The Greatest Date Movies Of All Time
What are the best date night movies? That's a tricky question, because you've got your first date movies and your second date movies...and so on. This list of top films for date night includes a wide variety of different kinds of films that will hopefully make for an excellent evening of snuggling and discussion. Many of these films are some of the best romantic comedies of all time. These are the movies you really can't go wrong watching on date night. Vote up your favorites, vote down any you had to suffer through on bad dates and of course, rerank this list any way you want. You might also be interested in the best movies for couples.
While a list of the best date night movies will likely be dominated by romantic comedies ("rom-coms"), this list also includes some great dramas, some classic funny movies and a handful of horror movies, too. Why? Because not everybody likes Hollywood rom-coms. Sometimes you want to dig a little deeper. Good date night movie ideas can spur some interesting discussion and, in the case of horror movies, can bring you two much closer - literally.
One caveat with the date night movie choices: Please, unless you are absolutely certain your sweetie loves period movies, do not, repeat, do not make them suffer through long, sweepingly epic films like The English Patient. Yes, the movie is romantic but trust us, stick with the lighter fare. The same goes for other great epic movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's fine if your date is a huge fan, but if not? Bad idea. Also, beware the tearjerker movies. You don't want to be sitting there blubbering like a baby in front of a date when Mufasa dies in The Lion King, do you? Didn't think so.
If you're really in doubt, go with one of these highly rewatchable movies and/or a selection from this list of the best movies of all time.
- 1Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Gil Junger
A modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, this film juxtaposes sharp-witted humor with romance, as the central characters discover their own depth and complexity in their high school relationships. Iconic performances by Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger make for swoon-worthy moments throughout the film. As the characters navigate love, trust, and friendship, this rom-com will undoubtedly have viewers both laughing and feeling sentimental.
- 2Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
This enchanting fairy tale, complete with swashbuckling adventure, passionate romance, and unforgettable characters, is perfect for those looking to escape reality and immerse themselves in a classic love story. Quirky humor and clever dialogue keep the narrative light-hearted, while the enduring love between Westley and Buttercup is a timeless testament to the power of true love. Viewers will seamlessly transition from laughter to sighs of contentment as they follow the captivating journey of these beloved characters.
- 3Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
A heart-wrenching tale of enduring love, this film chronicles the emotional journey of young lovers Allie and Noah as they overcome the trials and tribulations of a decades-spanning romance. Beautifully set against the backdrop of the picturesque South, the story is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and commitment. As one of the most iconic romantic dramas of its time, it's sure to evoke deep emotions and create a strong connection between viewers.
- 4Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Peter Segal
A delightful blend of humor and heartfelt romance, this film sees the charming yet commitment-phobic Henry fall irrevocably in love with the endearing Lucy, who suffers from short-term memory loss. As he devises creative ways to make her fall in love with him every day, their unconventional relationship becomes a testament to the tenacity of love in the face of adversity. Audiences will find themselves rooting for the lovable duo as they navigate through the challenges that life throws their way.
- 5Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Garry Marshall
This modern Cinderella story showcases the transformative power of love, as the suave and successful Edward hires a spirited, no-nonsense prostitute named Vivian to accompany him during a business trip. Throughout their unexpected adventure, they teach each other valuable life lessons and ultimately change each other's lives for the better. The magnetic chemistry between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts will have viewers enchanted from start to finish.
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- 6Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Anne Fletcher
A hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy, this film features two powerhouse leads in Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, who effortlessly navigate their characters' reluctant journey toward love. As high-strung, Canadian boss Margaret forces her beleaguered assistant Andrew into a sham engagement to avoid deportation, the pair must pretend to be a loving couple in order to fool immigration officials. Along the way, they learn to let down their guards to discover that true love might not be so far off after all.
