Planning date nights with your girlfriend can feel daunting at times. You want to pick an activity that you'll both enjoy, while also creating a memorable experience. Movie nights are a classic date choice for good reason - watching a great film together in the comfort of your home creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for bonding and conversation. The key is selecting a movie you'll both like.
You know that really annoying moment when you and your girlfriend can’t find what to watch and end up scrolling on Netflix or Amazon Prime for AGES? Yes, we have all been there! Nowadays we have so much choice on what to watch with all of the different streaming services that it can take so long to figure out what to watch on date night. Fortunately for you, I happen to be a bit of a movie buff and I have curated a list of different movies that are ideal for a cute movie date night. Romantic comedies and tearjerkers seem like an obvious choice, but not all girlfriends are into those genres. The key is finding films with compelling stories, complex characters, and themes that will spark thoughtful discussion or even debates - the ingredients for a satisfying shared experience.
To help you select the perfect movie night film, here are some of my top recommendations across genres to watch with your girlfriend:
Drama / Tearjerker Movies To Watch With Girlfriend
A Star Is Born - This musical drama starring the amzingling talented Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper has romance, tragedy, amazing performances, and a soundtrack that will give you chills and will 100% get stuck in your head. The story explores the highs and lows of fame, addiction, and following your dreams. A great watch if you enjoy music and drama together!
La La Land - This is another musical drama starring the mesmerizing Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I would describe it as a whimsical romance about following your dreams. The catchy song and dance numbers complement a bittersweet love story and will have you and your girlfriend singing and dancing along in front of the TV.
The Notebook - Now this one will most definitely get those tears flowing so get ready to melt into a puddle! This romantic drama starring the very charming Ryan Gosling and incredibly talented Rachel McAdams has become a classic date movie for its epic love story and emotional ending. This is a great watch if you like to get in touch with your feelings - just make sure to have plenty of tissues ready for those tear-jerking moments.
Titanic - This absolute classic starring the amazingly handsome Leonardo DiCaprio and beautiful Kate Winslet has become a classic date night choice. The tragic love story between Jack and Rose set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic ship will give you all the feels. The real question is - was there enough room on that door for Jack?
The Fault in Our Stars - Get your tissues at the ready for this romantic drama based on the popular novel by John Green. The amazing Shailene Woodley and charming Ansel Elgort play two teenagers who fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group. Their chemistry lights up the screen and you will definitely fall in love with both of them.
Me Before You - This emotional romance stars the stunning Emilia Clarke as a caretaker who forms a deep bond with a wheelchair-bound man that she is hired to help, played by the charming Sam Claflin. Not to spoil anything for you, but you may need a box of tissues on the coffee table for this one!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - The marvelous Emma Watson and Logan Lerman deliver outstanding performances in this coming-of-age drama about a shy teenager navigating high school. This one will take you back to your youth with the storylines about young friendships , first loves, and finding yourself.
Action / Adventure Movies To Watch With Girlfriend
Wonder Woman - This superhero film is as empowering as it is entertaining. Your girlfriend will likely appreciate the amazing Gal Gadot's portrayal of the fierce, smart, and compassionate Wonder Woman as she discovers her powers and fights to save the world. This one will make sure to have both of you on the edge of your seats!
Indiana Jones - An oldie but a goodie! For a wild, nostalgic ride, watch any of the Indiana Jones films from the 1980s together. Harrison Ford is extremely charming as the adventurous archeologist narrowly escaping danger and exploring exotic locations. These exciting films are packed with loads of action, romance and humor too.
The Hunger Games - This exciting sci-fi movie series stars the talented Jennifer Lawrence. With 4 movies + a prequel, you can watch these over several date nights! It is a dystopian franchise featuring an unforgettable heroine. Watch Katniss compete in a televised battle royale while sparking a rebellion.
The Matrix - This seminal sci-fi classic starring Keanu Reeves influenced countless action films with its innovative "bullet time" effects. The virtual reality storyline will give you and your girlfriend lots to discuss. Just make sure not to go too far down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole!
Kill Bill - Quentin Tarantino's violent two-part revenge saga, released in 2003 and 2004, features Uma Thurman as a former assassin taking down her former team. It's revered for its femme fatale lead, fight choreography, and style. This can be quite gruesome for some so if you are not a fan of gore you may want to avoid this one.
Terminator - This iconic cyberpunk movie series stars Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor trying to protect her son from advanced liquid metal cyborgs. The dazzling special effects and cat-and-mouse chase scenes still hold up today. And once again, there are several of them so it can cover several date nights!
Mad Max: Fury Road - This intense action film features the beautiful Charlize Theron as a one-armed warrior fighting alongside Max in the gritty, post-apocalyptic desert. The groundbreaking feminist themes and epic car chase scenes make it a thrill ride that will definitely keep you thoroughly entertained.
Comedy Movies To Watch With Girlfriend
Game Night - This comedy starring the hilarious Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams offers laughs as a friendly game night turns into a crazy real-life mystery. The plot keeps you guessing and interested in the quirky characters. You'll crack up at the hilarious script and physical comedy.
The Big Lebowski - This Coen Brothers cult classic from 1998 offers loads of oddball humor and an ensemble cast of colorful characters. You'll laugh yourselves silly at The Dude's quest to get his stolen rug replaced while he gets tangled in a bizarre kidnapping scheme.
Bridesmaids - This raunchy 2011 comedy stars the hysterical Kristen Wiig as a maid of honor enlisting quirky bridesmaids for her best friend's wedding. The hilarious female cast and witty script make it a great date night choice that will have you filled with joy and laughter.
Hitch - A personal favorite, Will Smith and Eva Mendes light up the screen in this warm and hilarious romantic comedy about a "date doctor" helping his awkward client woo the woman of his dreams. It is a great feel-good fun movie with a sweet message.
Easy A - The brilliant Emma Stone shines in this 2010 teen comedy as a high schooler who embraces a false rumor started about her being promiscuous. The smart script pokes fun at high school dynamics and will take you back to the days when popularity in school was your biggest problem.
Clueless - The wonderful Alicia Silverstone is lovably vapid as Cher in this quotable 1995 teen comedy loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma. The fashion, lingo, and soundtrack make it delightfully nostalgic and will once again take you back to your teenage years.
The Princess Bride - This cheeky 1987 fairy tale adventure parody starring Robin Wright and Cary Elwes will make you both laugh with its quirky characters, meta humor, and endlessly quotable lines.
Suspense / Thriller Movies To Watch With Girlfriend
Get Out - This Oscar-winning horror film by the immensely talented Jordan Peele uses suspense, social commentary, and surprising twists to keep you glued to the screen. This one makes sure to help start some good debates and conversations. It's an intense but thought-provoking option.
Gone Girl - The dark, sinister tone of this thriller starring the amazing Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike will truly have you both on the edge of your seats. It's perfect for girlfriends who love deconstructing complicated, morally ambiguous characters and shocking plot twists. This one has so many twists and turns so make sure to pay attention!
The Silence of the Lambs - This iconic 1991 thriller sees the brilliant Jodie Foster playing an FBI rookie seeking help from imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter, played by the amazing Anthony Hopkins, to catch a serial killer. It's a disturbing cat-and-mouse game that will keep you guessing what is coming next.
Black Swan - The stunning Natalie Portman descends into chilling madness as a ballerina in Darren Aronofsky's psychological 2010 film filled with symbolism and horror elements. The intense themes and Portman's performance are totally mesmerizing and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is quite disturbing so make sure to cuddle extra tight!
The Handmaiden - This South Korean erotic psychological thriller from 2016 tells the story of a woman enlisted to help a con man seduce and steal from a Japanese heiress, but secretly falls for her instead. The plot twists and forbidden romance will leave you breathless!
Rear Window - Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 classic stars James Stewart as a photographer confined to a wheelchair who thinks he witnesses a murder in a neighboring apartment. The slow-burning suspense makes it a riveting watch that really captures your attention.
No Country for Old Men - The Coen Brothers direct this violent cat-and-mouse thriller from 2007 about a hunter, played by Josh Brolin, who comes across a drug deal gone wrong and takes the cash, only to be pursued by a ruthless killer, played by Javier Bardem. This is a real nail biter that will keep your undivided attention throughout!
Overall, the key to picking the perfect date night movie is finding one that both you and your girlfriend will want to watch and enjoy. A romantic comedy may be just the ticket to make her swoon if she loves light hearted films with happy endings. However, opt for an intense psychological thriller if she prefers gripping, cerebral stories.
Ask your girlfriend for her input and consider movies she's been wanting to see too. Compromise is needed so you both get something out of the shared experience. The ambiance you create at home is also important - cook a delicious meal together beforehand and snuggle under blankets while you watch. With the right movie selection and atmosphere, you're set for a memorable movie date night with your girlfriend. Enjoy!
About the Author
Erika is a Content Coordinator for the Couply app. Couply was created to help couples improve their relationships. Couply has over 300,000 words of relationship quizzes, questions, couples games and date ideas and helps over 400,000 people.
Erika also plays tennis, and studies at the University of Stirling.
You can connect with Erika on LinkedIn and Instagram
