Classic stories are the best this time of year, especially paired with a mug of hot tea. But their timeless character is in each protagonist's growth, providing examples of virtue, courage, and wise decision-making.
Based on some of our favorite comfort movies and miniseries, here's a selection of cinematic New Year’s resolutions.
More than just a cozy classic, the March sisters embody the best of family virtues: forgiveness, quality time, mutual support, and charity.
Aspiring to be like Marmee or any of her girls would make a wonderful resolution, as would imitating the studiousness and loyal friendship of Christian Bale’s Laurie. This year, take a page out of Jo’s (Winona Ryder) book and dedicate a weekly time slot to a creative hobby or goal.
Watch this delightful tearjerker for the whole family on Amazon, Netflix, and more.
With Emma Thompson as screenwriter and star, this marvelous Austen adaptation highlights resilience and the importance of complementary virtues.
Gossiping ladies traipsing about the English countryside provide a delightful backdrop to this timeless story about how marrying a kind, faithful person is your best choice for a joyful future.
If you resonate with Marianne’s impulsivity, resolve to draw up a pros and cons list for your next big decision. But if you’re more like cautious Elinor, go with your gut next time!
Available on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Pluto TV and more ... and, it's family-friendly.
A haunting, romantic soundtrack carries stubborn Bathsheba Everdeen over the dark, lush farmland of England and into the arms of her suitors from Thomas Hardy’s eponymous novel. Her choices are many, daring, and mostly imprudent.
To channel the best of Carey Mulligan’s heroine, give someone on your periphery a second chance at romance. Or if you’re taken, consider a new project, like sheep farming.
Watch on Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll, or YouTube and more ... with young teens and up.
Saiorse Ronan plays Eilis, an immigrant who must choose between opportunity in New York and life in the small Irish village she’s always known.
The loneliness of life in New York was redeemed by a dashing young Italian. But when she visits home again, there’s another option waiting with an Irishman who’s still pursuing her. If “to thine own self be true,” which self will she choose?
In 2026, experience a bit of Eilis’ eye-opening adventure by visiting somewhere you’ve always dreamed of exploring. Best for teens and older, this story will spark conversation about lifelong choices.
Watch Brooklyn on Amazon Prime or YouTube and more.
The best part of this Pride and Prejudice retelling are the facial expressions of Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, reacting to the constant chaos around them.
This 6-hour miniseries is absolutely worth the watch, with time to explore the slow development of Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance, in addition to a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations -- whether each (or even both) is falling prey to pride and/or prejudice.
The best resolution to imitate? Next time friends warn you away from someone (especially those named Wickham), listen!
Watch with the whole family on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Tubi, the Roku Channel, and more.
Image: Adobe Stock
Sophia Sariego is a Los Angeles native working in the pro-life movement. She loves Eucharistic Adoration, making music, and hitting the beaches in her spare time.
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