New years come with a lot of celebrations, resolutions, and bucket lists. Here are our top picks for the best movies to start your new year:
15. Highball (1997)
This is a great film to watch over the start of a new year mainly because of the fact that the film was officially considered to be incomplete by its director Noah Baumbach. The producer pulled back the funding and as a result, the director had to cut short the original plan and adjust according to the present difficult circumstances and finish the film in mere six days. The most amazing part is that even with such debacles during its production, it’s a good comedy film to watch and get inspiration from.
The story revolves around a couple that plans to improve their social life by throwing three big parties over the course of the year.
14. A New Year’s Resolution (2021)
Saying yes to more opportunities might sound like the best way to be successful in personal life and career. But this comes with its own dilemmas. This is the case with Kelly, a producer at a local morning TV talk show.
Though she is uncomfortable with new situations she decides to say yes to any upcoming social event. This New Year’s resolution leads her to cross paths with Tom, a marketing manager at a bank. They look to be on the path of a committed relationship but Tom’s professional life creates a dilemma for him.
Does Tom choose his career or Kelly? You’ll have to watch to find out.
13. Southpaw (2015)
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Billy Hope, a champion boxer. He hits rock bottom after his wife is killed. Child Care takes his daughter in. He falls into depression and loses his career.
His hope comes in the form of Titus Wills, a former boxer. Titus trains him and gives him hope something that is still in his name but not his life. A great movie for those who have lost hope and hit rock bottom. You can get back up if you have the right people by your side. Never lose hope.
12. The Theory of Everything (2014)
Stephen Hawking is a well-known name in science. He found out during his student days at Cambridge that he has motor neuron disease and has about two years to live.
This did not shatter his will and he focused on his research goals. Regardless of his disabilities, he became the greatest physicist of recent decades. A very inspirational movie for nerds.
11. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith (Chris) is a professional failure. You’ll have plenty to learn from him during the 2-hour movie. His wife decides to separate. Chris is not only financially broke but he also has to deal with his son’s custody. What he has as a job is an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm.
A movie about hard work, hope, and triumph. A great Kickstarter for the new year.
10. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks plays Forest Gump. A man with a low IQ. He recounts historical events in his life and world history. Now, he only wants to be reunited with Jenny, his childhood sweetheart.
It’s a movie about hope and a man’s will to do something. This movie will be a blow to your excuses. Truly a movie worthy of changing lives.
9. The Godfather (1972)
A classic movie adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. It has a class of its own. Though not suitable for those looking to start the year on a light note, it is a must-watch.
Done Vito Corleone decides to hand over his empire to his youngest son Michael and rightfully so. But his decision puts the lives of his family and friends in terrible danger.
It’s a movie from which you can learn a lot about life and get a whole new perspective. You’ll be getting inspiration from gangsters. Maybe they’re not a bad influence after all, right?
8. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
You must have made resolutions for the New Year. Like keeping a journal or if you already keep one you must’ve written your new year’s goals in it. Well, this movie will give you a whole new perspective on writing a diary and even life.
It’s the story of a 32-year-old single woman, Bridget. She decides it’s time to take control of her life. So, she starts writing a diary. She writes about every aspect of her life in that diary. If you want to know more about Bridget’s diary, we recommend you watch this one alone.
7. Snowpiercer (2013)
Yes, it does give a Divergent-type vibe. But the graphic novel that this movie is adapted from was published way before Veronica Roth’s Divergent.
It’s a post-apocalyptic movie featuring Chris Evan as Curtis. He wants to control the engine of The Train. This is no ordinary train, it’s a train with the few survivors after the earth froze. It’s continuously traveling the globe. In such a situation, tensions rise and cults develop. An inspiring movie to satisfy your sci-fi craving.
6. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
With a 7.6 IMDb rating, this rom-com is a classic of the genre. It features Meg Ryan in her prime with Billy Crystal Playing her love interest, Harry Burns.
It’s the story of two graduates who had a short-term friendship during school. When they meet after five years they have to deal with their feeling for each other. A light movie to start your year.
5. The Gold Rush (1925)
In this one, Charlie Chaplin (The Tramp) sets out in Alaska with Big Jim. Their goal is to find gold. But their hopeful plan is challenged by a blizzard. They take refuge in a cabin to survive the storm.
What follows is the classic Charlie Chaplin comedy that makes you roll on the ground with laughter. Though a silent film, it is way more entertaining than most comedy movies produced nowadays.
4. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
It’s a story of a widow who has not come to terms with his wife’s death. His son forces him to call a national radio in hopes of finding him a companion.
It stars Tom Hanks doing what he does best, being Tom Hanks. You can relate to what we’re saying if you’re a fan of his movies. It’s a lovely movie to watch with your partner to start the New Year hopefully.
3. Sing 2 (2021)
With $90.2 at the US box office, this animated movie is about the passion of a Koala to bring his dream of big-time success to reality.
He has to persuade a lonely rock star to join his band of performers. The movie is an emotional rollercoaster ride that reminds us of the heart-healing powers of music.
2. The King’s Man (2021)
This one’s adapted from the Kingsman comic book which debuted in 2012. Two previous film adaptations of the comic have been widely popular. With 19.6 million USD (gross, US) since its debut, it is one of the titles at the US Top Box Office.
The King’s Man sets out to stop criminal masterminds plotting to start a war that would wipe out millions. This is not your typical hero movie with a linear plot. Have trust in the previous movies if you’re a fan and give this one a chance. If you haven’t watched the previous movies we recommend you do before starting this one.
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Spiderman, your friendly neighborhood hero did a business of more than 600 million USD (gross, US Box office) at the end of December. The movie was released on December 1, 2021, in the States.
The No Way Home sequel stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker aka Spiderman whose identity has been revealed. Peter asks Dr. Strange to cast a spell to make the world forget that he is Spiderman. Not everything goes as smoothly as Peter thought. You’ll have to watch the movie to see Peter turn from an Avenger boy-side-kick to the legitimate Spiderman he is.
Honorable Mentions
Our list of the best movies to start your new year can’t be completed without mentioning these great titles as well:
- New Year’s Evil (1980)
- Four Rooms (1995)
- New Year’s Eve (2011)
Comment down below which one is your favorite movie from the list. Give us recommendations on what our team members should watch this New Year.
