The days between Christmas and New Year feel slower, quieter, and less structured. The big celebrations are over, routines are on pause, and there’s finally time to relax without the pressure of plans or obligations. It’s the perfect window for movie watching not festive, not heavy, just comforting and enjoyable.
Best Movies to Watch Between Christmas and New Year
If you’re wondering what to watch between Christmas and New Year, this guide focuses on movies that suit this in-between mood. These are films that are easy to get into, calming to watch, and ideal for holiday downtime. Whether you’re watching alone, with family, or just want something playing in the background, these picks are made for relaxed year-end viewing.
If you’re still in a festive mood and want platform-specific recommendations, you can also explore our curated guide to the Best Christmas Movies on Netflix for cozy holiday picks.
Easy Comfort Movies for the In-Between Days
Many comfort movies people revisit during this period are also considered timeless holiday favorites. If you enjoy revisiting classics, you may also like our list of the Most Popular Christmas Movies of All Time, which highlights films people return to year after year.
- Paddington
Paddington works beautifully during this quiet holiday stretch because of its gentle humor and sincere warmth. The movie focuses on kindness, small moments, and simple goodness, which makes it especially comforting when the year feels like it’s winding down. - Chef
With its relaxed pacing and feel-good storytelling, Chef feels like a breather. There’s no unnecessary conflict or tension — just food, travel, relationships, and rediscovering joy. It’s ideal for afternoons when you want something pleasant and easy to watch. - Julie & Julia
This movie has a calm, cozy rhythm that fits perfectly into end-of-year downtime. It’s comforting, familiar, and quietly engaging, making it a great pick when you want something warm without emotional heaviness. - Little Miss Sunshine
While emotional at times, this film balances humor and heart extremely well. It’s reflective without being draining, which makes it ideal for the reflective mood many people experience during the year-end break.
Light Comedies That Are Easy to Watch
Comedy works best during this period when it doesn’t feel forced or overly energetic. Light comedies with conversational humor and simple plots are easier to enjoy when attention spans are low and the goal is relaxation rather than excitement.
- The Intern
The Intern has a slow, comforting pace and gentle humor. It’s the kind of movie that feels calming rather than funny in a loud way, making it perfect for holiday downtime. - Yes Man
This movie is easy to jump into at any point. Its positive tone and straightforward storytelling make it suitable for casual viewing without feeling demanding. - Crazy Rich Asians
Visually comforting and light-hearted, this film works well when you want something entertaining but not exhausting. It’s engaging without requiring deep emotional investment. - We’re the Millers
A casual comedy that works particularly well when you want background entertainment that still feels fun and familiar.
Feel-Good Movies to End the Year on a Positive Note
As the year comes to an end, many people naturally gravitate toward movies that offer reassurance, optimism, or quiet inspiration. These films don’t rely on dramatic twists; instead, they leave you feeling steady and content.
- The Peanut Butter Falcon
This movie is gentle, hopeful, and deeply human. It’s ideal for end-of-year viewing because it focuses on connection, kindness, and the joy of simple freedom. - Begin Again
A relaxed, music-driven story that feels intimate and calm. It’s about fresh starts and small personal changes, which makes it especially fitting for the days before a new year begins. - Forrest Gump
Familiar and reflective, Forrest Gump works well when you want something meaningful without emotional strain. It’s comforting in a quiet, nostalgic way. - The Pursuit of Happyness
Emotional but ultimately uplifting, this film offers a hopeful close to the year, reminding viewers that difficult periods can lead to better outcomes.
Movies That Work Well as Background Watches
During the last week of the year, movies often play while people cook, clean, scroll, or chat. Background-friendly movies are familiar, dialogue-driven, and easy to follow even if you miss scenes.
- The Devil Wears Prada
- Notting Hill
- Ocean’s Eleven
- The Proposal
These movies create a relaxed atmosphere without pulling too much focus.
Short & Relaxed Movies for Lazy Afternoons
Energy tends to dip during this in-between period. Shorter movies or films with a gentle pace are ideal when you want entertainment without a long commitment.
- Palm Springs
- Once
- Midnight in Paris
These films are perfect for slow afternoons when time feels unstructured.
Movies About Fresh Starts and Life Transitions
The end of the year naturally makes people reflective. This is when movies about change, reinvention, and personal transitions feel especially meaningful. These films aren’t dramatic or heavy; instead, they quietly explore what it means to move forward.
- Eat Pray Love
A reflective, slow-paced film about stepping away from routine and rediscovering purpose. It works well for viewers who enjoy calm storytelling and introspection. - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Visually soothing and emotionally gentle, this movie is about breaking out of comfort zones in a way that feels hopeful rather than overwhelming. - Under the Tuscan Sun
A relaxed, comforting watch centered on starting over later in life. It fits perfectly into the quiet, reflective days before the new year.
These movies resonate during this period because they mirror the emotional reset many people feel as one year ends and another begins.
Easy Rewatchable Movies That Still Feel Rewarding
- The in-between week, many people don’t want something new or complicated. Rewatchable movies work well because they remove decision fatigue and feel familiar without being boring.
- Ocean’s Twelve
Stylish, relaxed, and easy to follow, this sequel works well when you want something entertaining without high stakes. - About Time
Emotional but comforting, this film is often revisited during year-end because it balances love, time, and everyday moments beautifully. - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Visually engaging but emotionally light, making it a good option when you want something distinctive without intensity.
Rewatching familiar films during this time feels grounding and reassuring, especially when the year feels long or overwhelming.
Movies to Watch With Family Without Feeling Festive
Once Christmas is over, many families still spend time together but want to move away from holiday themes. These movies work well for group viewing without leaning into festive storytelling.
- The Princess Bride
A timeless family-friendly movie with humor, adventure, and warmth that works for all age groups. - School of Rock
Energetic without being chaotic, this film is light, fun, and easy for mixed-age viewing. - Matilda the Musical
A cheerful, music-driven movie that keeps things upbeat without being tied to any holiday.
These movies are ideal for relaxed evenings when everyone wants to watch something together without committing to long runtimes or heavy plots.
When You Want Something Slightly More Meaningful (But Not Heavy)
Sometimes the end of the year calls for movies that feel thoughtful without being emotionally exhausting. These films offer depth while staying calm and accessible.
- Manchester by the Sea
Quiet, reflective storytelling that suits slower days, especially for solo viewing. - Nomadland
A meditative watch that pairs well with year-end reflection and a slower pace. - The Straight Story
Gentle, patient storytelling that feels grounding rather than intense.
These movies are best watched when you want something meaningful without emotional overload.
What Makes a Movie Perfect for This In-Between Period
Choosing the right movie between Christmas and New Year is less about genre and more about tone. Movies that work best during this time usually share a few qualities:
- Calm pacing
- Familiar or comforting storytelling
- Low emotional stress
- Rewatch value
- No reliance on holiday themes
Understanding this makes movie selection easier and more enjoyable during a period when energy levels are naturally lower.
Final Wrap-Up
The days between Christmas and New Year are about transition, rest, and mental reset. The best movies during this time don’t demand celebration or emotional extremes. Instead, they offer comfort, familiarity, and gentle engagement.
Whether you’re drawn to easy comfort movies, light comedies, reflective stories, or background-friendly watches, choosing films that match this quieter rhythm can make the end of the year feel more peaceful and satisfying.
Rather than chasing trends or big releases, this is the perfect time to slow down, revisit familiar favorites, or discover calm, feel-good stories that let the year end on a relaxed note.
FAQs
1. What are the best movies to watch between Christmas and New Year?
The best movies to watch between Christmas and New Year are comfort movies, light comedies, and feel-good films that don’t feel festive or emotionally heavy. These movies are ideal for relaxed holiday downtime when routines are paused and energy levels are lower.
2. Should I still watch Christmas movies after Christmas?
Many people prefer moving away from Christmas-specific movies once the holiday is over. The days between Christmas and New Year are better suited for non-seasonal movies that feel calm, familiar, and easy to watch rather than festive or holiday-focused films.
3. Are comfort movies better than new releases during this period?
Yes, comfort movies often work better during this in-between week. Familiar stories reduce decision fatigue and create a relaxed viewing experience, which suits the slower pace during the final days of the year.
4. What kind of movies should I avoid during this time?
It’s best to avoid emotionally intense dramas, complex thrillers, or fast-paced action movies during this period. These films can feel overwhelming when most viewers are looking to unwind and mentally reset before the new year.
5. Are short movies a better choice for year-end viewing?
Shorter movies or films with a relaxed pace are ideal during the last week of the year. They’re easier to fit into unstructured days and don’t require a big time or emotional commitment.
6. Can these movies be watched with family?
Yes. Many movies suited for the period between Christmas and New Year are family-friendly, easy to follow, and appropriate for mixed-age viewing. They work well for group watching without relying on holiday themes.
7. Is this a good time to rewatch old favorites?
Absolutely. Rewatching familiar movies during this time is comforting and stress-free. Old favorites are especially suitable when you want background entertainment or a movie you can enjoy without full attention.
8. Do these movies need to be watched on a specific platform?
No. These movie recommendations are platform-agnostic. The focus is on mood and viewing experience rather than where the movie is streaming, making it easier to choose based on preference rather than availability.
