There’s nothing more relaxing and romantic than curling up on the couch with your partner and watching a movie together. The biggest problem you’ll face is what movie to watch. First, you both have to agree on what genre of film. Romance? Action? Thriller? Once you’ve whittled it down to the type of film, the next step is picking the actual movie to watch. With so many streaming services available, you can spend valuable movie-watching time scrolling through menu screens trying to pick a winner. That’s why we’ve decided to step in and help out.
Below is a list of fantastic date night movies sure to set the mood. We’ve included something for everyone; from classic rom-coms and action blockbusters to erotic thrillers and feel-good love stories. These 40 flicks are sure to make movie date night a success.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Jim Carrey gets serious for this complex tale about an estranged couple (Carrey and a wonderful Kate Winslet) who decided to have their minds erased of the memories of their relationship. It might sound a little weird and depressing, but considering it comes from the mind of Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich) and is directed by Michel Gondry (Be Kind Rewind), you can expect a visually impressive feature with surreal moments’ that asks some hard questions.
2. Dirty Dancing (1987)
This 80s classic is a memorable love story with a killer soundtrack that rocketed Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze to movie stardom. Grey plays Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman who falls in love with charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) while on vacation. Of course, things don’t go to plan, with Baby’s father disapproving of Castle, but things all work out in the end, culminating in all the main players singing and dancing to Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ classic hit I’ve Had (The Time of My Life).
3. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Featuring an all-star cast, Crazy, Stupid, Love focuses on Steve Carell’s Cal Weaver, a middle-aged businessman who seemingly has it all, until his wife (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce. Unsure of how to navigate his newfound singledom, Weaver enlists the help of serial playboy Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) to help him find love again. This one will have you laughing, crying, and ultimately smiling by the time the credits roll.
4. Scream (1996)
With the fifth film in the franchise out later this month, there’s no better time to re-watch the first Scream movie. Turing the slasher genre on its head, Scream is part satire, part horror, utilizing classic scary movie tropes with a wink and a nod at the audience. The plot is simple; Neve Campbell finds herself hunted by masked serial killer Ghostface and must race against time to stop him and find out why he is after her. A Wes Craven masterclass in directing, this star-studded slasher still holds up today.
5. The Big Sick (2017)
Based on the real-life love story between actor Kumail Nanjiani and writer Emily V. Gordon, this indie hit will leave you wanting to hug your better half and tell them how much you love them. When Gordan suddenly becomes ill, Nanjiani is forced to bond with her family while overcoming cultural differences and the impact of an interracial relationship. This is a heartwarming rom-com that hits you where it matters and includes memorable performances from the two leads (Nanjiana and Zoe Kazan) and Ray Romano as Gordan’s dad.
6. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmSpCLefjnw&t=52s
One of the OG rom-coms, this Rob Reiner directed feature stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as two friends whose lives interact randomly over a 12 year period. It poses the question of whether men and women can really be just friends without ever answering it, instead, providing lots of laughs and drama, smart writing, and classic scenes (the orgasm in the cafe) leading to a satisfactory ending.
7. Basic Instinct (1992)
If you’re looking to get raunchy, whack on this over-the-top 90s thriller and get ready for some steamy action. Basic Instinct stars Sharon Stone as crime novelist Catherine Tramell, the prime suspect in a murder case handled by Michael Douglas’ detective Nick Curran. Against his better judgment, Curran gets involved with Tramell as the bodies start piling up. This racy psychological thriller might be best known for that leg-crossing scene, but it is well shot and directed by Paul Verhoeven, who delivers a great balance of sex and violence sure to satisfy everyone.
8. Knives Out (2019)
The cast alone should be enough to convince you and your lady friend to give this one whirl. Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, and Christopher Plummer are just some of the big names who feature in this murder mystery. When the patriarch of the Thrombey family is found dead, Craig’s private dick Benoit Blanc is called in to find out what really happened. Knives Out is a modern whodunit with a fantastic cast that will keep you guessing until the end.
9. What We Do in the Shadows (2015)
Written and directed by Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), What We Do in the Shadows is a hilarious mockumentary about a group of vampires who live in New Zealand. This clever comedy follows the day-to-day life of the vampires as they deal with everyday problems like cleaning the dishes, finding virgins to feast on, and dealing with werewolves.
10. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Ali Wong and Randall Park play childhood friends who reconnect later in life. Wong is a successful chef who seems to have it all, while Park lives at home with his widowed father and plays in an unsuccessful band. The sparks fly when the two randomly meet 16 years later and both must decide whether they are meant to be together. This flick has plenty of laughs and a fantastic cameo from Keanu Reeves playing an over-the-top version of himself.
11. The Exorcist (1973)
This might seem like a strange choice, but considering it’s one of the scariest movies ever made, it makes sense to watch it with your other half. Two priests are tasked with exercising a demon from a possessed girl in this vomit-inducing horror. Spinning heads, foul language, and scenes featuring a crucifix being used in an unspeakable manner make The Exorcist frightful viewing. Your partner might not be a fan, but at least they’ll be cuddling up close throughout.
12. True Lies (1994)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this action romp as undercover agent Harry Tasker who is on the hunt for an Islamic terrorist. Unaware of his actual job (his wife and daughter think he’s a computer salesman), his family soon become embroiled in his real job and must help him save the day. True Lies is a bombastic action flick with some great set pieces, an ensemble cast, and enough romance to keep your lady friend happy.
13. Out of Sight (1998)
The sexual tension between George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez is palpable in this crime thriller from Steven Soderbergh. Clooney plays an escaped con who is forced to share a ride with Lopez’s US Marshall when sparks fly. Lopez then spends the movie trying to catch Clooney while he plots a robbery with best friend Vig Rhames. Throw in another crew attempting the same robbery, a diverse cast that also includes Don Cheadle, Viola Davis, and Dennis Farina, and questions of whether Lopez really wants to arrest Clooney or become his lover and you have yourself a wonderful, pulpy thriller. All you need is the popcorn.
14. The Photograph (2020)
Issa Rae plays Mae, the estranged daughter of a famous photographer who falls in love with Lakeith Stanfield’s Michael, a journalist investigating Mae’s life. This is a good old fashioned love story that juxtaposes Mae and Michael’s love and experiences with Mae’s mother’s. Get the tissues ready.
15. Sliding Doors (1998)
Do you ever think about what might have been if you’d done something different in your life? Sliding Doors examines this when Gwyneth Paltrow goes to catch a train after being fired from her work. The film features two storylines, one where Paltrow catches the train, the other where she misses it. This one is a bit of a cheese fest but there’s something charming about the story and seeing the two ways Paltrow’s life could turn out.
16. Love & Basketball
A cult classic produced by Spike Lee, this film, as the title suggests, is all about love and basketball. Quincy McCall (Omar Epps) and Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan) are basketball playing best friends who grew up together, but soon find their relationship developing into something more when they enter adulthood. As they both become bball stars and are forced to deal with the pitfuls of fame and success, their relationship is put to the test.
17. Warm Bodies (2013)
Here’s something for the couple that likes zombie films with a bit of romance. Warm Bodies follows the relationship between Julie (Teresa Palmer), a young woman, and “R” (an incredible Nicholas Hoult), a zombie, and how their love slowly begins to turn R human. Think of it as Shaun of the Dead but with more romance.
18. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Based on the book of the same name, this love story is your classic case of poor girl falls for rich boy whose parents don’t approve. Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), a Chinese-American NYU professor, heads to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) for a wedding where she meets his super-rich family for the first time. Disliked from the get-go and labeled a gold digger, Chu must decide if Young is worth fighting for in this entertaining rom-com.
19. Love and Monsters (2020)
After the world is destroyed when an asteroid hits causing animals to mutate into terrifying creatures, the remaining survivors are forced to live underground. One such survivor, Joel Dawson, is separated from his girlfriend but swears he will find her. Seven years later and he finally knows where she is and sets out across the monster-infested earth to find her.
This rom-com has plenty of laughs and just enough violence and horror to keep everyone entertained. The cast is also terrific, with Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, and Michael Rooker all superb.
20. Hitch (2005)
Will Smith plays love coach Hitch in this laugh-out-loud comedy from the mid-00s. While helping his latest client Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), Hitch finds himself falling for writer Sara Melas (Eva Mendes). But when his tricks of the trade fail to impress, Hitch realizes he just needs to be himself and that confidence is key.
This is Smith at the peak of his powers in a romantic comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The soundtrack is also incredible, spawning Amerie’s hit single 1 Thing.
21. Her (2001)
Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with his phone’s operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Enough said really. But seriously, this flick from Spike Jonze is a wonderful and tender look at what people want from relationships. Phoenix is incredible and ably supported by Amy Adams, Chris Pratt, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde.
22. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2009)
This wild rom-com stars a lot of really attractive people trying to get it on. Set in Spain, American friends Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) fall for the same guy, Juan Antonio Gonzalo (Javier Bardem), who is also enamored by both women while dealing with his feelings for his crazed ex María Elena (Penélope Cruz). Chock full of classic Woody Allen dialogue, great performances, and memorable scenes, this is a great flick for those who want a quikry European love story.
23. Blue Valentine (2010)
A film about the dissolution of a marriage might not seem like a great movie to watch on date night, but hear me out. Blue Valentine is an unflinching look at the ups and downs of marriage and how people’s wants and needs change over time. It might not always be a pleasant watch, but it’s certainly grounded in real life and features stunning performances from the two leads Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.
24. Eyes Wide Shot (1999)
Stanley Kubrick’s erotic thriller didn’t really hit the mark when first released but has become somewhat of a cult classic over the past two decades. After his wife (Nicole Kidman) admits to almost cheating on him, Dr. Bill Hartford (Tom Cruise) embarks on a night of sexual exploration that draws him into the firing line of a secret society. This steamy thriller is about love and marriage with enough titillation to keep everybody happy.
25. The Spectacular Now (2013)
This coming-of-age drama about first love will leave you teary-eyed by the final scene. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley star as two high-schoolers who fall head over heels for each other, but when Teller’s hard-drinking, party lifestyle becomes a problem, their relationship is put to the test.
26. Ghost (1990)
We’ve all been ghosted in life once or twice, but this type of ghost is different. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore are a loving couple struck by tragedy when Swayze is murdered. Returning as a ghost, Swayze enlists the help of Whoopi Goldberg’s medium to save Moore from the bad guys.
This is one of the all-time romance flicks of the 90s with a stellar cast that will never make you think about pottery the same way again. Capturing Swayze at his prime, Ghost is a heartfelt love story that hits you right in the feels.
27. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Adapted from the graphic novel series Scott Pilgram, this vibrant movie from Edgar Wright finds Michael Cera’s Scott Pilgram facing against his new romances seven evil exs. Visually somewhere between a video game and a comic book, this action-comedy is a sweet romance with a great cast that includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Brie Larson, Chris Evans, and Anna Kendrick.
28. Meet The Parents (2000)
While I’m sure your partner’s parents aren’t as bad as Robert De Niro’s former CIA agent Jack Byrnes, we’ve all dealt with hard to get on with in-laws. In Meet The Parents Ben Stiller’s Greg Focker (what a name) plans to propose to his girlfriend Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo), but is forced to put things on hold when Pam’s sister springs a surprise wedding at the Byrnes family home. From here on out chaos ensures as Focker tries to be the model boyfriend and gain the approval of his future father-in-law while continually messing up. This one is laugh-out-loud funny and a great reminder that there is always someone in a worse situation.
29. Pulp Fiction (1994)
This film deserves a spot on this list for one reason and one reason only: it’s a classic. Quentin Tarantino flipped the film industry on its head with this non-linear flick involving multiple stories that cross over throughout the 154 minute run time. Highlighting Tarantino’s knack for pop culture-fueled dialogue and comedic violence, Pulp Fiction is one of the greatest films of the past 30 years and well worth snuggling up on the couch and re-watching (as we assume you have seen this one before. Right?).
30. Nymphomaniac Vol. 1 & 2
Lars von Trier is never one to shy away from controversy, something evident in his sprawling two-part erotic film Nymphomaniac. The film stars Joe (played by both Charlotte Gainsbourg and Stacy Martin), a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac, who looks back at her promiscuous lifestyle across the two films. This one has a lot of sex (although the scenes are performed by porn stars and not the actual actors) and features an incredible ensemble cast that includes Willem Dafoe, Uma Thurman, Christian Slater, Shia LaBeouf, and Connie Nielson.
31. Grosse Point Blank (1997)
How’s this for a premise: a hitman (John Cusack) returns to his hometown to carry out an assassination while also attending his high school reunion where he reunites with his former flame (Minnie Driver). Throw in rival assassins, a surprise contract, and plenty of laughs and you have yourself a great date night movie that even your girlfriend will love.
32. Baby Driver (2017)
The second Edgar Wright film to feature on this list concerns a music-loving getaway driver who is trying to break free from a life of crime and escape with his new girlfriend. This one is an action-packed thrill ride with high-speed car chases, an awesome soundtrack, and great performances from the likes of Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Jon Hamm, and Jamie Foxx.
33. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
One of Judd Apatow’s better comedies, Forgetting Sara Marshall finds Jason Segal heading on vacation after being dumped by his ex, only to wind up at the same resort as her and her new boyfriend. Segal must juggle his feelings for his ex while romancing resort worker Mila Kunis. Russell Brand also cameos as the new boyfriend in his best film role to date. Oh yeah, you also get to see Segal’s junk, which might impress your lady friend.
34. Point Break (1991)
Easily one of the greatest films of all time, Point Break is one of those films you can come in halfway through and have no option but to keep watching until the end because it is so good. Keanu Reeves is the incredibly named Johnny Utah, an FBI agent tasked with tracking down a group of bank robbers known as the Ex-Presidents. Utah goes undercover with a group of surfers and forms a bond with their messiah-like leader Bohdi (Patrick Swayze), who just might be the man in charge of the Ex-Presidents.
This film has it all, from the homosexual chemistry between Utah and Bodhi and insane actions shots to wild shootouts and Gary Busey as Utah’s grizzled partner. If your lady isn’t a fan, it might be time to reconsider your relationship.
35. Palm Springs (2020)
A modern take on Groundhog Day, this rom-com centers on Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) who find themselves trapped in a vortex where they re-live Sarah’s sister’s wedding day after day. The two form a close bond as they hysterically try and find a way out of their predicament.
36. Magic Mike (2012)
Here’s a film sure to keep your partner’s attention. Channing Tatum strips down to his underwear in this comical drama about a traveling group of male adult dancers. Loosely based on Tatum’s real-life experiences, you’ll see plenty of bare flesh in this one. Look out for Matthew McConaughey’s fantastic cameo as aging stripper Dallas who gets the ladies ready by warning, “I think I see a lot of lawbreakers up in this house.”
37. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Before it all went wrong, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were head over heels in love and decided to star together in action-comedy Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The two play a happily married couple who unbeknownst to each other both work as assassins. When they are tasked with taking out each other, they must decide whether to kill one another or reinvigorate their marriage and take down the bad guys. Sexy, silly, and super fun, Mr. & Mrs. Smith is sure to entertain.
38. The Princess Bride (1987)
If you haven’t seen The Princess Bride, stop reading, grab your partner, and put it on. This is an epic fairytale about farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes) who is bespotted with Buttercup (Robin Penn). Seeking his fortune overseas so he can come back and marry her, he returns in disguise to save Buttercup from an arranged marriage and bandits who have kidnapped her. This is a swashbuckling rom-com that’s fun for the whole family and a great movie for date night.
39. True Romance (1993)
Directed by action supremo Tony Scott from a script by Quentin Tarantino, True Romance is a cult classic everyone needs to see at least once. When Elvis Presley fanatic Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) and call girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) marry after spending the night together, they accidentally steal a bag of cocaine and find themselves on the run from the mob.
Tarantino’s razor-sharp dialogue hints at what was to come with Pulp Fiction, and the scene between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken is simply amazing. Along with a stacked cast (James Gandolfini, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Tom Sizemore, and more), this flick is everything you want from a 90s crime thriller.
40. Date Night (2010)
How can you have a list of date night movies without including a film that’s literally called Date Night? This comedy stars Steve Carell and Tina Fey as a married couple trying to put the spark back in their relationship. A night out ends in a case of mistaken identity that sees the duo pursued by crooked cops over a missing hard drive. This one has plenty of laughs and a great supporting cast that includes Mark Wahlberg, Ray Liotta, Taraji P. Henson, Mark Ruffalo, and Mila Kunis.
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