It’s time to step into a new chapter, and there are plenty of ways to welcome the new year. If you’re not planning to kiss anyone at midnight, we suggest staying cozy at home and watching New Year’s Eve movies. Christmas movies usually steal the spotlight, and there are definitely more of those, but there’s something even more romantic about the days that follow—when everyone is ready to leave holiday stress behind and dream up plans and resolutions for the year ahead, whether they stick to them or not. Here are 12 movies perfect for New Year’s Eve to start 2026 in style!
Of course, the list features plenty of romantic films, but you’ll also find dramas and comedies. Some people love popping champagne with friends on the holiday, but we seriously doubt those folks are googling “New Year’s Eve movies” right now. So here’s a shoutout to all of you who’d rather skip crowded bars for a soft blanket. We’ve gathered the best New Year’s Eve movies to help you take your mind off the past 12 months. Without further ado, here are the top films to watch on New Year’s Eve.
On the Wavelength of Love
One of the coziest winter vibes you’ll find! On the Wavelength of Love starts on Christmas Eve and ends on Valentine’s Day, so New Year’s Eve and the new year naturally play a key role in this romantic comedy about a woman who falls for a man she hears on the radio.
Casual Encounter
Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey play two singles who decide to team up and spend every holiday together for a year, avoiding awful dates and awkward plans. Their experiment kicks off with a truly eventful New Year’s Eve.
Winter Break
Winter Break tells the story of an angry teenager (Dominic Sessa), a bitter teacher (Paul Giamatti), and a grieving cafeteria worker (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) forced by fate to spend the holidays together while the rest of the boys’ school heads home for winter break. Still not convinced? The film earned five Oscar nominations at the 2024 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, and Randolph took home the prestigious trophy for Best Supporting Actress.
The Age of Adaline
Blake Lively’s perhaps most underrated film, The Age of Adaline tells the story of a woman who falls in love while trying to keep her secret of eternal youth. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting cast!
About a Boy
Spend the holiday season with Will (Hugh Grant), who lives off royalties from his father’s Christmas song, and Marcus (young Nicholas Hoult), the “boy” in the title. Lessons will be learned! Lives will change!
About Time
About Time (as the title suggests) jumps through the years quite a bit, but the time-traveling hero, Tim, keeps returning to a fateful New Year’s Eve party where he must decide: kiss the woman he almost lost or save his sister from bad company.
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby captures the jazz age elite who celebrate every day like it’s New Year’s Eve—and why not? When champagne flows (even illegally) and you have a whole mansion to party in, it’s definitely worth savoring life!
Eat Pray Love
A story about fresh starts that fits perfectly with the new year. Few have reinvented their lives as boldly as Elizabeth Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, who leaves her New York life behind to travel the world.
Ocean’s Eleven
George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, and several other famous actors (playing characters, not themselves) team up to rob a few casinos. Legendary.
Boogie Nights
Who wouldn’t dream of throwing a New Year’s Eve party that captures the glamorous 70s vibe of Boogie Nights? Mark Wahlberg might regret being part of this film, but the vibe is undeniable.
Rent
Rent not only features a big January 1st moment when the locked apartment is broken into on the first day of the year, but it’s also a thematic journey about what we do with the year we’re given. From “Seasons of Love” to “No Day but Today,” every song reminds us that the year is best started and lived with those we love.
A New Year’s Resolution
If Hallmark already owns Christmas movies, why not trust them with a romantic comedy perfect for New Year’s Eve? In this TV movie starring Aimee Teegarden, a morning show producer makes a New Year’s resolution to say yes to everything, leading to wild new experiences—including love.
