phantom of the Opera
This 2004 film version of the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber musical stars Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum and, yep, a massive crystal chandelier coming to a dramatic and untimely end. There's also a New Year's Eve party so sumptuous that that scene alone makes The Phantom of the Opera a worthy inclusion on our list.
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Into the Dark: New Year, New You
Though this is technically a TV show, this 90-minute episode can stand on it's own as one of the greatest pieces of New Year's entertainment ever made. Old friends reunite on New Year's Eve. An innocent game of 'Never Have I Ever' turns sinister in a hurry.
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Holidate
Being single can be tough during the holidays, so two strangers (Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey) decide to pose as a couple for family events in this cute rom com from Netflix.
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Sleepless in Seattle
Tom Hanks plays a widower who—in one heartbreaking scene— dreams of talking to his late wife on New Year's Eve. Don't worry: He finds love again with Meg Ryan.
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The Holdovers
This heartwarming and hilarious tale follows a grumpy prep school teacher (the always-brilliant Paul Giamatti) stuck babysitting a student over the Christmas holiday. The Holdovers snared five Oscar nominations in 2024.
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While You Were Sleeping
The plot of this sweet Sandra Bullock rom-com kicks off on Christmas Day, but reaches its peak on New Year's Eve
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Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne
This newer (from 2022) animated film stars all your favorite Peanuts characters and makes for a perfect watch with the kiddos on New Year's Eve. While Charlie Brown is intent on fulfilling a resolution, Lucy decides to throw a big party to cheer herself up when she finds out her grandmother won't be visiting for the holiday. You can also stream the classic Happy New Year, Charlie Brown on Apple TV+ or Prime.
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When Harry Met Sally
We dare you not to cry as two unlikely friends (played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) fall in love. The whole thing culminates in an emotional moment at a New Year's Eve party.
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Diner
This nostalgic, big-hearted first effort from esteemed director Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Good Morning Vietnam) concerns a group of buddies in the week before a New Year's Eve wedding. Set in 1959, it stars future big names like Mickey Rourke and Kevin Bacon.
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Rent
Much of Rent take place between Christmas and New Year's, but more importantly, the musical is a great film to watch either to end or start the year. It's a good opportunity for reflection in the way the characters "remember a year in the life of friends," as one might say.
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Sunset Boulevard
Joe Gillis (William Holden) is about to have a lousy New Year's Eve, thanks to faded silent screen star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson in a performance for the ages). And it only goes downhill from there in this iconic, Oscar-winning film that gave birth to a smash Broadway musical.
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New Year's Eve
Taking cues from Love Actually, this cute flick features interconnected arcs about love—a perfectly pleasant (and aptly titled) picture about New Year's.
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Snowpiercer
Ahhhhh....there's nothing like a good popcorn flick to end the year, and this one is a doozy. It stars Chris Evans as a passenger on a post-apocalyptic super train containing humanity's last survivors, who celebrate New Year's each time it has completed crossing the globe. Directed by Oscar-winner Bong Joon-ho of Parasite fame, Snowpiercer also features Tilda Swinton and Jamie Bell.
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Money Train
Or, you could check out this fast-paced action-comedy about two New York City transit cops (and foster brothers) who plan to rob a train carrying subway profits on New Year's Eve. Stars Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and, in an early role, Jennifer Lopez.
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Waiting to Exhale
This movie features an awesome cast, including Whitney Houston and Angela Bassettt. It starts and ends on New Year's and follows the four women over the course of the year, so it's a perfect way to either end 2024 or start 2025.
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Highball
This very funny 90s confection from indie fav Noah Baumbach (who also co-stars, in addition to writing and directing) takes place over three parties, including a New Year's Eve bash.
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Lady Bird
Ring in 2003 with Lady Bird and her family in Greta Gerwig’s award winning coming of age comedy about a girl in her senior year of high school, eager to shake off the trappings of her west coast town for the sophisticated life she dreams of in New York City. A movie about mother-daughter relationships, friendship, first love, and that time in your life when everything is ahead of you.
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200 Cigarettes
A comedic romp through The Big Apple as 1981 gets set to turn into 1982, 200 Cigarettes is filled with killer 80s tunes, hilariously broad New York accents, tons of 20-something angst and stars including Paul Rudd, Courtney Love, Kate Hudson, Ben Affleck (who looks about 12), Christina Ricci and Dave Chappelle.
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About Time
The Richard Curtis drama is bound to make you feel all the emotions and features a truly romantic New Year's Eve kiss.
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Peter's Friends
Kenneth Branagh helmed and co-starred in this Brit version of The Big Chill, in which college friends reunite a decade later over New Year's weekend.
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Forrest Gump
While only one scene takes place on New Year's (and it's stressful to say the least), we still think starting off your new year by watching one of the greatest movies ever is not a bad idea.
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Phantom Thread
Although most of the movie doesn't take place on New Year's, there is an extravagant New Year's Eve party that will dreamily transport you to London in the 1950s.
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Carol
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara star in this film that follows two women from completely different worlds who fall in love in a life-changing affair. The first time they kiss happens at a New Year's Eve party, because there's no better time for a first kiss, really.
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Two Lovers
This emotional film follows Joaquin Phoenix's Leonard after he meets two women and must make an difficult decision. The dramatic final scene takes place on New Year's Eve, because why wouldn't it?
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Four Rooms
It's Tim the Bellhop's first night on the job and it just so happens to be New Year's Eve. The star-studded cast gets into all sorts of ridiculous trouble in this anthology comedy that takes place in—you guessed it—four rooms.
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Are We There Yet?
On New Year's Eve, Nick (Ice Cube) must drive his girlfriend's reluctant children from Portland to Vancouver as they try to sabotage him every step of the way.
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The Holiday
It's hard to find a rom-com that's sweeter and more beautifully shot than Nancy Meyers's The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women who unexpectedly find love where they least expect it. The New Year's Eve scene is small and at the end of the film, but it's definitely one of the best parts.
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Someone Like You
After being dumped and continually disappointed by her boyfriend (including a sad New Year's Eve moment), Jane Goodale (Ashley Judd) takes matters into her own hands.
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Under the Tuscan Sun
Okay, we're fully aware that this movie doesn't have any New Year's scenes, but it is all about new beginnings and reinvention, which could be a nice kick-start to your resolutions. And if you live in a cold area, 113 minutes of unbelievable Tuscan scenery is just what you need.
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Rosemary's Baby
Hey, not all New Year's movies need to be lighthearted. If you're in the mood for a horror film instead, Rosemary's Baby has a small—but poignant—scene set during an ominous New Year's Eve party.
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About a Boy
The meet-cute in this Hugh Grant movie takes place on New Year's Eve.
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Ocean's 11
No, not the modern, star-studded version starring George Clooney and company. We mean the original heist with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, which takes place on New Year's Eve.
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Mermaids
In this coming of age story, Winona Ryder plays a repressed teenager against the backdrop of her colorful and eccentric mother. In a classic scene, Cher, who plays the mom, shows off her New Year’s Eve party costume to her daughters before they all fall together into the bathtub in laughter. This underestimated film is full of humor and heart.
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An Affair to Remember
You can thank Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant for shaping your (possibly unrealistic) perception of the perfect New Year's kiss.
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Bridget Jones's Diary
The charming British rom-com begins and ends on New Year's Eve, each time with a blank diary and finally, with an incredible kiss.
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Holiday Inn
Each and every holiday is honored in this classic musical starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Virginia Dale, and Marjorie Reynolds.
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The Godfather Part II
If mafia movies are more your style, here's an offer you can't refuse on New Year's Day. Instead of a loving peck at midnight, Al Pacino's character gives the brother who betrayed him the "kiss of death."
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After the Thin Man
Iconic on-screen couple William Powell and Myrna Loy join forces for the sixth time in this murder-mystery set on New Year's Eve.
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Trading Places
Start the new year off laughing with this comedy featuring funnymen Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy and the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis.
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The Gold Rush
The Tramp makes his way to the Yukon to find love, wealth, and a better life. And of course, there are hijinks around every corner. Hear the quintessential New Year’s favorite, Auld Lang Syne, sung in a raucous New Year’s Eve scene, complete with dancing and shotguns.
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Ghostbusters 2
Revelers' rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" plays a part in saving the city from the supernatural.
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The Poseidon Adventure
A shipwreck on New Year's Eve sends passengers into survival mode. Make a day of it with the 1979 sequel, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure, as well as the 2006 remake, Poseidon.
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Sex and the City: The Movie
A sweet New Year's montage in this popular show's big screen debut proves the holiday isn't just about romantic love—it's about friendship too.
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The Apartment
In the final New Year's Eve scene of the 1960 Best Picture winner, Jack Lemon and Shirley MacLaine give us the famous line, "Shut up and deal."
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A Long Way Down
Four strangers meet on New Year’s Eve while trying to jump off the same building. Forming an unlikely bond, they manage to find connection, adventure, and a reason for living.
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An American In Paris
Director Vincent Minnelli brings George Gershwin’s music to life, in this musical comedy about a ex-GI who tries to make a living as an artist on the streets of Paris. Torn between a wealthy art patroness and the woman he loves, he must decide whether he will follow his heart or his career and money. Incredible dancing and singing by Dean Martin and the movie culminates at an incredible New Year’s Eve party.
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Boogie Nights
If you're looking for an adult movie to ring in the new year with, this dramatic look at the adult film industry kicks off with an intense New Year's Eve party.
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