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We’re heading into a new year, which can feel like and be considered a new start. What better way to get ready, than to revisit some favorite movies starring Anglo favorites?
Particularly, those with storylines that instill hope.
We’ve rounded up a list of movies that might double as some New Year inspiration:
1. Stranger Than Fiction 

Emma Thompson stars in 2006's Stranger Than Fiction as an accomplished novelist. She's currently working on a new book, but this story is different. Her protagonist (Will Ferrell) has a conscious, and he can hear her narrating the story. And, as fate has it, she kills off all her heroes in the end. When he learns this, it dampens his spirits. 
While he isn't technically real, he's grown accustomed to existing. He's torn over what to do, fight vs. flight? 
2. The Holiday 

2006's The Holiday isn't just about starting a new year, it's about starting over. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz both portray career women, living in London and L.A., respectively. The two women decide to swap houses, in hopes of getting away from doomed relationships. 
Running away from problems doesn't typically work (since they'll just follow you), but this solution at least provides a breather. 
3. Leap Year 

The 2010 movie Leap Year revolves around a leap of faith. We see Amy Adams as a woman in love. She travels from the U.S. to Ireland, with a very special tradition in mind. If she proposes to her boyfriend (Adam Scott) on leap day, he must say yes. Upon arrival, things go a little sideways, and she finds herself being driven to Dublin by an innkeeper (Matthew Goode). 
While traveling, anything is possible, and in this case in particular, you can expect the unexpected. 
4. What If 

Daniel Radcliffe stars in 2013's What If as a heartbroken romantic named Wallace. Recently single, he meets a girl (Zoe Kazan), but it turns out she's already loved-up. While she has a boyfriend, she makes room for a new friend in Wallace. Wallace struggles with whether or not he should reveal his true romantic feelings for her. 
The premise of the movie is very New Year-centric. We can't change the past, but we can sure learn from it. 
5. About a Boy 

2002's About a Boy, starring Hugh Grant, is a story about second chances. (In some ways, it may even be considered a first chance.) Grant portrays a man named Will, who is independently wealthy and has no concrete aspirations, other than being a perpetual bachelor. That is until he meets a young boy (Nicholas Hoult), who he becomes somewhat of a mentor to. 
Will and the boy teaming up could be categorized as a happy accident, and it's just what is needed to spur some change.  
6. About Time 

2013's About Time relies on sci-fi to create change. We see Domnhall Gleeson as a young man, who realizes he has the ability to travel through time. And, what does he do with such a gift? He goes back to the day when he met the girl for him (Rachel McAdams) and things went sorely wrong. He keeps going back to that day until he can get it right. 
Time travel isn't a real thing (at least not yet), so let's use this as a guide to try and get it right the first time. 

7. Philomena 

The 2013 biopic Philomena tells the story of an Irish woman in search of the son she was forced to give up. With her being unwed, she was deemed ill-equipped to take care of the toddler. Judi Dench takes on the role of Philomena Lee, and Steve Coogan plays a journalist who helps her trace backwards, in the hopes of reuniting with her son, fifty years later. 
While a somber story, the two power through the struggle of what appears to be a near impossible pursuit. 

8. Phantom Thread 

Daniel Day-Lewis' last on-screen performance was in 2017's Phantom Thread. He takes on the role of a London-based dressmaker named Reynolds Woodcock. When he meets a waitress (Vicky Krieps), there is an instant connection. From there, the two begin a romantic relationship. It's slightly one-sided with him being older, wealthier and... controlling. 
This is a story about finding love later in life. But, it's also a cautionary tale, to be mindful of something so precious. 

9. Little Women 

We saw Louisa May Alcott's Little Women brought to the big screen in 2019. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen step in as the March sisters. You can also look for Timothée Chalamet as their devoted neighbor Laurie. The classic story revolves around the March family, their loyalty to each other, and their struggle for independence. 
This movie can be helpful in all facets of life, as it puts a spotlight on finding balance. 
10. Don't Look Up 

This year's Don't Look Up is an end-of-the-world story, but with six months before a comet crashes into Earth, there's still time to advert the collision. We see Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in the leads, as the academics who discovered the comet and attempt to warn the world. You can also look for Mark Rylance as an eccentric billionaire.  
Don't Look Up tells a story of perseverance, reflection, and gratitude. From there, things take a turn... 
Summary: 
This list of movies might be a bit of a mix, but so is the start of the year, with so many moving parts. 
We suggest you indulge in a double feature, making it a nice, substantial evening to ease into 2022. 
What two movies are you adding to your watch list?