The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Movie List: What to Watch on Netflix Before 2023 Ends
Christmas is over and there’s still one major holiday left in 2023: New Year’s Eve. Unlike most holidays, New Year’s Eve is a day and night used for non-stop partying. That usually involves getting dressed up, buying some alcohol or food (or at least some Ring Dings and Pepsi), and enduring the crush of crowds as they say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024.
Digital Trends has a different party in mind: a movie party. Why go out when you can stay home, log in to your Netflix subscription, and hang out with cool people like Timothée Chalamet, Julia Roberts, or Jennifer Lawrence? The following list includes films from genres like sci-fi, thrillers, and comedies, and boasts new titles just released and classics from the ’80s and ’90s. It’s the perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and it’s pretty cheap, too.
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1. No Hard Feelings (2023)
Already longing for the summer? The best way to relive the sunny season is through Jennifer Lawrence and Netflix. One of the funniest summer comedies released last year was No Hard Feelings. The movie focuses on Maddie Barker (Lawrence), who accepts an offer from a wealthy couple to deflower their introverted teenage son Percy, and ends in a surprisingly touching way. This movie is a great way to welcome in 2024.
2. The Killer (2023)
One of 2023’s best movies was David Fincher’s noir thriller The Killer starring Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton. The movie is for action movie fans who enjoyed John Wick: Chapter 4 or any of Fincher’s past works like Se7en or Zodiac. The Killer brings a nice comedic kick, unexpected humor, and savage action making it a modern classic.
3. Field of Dreams (1989)
““If you build it, he will come.” Everyone knows that line and almost everyone knows it was uttered in Field of Dreams. The film is a nostalgic, coming-of-age story packed with adventure and great life lessons. The ending will make you humming the title song well into 2024.
4. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
The original Ouija movie isn’t good, but Origin of Evil is the rare prequel that’s actually better than the original. The movie is a genuinely scary homage to the kind of effective horror that is not easy to come by.
5. The Imitation Game (2014)
Directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game is a brainy WWII thriller that should satisfy fans of Oppenheimer or historical thrillers. With an intriguing premise, great performances by Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, it is a movie that won’t disappoint.
6. Leave the World Behind (2023)
Already one of Netflix’s most popular movies ever, Leave the World Behind is enjoyably absurd. As usual, Julia Roberts is great, and Hawke once again displays a boyish charm that’s made him into one of the most enjoyably low-key actors around. This movie is the perfect apocalyptic thriller to watch as you await the arrival of 2024.
7. Dune (2021)
Dune is one of the best modern sci-fi films and perfect for those who love to be transported to another world. It is visually striking and even more impressive is the star-studded cast. Dune: Part Two is coming out later in 2024, so now’s a good time to go back and re-watch the original.
8. Reptile (2023)
Reptile is an intense crime thriller and a great showcase for lead star Benicio del Toro. The film never lets the audience get too comfortable with its main character and is perfect for those wanting to watch a gripping original story.
9. Stand By Me (1986)
Set in 1959 in Castle Rock, Oregon, Stand by Me is one of the best coming-of-age stories. The film tackles the theme of growing up and learning to let go. It’s a great movie to end the year with.
10. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Why complain when one of the classics in the genre is right there in your Netflix queue? My Best Friend’s Wedding is a unique take on a classic narrative where the girl wants the boy even though he’s engaged to someone else.
With these movie options, you’ll be all set to ring in the New Year. Whether you’re into comedy, thriller, or sci-fi, there’s something to watch for everyone. So, gather some friends over, or watch alone, and enjoy a great movie night while you welcome in 2024.