The 10 most iconic movies to watch if you're staying in on New Year's Eve.

Going out on New Year's Eve is not an activity for the faint-hearted. And most definitely not for an introvert. While we often glamourise the big parties and countdowns, is there anything wrong with staying in and watching a great New Year's Eve movie? I think not.

We often talk about Christmas movies, but what about New Year's Eve movies? Films that feel festive, hopeful, and exciting.

From a hilarious rom-com to a classic film that will take you back to your childhood, here are the 10 best movies that will keep you away from the crowds on New Year's Eve.

When Harry Met Sally.

Image: Columbia.

For the traditionalists, you can’t go past When Harry Met Sally.

The classic romantic comedy follows the story of two friends — Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) — who realise after years of friendship that they’re actually in love with each other.

It’s super-cheesy, super-sweet stuff and it all climaxes with a big ole' kiss on New Years Eve. This movie is perfect for anyone who wants to feel good about the world and their romantic future.

When Harry Met Sally is available to buy or rent on Prime Video

Bridget Jones's Diary.

Image: Universal Pictures.

Bridget Jones's Diary has to be one of the best romantic comedies ever made.

The British rom-com follows Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger), a single lady living in London who keeps an overly-honest diary about her life.

She's clumsy, she's funny, and she's as real as it gets. Things get interesting (and steamy!) when two men fight for her affection and she is forced to make a choice.

Given New Year's resolutions are the catalyst for Bridget starting a diary in the film, I'd say it's a very appropriate New Year's Eve watch for December 31.

Stream Bridget Jones's Diary on Netflix.

About Time.

Image: Universal Pictures.

About Time is sweet, it's heartfelt, and it'll make you cry.

The movie follows Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), who has the inherited the magical ability to time travel from his father. When Tim meets Mary (Rachel McAdams) and falls in love with her, he uses time-travel in order better his and his family's life. However, he soon finds out that even that can't always cure the aches of life.

So why the New Year's Eve connection? I'm glad you asked. One of the titular scenes in the movie is set on New Year's Eve, and is really what kicks off the entire plot of the film.

Watch About Time on Netflix.

Sex and the City.

Image: Warner Bros

The movie, that is, not the series.

While I am a stan of the Sex and the City series and am very aware that the film is nowhere near as good, it's surprisingly perfect for a New Year's Eve watch. The film follows our four favourite girls, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte as they continue their lives in New York.

Not only is there an actual New Year's Eve sequence, where all the girls are seen celebrating the evening in their own way (I absolutely adore the moment where Carrie shows up right before midnight to keep Miranda company), the movie is also all about new beginnings.

Sex and the City is available to buy or rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.

An American in Paris.

Image: Warner Bros

This 1951 classic follows three friends as they struggle to find work in Paris. However, things become even more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman.

This film has one of the most chaotic and fabulous New Year's Eve scenes I've ever watched. From stunning tree decorations to crazy black and white costumes, it'll definitely get you into the New Year's Eve mood, even from the comfort of your own home.

An American in Paris is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.

Boogie Nights.

Image: New Line Cinema.

Set in 1977, Boogie Nights tells the story of a young Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), who works as a dishwasher in the San Fernando Valley. The film picks up when he is introduced to the porn-industry, and fast becomes an adult-film sensation. However, the glitz and glamour is far from reality.

While one key scene in Boogie Nights is set on New Year's Eve, making it a great one to pop on for the 31st, it is far from the other happy-go-lucky rom-coms and musicals on this list. The film is bold and entertaining, but certainly has some dark themes, so proceed with caution.

Boogie Nights is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.

High School Musical.

Image: Disney

New Year's Eve might be a good time to revisit your childhood, if High School Musical was part of it!

Troy (Zac Efron) is the star of the basketball team at East High. Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) is an academically gifted student who has just transferred to the school. When the two audition for the lead roles in the school's musical, their connection grows stronger as the rest of the school urges them to keep to what they're known for and "stick to the status quo".

The movie quite literally starts on New Year's Eve and it is against this backdrop of new beginnings that our two romantic leads first meet and sing one of our childhood anthems, 'This is The Start of Something New'.

You can stream High School Musical on Disney+.

Waiting to Exhale.

Image; 20th Century Studios

Waiting to Exhale follows four women as they navigate their love lives as well as their relationships with each other. Starring Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon, the movie is a romantic dramedy that will warm your heart.

In perfect full-circle fashion, the film starts and ends on New Year's Eve. With four great actresses at the centre of the movie, the film does a great job of navigating the highs and lows of love, while maintaining an element of hope for us all.

Watch Waiting to Exhale on Disney+.

The Apartment.

Image: United Artists

This one is an oldie but a goodie. The movie follows an insurance clerk, who, in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder, allows his superiors to use his apartment to have their affair.

Things get complicated when he finds out that his manager's mistress, who has been frequenting his apartment in exchange for a promotion, is actually a woman he is interested in.

The movie wraps up on New Year's Eve, and without giving any spoilers, it is romantic and perfect in every way. There is no better way to say goodbye to last year and hello to new beginnings ahead.

The Apartment is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.

New Year's Eve.

Image: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

The movie is called New Year's Eve. Do I need to say anymore?

Another ensemble piece, similar to Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, New Year's Eve follows several different intertwining storylines involving a range of people.

Given the movie takes place on New Year's Eve and revolves around characters navigating their personal challenges as the new year approaches, there's no film more appropriate.

Watch the trailer for New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.

Feature image: Universal Pictures.