Ring in the New Year right with these 7 movies on streaming
Ring in the New Year right with these 7 movies on streaming
Whether you’re in the mood for romance, comedy, or adventure, these movies will set the perfect tone for the holiday.
A great New Year’s Eve is ultimately about the people you spend it with. That includes the characters you watch on your big screen – so they better be people you like! I’m here to help with some of my favorite New Year’s movies. From rom-coms to adventure films, there’s probably a movie on this list that fits whatever New Year mood you’re in. So, here’s a list of the top 7 New Year’s movies you can watch on streaming right now.
Top 7 New Year’s movies to stream right now
No. 7: ‘The Apartment’ (1960) | Prime Video
Coming in at No. 7 on the list is a timeless romantic dramedy: “The Apartment.” Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, the movie is a sharp but heartfelt exploration of love, ambition, and second chances. The story follows a lonely office worker who lends out his apartment to his bosses for their… erm… extramarital affairs in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. Things take a turn when he falls for an elevator operator tangled in a messy office romance. The reason the film is on this list is that — similar to “When Harry Met Sally” — the emotional climax takes place on New Year’s Eve, where themes of renewal, self-worth, and true connection come through. Packed with wit and charm, “The Apartment” is as perfect for New Year’s Eve as champagne and a midnight kiss.
The Apartment
Bud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although he often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits, one night he’s left with a major problem to solve.
No. 6: ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001) | Max
At No. 6 is “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” a classic holiday romantic comedy. Renée Zellweger plays Bridget, a single woman in London trying to improve her life and find love while hilariously fumbling through awkward romantic encounters. While it’s a little dated at times, the movie starts and ends with key New Year’s Eve moments, framing her journey of self-discovery and romance with Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy. With its relatable humor and a story full of heart, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” is all about fresh starts, resolutions, and finding love when you least expect it – perfect for New Year’s.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Bridget Jones is an average woman struggling against her age, her weight, her job, her lack of a man, and her various imperfections. As a New Year’s resolution, Bridget decides to take control of her life, starting by keeping a diary in which she will always tell the complete truth. The fireworks begin when her charming though disreputable boss takes an interest in the quirky Miss Jones. Thrown into the mix are Bridget’s band of slightly eccentric friends and a rather disagreeable acquaintance into whom Bridget cannot seem to stop running or help finding quietly attractive.
No. 5: ‘About Time’ (2013) | Rent with Prime Video
At No. 5 is “About Time” a genre-bending romantic drama with a time-travel twist. Directed by Richard Curtis, the film stars Domhnall Gleeson as Tim, a young man who discovers he can travel back in time to moments in his own life. Using his new power, he tries to win the heart of Mary, played by Rachel McAdams, and create his ideal life. The film begins with a New Year’s Eve party, setting the stage for Tim’s journey of love and self-discovery. With its blend of romance, humor, and deep life lessons, “About Time” is a perfect film to watch as the New Year approaches, reminding us to appreciate the present and the people we love.
About Time
The night after another unsatisfactory New Year’s party, Tim’s father tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. They can’t change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us.
No. 4: ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ (1972) | Rent with Prime Video
For viewers looking to ring in their New Year with disaster, there’s “The Poseidon Adventure” at No. 4. This disaster movie classic kicks-off with a New Year’s Eve party like no other. The story takes place aboard the SS Poseidon, where passengers are celebrating the holiday in style - until a massive rogue wave flips the ship upside down. What follows is an intense fight for survival as a small group of passengers, led by Gene Hackman, attempt to climb through the broken ship to escape to safety. With thrilling action, emotional stakes, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve setting, this movie delivers both excitement and heart, making it a must-watch for the holiday.
The Poseidon Adventure
When their ocean liner capsizes, a group of passengers struggle to survive and escape.
No. 3: ‘New Year’s Eve’ (2011) | Hulu
At No. 3 is “New Year’s Eve,” a who’s-who of good-looking stars (I’m looking at you Jessica Alba and Zac Efron) in an ensemble romantic comedy that celebrates the holiday in all its chaotic, heartfelt glory. Directed by Garry Marshall, the film weaves together multiple storylines set on Dec. 31 in New York City. From a nurse (Halle Berry) comforting a patient to a frustrated secretary (Michelle Pfeiffer) crossing off her bucket list with the help of a courier (Zac Efron), each narrative builds toward the iconic Times Square ball drop. The holiday’s themes of fresh starts and meaningful connections are at the heart of every plotline. Packed with star power, feel-good moments, and the energy of New Year’s in the city that never sleeps, “New Year’s Eve” is a festive watch to get you in the holiday spirit.
New Year’s Eve
The lives of several couples and singles in New York intertwine over the course of New Year’s Eve.
No. 2: ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ (1993) |Rent with Prime Video
Okay, listen - this may not be as New Year’s Eve-y as the rest of the movies on this list, but it’s still a romantic classic that has a pivotal scene that counts. Directed by the queen of the genre, Nora Ephron, “Sleepless in Seattle” stars Tom Hanks as Sam, a widower whose young son calls a radio show to help find his dad a new partner. Across the country, Meg Ryan’s character, Annie, hears the call and becomes drawn to Sam, even though she’s already engaged. While the big finale takes place on Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve plays an important role in the story. At the New Year’s Eve party, Annie has a moment of clarity about her feelings for Sam, setting everything in motion. Plus, the movie is all about taking chances, finding connections, and starting fresh — perfect for the New Year regardless of how much “New Year” is in it!
Sleepless in Seattle
After the death of his mother, a young boy calls a radio station in an attempt to set his father up on a date. Talking about his father’s loneliness soon leads to a meeting with a young female journalist, who has flown to Seattle to write a story about the boy and his father.
No. 1: ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989) | Rent on Prime Video
At No. 1 is one of my favorite rom-coms of all time, “When Harry Met Sally…,” – the ultimate romantic comedy for New Year’s Eve. Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as two friends navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and whether men and women can ever truly just be… friends. The film’s iconic climax takes place at a New Year’s Eve party, where Harry realizes he’s in love with Sally and rushes to confess his feelings before midnight. The countdown is a great ride, while the themes of new love and old friends match the spirit of the holiday. Packed with sharp dialogue, relatable humor, and one of the best endings in rom-com history, “When Harry Met Sally” is the perfect movie to watch as you ring in the New Year.
When Harry Met Sally…
During their travel from Chicago to New York, Harry and Sally debate whether or not sex ruins a friendship between a man and a woman. Eleven years later, and they’re still no closer to finding the answer.