The holidays are for three things: eating too much, drinking too much and watching corny movies that, at any other point during the year, would be too trashy to bare. Perhaps it’s about time we revisited a couple of New Years Eve movies.
It’s a basic component of being human: experiencing all the feels and so when NYE approaches it’s a prime time to reflect on the year and let all those feels out.
So if expressing your emotions isn’t a strong point, let these 5 extra corny to supremely classic New Years Eve movies inspire you. They’re jam-packed with sentimental scenes, emotional confessions and are bound to do the trick in conjuring up a feeling or two. Get your buckets of ice cream at the ready.
New Years Eve
This film, with its v original title, will be one of your guiltiest pleasures. It’s like the Love Actually of NYE. We absolutely stan a film that follows the trajectories of various people over the course of 24 hours. It’s a storytelling format that never gets boring. The best character is undoubtedly worn-out secretary Ingrid Withers (Michelle Pfeiffer) who quits her crappy job on the day of NYE and enlists Paul Doyle (Zac Efron) to help her complete a series of new years resolutions before the day ends. It’s a whole lotta wholesome.
When Harry Met Sally
This 1989 classic is for lovers of romance. It’s all about Harry and Sally, who disagree on the answer to the question: can a man and woman be friends? The two meet because they’re acquaintances, both recently graduated, who decide to take the drive to New York City together. They start their respective post-grad lives and over the years that follow they run into each other on multiple occasions, many being on NYE. Without giving too much away the film ends with a big ‘ol romantic NYE scene.
Bridget Jones’ Diary
This beloved rom-com kicks off and ends on NYE. Really, what’s more relatable than watching a flawed human struggle through fulfilling her resolutions: quitting smoking and finding a nice dude? It all goes awry, of course, and we watch Jones make some very shit decisions, which makes her all the more likeable. The film ends on a warm and fuzzy note, of course (in Hollywood a crap NYE doesn’t exist, duh). Bridget Jones Diary is essential viewing for anyone who felt like their 2019 was a hot n flaming mess.
Ghostbusters
Fulfil all your nostalgic desires by slapping on Ghostbusters, the original 1984 version. The film follows a bunch of spirit-hunters whose ghost-busting business is going dismally – that is until they catch news of a paranormal encounter threatening all of humanity. This story follows the classic dark horse storyline and ends on – you guessed it – a NYE scene. If you’re into corny flicks but romcoms aren’t your thing, Ghostbusters is the way to go.
200 Cigarettes
The vintage vibes in this film are hardcore, the 80’s outfits are out-of-this-world and the cast… It’s pretty darn decent. In 200 Cigarettes you can see the early careers of Ben Affleck, Paul Rudd, Dave Chapelle, Courtney Love and Kate Hudson. But a big positive point for this film is that it follows multiple characters NYE experiences, so it keeps a good pace. 200 Cigarettes is more realistic in that it portrays a series of NYEs that have gone pretty dismally, an occurrence we can all relate to. However, it’s an indie hit, so don’t expect the typical bells and whistles found in Hollywood flicks.
The Godfather II
If you’ve never watched the Godfather I and II, make NYE the time. These 1972 and 1974 American crime films are certified classics – they’re long ones though, so be prepared to saddle up. The Godfather centres on Don Vito Corelone, a mob boss who uses his power (aka. corrupt activities) to threaten others into doing what he wants. There’s an obscene amount of murder in both films – so if you’re not good with on-screen death, stay clear. The Godfather II features a big, suspenseful NYE scene but rest assured there’s no NYE kiss or fireworks here.
New Year’s Eve is the time to metaphorically scream a big “eff you” to that co-worker who made your year hell or release the memory of that person who smashed up your heart. And really, what better way to do so than to pull off a good ol’ New Years Eve movies binge? Grab the company of a friend and an unhealthy amount of takeaway food and you’re set.