A good date movie sets the mood for the rest of the evening. Comedies work well for first dates and nights when a few hours of laughter might go a long way. Romance movies often stir up romantic feelings, and classic romantic comedies provide a combination of love and laughter. The top date movies of all time have lasting appeal. Each category of date movies has benefits for couples looking for an evening together with a bucket of popcorn and a date movie DVD rental.
Hopelessly Romantic
The movies in this category of great date movies for the hoplessly romantic, are more than just hearts and flowers. Jerry Maguire combines sports with love, a sure hit for both romantics and football fans. Long-term couples might enjoy a date night at home with The Notebook. Women love movies in this category, so if you’re a guy who wants to win some points for romance, consider renting one of these sure-fire hits.
1. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
This romantic classic gives new meaning to the idea of there being a perfect match out there somewhere for everyone. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks star in the film, as a couple who find each other after an on-air radio message sent out by a boy looking for a date for his widowed father. Dreams do come true in this love story, and director, Nora Ephron, makes that happen with characters Annie Reed and Sam Baldwin. The Seattle setting is romantic and the idea that two people are meant for each other is an ideal theme for couples looking for a romantic date movie.
2. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Renee Zellweger captured audiences’ attention in this romantic, sports-themed movie, with the line, “You had me with hello.” Tom Cruise plays a busy sports agent in the film, who slowly learns to love, with a little help from a patient woman and her adorable son (Jonathan Lipinski). Cameron Crowe has a hit with Jerry Maguire, for giving date movie enthusiasts a film that is appealing to both men and women.
3. Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Richard Gere and Debra Winger team up in this incredible date movie as Zack Mayo and Paula Pokrifki. Zack meets Paula while training for the Navy Flight School. Paula and Zack fall in love, but Zack remains non-committal for much of the movie, until a dramatic and romantic ending. Women who saw this movie in the 1980’s may remember wishing that all men looked so good in Navy whites.
4. Pretty Woman (1990)
Julia Roberts began her rise to fame in this popular 1990 romance. Who would have thought that Pretty Woman could make falling in love with a prostitute so romantic. Richard Gere plays Edward Lewis, a wealthy business man, who comes to love Miss. Vivian Ward, after hiring her as an escort for a week. The happy ending gives hope to all couples who come from different backgrounds.
5. The Notebook (2004)
This movie spans a lifetime for characters, Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), after they meet at a carnival in their youth. The love of a lifetime theme stands out strongly, as the movie follows the love story of Allie and Noah, through the joys and trials of their life together. Gena Rowlands plays an aging Allie, and James Garner stars as the older Noah. This is the perfect movie for all couples.
6. The Wedding Movies
If marriage is on your mind, the four wedding movies on the list will provide a weekend worth of movies to start the conversation. The mix of modern romance and comedy in The Wedding Singer will have couples laughing and cheering at the same time. Consider one of the movies about weddings if you want to drop a few hints on your next date.
7. The Wedding Singer (1998)
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore star in this wildly popular date movie. The Wedding Singer takes couples on a bumpy ride, highlighting the humor of family weddings, while creating a love story in the midst of a woman who is ready to marry the wrong man. This movie is perfect for a fun date night.
8. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
The shy girl with the overbearing family wins in this movie, and this movie gives hope to all women over 30, who have not yet met their Prince Charming. Nia Vardalous stars as Toula Portokalos, and John Corbett (Sex and the City), plays Ian Miller, the leading man, and ultimately the object of Toula’s affection. There are plenty of laughs in this date movie, as well as a cast full of crazy relatives, and a happy ending.
9. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell bring this love story to life after a series of unexpected meetings at weddings. This movie sets aside initial first impressions and leads to an English-American love story that develops over time. This is a classic date movie.
10. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
What happens when you fall in love with your best friend? This date movie gives new meaning to the idea that you should marry your best friend. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett and Durmot Mulroney all give memorable performances in this modern date movie. Cameron’s karaoke scene is unforgettable, and Julia Roberts shines as “the best friend.”
Bonus: In the Mood Date Movie
Couples looking for a spicy Saturday night might want to rent this steamy date movie. Chill the wine and get in the mood for love.
9 1/2 Weeks (1986)
Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke heat up the screen in this sexy movie from 1986. Erotica is defined in this sexy date movie, as a Wall Street investor and art gallery owner experiment with their very sexual relationship. Critics were not fans of the movie when it was originally released, due to some of the questionable messages in the film, but for those looking for an erotic movie that isn’t cheap porn, 9 1/2 weeks might work.
