December presented us with a slew of movies trying to capitalize on the holiday vacation time and make it before the awards season deadline for 2017. If you've already seen big hits like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Greatest Showman, and Pitch Perfect 3, it's likely you’re facing the empty January with a least a little loneliness.

Without new stories worth paying admission and concessions to see unfold on the big screen, movie life can get a little boring. Here are 18 movie-related resolutions for the New Year to occupy your time until the Valentine's Day rush arrives to liven things up a bit.

1. Round out your movie collection

With Netflix, Amazon Video, and Hulu in existence, many movies are available at any time without having to pay at least $10 to buy a copy of your own. However, you never know when a contract will fall through, and suddenly, your favorite night-in rom-com or go-to explosive action film will be inaccessible.

When you buy copies of your favorite movies, you don't have to worry about Hollywood and business executives wheeling and dealing and taking all the Disney movies off Netflix. And with the demise of net neutrality threatening increased uncertainty in what sites will be affordably available to the public and internet speed slow-downs as a result causing streaming to slow, having your own copy is cheap insurance for your sweatpants-and-ice-cream night.

Personally, I would recommend not just getting your favorites, but also picking up some movies that might throw in a little variety when nothing seems right.

For example, my usual movie selections include anything Disney, Harry Potter, and some 90s rom-coms. However, the other day I just HAD to watch Jurassic World, a movie I've seen only a handful of times. Sometimes weirdness hits, and it pays to have a well-rounded movie collection to satisfy any movie craving and insure that whatever may happen in the meeting rooms of Hollywood and Washington doesn't threaten your movie night.

2. Watch some of the classics

Nothing like a throwback, right? With the onslaught of new blockbusters, sometimes it's nice to take a step back and enjoy the hits of yesterday.

My favorites include anything with Bing Crosby, musicals like Singin' in the Rain and Grease, and, as stated before, slightly wacky 90s rom-coms. Whatever your blast-from-the-past choice might be, it's a perfect way to unwind from the holiday hype.

3. Get together with family or friends and introduce each other to your wacky favorites

Everyone’s taste in movies is different. Sharing your favorites is an interesting way to get to know each other outside the pressure of family holiday parties and differing political opinions. And who knows, you might find a new favorite, and you'll have a special bond with the person who introduced you to it.

4. Try a new genre

Never seen the sense in slapstick comedy? Or understood why John Wayne was such a huge deal? Give it a shot! A new year, new you (or so the saying goes). Be daring, be different, and try new things.

My personal resolution: stop being so cliche.

5. Read the book that inspired one of your favorite movies, or the book based on a favorite movie

I recently watched Unbroken, and it was a truly amazing and inspiring film about human resilience. However, I've never read the book that inspired the movie. Books and movies can be very, very different (as detailed in my previous post, From a Fan to the Director That's Making My Favorite Book Into a Movie), so seeing the (relatively) same story told in a new medium can reveal elements you missed or answer questions you may have had from the movie.

On the flip side, you could read the books based on the movies. Star Wars is arguably the most iconic movie series of all time, and there are books based on the movies. They go into more depth about character backstories and life after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. (Editor's Note: The books that were written in the Star Wars Universe are now considered not in the same timeline as the new movies.)

If you'd like to see a book review of the series, let me know in the comments below!

6. Rewatch a childhood favorite

There’s nothing like some good old High School Musical to bring you back to your childhood. Or at least that’s the way it is for me. Going back to those movies reminds me of the hours that I would spend in front of the screen, singing and dancing along to hits like We're All in This Together and Go My Own Way.

Like revisiting the classics, childhood favorites can bring you back to a time when studying, bills, and politics were irrelevant. It's a welcome respite, and perfect way to bring some peace into the new year.

7. Try something completely outside your comfort zone

This is similar to trying a new genre, but almost more terrifying. You know you don't like it or don't feel comfortable with it, and it takes daring to take that step and give a movie/genre a second chance. 2018 can be a year to expand your horizons!

8. Find an off-the-beaten-trail theater

While big movie theater chains like AMC and Regal are familiar choices, sometimes environment is everything, and shaking it up a bit can make unique memories.

I’ll always remember the time when my parents took my sister and I to a one-screen historic theater to see Mary Poppins: The Sing-Along. The owner himself was outside changing a dead lightbulb, and greeted us warmly. As a general rule, I'll bet that Greg Marcus (head of Marcus Theatres) doesn't stand outside the local theater, changing lightbulbs, and talking to guests.

9. Shop for some movie-inspired merch to deck out your movie-watching space

From the subtle word art of inspiring movie quotes to a straight up poster of Darth Vader saying "Who’s Your Daddy?" (believe me, it’s about as weird as it sounds), fan merchandise can come in all shapes and sizes depending on taste. If your personal New Year's resolution to be more thrifty, then get crafty and paint something of your own. Have an absolute favorite movie? Pick a quote, get creative on a canvas, and turn it into something beautiful to decorate your walls.

For example, over the holidays I made a piece that says "And in that moment I swear we were infinite" (from The Perks of Being a Wallflower), and it hangs next to a bunch of pictures of my travels, my friends, my family, and my dog. Whatever it may be, a subtle or straightforward tribute to your favorite films can put a personal touch on a room and become a way to connect with visitors who love the same movie.

10. Pre-order tickets for big movies that will fill up fast

Blockbuster movies and franchise movies sell quickly, so the sooner you can reserve your seat, the better. Solo: A Star Wars Story comes out May 25th, 2018, and while showtimes and tickets aren't available yet, you can bet that the shows will be sold out almost immediately. Want to be daring and go to a midnight showing?

Better keep checking here for great deals on tickets and for information on showtimes.

11. Have a movie marathon--be it Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, or The Godfather

This is by far my favorite thing to do when life settles down enough. For the beginners, it's probably a good idea to start small, maybe three or four of your favorites. For the seasoned veterans seeking that challenge, reach for the gold: Lord of the Rings, Extended Edition, back-to-back-to-back. See you in 12 hours. Or the 18 hours it takes to watch all of the Harry Potters (not including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them).

Whatever level of marathoning you may be ready for, be sure to begin the journey with plenty of snacks, blankets (gotta stay comfy), and good friends (they keep your mind from melting, trust me).

12. Write your own scenes starring your favorite characters

Ever wish you could pluck your favorite characters from their storylines and make them do what you want to do? There are fanfiction writers aplenty who do exactly that, and you can too.

My personal goal is to write the adventures Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton got into that inspired the line in Marvel's The Avengers, "You and I remember Budapest very differently." It's your own little fantasy where characters live and die at your will, not that of a ruthless writer with a thirst for readers' tears (*cough* J.K. Rowling *cough*)

13. Sign the TimesUP campaign letter

In the wake of many women in all industries bravely coming forward with the truth of sexual harassment in the workforce, particularly in Hollywood, movie A-Listers have begun an organization called TimesUP to protect working women from sexual assault.

Find more information and how you can contribute to their worthy cause at https://www.timesupnow.com/#into-anchor

14. Recreate some of your favorite movie snacks

I love to cook and bake, and making a movie-inspired dish is the perfect way to spend a frigid January night. Recently, I made Butterbeer cupcakes (based on the popular Harry Potter drink), and man, they were good (not to brag). Them with a cup of hot chocolate hit the spot on a night that hit -17℉. Brrr!

Pinterest is loaded with amazing ideas, catering to whatever your taste may be.

15. Write reviews for movies you loved--or hated!

Loved a movie? Hated a movie? Let the world know! By reviewing a movie here on BigScreen, you’re letting other readers know what you thought of the movie that they're considering seeing.

16. Watch a movie in an unconventional venue

While it's a little chilly to watch a movie outside (a summer favorite of mine), get creative with your venue! Stay small and build a fort and watch a movie buried in blankets and pillows, or go big and organize your community for a movie night at the local school.

17. Build a fort and watch a bunch of movies on a super-cold day

Speaking of forts, I love them, but they're a rare occasion in a schedule packed with classes, work, and writing. Cozy on up with your blankets, pillows, and laptop and go to town with the Disney movies or whatever strikes your fancy.

18. Make your own screenplay/movie

Really not feeling any of the movies in your collection (hard copy or in real life)? Why not write your own?

You control the world, and it doesn’t have to be anything serious. World-building is one of my favorite things to do, and it can get as wacky and crazy as you let it. Fill up the bleak winter days with some imagination! Will you come up with a scene about a space-warrior with a knack for knitting meeting a cat for the first time? Or a deep-sea diver that explores the depths of the oceans to find Labrador Retriever puppies with gills running along the bottom of the Mariana Trench? Or perhaps a rugged farmer (played by whichever of Marvel’s Chris stock, take your pick) who uncovers a mystery so old not even the Great Pharaohs of Egypt would remember it.

It's your world, so explore it and you might find a passion you never knew or simply a place to dream about and escape to when life gets you down.

Will you try any of these movie-inspired New Year’s Resolutions?

Let me know in the comments!