Social media platforms are overflowing with cinematic, hyper-realistic AI images as 2026 approaches, transforming ordinary selfies into New Year’s visions straight out of a movie. AI-generated photos have emerged as one of the most popular digital trends of the holiday season, from opulent fashion aesthetics to dramatic lighting and backgrounds loaded with pyrotechnics.
How to make cinematic Happy New Year images that go viral
Users on X are posting comprehensive instructions that let anybody utilize well-known AI programs like Gemini Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image 1.5, and Grok to make New Year’s photos that appear professional.
Ready-to-use cinematic prompt for realistic results
An X user named @TechyTricksAI submitted a ready-to-use cinematic setup for very realistic results, which is one of the most popular prompts. The prompt says:
“Quick information (ready to copy and paste):
“Ultra-photorealistic New Year’s rooftop party at night,” “Young attractive woman in elegant festive dress, genuine laughter, holding clapperboard with “2026,” “City skyline, colorful fireworks exploding in the sky,” “Warm party lights mixed with fireworks flashes,” “iPhone 16 Pro shot, slight grain,” “SFW, hyper-realistic skin texture, sharp eyes, 9:16 vertical composition, high detail.”
In order to assist users get more accurate and realistic results on platforms like Grok Imagine, Nano Banana Pro, and Higgsfield GPT picture 1.5, the author also offered advice on how to utilize “structured reasoning” mode and add a reference picture for face consistency.
High-End AI Portraits Take Center Stage
The X user @SantoshChakor posted another request that emphasized a stylish, studio-style look. The prompt says:
“A fashionable young guy stands firmly in the center of an 8K ultra-realistic full-body photograph. His white shirt is slightly unbuttoned at the top, and he is dressed in a tailored red suit. One leg slightly forward, arms outstretched, a self-assured look. Sharp details and textures are highlighted by the lighting of a cinematic studio. The enormous white outline lettering “2026” is behind him. Over a black gradient backdrop, clouds of intense red smoke rise behind him and surround his legs. The beautiful white script words “Happy New Year” are at the top. Extremely crisp, high-quality, colorful, and dramatic. 9:16 is the aspect ratio.”
The outcome, which combines editorial design, strong font, and dramatic lighting, looks like a high-end fashion ad.
Gold, Glamour, and New Year’s Magic
X user @Vishnudxe contributed to the trend by sharing a complex prompt with a luxury theme that emphasized festivity and refinement. The prompt explains:
“A magnificent New Year’s Eve photograph of a lady on a high-rise balcony, surrounded by golden confetti and lit crystal numbers that read “2025” and “2026,” clutching a “Happy New Year 2026” wand while wearing a champagne-gold gown. Warm cinematic lighting, glittering textures, shallow depth of focus, and an upscale editorial polish are all present in this image.”
Extra prompts
Here are the outcomes of the extra ready-made original prompts we gave you.
Fireworks Glamour
“Imagine a lavish rooftop New Year’s event with fireworks shooting above. Imagine the lady in the selfie standing gracefully while holding a champagne glass and a little metallic party horn while wearing a floor-length green gown adorned with sequins. Behind her, the metropolitan skyline is gently blurred, with fireworks stuck in midair and warm lights radiating off of buildings. With rim light defining her shape and delicate fill on her face, the lighting is golden-hour cinematic. With creamy bokeh, narrow depth of focus, 8K resolution, and cinematic color grading, the style is ultra-realistic editorial fashion photography. The atmosphere is glittering, opulent, and joyous.”
Champagne & Sparkle
“Consider a sophisticated indoor New Year’s event including golden balloons and crystal lights. With a sincere grin on her face, the saree-clad lady in the photo is holding a glass of champagne while making a toast. The backdrop has slowly falling confetti, golden balloons, and softly blurred partygoers. The lighting is warm and dramatic, with soft rim light enhancing the highlights that bounce off her outfit and glasses. The style is vertical 9:16, 8K resolution, shallow depth of field, high-fashion cinematic, and hyper-realistic editorial portraiture. The scenario should be opulent, joyous, and sparkling, with finely defined skin and textures and keen eyes.”
