One of the most popular ways to spend a date night is simply staying in and enjoying a movie with someone special. Unfortunately, deciding which movie to watch is never an easy task. With an ever-expanding roster of films now available on a wide range of streaming services, finding the perfect choice for a date night can feel impossible. Because of this, it helps to keep a list of potential options handy for whenever the mood is right for a movie date.
While every couple is bound to have their own tastes, popular date night movies are often lighter, romantic dramas. Films with some comedic elements are also great choices. After all, a film that is too serious (particularly if it ends on a sad note) can easily put a damper on what should be a happy evening. Fortunately, plenty of films fit these criteria. Next time you’re looking forward to a date night, plan ahead with a nice, dramatic (but not too dramatic) movie to watch with your favorite person.
10 Past Lives (2023)
The Movie Was Directed By Celine Song
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8/10 Past Lives PG-13DramaRomance
In Past Lives, childhood sweethearts Na Young and Hae Sung lose contact when Na Young’s family moves abroad. Twelve years later, they reconnect through social media, but their lives have diverged. As they meet again, unresolved feelings surface, leading to poignant reflections on love, choices, and the complexities of relationships.
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*Availability in US Director Celine Song Release Date January 21, 2023 Writers Celine Song Cast Greta Lee , Teo Yoo , John Magaro Runtime 106 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Written and directed by Celine Song, the Oscar-nominated film Past Lives, explores the decades-spanning connection between two individuals who repeatedly drift in and out of each other’s lives. Beginning as childhood friends, Na Young and Hae Sung eventually go on a “date” set up by their parents. Na Young soon moves far away with her family, though, leaving the pair to spend the coming decades wondering what would have happened if they had more time together.
Related Past Lives Ending Explained: What Nora & Hae Sung’s Final Scene Means
Celine Song’s Past Lives is a beautiful love story with a touching, thought-provoking ending. What does Nora’s final scene with Hae Sung really mean?
Past Lives is romantic, emotional, and certain to make viewers think deeply about the connections they’ve made in their own lives. The film spends some time discussing inyeon, the Korean concept that the connections that exist between people are influenced by the connections their souls experienced in previous lifetimes. While the idea can be interpreted in various ways, it is bound to inspire the viewers to feel gratitude and love for those around them, making Past Lives an excellent film to experience with those closest to you.
9 Chef (2014)
The Movie Was Directed By Jon Favreau
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8/10 Chef RComedyDramaAdventure
Chef is a road movie written, directed, and starring Jon Favreau, where his character Carl Casper quits his job at a prestigious restaurant and starts a food truck business with his son Percy (Emjay Anthony) and best friend Martin (John Leguizamo). He also receives help from his ex-wife Inez (Sofia Vergara) and her ex-husband Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.).
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*Availability in US Director Jon Favreau Release Date May 30, 2014 Studio(s) Open Road Films Distributor(s) Open Road Films Writers Jon Favreau Cast Jon Favreau , John Leguizamo , Bobby Cannavale , Emjay Anthony , Scarlett Johansson , Dustin Hoffman Runtime 114 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
Jon Favreau’s 2014 film, Chef, is a star-studded comedy-drama about a man who reconnects with family through his passion for food. After losing his prestigious job as head chef of a Los Angeles restaurant, Carl Casper finds himself looking for a new way to use his culinary gifts. This leads him to start up a food truck, working with his son, best friend, and ex-wife.
The ensemble cast of the film
features many major stars, including Sofía Vergara, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr., and Favreau himself.
Chef is an excellent option for couples in the mood for a feel-good story. The film is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of not only loving what you do, but loving the people around you while you do it.Chef offers plenty of characters to root for, moments to lift your spirits, and, of course, tons of fantastic-looking food. All of these factors make Chef a stellar option for a date night (especially if it involves a nice meal).
8 Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
The Movie Was Directed By Jon M. Chu
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7.3/10 Crazy Rich Asians PG-13Comedy
Based on the global best-selling series Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy that follows New York Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. However, she soon discovers her significant other is hiding a secret – his family is one of the wealthiest families in Singapore – and her mother already disapproves of her and her origins. Rachel will attempt to find her place in the madness and prove her own worth to a family of unflinching prejudice.
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*Availability in US Director Jon M. Chu Release Date August 15, 2018 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Pete Chiarelli , Adele Lim Cast Gemma Chan , Chris Pang , Awkwafina , Jimmy O. Yang , Michelle Yeoh , Ken Jeong , Henry Golding , Sonoya Mizuno , Jing Lusi , Constance Wu Runtime 121 Minutes Expand
Based on the popular novel of the same name, Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy-drama film about a couple and the influence that family has on their relationship. Upon traveling to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick, Rachel discovers that Nick comes from an incredibly wealthy family. This leads to high tensions when Rachel is introduced by Nick, as his family (particularly his mother, Eleanor) has very intense expectations of Nick, and who he chooses to be with. The star-filled cast is led by Constance Wu and Henry Golding, with Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh offering a powerful performance as Eleanor.
Crazy Rich Asians is not only a complex examination of class differences, but a compelling love story as well. The film highlights the strong relationship between Rachel and Nick, and how it is able to withstand intense external pressures. In addition, Crazy Rich Asians also offers stunning visuals, excellent comedic moments, and wonderful performances all around. The film manages to function as a successful romantic comedy without sacrificing its dramatic moments and themes.
7 Sing Street (2016)
The Movie Was Directed By John Carney
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Sing Street PG-13RomanceDramaMusic
Sing Street is a musical drama film directed by John Carney. Set in 1980s Dublin, it tells the story of Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a teenager who forms a band to impress a girl named Raphina (Lucy Boynton). As they create music together, Conor navigates the challenges of adolescence and family life. The film offers a nostalgic look at the period’s music scene and the power of artistic expression.
Director John Carney Release Date March 11, 2016 Studio(s) Cosmo Film , Distressed Films , FilmNation Entertainment , Likely Story , PalmStar Media , FilmWave Writers John Carney Cast Ferdia Walsh-Peelo , Lucy Boynton , Jack Reynor , Ben Carolan , Mark McKenna Runtime 106 Minutes Main Genre Romance Expand
Set in Ireland during the 1980s, Sing Street is a charming musical romance film that provides an exciting spin on the classic idea of the boy-meets-girl story. Soon after financial troubles in his family force Conor to start attending a new school, he finds himself smitten with Raphina, an aspiring model he meets outside the school one day. Determined to impress her, Conor recruits a ragtag group of new classmates to form a band, of which he will be the lead singer.
This charming story of young love is perfect for any date night, especially for fans of musical films, as the film features an impressive soundtrack with songs for every emotion.
Sing Street is an uplifting film from beginning to end, demonstrating how love and friendship can triumph over anything. Though the film does not shy away from drama, and does dive into the financial, romantic, and social struggles of various characters, it manages to maintain a consistent sense of optimism. This charming story of young love is perfect for any date night, especially for fans of musical films, as the film features an impressive soundtrack with songs for every emotion.
6 It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
The Movie Was Directed By Frank Capra
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8.8/10 It’s a Wonderful Life PGFantasyFamilyDrama
Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town business and family man who, after a series of personal and business losses, attempts to jump off a bridge on Christmas Eve. Bailey is stopped before he can jump by Clarence, an angel who wishes to show him how much impact he has had on those around him in order to keep him from killing himself. Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, with a further cast that includes Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Henry Travers.
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*Availability in US Director Frank Capra Release Date January 7, 1947 Studio(s) RKO Pictures Distributor(s) RKO Pictures Writers Frank Capra , Albert Hackett , Frances Goodrich Cast James Stewart , Thomas Mitchell , Lionel Barrymore , Donna Reed , Henry Travers Runtime 130 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
The classic Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life, is a timeless choice for a date night movie, especially around the holidays. The film recounts the life of George Bailey, with all of its beautiful moments and intense hardships. On Christmas Eve, a guardian angel reveals to George how drastically different the world around him would be if he had never existed, giving George a revitalized perspective on life, and a deeper appreciation for all the loving people around him.
The beautiful story and Oscar-nominated performance by James Stewart make It’s a Wonderful Life a classic to be revisited every year. It is a perfect film to watch with those you love, as it will inspire you to consider how your life would be different without them. Additionally, the tender, uplifting conclusion guarantees that any evening spent watching it will end on a positive note. It’s a Wonderful Life is a great option not just for a single date night, but for one that can be relived whenever the holidays roll around.
5 Good Will Hunting (1997)
The Movie Was Directed By Gus Van Sant
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10/10 Good Will Hunting RRomanceDrama
Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting stars Damon as Will Hunting, a janitor with a genius-level intellect who, after being arrested for fighting, receives the chance to study mathematics under a renowned MIT professor provided that he attends therapy sessions with Dr. Sean Maguire. As Will’s life begins to change dramatically through the opportunities afforded him at MIT, his work with Dr. Maguire slowly begins to help him open up about his troubled past. Robin Williams stars as Sean Maguire alongside Damon, with Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, and Minnie Driver also part of the main cast.
Director Gus Van Sant Release Date January 9, 1998 Studio(s) MiraMax Distributor(s) MiraMax Writers Matt Damon , Ben Affleck Cast Robin Williams , Ben Affleck , Minnie Driver , Matt Damon , Stellan Skarsgård Runtime 126 minutes Expand
In 1997, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck became household names when they won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting. The Boston-based film tells the inspiring story of a young custodial worker at MIT who is put in the care of a kindhearted psychotherapist after a professor discovers his superior intelligence. The film received massive widespread acclaim, earning nine Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.
While Good Will Hunting does explore sensitive topics, its overall beauty and optimism make it a worthy candidate for a date night. Romance plays a key role in the film, for both of the main characters. The titular character (played by Damon) spends much of the film developing his relationship with a Harvard student named Skylar (played by Minnie Driver), bringing into question Will’s previous self-destructive habits. The therapist, Sean (played by Robin Williams), helps Will by recounting his own experiences with his late wife. Observing how these characters discuss love is a lovely way to spend a date night.
4 Casablanca (1942)
The Movie Was Directed By Michael Curtiz
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10/10 Casablanca PGDramaDocumentaryRomanceWar
Set in Morocco against the backdrop of the Second World War, Casablanca stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner whose past comes back to haunt him when an old lover comes to ask for his help in smuggling her and her current husband out of the Nazi-occupied city. Ingrid Bergman stars alongside Bogart as Ilsa, with a further cast that includes Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, and Dooley Wilson.
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*Availability in US Director Michael Curtiz Release Date January 23, 1943 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Julius J. Epstein , Philip G. Epstein , Howard Koch , Murray Burnett , Joan Alison , Casey Robinson Cast Humphrey Bogart , Ingrid Bergman , Paul Henreid , Claude Rains , Conrad Veidt , Sydney Greenstreet Runtime 102 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Widely hailed as one of the greatest motion pictures of all time, Casablanca is a timeless classic that features one of the most famous romances in cinema history. Set in the midst of World War II, Casablanca follows the American owner of a bar in the titular Moroccan city as he encounters a figure from his past, and is forced to make an impossible decision. Practically every element of the film, especially the performances and writing, received widespread acclaim upon its release.
Though the plot is multilayered and filled with complex characters, the romance between Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (played by Ingrid Bergman) remains at the core of Casablanca. With timeless and iconic quotes like “Here’s looking at you, kid,” and “We’ll always have Paris,” the connection between these two characters feels like essential viewing for couples everywhere. Even over eighty years after its release, Casablanca reminds viewers of the power of love, and the difficult decisions it allows people to make.
3 Bonnie And Clyde (1967)
The Movie Was Directed By Arthur Penn
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Bonnie and Clyde BiographyCrimeDocumentaryDramaRomance Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director Arthur Penn Release Date July 18, 1967 Writers David Newman , Robert Benton , Robert Towne Cast Warren Beatty , Faye Dunaway , Michael J. Pollard , Gene Hackman , Estelle Parsons , Denver Pyle Runtime 111 minutes Main Genre Biography Expand
Arthur Penn’s 1967 crime drama, Bonnie and Clyde, redefined what a theatrical romance could be. The story of the historic film has practically become common knowledge today; a young couple meets, falls in love, and proceeds to drive around the country committing crimes together. The groundbreaking film has received enduring critical acclaim, and is often ranked among the greatest movies of all time.
Bonnie and Clyde would be an exciting choice for a date night, as it is far different from your typical Hollywood romance, especially for films of that era. The leading duo, played by Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, dominate the screen, making it clear why they are one of the most iconic couples in cinema. Bonnie and Clyde provides the rare blend of romantic drama and action-packed thriller, making it a prime choice for couples who enjoy both of these genres.
2 Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
The Movie Was Directed By Wes Anderson
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10/10 Moonrise Kingdom PG-13RomanceComedy
Directed by Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom is set on the fictional New England Island of New Penzance. The film follows Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop, two adolescent residents of the island who, after falling in love through letters, hatch a plan to run away together in order to escape their difficult lives. The ensemble cast includes Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton.
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*Availability in US Director Wes Anderson Release Date June 21, 2012 Studio(s) Focus Features Distributor(s) Focus Features Writers Wes Anderson Cast Bill Murray , Kara Hayward , Bruce Willis , Jason Schwartzman , Edward Norton Runtime 94minutes Expand
Wes Anderson is no stranger to blending romance, comedy, and drama, and he does so quite effectively with his 2012 film, Moonrise Kingdom. Told using Anderson’s trademark visual style, Moonrise Kingdom follows a boy and a girl who decide to runaway together, prompting a search party to be sent to find them before the arrival of an impending storm. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, and Edward Norton, among many others.
Related Moonrise Kingdom At 10: The Movie’s 10 Funniest Characters
Moonrise Kingdom turns 10 this year, and characters like Sam, Suzy, and Captain Sharp still rank among Wes Anderson’s most hilarious creations.
Moonrise Kingdom is a charming option for a date night because of the unique way it tells a story of young love. The screenplay by Anderson and his writing partner, Roman Coppola, allows for moments of humor between the characters, without merely playing the relationship off as a complete joke. It is clear throughout the film that the love the characters feel for each other is genuine, and the impressive performances by both child actors are bound to transport viewers back to the first times they fell in love.
1 The Great Gatsby (2013)
The Movie Was Directed By Baz Luhrmann
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7.3/10 The Great Gatsby (2013) PG-13DramaRomance
The Great Gatsby is a 2013 drama romance film based on the book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The movie is one of many adaptations of the iconic 1925 novel, this time starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway. The film received a polarizing reception upon release but won two Oscars at the 2014 Academy Awards.
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*Availability in US Director Baz Luhrmann Release Date May 10, 2013 Studio(s) Village Roadshow Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Baz Luhrmann , Craig Pearce Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Carey Mulligan , Joel Edgerton , Tobey Maguire , Jason Clarke , Elizabeth Debicki , Isla Fisher Runtime 143 Minutes Expand
Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, brings the beloved story to life in a loud, splashy style reminiscent of the era in which the story is set. The century-old tale uses the perspective of a humble neighbor to tell the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious man who accumulated massive wealth with the sole hope of regaining the attention of his former lover. The two-time Oscar-winning film is a great option for fans of Luhrmann’s fast-paced style.
Though the film does not shy away from the more dramatic elements of the original novel, the seriousness is balanced out by the lively, fun nature of the famous setting.
The Great Gatsby is certain to bring excitement to any date night, transporting viewers back to a time filled with loud music, extravagant clothing, and over-the-top parties. Though the film does not shy away from the more dramatic elements of the original novel, the seriousness is balanced out by the lively, fun nature of the famous setting. With a standout performance from Leonardo DiCaprio and a timeless story about love, The Great Gatsby is an excellent choice for a film to be shared with someone special.