Ring in the New Year without leaving the comfort of your couch with these kid-friendly New Year’s Eve movies. From toddlers to adults, there’s something for everyone on this list. We’ve stuck to movies PG-13 or less to keep it family-friendly. These movies will not only make you laugh and cry while teaching some valuable lessons, but they will also get everyone in the celebratory spirit.
1. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown – Apple TV
The prime-time animated television special based upon the famous comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” was released in 1986. In the special, Charlie Brown is obliged to attend Peppermint Patty’s New Year’s Eve party, even though he has to finish the novel “War and Peace.” Is Charlie Brown able to complete the book report over the holidays? Find the answer in this kid-friendly New Year’s Eve movie.
2. Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne – Apple TV
This adorable kid-friendly New Year’s Eve movie, “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne,” debuted in December 2021. The story shows why Lucy throws a New Year’s Eve party for herself after her grandmother decides not to visit her for Christmas. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown tries to fulfill one of his New Year resolutions before midnight.
3. Sleepless in Seattle – Amazon Prime & Paramount+
This is a cute story of how a son tries to find a suitable partner for his recently widowed father. In the movie, when eight-year-old son Jonah (played by Ross Malinger) realizes that his father Sam (played by Tom Hanks) is still grieving the loss of his wife Maggie’s death, he forces Sam to call a radio talk show to find a partner. Does Jonah’s attempt yield fruitful results, or does Sam remain a loner for the rest of his life? Watch the movie to find the answer.
4. Zootopia – Disney+ & Amazon Prime
This 2016 movie will be a fun watch for the littles. The story starts in the city of Zootopia, a mammal metropolis where various animals, from gigantic elephants to tiny shrews, “live together in peace and harmony.” However, things get challenging for the first rabbit cop, Judy Hopps, who joins the police force to solve crimes. She soon learns things are not as easy as she thought. But undeterred, Judy sets out on a mission to prove herself.
5. Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year – Disney+ & Amazon Prime
Relive your childhood days with your kids with “Winnie the Pooh.” This 2002 American direct-to-video Christmas animated musical film features the 1991 Christmas television special “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too” and a new kid-friendly New Year’s Eve movie, “Happy Pooh Year.”
6. High School Musical – Disney+
Your teen kids will love this movie as they will be able to relate to the characters and the stories of high school and let’s not forget the catchy songs. The film revolves around a famous high-school athlete, Troy Bolton (played by Zac Efron), and an academically gifted girl, Gabriella Montez (played by Vanessa Hudgens), who get roles in the school musical and develop a friendship that threatens East High’s social order. You can even watch “High School Musical 2” followed by “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” to complete the series.
7. Mermaids – Vudu & Tubi
Cher stars in this family drama about a single mother named Rachel and her two kids, a religious teenager (Winona Ryder) and a 9-year-old competitive swimmer (Christina Ricci). Although Rachel is free-spirited, her older daughter does not like her mother’s carefree nature, which leads to collisions. How the family accepts each other and comes together forms the rest of the story.
8. Forrest Gump – Amazon Prime & Apple TV+
Keep the tissues handy if you are planning to watch this heart-warming tale of Forrest, a man with a low IQ but a big heart. In this 1994 movie, Forrest (played by Tom Hanks) recounts the early years of his life when he was part of some key historical events. However, after everything, his only desire is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.
9. Ghostbusters II – Amazon Prime & Apple TV
After going bankrupt and out of work, the Ghostbusters have now retired. However, they spring back into action when a series of events involving ectoplasmic slime threaten the city and Dana’s baby.
10. Are We There Yet? – Amazon Prime
This 2005 family road comedy is about a man who, to impress a divorcee, offers to take her kids on an extended road trip, unaware of the torture he’s in for. You and your family will enjoy a fun ride with this movie. It’s a must-watch if you and your littles are fans of stories with a side of laughter.
Other than these movies, you can even add “Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year” (Amazon Prime), “The Monkey King” (Netflix), and “Mixtape” (Netflix) to your watch list. Grab your snack platter, gather your family, and start the movie marathon now!
