Classic Films to Watch on New Year's Eve
The last of the major holidays is upon us, and the first for the (fingers crossed) bright New Year. We know it has been a rocky ride with record inflation, rising gas prices, political turmoil, and the never-ending violence around us, but, hey, at least we can party like it's 2023. If you are looking for a fun but very safe way to celebrate the holiday, check out this list of classic New Year's Eve films that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
In the meantime, you can polish off that fruitcake that's going to end up in the garbage, or, better yet, grab some good, or even superstitious, snacks and make way for the adult beverages. You can even invite your friends and allow them to learn firsthand why classic movies are some of the best movies.
1.) Show Boat (1951)
Let me let you in on a secret: this is classic Hollywood at its finest. From the Golden Age of MGM musicals, producer Arthur Freed brings you the third (and best) film adaptation of Kern and Hammerstein's stage show, which was itself based on Edna Ferber's 1926 novel. Starring Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson as Gaylord and Magnolia, star-crossed lovers aboard a turn-of-the-century riverboat, this lavish Technicolor musical was the second-highest grossing film of 1951.
The talent in this cast is endless: mega-dancers Marge and Gower Champion, Agnes Moorehead, and comic legend Joe E. Brown as Cap'n Andy, a man who bestows the greatest "Happy New Year" greeting in cinema history. Featuring William Warfield's chill-inducing rendition of "Ol' Man River" and a timely performance by screen siren Ava Gardner as Julie, the half-Black beauty whose life is upended when her heritage is revealed.
Available on most streaming services for $2.99.
2.) An Affair to Remember (1957)
Screen legends Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr co-star in this enchanting, romantic drama, about two already-engaged people who share a kiss on New Year's Eve, then agree to meet again in six months at the top of the Empire State building.
This classic love story was a remake of 1939's Love Affair, was remade again in 1993 as Sleepless in Seattle, and was parodied many times in between. Nominated for four Academy Awards, be sure to have some tissues and pink champagne on hand—you'll need them both.
Available on most streaming services for $3.99.
3.) The Apartment (1960)
Directed by the great Billy Wilder, this Oscar winner for Best Picture follows the plight of C.C. Baxter, a.k.a. "Buddy Boy" (Jack Lemmon) and the key to his apartment (one of the greatest MacGuffins in motion picture history). You see, he's been climbing the corporate ladder after lending the use of his personal abode to executives at his company for their evening "trysts".
But when he falls in love with nice elevator girl Miss Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), who unbeknownst to Baxter is having an affair with company head Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), Baxter must make a choice between his heart and his career. Featuring a hoot of a scene on New Year's Eve with the delightful Hope Holiday, you'll never think about Communist dictator Fidel Castro the same way again.
Available to watch on most streaming services for $3.99.
4.) Ocean's 11 (1960)
You may be thinking, George Clooney and pals in 1960? Of course not, this is the Rat Pack classic that the modern film series was based on: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop, and their plan is to simultaneously rob five Las Vegas casinos on New Year's Eve.
Dean and Sammy sing (at this point in his career Sinatra kept his acting and singing separate), laughs abound, and your TV may actually crack due to the absolute coolness onscreen. Featuring a great supporting cast: Angie Dickinson, Richard Conte, Cesar Romero, and the recently-departed Henry Silva. Oh, and it also boasts one of the greatest twist endings in 1960's film.
Available on most streaming services for only $2.99.
5.) Trading Places (1983)
Remember when Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy were two of the funniest guys on the planet? Oh, you're too young? Well, settle in for a Christmas/New Year's comedy classic that pulls absolutely no punches (different time, different place). Louis Winthorpe (Aykroyd) has a respected position at commodities brokerage firm Duke & Duke, his very own butler, and a beautiful fiancé. Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy) is a street hustler who pretends to be a paraplegic Vietnam veteran.
The devious Duke brothers (classic film stars Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche) decide, on a whim, to wager one another that they can switch our two stars' places, and they do. Hilarity ensues. Co-starring Jamie Lee Curtis as Ophelia, the proverbial hooker with a heart of gold (this was her first non-horror leading role). Featuring a riotous New Year's Eve celebration aboard an Amtrak train with future Blues Brother Jim Belushi and SNL veterans Al Franken and Tom Davis as two clueless porters.
Available on most streaming services for $2.99.
6.) When Harry Met Sally (1989)
One of the last, great romantic comedies, Director Rob Reiner brings together the talents of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the title characters, and their chemistry is off the charts. This film attempts to address whether or not men and women can remain as friends only (once again, it's from a different era).
Harry and Sally ask themselves this very question many times across a 12-year span, with a special emphasis on not one, but two New Year's Eve encounters. Co-starring Carrie Fisher, and featuring the most famous fake orgasm in movie history, this film's dynamic soundtrack was responsible for a resurgence in big band/swing music, by—you guessed it—one of New Orleans's favorite sons, Harry Connick Jr.
Available to watch on Netflix and HBO Max.
While you're at it, invite some friends over and have a movie marathon with these films, as well as some classic Father's Day movies and creature features.
