Five films to watch on New Year's Eve that aren't 'New Year's Eve'

Christmas might be over and done with, but festivities are still in full swing as New Year's Eve approaches.

But while many enjoy a raucous evening of fun, laughter and overpriced drinks that inevitably ends with a spectacular view of a toilet bowl, there's something equally appealing about the prospect of a night in.

So, if you're considering welcoming 2014 in civilised fashion, here are five movies that will provide entertainment - deftly avoiding the cutesy, sappy, and frankly dull schmaltzfest that is officially the worst New Year's movie of all time - New Year's Eve.

Assault on Precinct 13
The premise of Jean-Francois Richet's 2005 actioner, a remake of John Carpenter's 1976 film of the same name, is a tried and tested formula. A bunch of Detroit's finest must work with their prisoners to fight off the threat of corrupt coppers intent on doing them in on New Year's Eve. While the plot's admittedly confusing at points, it's a thoroughly decent thriller and perfect brain-dead fodder for the 31st.

[Buy Assault on Precinct 13 on DVD]

The Hudsucker Proxy
Though far from perfect, this stylish screwball comedy from the Coen brothers is nevertheless extremely enjoyable as Tim Robbins unwittingly finds himself head honcho of a New York manufacturing company courtesy of a stock scam. Brave and bizarre in typical Coen style, this quirky satire provides laughs aplenty as our hero finds redemption on New Year's Eve.

[Buy The Hudsucker Proxy on DVD]

Ocean's Eleven
Forget Steven Soderbergh's stylish remake and pop a nostalgic cork in the direction of the Rat Pack's 1960 original. A group of 82nd Airborne vets band together to take advantage of the chaos surrounding New Year's celebrations and rip off five Las Vegas casinos at the stroke of midnight. A most enjoyable caper comedy with a supremely sublime soundtrack.

[Buy Ocean's Eleven on DVD]

Boogie Nights
Those stuck on the sofa, wishing they'd gone to that shindig or the pub to ring in 2014 would do well to remember Little Bill's celebrations of 1980 during which he shot his wife, her lover and himself. This is what happens when you party too hard, people. Bill's sad end marks the beginning of the same for many of Paul Thomas Anderson's sexed-up, drug-loving ensemble - but the film is nonetheless brilliant. And it even, rather weirdly, has a happy ending.

[Buy Boogie Nights on DVD]

When Harry Met Sally
Planning to snuggle up with a special someone on New Year's Eve? You won't go far wrong with Rob Reiner's unfailingly excellent classic romcom which sees Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan play out a complicated friendship over decades, rather appropriately climaxing on New Year's Eve.

[Buy When Harry Met Sally on DVD]

For those who just can't help themselves, New Year's Eve is airing on Sky Movies Christmas at 6pm on New Year's Eve. Just don't say we didn't warn you.