Image: ShutterStock
When we hear the word “date,” we think of dressing up, going out, fancy dinners, and outings. But did you know about having a magical date night without spending any effort? Thanks to the Internet and the sheer volume of entertainment available to us via streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, we can have a fantastic date night in our comfortable couches at home. If you and your partner are cinema buffs and do not wish to venture out or go to a movie theater, nothing can beat a movie date night at home for you.
We’ve curated a list of the best date night movies you can watch with your partner while munching on your favorite finger foods.
Best Date Night Movies To Watch
When looking for date ideas for couples, romantic date nights are one of the most common choices. Our movie list includes various genres, from romantic dramas to humor-filled comedies and even some action thrillers, to ensure something for every couple. Pick a movie of your and your partner’s choice and make your date unforgettable.
1. Hitch
The Will Smith romantic comedy has become a classic. Featuring Smith as “Hitch,” a dating coach who helps people get together with their partners—the movie has it all. When a goofy client comes to him for help, Hitch discovers there are layers to the dating game he hasn’t learned to navigate. Humor, romance, and a great cast will make it the ultimate date night movie for you and your partner.
2. Her
The Joaquin Phoenix flick has an intensely compelling character in a bad place. Caught amid the fallout of his collapsing marriage and lack of direction in his personal life, he starts to develop feelings for an Artificial Intelligence system. As the relationship is somehow more and less real than his real-life experience, the film challenges the viewer’s perception of love, connection, and partnership. The AI, voiced by Scarlett Johansson, does a great job at humanizing a relationship that would otherwise seem unrelatable and weird.
3. Jerry Maguire
The movie shows Tom Cruise’s range of acting outside the action movies he’s known for. It follows the story of a charming sports agent struggling with his professional life after being fired, trying to get back on his feet. Along the way, he meets a single mother who shows him there is more to life than just making money or your career. With classic dialogues such as “you had me at hello,” the movie is one of the best date night movie options.
4. Moonlight
Moonlight is a unique film that is hard to pin into any one category. Spanning across drama, coming of age, and romance genres, it is an excellent insight into the main character who navigates various issues that plague his life. From growing up amidst crime, poverty, and drug abuse to racism, sexuality, and the burdens of adulthood, Chiron’s life is shown in every setting vividly and authentically. A great watch for any date night!
Did you know?5. About Time
Tim is a young adult with all the complexity, hormones, and uncertainty that comes at that age, with one key difference—he can travel back in time. The film might sound like science fiction, but the time travel element is kept secondary to the theme of eternal and lasting love throughout the film. It is demonstrated by how Tim uses his abilities to live the best possible life with the woman he loves. It is a lighthearted movie that makes us value the time we have and live every day like our last. Also, it teaches us to appreciate the people around us for who they are.
6. The Spectacular Now
The movie doesn’t conform to any cliches and will make you rethink what a romance movie could be. Falling more into the category of a coming of age film, The Spectacular Now is a good pick for movie night, as it deals with growing up, identity crisis, and the nature of love. When Sutter, an alcoholic party monster, befriends Amy, a timid classmate of his, they both grow to appreciate their differences. The movie addresses the value of living in the moment and not losing yourself in societal perception.
7. Lost in Translation
The movie is about finding love outside your comfort zone when you least expect it. When the protagonist, portrayed by Bill Murray, needs to travel to Tokyo for work, he feels disconnected from everything around him. He feels alienated from the local culture due to an ongoing midlife crisis. When he runs into a stranger at a bar, they strike a chord and begin to get to know each other. The film’s central theme is to find a kinship with someone despite being in an alien environment. It touches upon some key themes in attraction and relationships and will make for a perfect date night pick.
8. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of the best movies of its decade. It combines serious themes such as heartbreak and getting over someone but manages to incorporate a lot of comedy and chemistry. It is known for being part of the “Aldous Snow” universe, so you will see some big names pop up as supporting actors. Jason Segal and Mila Kunis did an amazing job showing how all breakups aren’t equal and how it can be difficult personally and professionally to get over it. The story is portrayed in a humorous light, making it a must-watch for a date night accompanied by your favorite snacks and drinks.
9. Always Be My Maybe
The Netflix original has been making waves since it was released. It has a diverse, star-studded cast and is down to earth and relatable in all the right ways. The movie shows how the journey into adulthood can affect relationships, friendships, and cultural identity. With the movie taking place over many years, we can see the leads’ character development and growth, portrayed by Randall Park and Ali Wong. It will have you laughing and crying, giving you a good experience.
10. Titanic
No list of date night movies would be complete without the timeless blockbuster Titanic. The movie broke box office records and won many Oscars in almost every category. With Leonardo DiCaprio as the free-spirited and carefree Jack and Kate Winslet as a young lady from high society, the movie sets the theme of forbidden romance from the beginning. Their chemistry is so intense that for a while, we forget that we already know what happened to the real HMS Titanic in 1912 and get caught in Jack and Rose’s romance. The movie has been remastered, re-released, and has attained cult status as one of the most romantic movies.
Trivia11. Five Feet Apart
Two patients, Stella and Will, with potentially deadly illnesses, form a quick bond with each other at a hospital and get along. There is one problem, however, and its consequences are fatal. If they end up infecting the other, they risk a reaction that might kill one or both of them. Stella makes sure Will takes his treatment seriously, and they try to battle their illness together, against the odds. As these two patients learn to navigate love from five feet apart, they learn about the true nature of mortality, love, and eventually the meaning of living. A touching story with some great performances and humor, the movie will hit all the right notes on a date night.
12. One Day
Separation can be a painful process, and several movies tend to have a theme of getting it over with and moving on. The movie, One Day, has an interesting take as it shows a rather different view of how people and relationships evolve. Emma and Dexter share a one-night stand, and they think that’s all it is. The story then keeps revisiting them on the anniversary of that one night to show where they respectively are (often together). It shows how people can grow together despite their history and continue to influence each other’s lives. With Anne Hathway and Jim Sturgess’s memorable performances and a relatable theme, the movie will stay with you for a long time.
13. 500 Days of Summer
No list of date movies would be complete without 500 Days of Summer. It created a new spin on relationships, cemented Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt into the Hollywood mainstream. The story of Tom, a romantic who firmly believes in the idea of true love and “the one.”He ironically falls for Summer, who doesn’t believe in true love but manages to connect over many other things. In several ways, it is an anti-romance movie but still makes a compelling case for love and waiting for the right person to come along—a refreshingly new take on romance and infatuation.
14. The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a classic with all the elements you would expect from a traditional romantic movie. But it can also surprise you with its witty script, action sequences, character development, and overall story. The movie has something for everyone, from sword fights to chase sequences to kissing scenes and true love. If you and your partner are in the mood for something lighthearted, this can be the right pick for you.
15. Begin Again
Begin Again has a mix of traditional and counterintuitive elements. It has themes moving from the past and not letting it define you while still breaking cliches and stereotypes associated with the genre. With great performances by Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, the movie navigates themes such as moving on, finding yourself, and “beginning again” when life and love don’t always go the way you want. A realistic take on the genre doesn’t feature any grand gestures or sweeping speeches. If you and your partner like romance but not generic or sappy, this would be a good pick.
16. 50 First Dates
50 First Dates is not what you would expect from an Adam Sandler movie. It deals with the relationship between Henry and Lucy, who suffers from short term memory loss. Instead of being discouraged, Henry is determined to make each meeting unique and memorable. Despite having humor and wackiness, there is a powerful message of sticking with true love once you find it and committing to it. It is a feel-good movie that will brighten up your date night.
17. The Holiday
The movie deals with finding love in unlikely places and unexpected circumstances. In this case, two heartbroken women agree to swap houses for Christmas to get a change of pace from their recently ended relationships. What happens later is a set of disastrous and hilarious mix-ups that leads to unlikely romances on both sides of the Atlantic. There’s an underlying theme of being open to the idea of love and how only then love can find you, no matter how you’re feeling. With great performances by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, you will end up making the movie a Christmas tradition.
18. The Break-Up
The movie follows a couple whose marriage is on its last legs through disagreements, arguments, and what they perceive as incompatibility. They decide to end their marriage and get a divorce but are forced to share their apartment for several reasons. With the amount of resentment they harbor towards each other, they try to outdo the other in increasingly elaborate acts of bitterness and jealousy through which they discover that love and moving on are much more complex than one might think. A hilarious take on divorce and compatibility makes a great pick for date night.
19. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
What seems to be a perfect marriage between two attractive people takes a deadly twist when they realize they are both assassins working for rival companies. Things become even more complicated when they are ordered to “terminate” each other. Starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the peak of their attractiveness, the movie is a treat for the eyes. Mixing in slick dialogue and characters with polished action sequences and no end of sensuality—it adds some spice to your date nights.
20. Knives Out
When a famous mystery novelist is found murdered on the night of his birthday, everyone is shocked. It almost seems like the plot of one of his novels! To make things more interesting, a private investigator starts interrogating the family and help. They all have eccentric traits and a motive for the murder, keeping us guessing till the very end. As we go through the trail of clues and false leads, we realize that the truth is far more convoluted than we assumed. If you’re a fan of murder mysteries and big twists, you will like this one.
21. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
The movie hits a bit differently than what you might be used to in the romance genre. Lara has a habit of confessing her love to her many crushes over the years in the form of expressive love letters, and one twist—she never sends them. One day, when they are mysteriously sent out, she has to handle the consequences. Throughout the movie, she realizes that not all of these consequences are bad and learns about the power of expression and opening up to someone in a way that makes you vulnerable. It is a touching and funny watch for date night.
22. Baby Driver
“Baby” is a getaway driver, perhaps the best. He’s so good at it as he can reach an intense level of focus whenever he’s listening to music on his trusty iPod. Once we delve into why he got into this career line and why he can’t get out quite yet, the plot starts to thicken. With meticulously planned heists, car chases, a romantic interest, and a star cast, this movie has something for everyone. A thrilling pick for date night with a great soundtrack to match.
23. The Fault in Our Stars
Augustus and Hazel are two teenagers who have a lot in common—a similar sense of irony and wit, reading tastes, and a need to stand out from the conventional teenagers of their time. However, they have one problem. They both have severe cancer strains, which is how they end up meeting at a support group. As they fall in love and grow closer, we get to see their budding romance despite the odds and how they are determined to live to the fullest. A great story with spectacular performances, it makes a good pick for date night if you’re in the mood for a tearjerker.
Quick fact24. Murder on the Orient Express
If you’re a fan of mystery movies and Agatha Christie novels, you will enjoy watching this. A film adaptation of one of Christie’s finest novels, the movie will draw you in with its intricate plot and direction keeping you guessing till the very end. With spectacular performances, great camera work, and a sense of immersion that makes you feel like you’re actually on the Orient Express, you will have a great date night. The movie’s star-studded cast also makes it worth watching.
25. The Babysitter
Young Cole is excited when his parents leave him alone for the night with a gorgeous babysitter who he has a crush on. Everything seems almost too good to be true as it turns out his babysitter, Bee, happens to be a part of a Satanic cult whose rituals include sacrificing virgins. After witnessing one such sacrifice firsthand, Cole realizes he’s next on their list owing to his virginity, turning this fantasy into a nightmare scenario. It is a terrifying and hilarious movie, thanks to the young actors’ great performances.
26. Love At First Sight
Love At First Sight is a beautiful movie based on the novel The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. The film depicts the story of two strangers falling in love at first sight on a flight to London but are separated by an unexpected turn of events. A reunion seems unlikely, but love has a way of beating the odds. Love At First Sight is different from typical romantic movies, breaking away from the usual overly sentimental tone. It shows that characters in romantic films can also have their own emotional struggles, portraying a more realistic and less unduly idealized view of love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some considerations when selecting a date night movie?
Some points that one needs to consider while selecting a movie for a date night include your and your partner’s mood, common interests, and personal preferences. Do also take into account the movie’s duration and subject or story.
2. How do I create a memorable date night movie experience?
By using the right movie-watching equipment, having a snack bar with refreshments, dressing up for the occasion, making cute tickets for the two of you, avoiding distractions, and adding a surprise element, one can create a memorable date night movie experience.
3. How does watching a romantic movie together affect a couple’s relationship?
Watching a romantic movie together can create a sense of closeness and intimacy between partners. It can also provide an opportunity to engage in a shared activity that they both enjoy, strengthening their bond and enhancing their emotional connection.
Spending a relaxing date night at home with your significant other while watching a good movie together could be considered the ideal approach to relieve stress. Isn’t it? This list of date night movies has been specially curated to spice up your dates and guarantee you a good time. So, sit back, relax, order food, choose a movie from this list, and have a great night with your partner.
Infographic: Romantic Movies To Watch On A Date Night
If you’ve planned a date night in the comfort of your home, you may arrange a romantic movie to spend quality time together before dinner. The following infographic includes a selection of priceless romantic movies, from captivating love stories to heartwarming comedies and passionate dramas, that will set the perfect mood for your special evening.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Date night movies make for a great pass time while also eliciting humor and feelings of love.
- The best date night movies can be viewed on streaming platforms, right at the comfort of your home.
- Grab a huge bucket of popcorn and pick a comfortable couch to spend your evening watching these movies with your partner.
Illustration: Perfect Date Night Movies For Couples To Watch
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Looking for the perfect movie to watch with your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Check out our top 10 list of movies you and your girlfriend will both enjoy watching on a romantic date night.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Ryan Peck
Read full bio of Rohan Sinha
Read full bio of Akshay Nair
Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh
