5 films perfect for NEW YEAR’S EVE
December 31st isn’t for everyone to party in the city. Because I’ve been struck by a rare tropical disease, because nobody likes me, because my religion forbids it, or simply because the soup was too salty—there are endless reasons, all equally valid, to skip the wild New Year’s Eve party. What to do then? Where to find entertainment? How to spend the time when nearly the entire world is noisily celebrating the arrival of the New Year? The answer, as always, is movies. Below are a few film suggestions perfect for New Year’s Eve, whether you’re spending it alone or with company.
Mad Max: Fury Road
This high-octane spectacle, filled with roaring engines and pounding music, is the perfect choice for the one night of the year when noise ordinances don’t apply. Choose the largest screen available, crank up the volume to the max, and hit the road! It’s two hours of relentless, adrenaline-fueled entertainment, ideally starting around 10 PM so you can time the climactic “fanfares” with the fireworks erupting outside. Afterward, you can join the festivities in equally dramatic fashion—by spraying your face and jumping off the balcony (from the first floor, of course) with a triumphant shout of “Witness me!” Pure madness.
Die Hard
A classic Christmas title that works just as well for New Year’s Eve—for many of the same reasons as the previous pick: it’s loud, action-packed, and thrilling. Plus, it offers a stark contrast to the singing, slightly inebriated neighbors toasting the New Year. Picture it: bloody John McClane fighting for survival while the world parties on. There’s nothing better. Bonus points for the option to watch it as a double feature with its similarly winter-themed sequel—more action, more chaos. Yippee-ki-yay…
It’s a Wonderful Life
Another title closely associated with Christmas but arguably even better suited for those few days afterward. If the post-New Year blues or loneliness strike, Frank Capra reminds us it could always be worse, and there’s no point in crying over spilled milk. After watching, follow the example of the protagonist: go outside, joyfully roll in the snow (if there’s any), and embrace life by hugging strangers at 2 AM—spray-painting your face optional. Because why not? After all, it’s a wonderful life.
The Big Chill
This mood-lifting film begins with… a funeral. But don’t worry; it gets better from there, and the cast is packed with star power. If you’re spending New Year’s Eve alone for any reason, Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Tom Berenger, JoBeth Williams, and Mary Kay Place will quickly feel like lifelong friends. And if your night is spent in a bigger group, the light humor, warmth, and fantastic soundtrack full of timeless hits will undoubtedly contribute to the celebratory mood. Afterward, there’s nothing left to do but hug everyone again—this time with heartfelt wishes, even if your painted-on grin comes with a hint of an allergic reaction.
Enter the Voidn
To cap off your cinematic journey into the New Year, why not delve into some psychedelic metaphysics? Gaspar Noé’s provocative masterpiece is a dazzling display of neon lights set in Tokyo, offering a unique first-person perspective and a surprisingly thoughtful narrative. It takes viewers through all the emotional states and experiences of… life itself. It’s sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll—not a perfect mix for everyone, but for a grand finale to New Year’s Eve, this cinematic high is just the ticket. And if you’re watching with Aunt Mary, Uncle John, allergy cream, and other guilty pleasures, the experience could be even more memorable. Here’s hoping it doesn’t come with a moral hangover—Happy New Year!
Total Runtime
Together, these films clock in at nearly 11 hours—enough to keep you entertained all night.
And what about you? What are your recommendations? Leave a comment!
Jacek Lubiński