The 50 Best Date Night Movies of All Time

A young black couple sitting together and watching tv on a red couch — Morsa Images / Getty Images

Date night and watching movies go hand-in-hand; there’s just something so romantic about cozying up on the couch on a Friday night with a great film and a new flame, a long-term partner, or your spouse. However, when choosing said motion picture, things aren’t necessarily so simple—we all know the drill: Scroll through Netflix, watch countless trailers on YouTube, read dozens of reviews, and suddenly, two hours have gone by. Plus, finding a flick that the two of you can both agree on further complicates the decision-making process.

Genre-bending and limitless, date night movies cross categories (romance, comedy, action, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy) and generations (black-and-white films, old movies, brand-new ones). While there’s really no one end-all-be-all date night movie, there are some that meet all the right criteria. We’re here to help you and your significant other save those precious minutes (that can easily turn into hours) when searching for the perfect fit. And regardless of the mood or genre preference, there’s something on this list for every couple.

Grab some popcorn, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and scroll through our list. Ahead, our favorite date night movies to watch for a romantic evening, just the two of you.

01 of 50

Past Lives

A modern romance that has already topped the charts, this movie follows Nora (played by Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (played by Teo Yoo), childhood friends with a strong bond who are forced to separate once Nora and her family move from South Korea to New York City. After several decades of on-and-off communication from different sides of the world, the two finally reunite in person, where they confront where their relationship stands. If you and your partner are in the mood for a tear-jerker, queue this touching film.

02 of 50

Almost Famous

Any couple that appreciates music and the 1970s will enjoy watching Almost Famous for their movie night. Part rom-com, part coming-of-age story, this film follows a high school journalist who hits the road with an up-and-coming rock band as they tour across the U.S. Full of some amazing concert scenes, tons of classic rock, and terrific performances from the likes of a young Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, and Patrick Fugit, this is a perfect date night movie for music lovers.

03 of 50

La La Land

For those in search of a colorful, modern musical, La La Land dazzles viewers with an incredible musical score, outstanding performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, inspirational shots of Los Angeles, and a painstakingly romantic storyline that follows two young artists in the City of Angels.

04 of 50

Good Will Hunting

While Good Will Hunting isn't strictly a romance, it does have a compelling love story component, and it's a classic film worthy of many rewatches. Set in Boston, it follows the story of Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon) as he discovers how far his gift for mathematics can take him with the help of a psychologist (played by Robin Williams).

05 of 50

10 Things I Hate About You

For those who love a good '90s cult classic, you can't go wrong with 10 Things I Hate About You for your date night movie. An iconic high school rom-com, this movie follows the story of two (very different) sisters and their somewhat intertwined romantic interests. Chock-full of quotable lines, '90s music, and great performances by Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, this one will have you laughing, crying, singing, and rewinding.

06 of 50

Hitch

Another classic rom-com, this date night movie with Will Smith and Eva Mendes will have you laughing, swooning, and maybe even crying. The story, which follows a dating coach who falls for a hardened New York City writer, is full of flirtatious dialogue, will-they-won't-they scenes, and lots of perfectly-delivered comic relief.

07 of 50

When Harry Met Sally

It doesn't get more classic than Nora Ephron. This iconic movie, set in New York City, is possibly one of the most quoted romantic comedies of all time. The story follows two acquaintances-turned-friends, played by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, over the course of a decade or so of their friendship—or is it just friendship?

08 of 50

Dirty Dancing

Don't blame us if Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray have you and your partner practicing the famous Dirty Dancing lift by the end of this date night movie. A classic love story set in the summertime of the 1960s, this film is stacked with scenes and songs that will live rent-free in your head.

09 of 50

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey star in this enduring romantic comedy about two New Yorkers—an advice columnist and an executive—both with a similar goal: She's writing about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days; he's convinced that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. As you can imagine, chaos and hilarity—and maybe some love—ensue.

10 of 50

Lost in Translation

Starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation is a rom-com with a resonant message about meaningful connections. When their respective characters, Bob Harris and Charlotte, meet in Tokyo, an unlikely friendship blossoms as they find solace in one another's company at a time when they both feel lost.

11 of 50

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Featuring an all-star cast (Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone), Crazy, Stupid, Love documents two very different relationships, a divorce and a budding romance, that are unexpectedly connected—plus, an unforeseen friendship develops. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments and relatable characters, this film will definitely boost your mood.

12 of 50

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Set in one of the world's most romantic cities, this classic romance film, starring Scarlett Johansen, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, and Penélope Cruz, is the perfect date night movie for the couple in search of a dreamy love story, a good dose of drama (think love triangles galore), and some travel inspiration.

13 of 50

Say Anything

You've likely seen this image of a teenager in a trench coat holding up an old stereo toward the window of the girl he loves. This iconic scene is from Say Anything, a late-1980s classic about two high school seniors going on a first date—talk about a perfect date night movie.

14 of 50

Love & Basketball

If you’re looking for a date night movie with a bit of love, drama, and sports, Love & Basketball will deliver. This film follows two protagonists, played by Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, from childhood (as kids with visions of becoming professional basketball players) to adulthood (when those dreams become realized). And along the way, they may or may not fall for one another.

15 of 50

You've Got Mail

Heralded as one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time, You’ve Got Mail tells the story of Kathleen Kelly (played by Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (played by Tom Hanks) who are involved in an anonymous online romance with one another, despite being rivals in real life. The hilarious banter, enemies-to-lovers storyline, and extraordinary shots of New York City will provide an unparalleled viewing experience for you and your significant other.

16 of 50

500 Days of Summer

A story about love, heartbreak, chance, and hope, 500 Days of Summer, starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, will bring you and your partner on an emotional rollercoaster. With a mix of sweet and lighthearted, sad and serious moments, this rom-com is an entertaining and thought-provoking watch for your date night.

17 of 50

The Proposal

Looking for a date night movie that's packed with comical scenes, eccentric characters, and of course, a budding romance? The Proposal is a timeless film, with exceptional performances by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, that explores what happens after a top editor fakes an engagement to her assistant to dodge her impending deportation back to Canada. What could be a better setup?

18 of 50

The Graduate

The Graduate will take you and your significant other back to the 1960s for a classic romance. This coming-of-age story follows Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman) who returns home after finishing college. He finds himself seduced by the alluring Mrs. Robinson (played by Anne Bancroft), but things get complicated when he finds himself in the most unlikely of love triangles.

19 of 50

The Holiday

Especially fit for—you guessed it—the holiday season, The Holiday is one of those feel-good, warm-and-fuzzy rom-coms that perfectly balances comedy with drama (and a good dash of travel inspiration). Terrific performances from Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black make the movie's infectious dialogue and character relationships unforgettable. Even if it's not Christmastime, this movie is a winner every time.

20 of 50

Grease

Set in the 1950s, this classic musical has a little bit of everything: romance, friendship, nostalgia, comedy, and an epic soundtrack, making it a wonderful pick for every cinematic preference. The headliner, of course, is the relationship between Sandy (played by Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (played by John Travolta), which begins as a summer fling before Sandy becomes the new student at Danny’s high school.

21 of 50

Wimbledon

Equal parts funny, romantic, and inspiring, Wimbledon follows the story of two tennis stars (played by Paul Bettany and Kiersten Dunst) who both head to the world-renowned competition to test their abilities. Unsurprisingly, the pair ends up exploring more than just their tennis skills on the court.

22 of 50

Pretty Woman

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere (arguably one of the most dynamic duos in film history) play a prostitute and a New York businessman who form an unlikely romantic connection and face challenges as they try to live life, despite coming from two very different worlds.

23 of 50

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom is quirky, fun, and sweet, as is so often the case with Wes Anderson's wildly creative films. This movie about young love is a strong candidate for couples in search of something light-hearted, a little whimsical, funny, and not lacking a bit of drama for their date night movie.

24 of 50

Crazy Rich Asians

When Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu) goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family for the first time, she discovers his family is rich, prompting a string of disapproving and skeptical relatives. Set in Singapore and filled with elaborate scenes, Crazy Rich Asians will provide an escape for you and your partner during your date night.

25 of 50

Brown Sugar

Starring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs, Brown Sugar follows the lives—and romances—of two music professionals in New York City who shared the pivotal childhood experience of witnessing the birth of hip-hop in the Big Apple.

26 of 50

Brokeback Mountain

Regarded as one of the best LGBTQ+ movies of all time, Brokeback Mountain will take you on an emotional journey that will definitely have you reaching for a box of tissues. If you and your parter are in the mood for a sad romantic movie, this one is a stellar pick, complete with wonderful performances by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

27 of 50

50 First Dates

Although Adam Sandler’s character, Henry, has fallen for Drew Barrymore’s character, Lucy, she has short-term memory loss, so Henry must relive the same day over and over again. This rom-com is equal parts romantic, hilarious, and dramatic—the ideal date night movie formula.

28 of 50

The Princess Bride

Talk about a classic. The Princess Bride is a timeless fairy-tale adventure about finding that one true love. For those in search of a romance movie with a good dose of thrills, drama, and fantastical themes and characters, you cannot go wrong with this iconic motion picture that stars Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, and so many other beloved stars.

29 of 50

Sleepless in Seattle

Everyone's favorite rom-com pairing, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, strikes again in this timeless 1993 film. When Sam Baldwin goes on a radio talk show following his wife’s death, Annie Reed falls for him—despite living across the country and being engaged to someone else. Regardless of their circumstances, Annie writes to Sam, asking him to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. This moving love story makes the ideal date night movie for any couple.

30 of 50

Get Out

In the mood for something a little scary? It can be really fun (and romantic) to get a little spooked together—especially when the film is way more than a regular horror film. Get Out made waves upon its release in 2017 for being an apt psychological thriller that acts as a social commentary on race relations in our country. When Chris (played by Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (played by Allison Williams) head to upstate New York for a weekend away at her parents' house, there is way (way) more going on than initially meets the eye.

31 of 50

The Big Sick

Given that The Big Sick was written by comedian Kumail Nanjiani (along with his wife, Emily V. Gordon), this date night movie will have you and your partner falling-off-the-couch laughing. The film follows the story of a comedian, Kumail, and a graduate student, Emily, who fall in love. Things get complicated when Kumail worries that his traditional Muslim parents may not approve of Emily—layer that with the fact that Emily contracts a virus that puts her into a coma for weeks, and you have the perfect mix of romance and drama (with comic relief throughout, of course).

32 of 50

Date Night

As the title suggests, this is the ultimate date night movie, a film that documents a bored married couple's date night that goes awry. Starring two of the biggest comedians, Steve Carell and Tina Fey, this film is riddled with hysterical lines and scenes, coupled with a bit of action and suspense, that you’ll be fully engrossed in.

33 of 50

Sylvie’s Love

In Sylvie’s Love, after aspiring filmmaker Sylvie (played by Tessa Thompson) and saxophonist Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha) have a summer fling, they reconnect—and rekindle their love—years later. Not only does this cinematic production uncover an epic love story, but it also features ‘60s fashion and rhythmic jazz.

34 of 50

Jurassic Park

No matter how many times you've seen it, Jurassic Park never gets old. Cuddle up with popcorn and this iconic '90s thriller for a wild ride that will keep you and your significant other on the edge of your seats all night.

35 of 50

Bend It Like Beckham

A classic early-2000s coming-of-age story, starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, Bend It Like Beckham takes place in London and is about two women overcoming familial challenges—and ample drama—surrounding their football (soccer, but this is Britain!) careers. As the two young women become close friends—with each other and with their coach (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers)—all sorts of sweet, funny, and inspiring storylines unfold. This feel-good movie will elevate any date night.

36 of 50

Harry Potter

For the Harry Potter fans out there, our list wouldn't be complete without this fantastical masterpiece. Travel to a magical universe with your loved one for date night, and whether you just watch the first movie or binge all eight of them, this series always feels as special as seeing it for the first time.

37 of 50

Save the Last Dance

Cue the tears. When Sara (played by Julia Stiles) moves to the south side of Chicago due to a tragic family accident, she finds herself falling for a new friend who shares her deep love of dance. Full of iconic dancing scenes and teenage romance, this is an ideal date night movie.

38 of 50

Southside with You

Based on the true story of how a young Barrack Obama met Michelle Obama, his future wife, in 1989, this story takes us through the lives of two young lawyers working at the same firm. They go on a first date and—well, the rest is history.

39 of 50

Serendipity

Serendipity is all about long-distance, long-term love—the kind that can withstand decades and thousands of miles. Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, this rom-com will take you across years and miles (and lots of hysterical moments) with two characters who might be destined to be together.

40 of 50

Walk the Line

Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for her performance in Walk the Line, an emotional biopic about the life and music of Johnny Cash and June Carter. The music alone is phenomenal, but Witherspoon's outstanding performance, alongside Joaquin Pheonix's stunning representation of Cash, ensures that you'll be laughing, crying, and probably singing (and playing the soundtrack for months to come).

41 of 50

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

In the mood for something action-packed? Mr. and Mrs. Smith is an iconic thriller featuring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who play a couple in a seemingly normal marriage. The twist? Each is keeping a very big secret from the other. Fasten your seatbelts for this one.

42 of 50

Always Be My Maybe

Starring Ali Wong as Sasha and Randall Park as Marcus, Always Be My Maybe tells the story of two childhood sweethearts who have a falling-out but finally reconnect 15 years later. The characters’ onscreen chemistry is palpable, and the storyline is warm and fuzzy.

43 of 50

Twilight

For die-hard Twilight fans and newcomers alike, this fantastical movie about a vampire (played by Robert Pattinson) and a human (played by Kristen Stewart) who enter a dangerous romance is an unrivaled date night movie. Whether you watch the first movie in the franchise or all of them, you're in for an entertaining, dramatic viewing experience.

44 of 50

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, based on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, explores tragic love, set against the glamorous backdrop of the 1920s. From elaborate parties to unrequited love, this date night movie has everything you could ask for—plus, Leonardo DiCaprio is an added bonus.

45 of 50

Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is that kind of movie where once you see it, you'll never forget it. If you and your partner watch this film on your date night, the two of you will have the time of your life—and experience a whirlwind of emotions—as the wild adventures of these two women in the south running from the law (among other things) unfold.

46 of 50

Dreamgirls

Equal parts inspiring and romantic, Dreamgirls fits the bill for any couple in search of a music-packed, star-studded film about musicians making it big. Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Lorette Devine, Eddie Murphy, and many others make this stand-out film a joy to experience, thanks to excellent performances, moving musical numbers, and an expertly-crafted plot.

47 of 50

No Strings Attached

When lifelong friends go from being just friends to friends with benefits, their relationship gets unsurprisingly complicated—and the whole "no strings attached" arrangement becomes a lot more difficult in practice. Starring a ravishing Natalie Portman and an always-hysterical Ashton Kutcher, this rom-com is already a classic, despite being made in the mid-2000s.

48 of 50

Sweet Home Alabama

There's a reason why the storyline of Sweet Home Alabama is one we’ve seen before—a city socialite with an impressive career returns to her hometown and falls for someone unexpected. This motion picture is a charming and comforting watch for your next date night.

49 of 50

Lion

Although Lion isn’t your typical date night movie, it’s perfect for anyone who’s looking for a film with substance and depth. Based on a true story, Saroo Brierley (played by Dev Patel) is separated from his family at five years old, and after fending for himself for 25 years, he goes on a quest to find them. It’s moving, inspiring, and emotional.

50 of 50

Step Brothers

For a date night movie that’s silly and lighthearted, Step Brothers will give you and your partner many belly laughs—any movie with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly will provide comic relief. At the heart of this motion picture is a romance between the boys' parents, which is threatened by their rivalry.

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