Films to Watch on New Year’s Eve Offer Mood, Nostalgia and Reflection

31 December 2025

Absolutely magnetic … Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society. Photograph: Touchstone/Sportsphoto/Allstar

As the final hours of 2025 ticked away and viewers across the United States and beyond began settling in for New Year’s Eve at home, a growing movement of cinephiles and streaming audiences turned their attention to a carefully curated set of films that capture the emotional complexity of bidding farewell to one year and welcoming another, with classics and contemporary picks alike offering everything from comforting romance and nostalgic comedy to darker, thought-provoking drama.

Critics and entertainment guides highlighted a selection of films that are particularly resonant for late-night viewing on December 31, acknowledging that the tradition of watching movies on New Year’s Eve has taken on cultural importance as friends and families look for meaningful or entertaining ways to mark the passage of time without the pressure of crowded public celebrations. Among these choices are films that have become staples of holiday and year-end viewing, alongside those that explore the bittersweet mix of hope, resolution and reflection that defines the transition into a new year.

For many, no list of New Year’s Eve films would be complete without When Harry Met Sally, the 1989 romantic comedy that has become a perennial favorite for its warmth, humor and unforgettable ending set at a New Year’s Eve party. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, the film stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan and culminates in a heartfelt moment that has become synonymous with yearning, connection and the promise of fresh beginnings, themes that align closely with what many viewers hope to feel as the clock strikes midnight. When Harry Met Sally blends light-hearted banter with deeper questions about love and friendship, making it a dependable choice for audiences seeking both comfort and optimism as they reflect on the year past and the one ahead.

Another iconic film that often surfaces on New Year’s Eve watch lists is The Apartment, a classic 1960 romantic comedy-drama starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. This story of a mid-century office worker who loans his apartment to executives for their extramarital affairs unfolds over Christmas and into New Year’s Day and explores themes of loneliness, ambition and human connection with a mix of sharp wit and genuine heart. The film’s nuanced performances and blend of comedy with social commentary have earned it a lasting place in the canon of holiday cinema, and for many viewers, its narrative arc provides a thoughtful lens through which to consider their own lives and relationships as the calendar turns.

For those looking to add a touch of adventure or humor to their New Year’s Eve viewing, Trading Places, the 1983 comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd has become another popular choice. Set in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the film’s climactic party features a high-stakes comedy of manners that underscores the holiday’s potential for chaos and transformation. Its blend of social satire and outright farce makes it a fun pick for audiences who prefer their end-of-year entertainment to bring laughter alongside celebration.

Not all recommended films for the night lean into rom-com or light-hearted territory. Forrest Gump, the 1994 drama starring Tom Hanks, features one of the most memorable New Year’s Eve scenes in cinematic history, capturing a more contemplative mood that resonates with many viewers’ experience of the holiday. In this moment, Gary Sinise’s Lieutenant Dan reflects on life and loss amid the raucous party atmosphere, offering a poignant contrast that can prompt personal reflection long after the credits roll. Its mix of historical sweep, emotional depth and personal storytelling continues to make Forrest Gump a film that many choose for thoughtful viewing as one year ends and another begins.

For audiences who enjoy a more unconventional or emotionally complex cinematic experience, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread appears on many lists as well. While not a traditional holiday film, its depiction of a tumultuous New Year’s Eve party serves as a powerful metaphor for the complexities of human relationships and the tensions that can arise when people seek connection and meaning during transitional times. The film’s richly layered characters and evocative style make it a compelling choice for viewers seeking depth and artistic ambition in their year-end viewing.

Beyond these specific titles, streaming guides emphasize that many other films resonate with the themes of renewal, nostalgia and celebration that define New Year’s Eve. From classic dramas to modern comedies and ensemble pieces that explore interconnected lives and personal transformation, the holiday lends itself to cinematic storytelling that mirrors the hopes, anxieties and reflections that accompany the turning of the calendar. Whether viewers choose to revisit beloved classics that evoke personal memories or discover new favorites that speak to their aspirations for the future, the act of watching a film on New Year’s Eve has become an important part of how many people around the world mark the passage of time.

In an era when streaming platforms offer unprecedented access to a vast library of films, audiences have more choices than ever to tailor their New Year’s Eve experience to their preferences. Whether it is the comfort of a well-worn favorite, the laughter of a beloved comedy or the emotional resonance of a powerful drama, the films curated for December 31 celebrations reflect not just the diversity of cinematic art but also the diverse ways people seek connection, entertainment and meaning at the intersection of past and future.