Brit + Co Logo

Grab the popcorn!

The 10 Best Date Night Movies That You And Your Partner Will Actually Love

Art Deco style "The Great Gatsby" movie poster featuring main characters.
IMDB

I love a cozy movie night as much as anyone — red wine poured, popcorn in hand, candles lit — but if you’ve ever tried picking a film with your partner, you know the struggle is real. One of you wants a full-on romantic comedy, the other’s lobbying hard for action, suspense, or at least something with a plot twist.

The good news? You don’t actually have to choose sides. Some of the best date-night movies strike that perfect balance — romance for the soft moments, intrigue or action to keep things moving, and stories that appeal across genders and tastes. Whether you’re in it for the love story, the laughs, or the cinematic drama, this list has something for everyone.

So pour that glass, cue up the popcorn, and press play on one of these swoon-worthy films that both of you will actually enjoy watching together.


Here are great movies for a date night in!

Art Deco style "The Great Gatsby" movie poster featuring main characters.

IMDB

The Great Gatsby

I believe The Great Gatsby (2013) is one of the most underrated romance movies of all time. Based on the iconic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, this energetic film adaptation captures the longing between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan more effectively than the original book! It’s the ultimate tale of pining for what might have been, and doing everything within your power to win over the love of your life, even if that means throwing grand, elaborate parties just out of the hopes that she’ll happen to stumble in one day! In my opinion, no one who has portrayed Gatsby in earlier adaptations can compare to Leonardo DiCaprio.
Illustrated "Moonrise Kingdom" poster with two kids in a forest, surrounded by text.

IMDB

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom (2012) is one of those charming date-night movies that everyone feels good about. Directed by Wes Anderson, this whimsical coming-of-age love story follows two 12-year-olds, Sam and Suzy, who run away together after forming a deep, instant connection that no one around them seems to understand. It’s innocent, quirky, and quietly emotional in a way that sneaks up on you.

What makes it such a great date-night watch is its balance of sweetness and humor — it’s romantic without being cheesy, heartfelt without trying too hard. The dreamy New England setting, nostalgic soundtrack, and perfectly symmetrical visuals make it feel cozy and transportive, like escaping into a storybook for a couple of hours. And honestly, there’s something incredibly refreshing about a love story that reminds you what it felt like to fall for someone for the very first time — awkward and full of hope.

Romantic comedy poster with a cityscape background and two people facing each other.

IMDB

When Harry Met Sally

You want slow burn? Harry and Sally practically invented the genre! If you’re a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope, and you love a good fall foliage backdrop in NYC, you basically have no choice but to stream this unforgettable rom-com. It’s practically medicine for the hopeless romantics.

A man and woman sit by a pool under "Sleeping with Other People" title.

IMDB

Sleeping With Other People

Here’s a bit of a modern twist on the When Harry Met Sally set up. When two love addicts decide it’s best to avoid dating each other due to their tendency to cause romantic destruction, they end up realizing they’re practically destined to be together. Yikes!
Group of teens standing under "10 Things I Hate About You" movie title text.

IMDB

10 Things I Hate About You

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time, and no one can convince me otherwise. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this late-’90s classic perfectly captures the chaos, vulnerability, and thrill of falling for someone when you least expect it.

What makes it such a perfect date-night movie is its mix of humor and heart. You get sharp banter, unforgettable one-liners, and that iconic Heath Ledger serenade scene (which alone deserves a rewatch). Beneath all the teen-movie fun, though, there’s a surprisingly emotional love story about learning to let your guard down and being brave enough to care. It’s funny, nostalgic, and endlessly rewatchable — the kind of movie that makes you swoon and quote it together long after the credits roll.

Collage of smiling woman with large "(500) Days of Summer" text and sitting man drawing.

IMDB

500 Days of Summer

I think 500 Days of Summer (2009) is one of those date-night movies that hits differently depending on where you are in your love life. On the surface, it’s a quirky indie romance about boy-meets-girl, set to an incredible soundtrack and filled with charming, offbeat moments. But underneath it all, it’s really a story about expectations, and how easily we can fall in love with the idea of someone rather than who they actually are.

What makes it such a great date-night watch is that it sparks conversation long after the movie ends. You find yourself debating who was “right," and maybe even seeing your own love story a little more clearly. It’s funny, bittersweet, and emotionally honest — the kind of movie that makes you laugh together and feel a little nostalgic.

Woman in black holds ring to man's chest with text "The Proposal" on the movie poster.

IMDB

The Proposal

Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds’ chemistry in this film needs to be studied, seriously. It’s the ultimate enemies-to-lovers movie, with stellar performances from both actors. It’s also incredibly funny, mostly due to the brilliant Betty White.

Man on couch shocked by woman in heels, movie title "Crazy Stupid Love" below.

IMDB

Crazy, Stupid Love

I think Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) is one of those rare rom-coms that truly has something for everyone, which automatically makes it a perfect date-night pick. At first glance, it feels light and funny — complete with glow-ups, flirty banter, and laugh-out-loud moments — but underneath, it’s actually a surprisingly heartfelt look at love in all its messy stages.

What I love most is how the movie weaves together multiple love stories, from first crushes to long-term relationships trying to find their spark again. It’s one of those films where you’re equally invested in the laughs and the twists — and how can you both not love Ryan and Emma on screen together.

Couple lying on ice, title "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" below.

IMDB

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) is one of the most hauntingly beautiful love stories ever put on screen. Starring Jim Carrey as the quietly heartbroken Joel Barish and Kate Winslet as the impulsive, unforgettable Clementine Kruczynski, the film explores what happens when love ends, and whether forgetting it would actually make things easier.

What makes this movie such a powerful date-night watch is how relatable it feels for anyone who has been heartbroken. As Joel relives memories of his relationship while they’re being erased, you watch the tenderness, frustration, joy, and heartbreak unfold in reverse. Carrey’s subdued performance is surprisingly vulnerable, while Winslet brings chaos, warmth, and emotional honesty to Clementine in a way that feels painfully real.

It’s not a traditional rom-com by any means, but that’s exactly why it works. The film asks big questions — about memory, regret, and whether loving someone is still worth it even if it ends in pain.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" poster featuring a woman in a black dress with a cigarette holder.

IMDB

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Is there anyone more charismatic than Audrey Hepburn in this film? Her portrayal of the zany yet tragic New York socialite, Holly Golightly, is simply legendary. And that final kiss in the rain scene? We’re still swooning over it, all these decades later.

Sign up for our newsletter to get more entertainment ideas sent right to your inbox weekly!

EXPLORE MORE OF BRIT + CO

Selfmade

A business accelerator for early-stage female founders with live workshops, 1:1 mentoring, online courses, and curated business support. Visit

Subscribe to B+C

Get your weekly dose of inspo, pop culture, and creativity — straight to your inbox. Subscribe to the Brit + Co newsletter! Visit