The Best Movies to Watch on New Year's Eve

Actors Zac Efron (L) and Michelle Pfeiffer film a scene at the "New Year's Eve" movie set in Midtown Manhattan on February 24, 2011 in New York City.
Ray Tamarra / Getty

New Year's Eve is far better spent at home than at a bar; we all know this. Whether you're just relaxing at home this year or need something on the screen in the background of your party, here are 10 movies that line up with the end of the year's festivities perfectly.

Related: Ho, Ho, Oh No!: Worst Christmas Movies of All Time

When Harry Met Sally... poster
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

'When Harry Met Sally...' (1989)

Though this movie might be more synonymous with Katz's Deli than it is with New Year's Eve, "When Harry Met Sally..." still features an all-timer romantic comedy moment when Billy Crystal spills his guts at the stroke of midnight. The classics still don't miss. The Rob Reiner-helmed movie has been inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, further cementing it's place in the American cultural zeitgeist.

Related: The Most Romantic Movie The Year You Were Born

About a Boy dvd cover
Amazon

'About a Boy' (2002)

Ah, the first time we laid collective eye upon Nicholas Hoult. Hugh Grant meets Hoult's character's mother on NYE, and what follows still holds up as one of the most charming movies of its era.

Related: Best Buddy Comedy Movies of All Time

About Time poster
Universal Pictures

'About Time' (2013)

I love pretty much everything about this movie. It's got laughs, it's got heart, it's got ping pong, it's got time travel, it's got it all. Because of said time travel, you'll see more than a few scenes centered around NYE. I can't recommend it enough.

Snowpiercer
Amazon

'Snowpiercer' (2013)

"Parasite" wasn't Bong Joon-ho's first rodeo when it comes to movies about classism. "Snowpiercer" — set on a segregated train circling an icy, post-apocalyptic world — is a very solid movie. It also features a New Year's Eve celebration that, if you're lucky, will be far different than the one you've got in store.

Ghostbusters II
Sony Pictures Classics

'Ghostbusters II' (1989)

There's a lot of insanity in this movie, but the entire story builds toward New Year's Eve, finally culminating on the big night. Rick Moranis shouting, "Happy New Year" to a random person as he runs down the street in his Ghostbuster outfit will make me laugh for the rest of my life.

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Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.

'New Year's Eve' (2011)

I did not see this, but wow, take a look at that cast. What a lineup. It's got a 7% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is just remarkable. This masterpiece might be best if saved for after a few champagne toasts.

Are We There Yet? poster
Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc

'Are We There Yet?' (2005)

Ice Cube is stuck on a family adventure trying to drive his girlfriend's children from Portland to Vancouver on New Year's Eve. Ice Cube yells a lot in this movie. What else do you need? I could watch Ice Cube yell for hours.

Phantom Thread poster
Focus Features

'Phantom Thread' (2017)

I didn't see "Phantom Thread" because I don't see movies that look super, super boring. Apparently there's a NYE party in this movie. I bet it's boring as can be. This seems like a good flick to watch if you're worried about staying up too late and want to turn on something to help you fall asleep.

Ocean's 11 poster
Warner Bros.

'Ocean's 11' (1960)

The original "Ocean's 11" takes place on Dec. 31, but in fairness, I have not seen it. But I don't know, fire it up, maybe you'll like it. Let me know where you land.

Ocean's Eleven poster
Amazon

'Ocean's Eleven' (2001)

Surprise! I have also not seen the classic Clooney remake. I am, in fact, just as unqualified to recommend this one. Maybe I have some work to do this year. Might be a movie-marathon-kinda night.

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