There’s an often forgotten genre of holiday movies: New Year’s Eve movies!
Yes, there’s an abundance of Halloween movies and Christmas movies, and that’s why most people opt for those in the later months of the year.
But if you’re looking to celebrate the upcoming New Year with a film, we’ve got you covered.
These are the best New Year’s Eve movies and where to watch them in Australia.
New Year’s Eve
Director: Garry Marshall
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Release: 2011
This star-studded romantic comedy follows several interconnected stories of love, hope, and redemption set against the backdrop of New York City’s glittering New Year’s Eve celebrations. Think Love Actually or Valentine’s Day, but set on December 31st as opposed to Christmas or February 14th.
Where to watch: New Year’s Eve is available on Foxtel Now.
- Stream New Year’s Eve on Foxtel Now from $35/mth, with a 10-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
When Harry Met Sally
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Release: 1989
This beloved romantic comedy charts the decades-long friendship of Harry, played by Billy Crystal, and Sally, played by Meg Ryan. When Harry Met Sally’s final scene is set during a New Year’s Eve party and, while yes, it’s a small part of the film, it’s arguably the best part…
Where to watch: When Harry Met Sally is available on SBS OnDemand.
Sex and the City: The Movie
Director: Michael Patrick King
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Release: 2008
After Sex and the City (the series) finished but before And Just Like That started, fans were treated to two Sex and the City films. And the first one has a very memorable scene set during New Year’s Eve and poignantly underscored by The Cast’s Auld Lang Syne.
Where to watch: Sex and the City: The Movie is available on Binge and/or Foxtel Now.
- Stream Sex and the City: The Movie on BINGE from $10/mth, with a 7-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
- Stream Sex and the City: The Movie on Foxtel Now from $35/mth, with a 10-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
An American in Paris
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Starring: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant
Genre: Musical, Romance, Drama
Release: 1951
This Oscar-winning musical stars Gene Kelly as a struggling artist in Paris. The climactic scene is set at a New Year’s celebration and brilliantly reinforces An American in Paris’ overarching theme of renewal.
Where to watch: You can rent or buy An American in Paris on Apple TV+.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Director: Sharon Maguire
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Release: 2001
Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, a 30-something woman navigating love and self-improvement, in this hilarious cult classic (which is getting a fourth film in 2025!). The film begins at New Year’s Eve, chronicles Bridget’s year, and then ends on the next New Year’s Eve.
Where to watch: Bridget Jones’s Diary is available on Binge, Paramount+, Netflix, Stan, and/or Foxtel Now.
- Stream Bridget Jones’s Diary on BINGE from $10/mth, with a 7-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
- Stream Bridget Jones’s Diary on Paramount Plus from $9.99/mth, with a 7-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
- Stream Bridget Jones’s Diary on Foxtel Now from $35/mth, with a 10-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE NOW.
New Year’s Day
Director: Henry Jaglom
Starring: David Duchovny, Maggie Wheeler
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release: 1989
In New Year’s Day, a divorced writer returns to his sublet New York apartment to find three young women still living there. As the title suggests, the film is set on New Year’s Day, and fittingly explores renewal, dreams, and self-discovery.
Where to watch: New Year’s Day is available on Tubi TV.
Four Rooms
Director: Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Tim Roth, Antonio Banderas, Madonna
Genre: Comedy, Satire
Release: 1995
Set on New Year’s Eve, this quirky anthology film stars Tim Roth as a hotel bellhop who navigates four bizarre events across four suites. If you like dark comedies, Four Rooms is the perfect New Year’s film for you.
Where to watch: You can rent or buy Four Rooms on Apple TV+.
