It’s one of the most popular activities for any date night, escaping into a magical world of drama, music, romantic comedy or even horror, refreshments to hand, arm around your significant other. Whether you’re heading over to your local multiplex, arthouse theatre or are planning a night in with a remote control and a menu of the latest releases to stream, there’s one decision to be made. A rather important one. Which film? So, regardless of whether you’ve been going out for a while, or you’ve just met through dating site like this, what are the top seven best romantic films?
Ghost (1990)
When Sam (Patrick Swayze) is murdered during a mugging, Molly (Demi Moore) is left distraught at having lost the love of her life so cruelly. But eccentric clairvoyant Oda (Whoopi Goldberg) enters the frame, allowing Molly to make contact with Sam’s troubled spirit. Famous for its iconic pottery scene, soundtracked by ‘Unchained Melody,’ as well as the heartbreak of true love being forced to bridge this world and the next, this is ideal for date night.
Love Actually (2003)
Actually a film featuring numerous entwining love stories, Richard Curtis’ comedy is one of those films, like ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ which has become synonymous with Christmas, especially when mistletoe is being brandished. From Bill Nighy’s jaded rock star to Colin Firth’s hilarious attempts to woo his Portuguese assistant, Emma Thompson’s stiff upper lip in the face of infidelity to Laura Linney dealing with a mentally troubled sibling, this movie will engross you and your partner with tears of sadness and joy.
Avatar (2009)
Perhaps an unusual choice for date night, James Cameron’s science fantasy epic is a visual feast. The central story is of an indigenous people facing exploitation at the hands of ruthless colonists; at its core is a love affair between Jake (Sam Worthington) and one of the natives, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). The fact the lovers are tall, blue-skinned humanoids living in a verdant paradise doesn’t diminish the impact of their passion.
High Fidelity (2000)
This movie is about music lover Rob (John Cusack), abetted by wisecracking Barry (Jack Black), who finally faces the reality of being unable to hang on to girlfriends. Quirky comedy, a brilliant soundtrack and obsessing about the nature of love – what else could you ask for?
The Graduate (1967)
When Ben (Dustin Hoffman) graduates, he finds himself at the center of the lustful attentions of his parents’ friend, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Part comedy, and part commentary on the nature of banal middle-class existence in suburban America, propelled by a flawless Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack, Ben’s quest for true love will make a gripping date night feature.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
If you and your partner can achieve half the chemistry which sparkles between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), as they debate whether friendship can ever survive intimacy, your future is assured! Famous for that scene when Sally demonstrates how easily guys can be duped.
Back to the Future (1985)
Finally, if you want your date night to avoid schmalzy romcoms or poignant love stories, head back to the 1980s (as a stepping stone to the 1950s) and bask in this sublime sci-fi adventure. Marty (Michael J Fox) is perfect as the chirpy teenager transported back to the youth of his parents, and forced to engineer events which threaten to erase him from existence. To add to the confusion, his future mom (Lea Thompson), develops a crush on him! As date night films go, this blend of laughter, tension, and zany action is hard to beat.
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