The 30 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 timeless about cozying up on the couch on a Friday night with a great movie and a new flame, a long-term partner, or your spouse. However, when choosing said date-night film, things aren’t necessarily so simple—we all know the drill: scroll through Netflix, watch countless trailers on YouTube, read dozens of reviews, and then suddenly two hours have gone by.

Genre-bending and limitless (great movie, by the way), date-night movies cross categories (romance, comedy, action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy) and generations (black and white films, old movies, brand new movies). 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 make a decision by saving you those precious minutes that can become hours when searching for the perfect fit. And regardless of the mood or genre preference, there’s something in this list for every couple.

So grab some popcorn, snuggle into a cozy blanket, and have a scroll. These are our favorite date-night movies to watch for a romantic evening, just the two of you.

01 of 30

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 fit for the couple in search of romance, a good dose of drama (think love triangles galore), and some travel inspiration.

02 of 30

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 romcoms 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?

03 of 30

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 movie. A classic love story set in the summertime of the 1960s, scenes (and songs) from this film will live in your brain rent-free.

04 of 30

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 rewatching many times. 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 (Robin Williams).

05 of 30

Hitch

Another classic romcom, this Will Smith and Eva Mendes movie will have you laughing, swooning, 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 comedic relief.

06 of 30

Say Anything

You've likely seen this image of a teenager in a trench coat holding up an old stereo towards the window of the girl he loves. This iconic scene is from Say Anything, a late-80s classic about two high school seniors going on a first date—talk about a perfect date night movie.

07 of 30

The Graduate

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

08 of 30

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.

09 of 30

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 the 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 (Jonathan Rhys Meyers)—all sorts of sweet, funny, and inspiring storylines unfold.

10 of 30

Pretty Woman

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere (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.

11 of 30

Almost Famous

Any couple that appreciates music and the 1970s will enjoy watching Almost Famous, a part romcom, part coming-of-age story that 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.

12 of 30

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.

13 of 30

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 perfect for those in search of something light-hearted, a little whimsical, funny, and not lacking a bit of drama, too.

14 of 30

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 classic romance movie with a good dose of thrills, drama, and fantastical themes and characters, you cannot go wrong with this iconic movie starring Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, and so many more beloved stars.

15 of 30

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.

16 of 30

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. 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 (think Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger), this one will have you laughing, crying, singing, and rewinding.

17 of 30

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 old scary movie. 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 (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (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.

18 of 30

The Big Sick

Given that The Big Sick was written by comedian Kumail Nanjiani (along with his wife, Emily V. Gordon) it will have you 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 comedic relief throughout, of course).

19 of 30

Jurassic Park

No matter how many times you've seen it, Jurassic Park just 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.

20 of 30

The Holiday

Especially fit for—you guessed it—the holiday season, The Holiday is one of those feel-good warm and fuzzy romcoms that perfectly balances comedy with drama (and 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.

21 of 30

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 (that's a commitment), watching this series always feels as special as seeing it for the first time.

22 of 30

Save the Last Dance

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

23 of 30

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 romcom will take you across years and miles (and lots of hysterical moments) with two characters who might be destined to be together.

24 of 30

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 ten 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.

25 of 30

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.

26 of 30

Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is that kind of movie where once you see it, you'll never forget it. You'll have the time of your life—and experience an emotional rollercoaster together—while watching the wild adventures of these two women in the south running from the law (among other things).

27 of 30

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 others make this stand-out film a joy to experience, thanks to excellent performances, moving musical numbers, and an expertly crafted plot.

28 of 30

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).

29 of 30

No Strings Attached

When lifelong friends go from being just friends to friends with benefits (i.e. "no strings attached") things get unsurprisingly complicated—and the whole "no strings attached" thing becomes a lot more difficult in practice. Starring a charming Natalie Portman and an always-hysterical Ashton Kutcher, this romcom is already a classic, despite in the mid-2000s.

30 of 30

Southside with You

Based on the true story of how a young Barrack Obama met Michelle Obama, his future wife, in 1989, this story set in the south side of Chicago 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. The best part? It's true!

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