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20 Perfect Netflix Movies To Watch On New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

by Kelly Mullen-McWilliams

What do you want from the Netflix movie that rings in the New Year? If you're downing champagne with friends while waiting for the ball to drop, you want something light and bubbly as your beverage that will also help you stay awake. In the morning, you'll probably need something to soothe that champagne hangover, while inspiring you to reach your goals for 2018. On the other hand, maybe you just want something to watch while snuggling with your kids. Whatever your heart's desire, here are 20 Netflix movies to watch on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

For New Year's Eve, the first five pictures are all about friends, fun, and fizzy romance. New Year's Day movies follow. All are either inspirational — I promise you'll be hearing these soundtracks in your head at every presentation you give from now until 2019 — or perfect post-party prescriptions. Take with food (pancakes and bacon strongly encouraged).

Finally, your kids are still on holiday for a few days, so you'll need a family-friendly favorite designed to captivate (so you can sneak in a New Year's Day nap). All streaming films are matched with the perfect snack to make party planning easy. It's almost 2018, so get ready to Netflix and chill.

1'Bridget Jones's Diary' (Ice Cream and Vodka)

Now streaming on Netflix, Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) is a holiday favorite, and no wonder — it's hilarious, hopeful, and chock full of Colin Firth. It's also a romantic comedy that both men and women can get behind, thanks to the charm of its stars (Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant). Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and serve this feature with truckloads of ice cream. Also, consider taking a shot of vodka whenever Bridget does.

2'Miss Congeniality' (Domino's Pizza)

Remember Miss Congeniality (2000)? If you start early enough on New Year's Eve, you can watch both of these Sandra Bullock blockbusters. As for snacks, just order pizza and pound it like a starving pageant contestant.

3'Sunset Boulevard' (Black & White Cookies)

What better way to usher in the New Year than with Sunset Boulevard (1950), a catty classic about the end of an era? Don't forget to wear your costume jewelery. Serve with a platter of black-and-whites.

4'The Waterboy' (Bratwurst & Beer)

In the mood for comedy? Put on Sandler's weirdly inspirational The Waterboy (1998) while you dish out football favorites like bratwurst and beer.

5'Forrest Gump' (A Box Of Chocolates)

Perfect to play at your party, you should always watch Forrest Gump (1994) with a box of chocolates, because you know, it's like life: you never know what you're gonna get.

6'Adventures In Babysitting' ('80s Appetizers)

Good morning! Here's a movie to ease your raging hangover. Enjoy Adventures In Babysitting (1987) with tacky '80s appetizers. (Pigs in a blanket anyone?)

7'Trading Places' (Bacon Or A BLT)

Trading Places (1983) was Eddie Murphy's breakout movie back in the '80s, and it's still a rollicking good time. Enjoy with bacon in the morning or a BLT in the afternoon. Streaming on Netflix.

8'Jaws' (Fish Sticks)

If your hangover is a doozy, Steven Spielberg's Jaws (1975) puts things in perspective. Sure, you're nausous, but at least you're not being eaten by a mechanical shark, right? Serve with fish sticks and tomato juice.

9'Free Willy' (Tuna Fish Sandwich)

Both inspirational and comforting, Free Willy (1993) is the perfect movie for New Year's Day. Grab a tuna fish sandwich and prepare for the feels.

10'The African Queen' (Tea & Scones)

The African Queen (1951) is a timeless Hepburn/Bogart classic, and the kind of movie Hollywood just doesn't make anymore. Settle in with tea and scones if you're all partied out after New Year's Eve.

11'Finding Traction' (Healthy Homemade Granola)

Ready to tackle your fitness goals this year? Finding Traction (2014) follows ultra-marathoner Nikka Kimball as she attempts to break the speed record while running Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail. Bake a plate of granola for your own early morning jogs.

12'A Ballerina's Tale' (An English Muffin With Goat Cheese)

A Ballerina's Tale (2015) is a documentary charting the incredible journey of Misty Copeland — from dancer-with-a-dream to legendary star.

But what to pair it with? While Googling 'what do ballerinas eat,' I came across a delicious-sounding dancer breakfast that I plan to try soon. According to Coveteur, Megan Fairchild, Principal Dancer, starts her day with an english muffin with goat cheese, prosciutto, and sautéed spinach alongside two poached eggs, a banana, and coffee.

13'To Kill A Mockingbird' (Skillet-Fried Cornbread)

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) is the unforgettable courtroom-drama based on Harper Lee's classic novel. Prepare to stand up for what you believe in. Watch with a Southern classic, like skillet cornbread or cheesy grits.

14'Mulan' (Mushu's Breakfast)

Disney's Mulan (1998) and its incredible soundtrack will inspire you to embark on your own epic adventure this year. Did you know you can make Mushu's breakfast from the movie — a smiling piece of bacon with eggs — along with other classic Disney recipes? Buzzfeed explains.

15'Mona Lisa Smile' (Baked Alaska & Jell-o)

An all-star cast adds a luminous shine to Mona Lisa Smile (2003), a period piece telling the story of a women's college in the days when feminism was still a bad word. Perfect for anyone going back to school or starting a new job in 2018. Make a '50s favorite, like Baked Alaska or a jell-o fruit salad. I bet your mom remembers how.

16'E.T.' (Meat Lover's Pizza)

I promised New Year's-ready kid's movies to help you weather the final days of winter vacation, and Spielberg's E.T. (1982) is the first of a fantastic five. While you watch, explain how kids used to ride their bikes everywhere and see if they can spot Drew Barrymore.

The blog Film and Food pointed out that when Elliot first meets E.T., he's carrying a 'Meat Lover's Supreme Pizza.' A perfect excuse to order in.

17'Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey' (Trail Mix)

Heartwarming and oh-so-worthy of being the first movie you watch with your kids in the New Year, Disney's Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) is best served with a big bag of trail mix. There may be some tears, but believe me, it's worth it. Michael J. Fox and Sally Field star.

18'Zootopia' (Carrot Sticks)

Gorgeously animated and family friendly, Zootopia (2016) sets an ambitious tone for 2018. Break out the carrot sticks and feel great about day one of your New Year.

19'The BFG' (Snozzcumbers & Whizzpops)

What kid can resist Roald Dahl? The BFG (2016), now streaming on Netflix, brings a classic tale to life, starring Mark Rylance. Fanciful snozzcumbers and whizzpops are fun recipes to make with kids.

20'Cool Runnings' (Jamaican Jerk Chicken)

Cool Runnings (1993) celebrates the power of dreams — and bobsleds. Motivational for the whole family. Enjoy with Jamaican jerk chicken. Happy New Year.

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