What’s a Good New Year’s Eve Movie to Watch in 2024

As we approach 2024, you may be wondering what movie would be good to watch on New Year’s Eve this year. Choosing the right film can set the mood for your celebration and give you fond memories looking back. In this article, we’ll explore some top New Year’s Eve movie options for 2024 that are entertaining, meaningful, or classics. Whether you’re spending the evening with family, friends, or your significant other, these movie suggestions will complement your plans.

Good New Year’s Eve Movie to Watch

Romantic Comedies

Romantic comedies are a popular choice for New Year’s Eve. They tend to be light-hearted, focusing on love and relationships. If you’re spending the night with your special someone, a rom-com may be just the ticket. Here are some romantic comedies perfect for celebrating 2024:

When Harry Met Sally	This beloved 1989 film stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal as old friends who debate whether men and women can ever just be friends. As they move into their 30s, they continue to encounter one another. Their friendship takes some interesting turns as New Years’ Eve plays a recurring role. This classic explores the age-old question – can friendship turn to love over time?
New Year’s Eve	This 2011 ensemble rom-com interweaves the stories of several couples and singles as they navigate love and romance on New Year’s Eve in New York City. With a star-studded cast including Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Robert DeNiro, and more, it’s a light-hearted and enjoyable look at the magic of the holiday.
Bridget Jones’s Diary	Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) starts the New Year off with a resolution to take control of her life – and document it in her new diary. This 2001 comedy chronicles her adventures in love, family, and work. Bridget finds herself in a surprising love triangle that culminates on New Year’s Eve in a charming, relatable story.

Heartwarming Dramas For New Year’s Eve

Some of the best New Year’s movies have an emotional, dramatic component to them. These uplifting stories can motivate and inspire us going into a new year. If you love dramas or want something more thoughtful, consider these New Year’s Eve drama movie options:

When Harry Met Sally	This beloved 1989 film stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal as old friends who debate whether men and women can ever just be friends. As they move into their 30s, they continue to encounter one another. Their friendship takes some interesting turns as New Years’ Eve plays a recurring role. This classic explores the age-old question – can friendship turn to love over time?
It’s a Wonderful Life	This 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic tells the story of George Bailey, who finds himself in a difficult place on Christmas Eve. An angel arrives to show George what his small town of Bedford Falls would be like if he’d never been born. This timeless movie reminds us to appreciate our lives, families, and friends in the new year.
New Year’s Day	This 1989 drama stars Henry Winkler as a businessman who isn’t living life to the fullest. After the death of his mentor (Michael Ontkean), he resolves to make positive changes in his life and relationships. This thoughtful film will get you in the mood to reflect on the year ahead.

Nostalgic Favorite Movies

Some old Hollywood classics never go out of style and remain hugely popular New Year’s Eve viewing. It can be fun and nostalgic to enjoy iconic movies again and again. Try one of these favorite NYE movies if you’re looking for some comfort viewing:

An Affair to Remember

This 1957 Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr romance remains one of the most beloved films of all time. The movie tells the story of Nickie and Terry who meet aboard a ship from Europe to New York and fall madly in love. The couple plans to reunite on top of the Empire State Building on New Year’s Eve – but an unfortunate accident puts their future together at risk. This gorgeous Technicolor film tugs on the heartstrings and reminds us to cherish our loved ones.

Sleepless in Seattle

The 1993 film starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan also incorporates the Empire State Building on New Year’s Eve. After hearing about a widower on a radio talk show, Annie becomes convinced it’s her destiny to meet him there on New Year’s Eve. This romantic comedy was nominated for two Oscars and also reminds us to follow our hearts in the new year.

The Godfather Part II

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 crime drama features an iconic scene of a New Year’s Eve party in Havana. On the cusp of the Cuban Revolution in 1958, Michael Corleone declares his family is finally legitimate after a meteoric rise to power. However, the glitz and glamour hide brewing family tensions that will erupt. This stunning classic won six Oscars and frequently tops lists of the best movies ever made.

Family Friendly Movies For New Year’s Eve

If you have kids or want more family friendly fare for December 31st, these delightful movies have the right vibe:

New Year’s Eve (2011)	This ensemble rom-com has storylines appropriate for kids and teens involving first kisses and crushes. It explores New Year’s wishes and hopes for the future through charming vignettes. Some have called it a “Valentine to New York City.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone	The first film introducing Harry Potter to the world takes place partly during the magical Christmas season at Hogwarts. It culminates with a year-end feast and lament for those absent. It reminds us to be grateful for health and family during the holidays.
Elf	In this hilariously quotable Christmas comedy from 2003, Buddy discovers his biological family and attempts to spread Christmas cheer – elf style! Though not strictly about New Year’s, Elf’s emphasis on holiday magic, family, and renewal make it very suitable for this time of year.

Movies Set on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day

If you want a film that’s specifically set during the holiday, these movies are centered around December 31st festivities:

200 Cigarettes	This 1999 comedy looks back at 1980s New York and explores the love lives of several young New Yorkers on New Year’s Eve 1981 as they converge on a party. With a great 80’s soundtrack and cast including Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, and Kate Hudson, it’s an irreverent look at friendship and relationships.
The Poseidon Adventure	In this 1972 disaster film, an ocean liner headed to Athens is capsized by a tsunami wave on New Year’s Eve. Gene Hackman stars as a disgraced priest leading a small group on a dangerous journey up towards the hull. This tense, Oscar-winning movie is a holiday adventure classic.
Boogie Nights	Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama about the porn industry in the 1970s and 80s features an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party scene. As fireworks explode outside ringing in 1980, troubled porn star Dirk Diggler spirals out of control during a drug-fueled meltdown. It’s a dramatic – yet fictional – look at the excesses of the era.