16 best New Year’s Eve films to watch on the 31st of December

Snuggle up and ring in 2025 with a good film.

couple watching tv

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

As we edge slowly to the end of 2024, you may be considering what to do to ring in the New Year. If you fancy staying in and keeping things simple this year (and we don't blame you!), what about a great New Year's Eve film to curl up and watch with a glass of bubbly and some good company?

If that sounds appealing, take a look at some of our top picks for films you might fancy watching... Pyjamas, blankets and snacks are optional!

The best New Year's Eve films:

When Harry met Sally

Good friends Harry and Sally have known each other for years but will sex ruin their friendship?

Watch When Harry Met Sally here.

A Lot Like Love

This romantic comedy follows the developing relationship between a couple who meet by chance on a flight from Los Angeles to New York but repeatedly bump into one another for the next seven years.

Watch A Lot Like Love here.

Holiday Inn

At an inn which is only open on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer. Stars Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Marjorie Reynolds.

Watch Holiday Inn here.

About Time

From the director of Love Actually, this film is a must-watch. Tim possesses the power to travel in time like all the men in his family. With the advice of his father, he uses his special ability to pursue his romantic interest, Mary.

Watch About Time here.

Sleepless in Seattle

It's New Year's Eve and Sam (Tom Hanks) heartbreakingly dreams of talking to his late wife. His eight-year-old son Jonah forces him to call a national radio talk show, with the hopes of finding him a companion.

Watch Sleepless in Seattle here.

About a Boy

A cynical, immature young man (played by Hugh Grant) is taught how to act like a grown-up by a little boy he forges an unusual relationship with.

Watch About a Boy here.

While You Were Sleeping

Although this rom-com with Sandra Bullock starts off on Christmas Day, it reaches its peak on New Year's Eve. Lonely transit worker Lucy pulls her longtime crush, Peter, from the path of an oncoming train. Watch here.

Are We There Yet?

To impress a gorgeous divorcee, ladies' man Nick offers to take her kids on an extended road trip on New Year's Eve, unaware of the torture he's in for.

Watch Are We There Yet here.

New Year's Eve

Featuring a star-filled cast, people from different walks of life find their lives intertwined when they embark on a quest to find happiness on New Year's Eve.

Watch New Year's Eve here.

This Time Next Year

Based on the novel by Sophie Cousens, this rom-com follows the very different lives of Minnie (Sophie Cookson) and Quinn (Lucien Laviscount), who are born one minute apart on New Year's Day in the same hospital. Set in London, it has a great cast of famous faces, including Anita Dobson, John Hannah, Doctor Who's Mandip Gill, Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte actress Golda Rosheuvel and Sherwood star Monica Dolan.

Watch This Time Next Year here.

Bridget Jones's Diary

Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) decides to keep a personal diary in which she writes about her journey to improve herself while she looks for love.

Watch Vrudgert Jones's Diary here.

The Greatest Showman

This musical is perfect for the whole family, starring Hugh Jackman which tells the tale of P T Barnum who started with nothing and rose to become one of the greatest men in show business.

Watch The Greatest Showman here.

Mamma Mia!

If you’re a fan of Abba then you’ll love this musical romance, about a young girl who’s preparing for her wedding and invites three of her mother’s ex-partners, hoping one is her father. The songs will have you up and dancing around your living room in no time.

Watch Mamma Mia! here.

Dirty Dancing

While holidaying at the Catskills resort Baby (Jennifer Grey) falls in love with her rebellious dance teacher (Patrick Swayze) who her father doesn’t approve of. Swayze and Grey’s dancing in this is just incredible.

Watch Dirty Dancing here.

La La Land

One of the more recent musical romances starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, which sees an actress and pianist fall in love with each other, while also trying to navigate their careers.

Watch La La Land here.

Forrest Gump

This film covers a huge span of time as Forrest recounts the early years of his life - including New Year’s Eve - even though it didn’t really go the way Lieutenant Dan or himself planned.

Watch Forrest Gump here.

Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilberthas been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.

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