From bleak comedies to heartwarming dramas, and thrilling horrors to epic fantasies, discover the perfect film to ring in the New Year, offering everything from fresh starts to nostalgic reflections.
This article offers a diverse collection of movie recommendations for New Year's Eve viewing, each with a unique reason to watch. Billy Wilder's 'The Apartment' is suggested for its bleak comedy and hopeful ending, symbolizing a fresh start despite mismatched lovers. 'Dead Poets Society' is praised for Robin Williams' magnetic performance and its 'carpe diem' message, inspiring viewers to embrace their voices. Kathryn Bigelow's 'Strange Days' is a pre-millennial tech-noir thriller, offering a cautionary tale and an exhilarating experience. The Russian classic 'The Irony of Fate' provides a screwball romcom with mistaken identity and Slavic melancholy. 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy is recommended as a comforting tradition for reflection on change. 'Sunset Boulevard' offers a grim but gloriously camp Hollywood hate letter, perfect for those staying in. 'The Shining' is a horror staple and classic winter movie, ideal for a casual rewatch. 'The Poseidon Adventure' is a disaster movie reminding viewers that worse things happen at sea, with Gene Hackman's memorable performance. Woody Allen's 'Radio Days' is a nostalgic memoir of 1940s New York, ending with a superb, wistful New Year's sequence. The 1938 romcom 'Holiday' encourages rebuking expectations and making meaningful life promises. Claude Lelouch's 'La bonne année' is a French crime/romance offering seasonal delights and a blend of grit and romance. Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Phantom Thread' features a tumultuous but ultimately hopeful New Year's sequence. Finally, 'When Harry Met Sally…' is highlighted as a timeless romcom, offering a hopeful way to see out a challenging year with its iconic New Year's Eve declaration of love.
