We can probably all agree that any movie can be a date night movie, depending on individual preferences, but sometimes it's challenging to find just the right balance between your partner's film preferences and your own. And of course, even those can change depending on the mood of the day. Are we looking for something silly and cute, scary and cuddle-inducing, deep and thoughtful? No matter what it is, there's a movie for your particular date night vibe. But there are some that just always hit all the right notes.
No matter how many times we've seen them before, these movies are simply perfect for a date night at home. They make us laugh, cry, snuggle, and appreciate our partners just a little bit more. There are even some movies that get us reminiscing about our pasts together, and that can be a whole lot of fun and make some of us feel so proud and thankful for how far we've come as a couple.
Then there are those films that make us think of our future and help us reflect on what we're doing right and wrong in our relationships — and even though they're fiction, that can be really helpful too. But most importantly, movies can help us bond and give us a chance to just relax and unwind together.
So whether you choose an old favorite or one you haven't seen before, we hope these movies help you create the perfect date night.
'Ghost'
Somehow, in 1990 the idea of your lover's ghost haunting you in order to protect you came to be synonymous with the definition of true love. We think it had something to do with the film Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. It's a little bit thrilling and a lot romantic, and we still love it today.
'Pretty Woman'
We'd actually argue that this Julia Roberts and Richard Gere classic is the perfect movie for any night, not just date night. But the idea of love transcending socioeconomic status and, well, just pretty crappy circumstances is just so dang romantic. Plus, the way Richard looks at Julia is absolutely heart-melting.
'How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days'
There's nothing like watching two ridiculously good-looking people make the same mistakes in relationships that we all do to make you feel like you just might be able to make it work. Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson also have incredible chemistry in How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, which makes it pretty fun to watch.
'Date Night'
If you've been married for a while and have a kid or two (or more, of course), Date Night, starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey, will totally validate your experience. But then, as is typical with these two, the idea of a romantic comedy is totally flipped on its head when their characters are mistaken for another couple.
'Couples Retreat'
This movie is just freakin' hilarious. It stars an ensemble cast featuring Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, and Kristin Davis. When one couple is desperate to save their marriage, they invite their couple friends to go on vacation with them, without disclosing to them that it's a therapy-based vacation. The story touches on a lot of the challenges that couples face after being together for a long time, but does it with laugh-out-loud humor.
'50 First Dates'
We absolutely love this Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore romantic comedy. It pairs Adam's signature goofy humor with the sweetest, most adorable love story ever. When his character falls for a woman who has no short-term memory, he ends up choosing to be with her anyway, demonstrating what unconditional love looks like.
'Love & Other Drugs'
Starring Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal, 2010's Love & Other Drugs is a dramedy about a pharmaceutical sales rep who embarks on a physical relationship with a woman who has early onset Parkinson's disease. But before long, they start to wonder if they're truly falling in love with each other and what the implications of that are.
'The Favourite'
If your partner can sit through or even an enjoy a period piece, The Favourite is definitely one that's perfect for date night. It takes place in 18th-century England, but rather than being dry and serious, it's packed with humor. Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz, it's about three women — including an aging Queen Anne — who bond through unusual circumstances. We promise your partner will love it!
'A Star Is Born'
OK, we like the Barbra Streisand version, but we have to say, husbands and boyfriends are likely to be much more into the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga remake because Bradley's appeal transcends gender and the movie is honestly so good. It's also utterly heartbreaking and will make you appreciate your partner so much.
'Murder on the Orient Express'
Based on the Agatha Christie mystery novel of the same name, Murder on the Orient Express — starring Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, and Judi Dench — is a bit spooky without being scary, which makes it perfect for a cozy date night in. It's about a murder that occurs on a luxury train traveling through Europe and the detective who just happens to be onboard.
'The Babysitter'
If you've scrolled past The Babysitter on Netflix without high hopes, give it a chance. It's a perfect date night horror flick that reminds us a lot of some of our favorite scary movies from the '80s. It's about a kid who wakes up in the middle of the night and discovers that his drop-dead gorgeous babysitter belongs to a murderous cult. Trust us, it's worth watching!
'Chef'
If you're a foodie with a partner who shares your affinity for cuisine, Chef, starring Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr., is a must-watch. It's about a head chef in a restaurant who ends up quitting his job because he feels he's losing his passion and creativity. He buys and decides to run a food truck instead. The food scenes are absolutely awesome, and the acting is top-notch.
'The Shining'
The Shining is an absolute classic and while it might haunt your dreams, it's an experience that should definitely be shared. It's based on a Stephen King novel and it's super spooky, but you and your partner are sure to be talking about it for a long time after. And when you hear pop culture references from it, you'll be able to laugh together.
'Forrest Gump'
Forrest and Jenny's relationship is just so special! Forrest Gump is an excellent movie, but their love is one of the things that makes it truly special. It's a story that will tug at your heartstrings and make you want to hug your partner just a little bit tighter.
'Crazy, Stupid, Love'
Crazy, Stupid, Love is another really entertaining rom-com with a fantastic ensemble cast including Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and Steve Carell. It tells the story of a middle-aged man who ends up getting a divorce after his wife is unfaithful. The laughs ensue when he starts to dip his toe back into the dating world.
'Halloween'
We realize that some people aren't into horror movies, but if you are, the original Halloween movie is one of the best in the genre for date night. It's terrifying and the perfect excuse to snuggle up together under a comfy blanket. Then of course, you can make it a thing and watch all the sequels on future date nights.
'10 Things I Hate About You'
If anything, 10 Things I Hate About You is a fun nostalgic watch for date night. It's a classic teen romance that will make you remember your own high school relationships — for better or for worse. Watching it as adults, you'll definitely see how far you've come and be super grateful you're in a solid relationship.
'The Notebook'
Because how could The Notebook not be on our list? This tale of unrequited love is so sappy you're bound to feel amorous while watching it. It is such a beautiful story that will totally convince you that true love really does exist and can stand the test of time and circumstances.
'Moulin Rouge'
Moulin Rouge, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, is an enduring classic. It's sexy and mysterious and incredibly tragic. The Oscar-winning film is about a romantic poet who falls for a performer at the legendary Paris burlesque club Moulin Rouge who has been claimed by the club's manager. They explore their attraction in secret, and you can't help but root for them.
'The Big Sick'
The Big Sick, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, is a story of true love, dedication, and commitment. It's about a couple from different cultures who must face their families' differences when she mysteriously falls ill. It all winds up being a true test of love and an experience of self-discovery.
'Casablanca'
We're talking all-time here, so Casablanca has to be on the list. For at least a few generations, this 1942 film, which is about a man who is forced to decide whether to help the woman he loves and her husband escape the Nazi regime in Morocco, was the must-watch, quintessential romance movie.
'Say Anything'
The romantic scene is 1989's Say Anything, starring John Cusack and Ione Skye, is absolutely iconic. It's so definitive of the idea of romance that it has been re-created on numerous shows and movies that came after it. It's about two teenagers who are seemingly complete opposites, but wind up falling in love during the summer after they graduate high school. It's so sweet, entertaining, and just plain fun to watch.
'Titanic'
If you have time for an extra-long date night, Titanic is a great choice. The romance that buds between Jack and Rose over such a short time is so swoon-worthy it'll give you butterflies. Oh, and at the end, you'll definitely conclude that you would've made room for your love on that door.
'Mr & Mrs. Smith'
Can you even imagine? In Mr. & Mrs. Smith, former real-life couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie play a husband and wife who surprisingly find out that they are actually hired assassins that have been pitted against each other. This action-packed, ultra-sexy watch is absolutely perfect for a date night.
