As the clock strikes midnight on the first day of the year, the start of a New Year begins. To celebrate this fresh start, nothing says “Happy New Year” quite like watching a movie. Looking for the perfect film to celebrate the onset of a new season? Here’s a top-notch line-up of seasonal movies, both old and new, that’ll make you feel all fuzzy, warm, and ready to take on the New Year.
Top 10 New Year’s Movies
- It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic, feel-good movie that is perfect to watch over the New Year. This beloved holiday classic, originally released in 1946, follows George Bailey (played by the legendary Jimmy Stewart) and his struggles on Christmas Eve. After contemplating suicide, George is eventually shown the true bounteous goodness of life as an angel guides him on an adventure to his own home. The powerful moral of the movie is worth watching it for alone.
- Die Hard
Action fans will love Die Hard, an iconic and classic New Year movie that first hit the big screen in 1988. This story follows Officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he gets caught in the middle of a harrowing hostage situation inside a Los Angeles office building. What ensues is an action-packed adventure filled with thrills and suspense in this timeless classic.
- New Year’s Eve
This light-hearted romantic comedy brings together the perfect New Year’s cast of all-stars (including the likes of Halle Berry and Robert De Niro). This New Year’s Eve features intertwining stories of different people and their rollercoaster of emotions as each of them strives for that special resolution for the coming year. The movie is an entertaining way to have a good time ringing in the New Year with your friends, family, and loved ones.
- When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is a classic romantic comedy that first appeared in theaters in 1989. This movie chronicles the twelve year “will they, won’t they” series of events that follows two people through their adventures into a deeply romantic relationship. It’s a delightful movie filled with hilarious scenarios, heartfelt moments and—most importantly—the sweetest of resolutions.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
This beloved holiday favourite first came to life in 1993, and each year this stop-motion classic continues to be a cult classic. In this delightful fairy tale, a skeleton named Jack Skellington discovers the wonderful town called “Christmas Town”, and wants to share their joyous celebrations with his own land of Halloween Town. Watch as Jack embarks on a grand adventure to turn the citizens of Halloween Town into a land of Christmas cheer.
- The Godfather
What better way to kick off the New Year than to watch one of most iconic films in history. Francis Ford Coppola directs this Academy Award winning epic tale of the Corleone crime family. From illustrating the many moral dilemmas faced by Michael Corleone, to watching the family patriarch, Vito Corleone, do whatever it takes to keep his family safe and ensure their prosperity, the Godfather is an absolute must-see!
- Elf
Who could resist such a beloved Christmas movie? Elf, the 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell, follows the story of a human raised by an elf family in the North Pole. When Buddy is alerted of his true identity, he picks up and leaves the North Pole to discover his real family in New York City. From eating pop tarts in the shower to battling a ferocious “can’t nobody stop me” snowman, this holiday-classic will be sure to warm your heart no matter the season.
- The Holiday
This heartwarming romantic-comedy follows two women—one from Los Angeles, the other from London—who “swap homes” for the winter holidays. Starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, watch as these two meet their respective love interests and discover a renewed sense of joy and meaning in life.
- Home Alone
This one’s for all the 90s kids. Home Alone first hit theaters in 1990, and it has become a classic watching for families around the holiday season. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is mistakenly left home alone while the rest of his family flies off to Paris on Christmas Day. As the movie progresses, Kevin must protect the family home from two bumbling burglars—all while finding creative solutions to all the crazy pitfalls they try to bring his way.
- The Holiday Calendar
The Holiday Calendar is a much more recent addition to this holiday watch-list. After receiving a magical advent calendar as a gift from her grandfather, Abby discovers that it can actually predict the future. This Netflix-original holiday movie follows Abby as she attempts to navigate her way through a complicated relationship and uncertain career decisions, all the while discovering the true meaning of friendship and following the signs of fate.
Honourable Mentions
In addition to the above ten seasonal films, here are some other feel-good classics that are sure to make your New Year’s movie night one to remember:
• Love Actually
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• The Santa Clause
• The Polar Express
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• A Christmas Story
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Miracle on 34th Street
• Scrooged
From classic films that have been watched and loved for years, to more modern movies that provide the perfect New Year feel-goods, there’s plenty of seasonal films to keep you and your loved ones entertained while ringing in the New Year. After all, someone once said “Good company and good film is all that I need”. Who better can provide that company than yourself, a few friends and family, and some of the best seasonal movies? Happy New Year!