Not everyone feels like partying when New Year’s Eve comes around — either because they prefer to spend a quiet evening at home, or because circumstances don’t allow it. A good way to get some theme-appropriate entertainment is to watch movies set on New Year’s Eve during the holiday.
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While Christmas continues to be the more popular winter holiday when it comes to portrayal in the movies, New Year’s Eve isn’t doing so bad either. Multiple films take place during this special holiday and some of them stand out even among the rest thanks to their captivating story or the great cast. Here are some of the best to watch in the hours leading up to midnight.
8Bachelor Mother (1939)
Today, it’s not unusual for a woman to be a single mom. However, in 1939, the heroine of the movie has trouble convincing the world that the child she found isn’t hers! As a result, she has to take care of the child, which leads her right in the way of her boss’s son.
The movie takes place both during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, making it the perfect winter holiday flick. Even though it’s 82 years old, it’s still fun and intelligent enough to entertain even modern audiences. It helps that both Ginger Rogers and David Niven in the leading roles do an excellent job.
7Ocean’s 11 (1960)
When the titleOcean’s 11comes up these days, most people think of the 2001 movie with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. However, long before that version, the first Danny Ocean was portrayed bythe famous singer turned actorFrank Sinatra.
It was Sinatra’s Danny who came up with the plan to rob a casino on New Year’s Eve, and joined forces with his friends to pull off the heist of a lifetime. The movie not only has excellent actors, but it’s also fast-paced and full of tension throughout.
6The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
New Year’s Eve movies aren’t just romantic comedies or fun action flicks.The Poseidon Adventurehappens on New Year’s Eve, but instead of celebrating, the heroes have to fight for their lives.A shipwreck is always horrific to experience, especially during the winter in the freezing cold. That’s exactly what the characters face in this film.
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The movie has become an adventure classic and spawned multiple sequels and remakes as well. It has a strong cast and an intense atmosphere of danger and fear that will keep the audience hooked.
5Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Played by Renée Zellweger, Bridget Jones has been single for quite some time until she meets Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy on New Year’s Eve… and he hates her. However, nothing is at it seems, and throughout the next year, Mark and Bridget gradually find their way to each other.
The only problem is Bridget’s handsome but untrustworthy boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).Bridget Jones’s Diaryis the ultimate feel-good British romantic comedy, that has the added bonus of both starting and ending on New Year’s Eve.
4New Year’s Eve (2011)
This movie’s title alone immediately makes it an obvious choice for a New Year’s movie. Several people played by known actors such as Ashton Kutcher, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jessica Biel are all trying hard to find love and friendship while the new year approaches.
Thanks to switching between various heroes and their stories, the movie never becomes boring. It’s an ideal watch for viewers who enjoyed movies such asLove Actually(2003) orParis, I Love You(2006) which also feature multiple stories in a single movie.
3About Time (2013)
The ability to travel back in time comes in handy, especially when a guy wants to get the girl of his dreams. Domhall Gleeson plays a young man named Tim who learns about his talent from his dad, and uses it to go back to time and win the heart of the girl he likes (Rachel McAdams). And all of that happens on New Year’s Eve!
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The movie is both humorous and tension-filled, as it keeps the audience keeps guessing whether Tim will succeed in his efforts. Funnily enough, it’s not the first time Rachel McAdams starred in a time-travel romantic comedy as she also played a leading part in the 2009 movieThe Time Traveler’s Wifealongside Eric Bana.
2The Age Of Adaline (2015)
Movies about immortal characters are always interesting. They allow the filmmakers to capture the passing of time well, and that includes the changing holidays. Adaline, played by Blake Lively, was born on New Year’s Day and stopped aging after her 29th birthday.
Her favorite hobby is attending New Year Eve’s parties, and one such party changes her life. The movie is both intelligent, touching, and well-cast. In addition to than Lively, it also starsGame of Thrones’Michiel Huisman, as well as Harrison Ford.
1Holidate (2020)
This romantic comedy with Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey is unique because it takes place during more than just one holiday. However, the two do have their first sort of date on New Year’s Eve. Roberts and Bracey play two single people who agree to become each other’s date for each holiday even though they’re just friends.
Unsurprisingly, things get a little bit more complicated between them. The actors give excellent performances (including Kristin Chenoweth and Frances Fisher in supporting roles), and the movie is both funny and realistic in many ways.
