Holiday movie marathon: 10 films you shouldn’t miss before 2026
Still from the film Holidate
New Year’s Eve in the movies is not just a celebration; it is a time for decisions, reflections, and new beginnings. That is why films set on New Year’s Eve or in the first days of the year leave a special emotional impression.
RBC-Ukraine has curated a selection of films where the New Year serves as a turning point, a moment of reevaluation, or an unexpected twist of fate.
A Long Way Down (2014)
Four strangers meet by chance on the roof of a London skyscraper on New Year’s Eve, each intending to end their life.
Instead, they agree to postpone their decision and spend a few days together.
The film deals honestly with depression and loneliness, showing how even strangers can temporarily save each other.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
The story follows a friendship between a man and a woman over more than ten years, evolving alongside their lives.
New Year’s Eve becomes the moment they finally realize what they mean to each other. The celebration is not just a backdrop but a turning point in their relationship.
New Year's Eve (2011)
The film takes place over several hours on December 31 in New York City. Multiple parallel stories unfold, from a musician dreaming of his big break to people who cross paths by chance in a hospital or on Times Square.
Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
An adaptation of Jonathan Larson's semi-autobiographical musical, the film tells the story of the fear of running out of time to achieve your dreams.
The protagonist is approaching his 30th birthday and painfully feels the pressure of time, expectations, and compromises. The New Year atmosphere here is anxious rather than festive, making the film especially relatable for those facing inner questions as the year turns.
Holidate (2020)
A light romantic comedy about two single people who agree to be each other’s holiday dates to avoid family pressure.
What starts as an ironic arrangement gradually turns into something much more serious. The film is perfect for a New Year’s Eve watch without too much drama.
For Auld Lang Syne (2021)
A modern animated special about Charlie Brown and his friends planning the perfect New Year’s party.
A warm, family-friendly story about support, friendship, and the power of shared moments, making it a great choice for watching with kids.
PHANTOM THREAD (2017)
A stylish and tense drama by Paul Thomas Anderson, where a New Year’s party serves as the backdrop for complex psychological games between the characters.
The film is not about celebration but about control, obsession, and the fragility of relationships, making it a perfect choice for viewers seeking a deeper cinematic experience.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
A classic 90s romantic comedy where New Year’s Eve becomes a moment of truth for the main character.
The film explores the choice between illusion and genuine love and remains timeless across decades.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
A disaster unfolds on a cruise ship that capsizes on New Year's Eve.
This thrilling and visually striking film shows how quickly a festive mood can turn into a fight for survival.
Waiting to Exhale (1995)
The story of four women whose lives and relationships evolve over the course of a year, culminating during the New Year holidays.
An emotional and candid film about disappointment, strength, and renewal.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
This romantic story is often linked to Valentine’s Day, but it features a key New Year’s Eve moment.
On the eve of the New Year, Tom Hanks’ character reflects on his late wife, remembering their life together and allowing himself to imagine a future without her for the first time.
This scene makes the film especially fitting for end-of-year viewing as a story about loss, memory, and moving forward.
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- Holiday action movies and comedies that lift your mood
- 10 iconic films to watch before the New Year
