13 Best Movies For Your Next Date Night

When it comes to choosing a movie for a date, any film could potentially be suitable based on your and your partner’s preferences. However, some choices might be riskier than others; you wouldn’t want an awkward situation like Jerry Seinfeld and his girlfriend getting caught up in the intense drama of “Schindler’s List” at the cinema. Picking a movie as disturbing as “Midsommar,” which is often considered one of the most unsettling films ever made, might indicate that you are testing your partner, or worse, signaling that it’s time to end the relationship. On the other hand, there are movies so terrible that no one should waste their time watching them, whether on a date or not.

This list includes 13 movies that could make an excellent choice for a date night. These films offer a mix of entertainment, artistic quality, and romantic elements across different genres – from hearty comedies to poignant dramas, action-packed blockbusters, and more. No matter if you’re seeking laughter, tears, or a mix of both, there’s something for everyone here.

Beauty and the Beast (1946)

If you’re seeking a different take on the classic fairytale “Beauty and the Beast,” beyond the beloved 1991 animated musical that’s often chosen for family viewings or date nights, consider the 1946 live-action film directed by Jean Cocteau. This cinematic adaptation matches the quality of the cartoon and, in certain aspects, surpasses it.

In the wake of World War II, Cocteau’s “Beauty and the Beast” tapped into a childlike sense of wonder, blending mythical strangeness with striking gothic grandeur that remains enchanting today, even 80 years after its release. Jean Marais, Cocteau’s lover, delivers an exceptional dual performance as both the Beast and the initial version of Disney’s Gaston, Avenant. His portrayal of the Beast is so endearing that Belle (Josette Day) appears disheartened when he transforms into a human; legend has it that Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich were equally saddened, both actresses allegedly begging in the theater for “their” Beast to come back.

The Apartment

Back in 1960, Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment” was undoubtedly a daring sex comedy for its time. Today, however, what might surprise modern viewers is how effectively it continues to entertain. The movie features Jack Lemmon as C.C. “Bud” Baxter, a man climbing the corporate ladder by lending his apartment for company executives’ trysts. Meanwhile, Bud harbors romantic feelings for elevator operator Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), oblivious to her entanglement in one of those office romances unfolding in his own apartment. The twist comes when he discovers the truth, and the story takes a more somber, poignant turn.

Watching “The Apartment” clearly explains why Billy Wilder earned his title as a prominent writer-director in classic Hollywood. The film begins as a comedy, but soon turns emotional – yet when it becomes serious, it’s incredibly moving due to its portrayal of lonely and damaged characters forming connections and striving for decency amidst the corruption of corporate culture. Since Christmas and New Year’s Eve are central to this film, it’s ideal for art house cinemas to schedule screenings during the holiday season; such a masterpiece should be experienced alongside an audience.

Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude” may not resonate with every couple, but if it speaks to you, it could be deeply impactful. Initially, critics in 1971 disliked Hal Ashby’s dark comedy, and the concept might shock those deeply invested in age-gap discussions. However, the unusual romance between Harold (played by Bud Cort), a wealthy and melancholic 19-year-old who masterfully fakes his death, and Maude (portrayed by Ruth Gordon), a vibrant 79-year-old Holocaust survivor who embodies hippie ideals and lives life to the fullest, has earned cult status for good reason. If your humor leans towards the darker side and you can overcome any initial discomfort with the premise, this film offers one of cinema’s most emotionally resonant romantic stories.

If you appreciate Wes Anderson-esque films or indie dramedies with an offbeat flair, then “Harold and Maude” is the foundation for such cinematic artistry. The film’s conclusion may provoke tears, but it offers a more optimistic perspective on life and encourages standing up against unjust power structures. Moreover, the Cat Stevens soundtrack will linger in your memory long after the movie has ended. So if you feel like singing out, go ahead and give voice to your emotions!

The Princess Bride

Peter Falk, our wise grandpa narrator, is eager to explain why “The Princess Bride” is ideal for a romantic evening. He mentions the film’s thrilling elements such as swordplay, battles, torment, vengeance, giants, and monstrous creatures, along with dramatic chases, daring escapes, heartfelt romance, miracles, and more. Despite being a movie that includes kissing scenes, its rich blend of action, humor, and adventure makes it captivating even for those who typically shy away from love stories. The enchanting tale of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Westley (Cary Elwes) will certainly win over any viewer.

In today’s context, “The Princess Bride” is often a predictable choice for suggestions of romantic movies, but predictables become predictables due to their merit. This film stands out as it manages to be both an authentic fairy tale journey and a clever satire of such tales at the same time. Director Rob Reiner clearly demonstrated his skill, churning out masterpieces one after another in the 1980s. His subsequent work, “When Harry Met Sally…,” is another fitting choice for a date night; it didn’t make this list because we prefer to have only one film per director, and we already have “The Apartment” as our New Year’s Eve selection.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

In 2000, Ang Lee’s martial arts drama “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” a Taiwanese-produced Mandarin film in the wuxia genre, remains the highest-grossing foreign language film at the U.S. box office. Initially captivating audiences worldwide with its breathtaking action sequences and mesmerizing visuals, it has endured as a classic due to its underlying depth. The narrative centers around two distinct love stories.

The deep feelings between Li Mu Bai (played by Chow Yun-fat) and Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) are mutual but unspoken throughout the film, only becoming apparent at its tragic conclusion. Expressing such feelings is difficult when your love interest is the widow of a deceased friend. Lee, who would later direct “Brokeback Mountain,” skillfully delves into repressed desires; under his guidance, a simple hand-holding scene becomes strikingly sensual. Unlike Li Mu Bai and Shu Lien, the princess, Jen Yu (Shang Ziyi), acts on her passion, breaking free from her arranged marriage to embark on a life of crime and adventure with the outlaw, Lo “Dark Cloud” Xiao Hou (Chang Chen).

Once

Among all the romance films in this collection, “Once” is the most straightforward and simplistic one. This 2007 Irish musical was produced on a microbudget and features its main characters, simply named “Guy” (Glen Hansard) and “Girl” (Markéta Irglová), credited without personal names. The story unfolds as Girl encounters Guy while he’s busking in the street. As time goes by, Guy and Girl collaborate on creating music together. However, their unresolved feelings for each other come to a head when it is revealed that she is married, and he wishes to rekindle his relationship with an old flame.

1) Essentially, the storyline is simple yet it manages to convey something genuinely touching and emotionally resonant. Hansard and Irglová, who were together as The Swell Season before “Once,” began dating in reality following the filming, a development that director John Carney foresaw early on due to their strong on-set chemistry. The most memorable song from the film, the piano duet “Falling Slowly,” earned an Oscar for best original song, and later, a Broadway adaptation won 8 Tonys.

Deadpool

Initially, superhero films were more about romance, like the old “Superman” starring Christopher Reeve or the “Spider-Man” trilogy with Tobey Maguire. However, things have changed, and love stories are seldom the focus in the Marvel Cinematic Universe these days, except perhaps the perceived relationship between Steve and Bucky. But fear not! The “Deadpool” movies stand out as a refreshing contrast to the lack of romance in contemporary superhero films. The reason the first “Deadpool” movie was so successful is that beneath all its self-referential humor, fan service, and adult violence lies a solid romantic comedy structure at heart.

Instead of being confined to the PG-13 limitations that many cinematic superhero couples face, Deadpool/Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) and his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) get to have explicit love scenes on screen – ones filled with affection, energy, and humor. This is what sets “Deadpool” apart from films like “Spider-Man 2”, which shares similar romantic elements and may even be a superior film overall but isn’t as appealing for an intimate night in on streaming platforms such as Disney+. If you plan your “Deadpool” viewing for March 8 (International Women’s Day), you might find yourself in for a memorable and unconventional post-credit encounter.

Your Name

Makoto Shinkai’s anime films consistently explore the heartrending tales of lovers parted by powerful forces, whether they are scientific phenomena, supernatural entities, or simply the natural drift that occurs over time. Critics might argue that he tends to repeat his formula, but he truly struck a chord in 2016 with “Your Name,” which marked his entry into mainstream success and offered an exquisite representation of his recurring ideas about longing from afar.

In the movie titled “Your Name”, we follow two main characters, Taki Tachibana (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a city dweller, and Mitsuha Miyamizu (Mone Kamishiraishi), a girl from the countryside. Although they won’t meet in person until the film’s end, an extraordinary event occurs where they mysteriously start inhabiting each other’s bodies. This unique body swapping brings about comedic situations and further fantastical elements that shift the story into various genres and emotional landscapes. “Your Name” is not only a heartwarming romance but also a profound depiction of unity within a community in response to disaster. The film boasts stunning animation and captivating original songs from Radwimps, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

Call Me by Your Name

It appears that Timothée Chalamet has captured the hearts of many. For quite some time, both girls and the LGBTQ+ community have been smitten by him. Even if portraying Lisan al-Gaib didn’t win over straight men, his appearance on ESPN certainly did. With each passing day, this young actor’s fanbase continues to expand, ensuring that his Oscar-nominated role as Elio in “Call Me by Your Name” remains a must-watch for many couples, even though Armie Hammer – who played the older love interest, Oliver – is currently less popular.

As a devoted admirer, I’d describe “Call Me by Your Name” as a deeply personal, coming-of-age tale set amidst the stunning landscapes of rural Italy during a scorching summer in 1983. This poignant narrative delves into the transient intensity and profound sorrow associated with one’s first love experience.

The iconic peach scene may have spawned countless memes, but it’s the heartfelt monologue from Elio’s father (brilliantly portrayed by Michael Stuhlbarg) about embracing sorrow alongside joy and that poignant closing scene where Elio experiences an array of emotions, which linger long in one’s memory.

If you’re a fan of romantic films directed by Luca Guadagnino and are seeking more, I recommend the movie “Bones and All”. It’s a chilling romance featuring another impressive performance by Timothée Chalamet. Alternatively, “Challengers” presents an intricate love triangle where every angle intertwines.

The Big Sick

The critically acclaimed film “The Big Sick,” produced by Judd Apatow, narrates the real-life tale of comedian Kumail Nanjiani (portraying himself) and his future spouse Emily Gordon (Zoe Kazan), and how a grave illness significantly altered their lives. In the movie, Kumail finds himself in a dilemma as he grapples with his family’s expectations for an arranged marriage within his Muslim community and his clandestine relationships with Emily. Before she became ill, Emily ended their relationship, but while she was hospitalized, Kumail develops a bond with her parents, Beth (Holly Hunter) and Terry (Ray Romano).

Written by Michael Showalter and based on true events from Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon’s lives, “The Big Sick” is an outstanding romantic comedy produced in recent years. The film boasts a talented cast that skillfully mixes humor with poignancy, making it both enjoyable and engaging even during its more emotional scenes. Ray Romano, in particular, shines with his witty performance, adding an extra charm to the movie. Additionally, the movie features what could arguably be the funniest 9/11-related joke ever made.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

If you and your date are seeking an exceptional lesbian period drama, I highly recommend watching “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” if you haven’t yet – and if you have already seen it, you understand why it’s featured here. Released in 2019 by director Céline Sciamma, this movie has been featured on numerous esteemed lists, including the most recent addition to the 2022 Sight And Sound 100 Greatest Films Of All Time Critics Poll.

The film is set in 18th-century France and centers around a painter named Marianne (Noémie Merlant). She’s commissioned to create a portrait of a woman named Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), who doesn’t wish to marry. As they spend time on an isolated island together, it becomes clearer what Héloïse truly desires. This film, portraying the sapphic gaze, finds tension in the presence of men, akin to a startle, and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” gradually grows more intense, culminating in a poignant ending that may bring tears to your eyes (rest assured, there’s no tragic “Bury Your Gays” trope in this story!).

Small Axe: Lovers Rock

Is it more accurate to classify “Lovers Rock” as a movie or as an extended episode from a TV mini-series? While Emmy Awards classified Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” series as television, some of its installments were screened at film festivals and received movie awards from various film critic groups. The distinction between films and TV shows became unclear in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for our discussion here, let’s consider “Lovers Rock” as a movie. It’s an excellent choice if you and your date are looking for something to unwind and enjoy together.

In contrast to the other four movies/episodes of “Small Axe,” which focus on significant historical moments in London’s West Indian community, “Lovers Rock” captures an unadulterated moment of joy set in 1980. It revolves around a reggae house party and two characters, Franklyn Cooper (played by Micheal Ward) and Martha Trenton (portrayed by Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn), who find themselves mutually attracted at the event. The music, dance, and cinematography create an enchanting atmosphere, making this party a captivating experience to attend with your loved ones. A highlight of the movie is the slow dance and communal singing along to Janet Kay’s “Silly Games.

RRR

Among all the films listed, “RRR” is the one with the least emphasis on romance. Although the cross-cultural and linguistic courtship between Bheem (played by N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Jenny (Olivia Morris) is adorable, it’s just a minor aspect of the nearly 3-hour movie – but that’s pretty much the only thing in “RRR” that could be considered minor. Instead, the film compensates for its lack of romance with an unprecedented bromance and pulse-pounding action sequences. The dynamic relationship arc of Ram (played by Ram Charan) and Bheem, who are fictionalized versions of real-life freedom fighters, will have you and your date rooting them on every few minutes.

It might sound more fitting for this list to include films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” or other renowned Indian romantic movies, but given its Oscar win and broader appeal, this blockbuster could be a more enticing option for those less familiar with the rhythm of Indian cinema. Personally, I’d highly recommend “RRR” for a date night, particularly if you can catch it on the largest screen available.

2025-02-01 20:31