15 Family-Friendly New Years Eve Movies for Kids
It’s time to ring in the New Year!
For many families, this means having a fun night at home with the kids. If you’re looking for movies to watch on New Year’s Eve with your children, then here is a list of family-friendly films that will keep you all entertained while ringing in the New Year.
(Updated 12/2022)
New Year’s Eve Movies for Kids
New Year’s Eve is one of our favorite holidays to celebrate as a family.
Since having kids we’ve traded in fancy dinners and parties with friends for making memories together at home.
And our kids absolutely love that it’s the one night each year that they get to stay up until 12 o’clock…or at least try!
Since midnight is later than it seems, I’ve created some fun printable New Year’s Eve activities for kids (a bucket list, time capsule, scavenger hunt etc) to fill the time.
We always watch a family-friendly movie on New Year’s Eve, too, so over the years, I’ve collected a few that our kids have enjoyed to share with you.
The list includes some kid-friendly animated films that are perfect for little kids and a few that will be enjoyed by tweens and teens.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you consider appropriate for your family, but this list is an excellent place to start.
Kids New Year’s Eve Movies (Rated G and PG)
Planning to curl up on the couch and watch a movie with your kids this New Year’s Eve? If you have young children in your home you’ll want to check out this list. Geared toward kids age 3 and up this list has a handful of kid-friendly movies that your whole family will love.
1. Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
Recommended for ages 3+
New Year’s Eve is always a big deal in the Hundred Acre Wood, but this year it’s especially important as Rabbit plans to unveil his new clock.
Unfortunately, Eeyore has misplaced his tail and without it he can’t balance himself — making him sure that “nothing will be right today!”
But with the help of his friends, Pooh Bear, Tigger and Piglet, Eeyore eventually finds his tail and everyone gets to celebrate New Year’s Eve in their own way.
This movie is a great choice for toddlers who may be too young for some of the other films on this list. It features classic characters from the Winnie the Pooh series and the songs are fun, but not too over-the-top.
2. Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year
Recommended for ages 4+
It’s New Year’s Eve and Pete the Cat is determined to stay up until midnight.
But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t keep his eyes open and falls asleep right before the ball drops.
In this movie, Pete has a dream in which he travels through time meeting different versions of himself — each representing a different New Year’s Eve.
This one is a great choice for kids who are into music as there are plenty of fun songs throughout the film.
3. Happy New Year Charlie Brown
Recommended for ages 4+
It’s the final countdown to midnight and Charlie Brown, Snoopy and their friends are getting ready for a big celebration.
But when Lucy tells them that “this year is going to be different,” they aren’t so sure…especially Linus who suggests that maybe things really can change in just one day!
With this fun festive flick, your children will get to see all their favorite Peanuts characters in a new light and the sweet message is perfect for families.
4. Snoopy Presents Auld Lang Syne
Recommended for ages 3+
After finding out her grandma won’t be visiting for Christmas, Lucy decides to throw a New Year’s Eve party to take her mind off of it and have a great time with her friends. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown tries to fulfill a resolution before midnight.
5. Sing
Recommended for ages 7+
Ok, this movie has nothing to do with New Year’s Eve, but it is such a fun movie about family and friends that I couldn’t resist adding it.
In Sing, a group of animals gets together to put on the world’s greatest singing competition.
This one is great for all ages as it features upbeat music and hilarious characters. And bonus points for parents: you will find yourself singing along to the soundtrack with your kids.
6. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
Recommended for ages 3+
This movie follows Rudolph as he goes on a journey to find Happy, the Baby New Year.
Happy has been missing for days and it’s up to Rudolph to find him before midnight.
Along the way, he meets a cast of characters including Father Time and an overly enthusiastic elf named Scrappy.
7. High School Musical
Recommended for ages 8+
It’s been five years since the Wildcats won their first State Championship, but everyone reunites for one last time at New Year’s Eve to celebrate all that they’ve accomplished..and say goodbye.
Although this movie is about high schoolers, it’s a great choice for families as it features music and messages that everyone can enjoy.
And of course there are plenty of fireworks and New Year’s Eve related shenanigans to keep everyone entertained.
8. Back To The Future
Recommended for ages 10+
This cult classic is the perfect movie to watch with the fam-bam on New Year’s Eve.
Marty McFly travels back in time to 1955 where he meets his parents when they were teenagers and must make sure that his future remains unchanged.
Featuring a great cast, exciting plot and timeless humor, Back To The Future is a family favorite for all ages.
9. Ghostbusters 2
Recommended for ages 10+
Although the original Ghostbusters movie is a family favorite, it doesn’t exactly have anything to do with New Years Eve.
But this sequel has everything you could want in a festive flick including an epic party and plenty of singing.
The story follows Venkman as he tries to win back Dana who has just recently moved on from their relationship.
There’s also a fantastic dance scene, and the inclusion of New Year’s Eve in this movie is a bonus.
I would caution you that this was rated PG when it was initially released in theaters but would probably be rated PG-13 by today’s standards.
10. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Recommended for ages 11+
Parents and kids alike love this one…it’s most EXCELLENT! 😉
Two not-so-bright high school students set out to create an epic history presentation, to earn a passing grade and avoid flunking high school.
Bill and Ted totally luck out when Rufus, a traveler from the future, arrives with a magical time-traveling phone booth to help them out.
While they travel through time and experience history first hand, they hatch a plan to bring the historical figures back to their high school and include them in their presentation.
This movie will have you laughing out loud and it’s a great way to introduce your kids (and yourself) to 80s culture!
11. Big
Recommended for ages 11+
Tom Hanks stars in this classic family movie about a young boy who wishes he was taller so that he could be more like his dad.
After making a wish on a magic machine, his dreams come true and he wakes up as a 30 year old man.
Although it may seem like a simple story, Big is packed with humor and heartwarming moments that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Since New Year’s Eve is a time to think about the future, kids will love following the journey of Josh as he figures out what he wants to do with his new life.
Family-Friendly Movies to Watch on New Year’s Eve (Rated PG-13)
If you’ve got big kids at home, you want to choose a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Movie that will keep them entertained. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorites, along with some recommendations from friends that the whole family can enjoy.
12. Are We There Yet?
Recommended for ages 11+
In this family comedy, Ice Cube stars as Nick, a bachelor who has sworn off kids.
However, on New Year’s Eve he agrees to travel with his new love interest’s children in order to impress her. After a thwarted flight and train ride, their travels turn into a road trip.
But the kids have other plans and by taking a wrong turn, they find themselves stranded in unfamiliar territory.
13. Forrest Gump
Recommended for ages 13+
If you’re looking for a classic New Year’s Eve movie, Forrest Gump is the perfect choice.
It follows the life of Forrest (Tom Hanks) as he experiences some of the most important moments in history including serving in Vietnam and being present at Woodstock.
This iconic film has something for everyone including epic dance scenes, catchy music, and inspiring messages.
14. New Year’s Eve
Recommended for ages 14+
This romantic comedy features a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Lea Michele, and Ashton Kutcher among others.
It tells the story of various couples who reunite on New Year’s Eve in search of love or closure.
Although this movie has a slower pace and is relatively tame compared to other New Year’s Eve movies, it’s still an entertaining watch for families who don’t want something too crazy on their holiday.
15. About a Boy
Recommended for ages 14+
This 2002 comedy-drama tells the story of Marcus, a 12-year-old boy who has been raised by his mother without any male role models in his life.
But when he meets Will (Hugh Grant), his life is turned upside down as he starts to learn what it means to be a man.
This movie has plenty of laughs and might just convince your kids that New Year’s Eve isn’t so bad after all!
More Fun Ideas for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Movies for Kids – Conclusion
If you’re looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve movie, this list has something for everyone. These movies are appropriate for kids of all ages and will keep them entertained while still teaching valuable lessons about life. Whether your children want to watch Winnie the Pooh or the epic adventures of Forrest Gump, they’ll be sure to enjoy these holiday films!
