5 best movies to watch this New Year’s Eve: From ‘Catch Me If You Can’ to ‘When Harry Met Sally’
We're back again at the end of another year, with the New Year's Eve now in sight. Whether you're out celebrating the midnight countdown or cozying up at home to spend a few moments of wholesome solace, watching your favourite movies just as the new year rolls in is customary. After all, we do deserve a comfort watch to accompany the turning of the calendar. Here we take a look at the top five movies that you can watch this New Year's Eve.
1) The Apartment
No New Year's Eve movie watchlist is ever complete without mention of this Billy Wilder classic starring Jack Lemmon as CC Baxter, a hardworking but down-on-his-luck office executive. The film is a moving portrayal of Baxter falling victim to prevailing office politics alongside unexpected candid camaraderie between the leading players. That iconic New Year's Eve scene, which takes place towards the conclusion of the movie, when Shirley MacLaine's Fran Kubelik leaves a glittering New Year's party to be with Baxter, remains memorable to this day. 'The Apartment' is available for streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.
2) The Shining
If you're not one to shy away from a bit of horror on New Year's Eve, 'The Shining' is the perfect match for you. The haunting corridors of the Overlook Hotel, the psychotic obsession of the leading character, Jack Torrance, played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson, and the snowy landscape covered in white all conspire to transport the viewer to another dimension replete with sublime horror. This entry is high up on its re-watch value as well, with many having seen the movie more than once. 'The Shining' is available on The Criterion Channel.
3) When Harry Met Sally
In so many ways, this was the perfect romantic comedy that still finds takers to this day. In hindsight, 'When Harry Met Sally' had the perfect combination in director Rob Reiner, screenplay writer Nora Ephron, and stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The film's plot is simple enough, with two graduates meeting each other in a chance encounter. The ensuing miscommunications and the awkwardness shine forth on the screen, and watching this film still feels as nostalgic as ever. Audience members residing in the U.S. can watch 'When Harry Met Sally' on Apple TV.
4) Catch Me If You Can
Steven Spielberg directed this caper about the real-life con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. with Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead. Once you start watching this movie, you can't help but sympathize with Frank as he goes on a rampage, cashing fake cheques and running high-level impersonation scams, including the ones where he pretends to be a pilot and a doctor. This film, once again, is available on Apple TV.
5) Godfather II
Lastly, Francis Ford Coppola's magnum opus remains unparalleled in terms of cinematic innovation, performances, and the background score. While it is difficult to get a sequel movie right, with a sequel to the hugely successful 'Godfather I' being an overwhelmingly tall order to fulfil, Coppola pulled it off with his characteristic dexterity. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and Talia Shire are exceptional in this movie. Watch it on Paramount+.
