If you’re like me, you probably prefer to stay home with the family and watch a good movie on New Year’s Eve. To those of you unsure of what movie to watch this New Year’s, Netflix has got you covered. The streaming giant has so many films in its extensive library that will turn December 31 into a memorable movie night.
Picking just one film is a challenge in itself, as there is a wide variety of movies available on Netflix that came out in 2025 or in years past. However, if you want to ring in the New Year right, you should watch at least one of these five movies on Netflix.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back and better than ever in his brand-new whodunit from writer-director Rian Johnson. Wake Up Dead Man follows the iconic detective as he investigates the “miraculous” murder of Msgr. Wicks (Josh Brolin) at a small-town church alongside its new priest, Rev. Jud (Josh O’Connor), digging up dirty secrets about Wicks and his most devout followers.
Just like its predecessors in the Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man features a terrific ensemble cast in a enthralling murder mystery that achieves the right amount of heavy-hitting drama and humor. Though it’s not a traditional New Year’s Eve movie, its profound exploration of religion and emphasis on love, forgiveness, and supporting others will give you a sense of renewal to help you start 2026 strong.
Watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Long before he wowed audiences with One Battle After Another, director Paul Thomas Anderson delivered this prestige period drama. Phantom Thread follows domineering dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) in 1950s London as he begins a dysfunctional romantic relationship with Alma (Vicky Krieps). Though Alma is made into Reynolds’s muse, the couple’s power dynamic changes as the former rebels against her controlling other half.
Their codependent relationship reaches an emotional climax at an iconic New Year’s Eve party, but it only gets more toxic from there, and I do mean that literally. Reynolds and Alma may not be your couple’s goals for 2026, but their story in Phantom Thread makes for some gripping cinema.
Watch Phantom Thread on Netflix.
Forrest Gump (1994)
With each year that passes, another chapter is written in the history books. Forrest Gump flips through the pages of history through the eyes of its titular protagonist (Tom Hanks). In this classic Robert Zemeckis dramedy, we follow Forrest from humble beginning as he grows up to become a college football star, a Vietnam War veteran, a professional ping-pong player, and a successful shrimper.
Throughout his incredible life, he crosses paths with figures like Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Richard Nixon, unknowingly having massive impacts on American history. But the highlight of this film is Forrest’s tumultuous relationship with his childhood sweetheart Jenny (Robin Wright) and former platoon leader, Lt. Dan (Gary Sinese). Though we’re not sure what we’re gonna get in the New Year, Forrest Gump reminds its viewers to embrace life, no matter how random or challenging it is.
Watch Forrest Gump on Netflix.
Groundhog Day (1993)
After such an eventful 12 months, many of you may be hoping for a fresh start with the New Year. Phil Connors (Bill Murray), on the other hand, is forced start fresh again and again and again in Groundhog Day, as a mysterious time loop keeps him trapped on the same day in Punxsutawney, PA.
While this iconic comedy has plenty of laughs, its thought-provoking story may leave viewers thinking about their own lives. Some audiences may even relate to Phil as each day feels more repetitive and meaningless. However, his arc in Groundhog Day reminds us to make the most out of each day, which should inspire viewers going into 2026.
Watch Groundhog Day on Netflix.
Stand by Me (1986)
Many of us are still reeling from the shocking deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, this December. Following this tragic event, fans of Reiner have honored him by looking back on his many beloved films, including Stand by Me. An adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, The Body, this coming-of-age film follows four friends in the 1950s as they venture into the woods to find a dead body, encountering obstacles like a junkyard dog, a speeding train, leeches, and local bullies.
Stephen King reportedly hugged Reiner right after watching the film, and it’s clear why. Stand by Me is a nostalgic, heartfelt journey through childhood that captures the challenges of growing up and the beauty of friendship. It may be hard for some to grow up with each year, but this film reminds us that we’re not alone in that struggle.
Watch Stand By Me on Netflix.