Films That Inspire New Year's Resolutions
/We are two weeks into 2025, so if you haven't begun working toward achieving your New Year's resolutions, you still have plenty of time. If, by chance, your resolution is to watch more films, then we have some recommendations for you. Check out these musicals, horror films, dramedies, and more that include memorable scenes set on New Year's Eve.
"Holiday Inn" (1942)
Singer and dancer Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) is heartbroken following a breakup and decides to turn his farm into an entertainment space only open on holidays, fittingly called "Holiday Inn." As Christmas turns to New Year's, Easter turns to Independence Day, and Christmas turns to New Year's again, Jim finds himself falling for a new love, Linda (Marjorie Reynolds).
"An Affair to Remember" (1957)
Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) are traveling with their significant others on a transatlantic ocean liner from Europe to New York. When the two meet, sparks fly despite them both being in committed relationships with other people. On New Year's, the two finally kiss. Unsure how to move forward, they decide to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months if they both still want to be together at that time.
"Rosemary's Baby" (1968)
Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (John Cassavetes) have just moved into a new apartment. It doesn't take long before she realizes that something very strange and possibly sinister is happening in the building, and her neighbors Minnie (Ruth Gordon) and Roman Castevet (Sidney Blackmer) seem to be involved. A seemingly innocuous comment at the Castevet New Year's Eve party turns out to be a big hint about what is to come in the new year.
"The Poseidon Adventure" (1972)
Passengers and crew members on the S.S. Poseidon may have had the worst New Year's celebration ever. In the ballroom of an ocean liner traveling from New York to Athens, passengers are celebrating as the clock nears midnight when a report comes in of an undersea earthquake. The earthquake triggers a tsunami, which capsizes the ship, trapping everyone on board. The only way out? Climbing up to the "bottom" of the upside-down ship.
"When Harry Met Sally" (1989)
Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), who first met through a mutual friend in college, just keep running into one another as the years go by. Though they did not hit it off the first few times they met, they eventually decide to pursue a friendship. On New Year's Eve of 1987, the two share an awkward midnight kiss, which complicates their relationship. Can they finally admit that they're in love, or will they each spend the following New Year's Eve feeling lonely?
"Forrest Gump" (1994)
On New Year's Eve of 1971, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) finds himself in New York City visiting his army buddy Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise), who has been deeply depressed since losing both his legs in Vietnam. Sitting in a bar, confetti flying while the ball drops on TV, the two contemplate if the next year will be a new start for both of them.
"Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001)
After having a miserable time at her parents' New Year's party, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) decides to start a diary as part of her New Year's resolutions. In the diary, she will chronicle her attempts to stop smoking and drinking, lose 20 pounds, and find love. Can she accomplish her goals over the next 12 months, or will she give up and go back to her old ways?
"Carol" (2015)
Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) appears to have it all. She is glamorous, wealthy, and has a beautiful family. But things are not as they seem for the 1950s housewife, who feels empty and alone until she meets sales clerk Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) while Christmas shopping. After a few innocent meetings, the two finally kiss and make love on New Year's Eve. But Carol, who is in the middle of a divorce, needs to keep their love a secret if she wants to maintain custody of her daughter.
"The Holdovers" (2023)
Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a sardonic and lonely school teacher at an elite New England boarding school, is forced to spend Christmas break supervising the only student left on campus, teenager Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa). Though the two begin as antagonists, they soon discover that they have more in common than they thought. They let loose ringing in 1971 with school cook Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), who is grieving the loss of her son.
We hope you enjoy these films and wish you a Happy New Year!
One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service studio production companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.
With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.
Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.
