7 inspiring films you must see this New Year weekend

The New Year begins with a weekend (yay) and we're all obviously tired with all the partying and vacationing we did over the holidays. Or at least of the unforgiving Instagram posts of our friends chilling at the beach / Facebook posts of everyone we know getting engaged/ married. After going through all of that, we do need a fresh beginning, eh?

So I sat down to plan out my first 2016 weekend. I always re-read the Harry Potter books in the last week of December as a long-standing tradition to nurture the child in me, so that's easy. But what about the first weekend of January? Do you want to keep it low-key and stay home and chill with a good movie too? Here's what's on my watch-list:

1) Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

This is a film about so many things, all of which are on point, which is incredibly hard to achieve.

Made for an audience that Zoya Akhtar trusted to be mature and intelligent, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara will draw you to its gentle wit, hilarity and realism.

2) Queen

She is strong. She possesses inner strength that she's unaware of. We're accompanying her on her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

There's pure, raw emotion there. There's simplicity that will win your heart. And of course, Kangana Ranaut is Queen.

3) How to Train Your Dragon

For the child in you. Even if you're not that into animated movies, this one will draw you to its high energy, non-stop action and a constructive message at the end.

It's adorable, witty and insightful. And if you can't get enough, there's a sequel!

4) Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Watch this one for its honesty. It's touching. The story is sweet and makes you see how love can come in various packaging, because at the end, the packaging doesn't matter at all.

This "odd" pair will win your heart.

5) English Vinglish

This one's a winner. English Vinglish is a refreshing film where Sridevi's delivers a landmark comeback performance.

It's a story of a mother and wife, neglected and undermined by her family because of her inability to speak in English and appear "cool" in public. You'll love it.

6) Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

There had to be an SRK movie in there somewhere, duh. RNBDJ has plot holes, yes. But please, learn to look beyond them, would you?

Surinder Sahni is the real deal. The heart of this film is pure and you have to feel it. Laugh with it, cry with it, sing along with the songs.

7) The Shawshank Redemption

I first saw this movie when I was nineteen. It has the same impact on me now as it did back in 2010. It has stayed with me over the years, as it has stayed with most people who have seen it.

I know, it might not be the light, feel-good movie you might be looking for to begin your year, but if you've been living under a rock or something and haven't seen it ever, allow me to introduce you to an experience that would change your life.

There you go! If you're more ambitious in life and wish to leave the comfort of your couch and catch a movie in a theater, Bajirao Mastani is definitely worth watching. I don't need to recommend Star Wars: The Force Awakens; the internet has already done that for me.