COVID-19 has changed the way we do most things; from how we work, go to school, get our groceries, and even celebrate holidays. February 14th is known as the most romantic day of the year, aka Valentine’s Day. So many of us are going to have to spend a romantic evening inside. I know I will be at home. One of the most traditional Valentine’s Day dates is dinner and a movie! This classic date can easily transition from outside to inside. Or outside, if you are doing a cute outdoor picnic and watching a movie on a projector.
Are you struggling with what movie would be most appropriate? Then let your friends from Fandom Spotlite recommend the best date night films from each streaming service! This curated list will make it easier to choose your date night flick. This list can not help you with your romance skills. You are on your own there.
Disney Plus
Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
The 1997 version of Cinderella, starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, is the BEST version of the classic fairytale. Ever After is a close second. This romantic tale still has a mistreated girl becoming a princess for one night and through the power of love at first sight, she falls for a prince. The acting is charming, the music is catchy, and the costumes scream elegance. Plus, if you haven’t seen it since you were a kid, it’s a good opportunity to talk about your younger years with each other.
Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
I am about to say something controversial: Lion King 2 is better than the original Lion King. There, I said it! Now I can get back to my job. While the original Lion King is about embracing your roots and overcoming fear, the sequel is all about love. And breaking the chains of tradition. This film follows Kovu and Kiara in a Romeo & Juliet scenario. Kiara is a princess and Kovu’s dad was the villain. The couple must overcome the chains of hate and tradition for their love to survive and be accepted. The music of this film is far superior to the first, the story never has a dull moment, there are lots of laughs, and an ending that’s satisfying.
HBO Max
The Little Things
We aren’t recommending The Little Things for the reason you may think. This thriller starring Jared Leto, Denzel Washington, and Rami Malek is BORING. It is a rabbit hole of a film that leads you to nowhere. Some may say it is an allegory about obsession and regret but really it’s 3 good actors lulling their way to potential Oscars. So why are we recommending it? It’s the perfect “movie & chill” film. You know, the film you put on to have as background noise while you get more comfortable with each other. That’s if you don’t fall asleep first.
Casablanca
There is a reason why this 1942 film is helmed as one of the most romantic films of all time. Casablanca is a timeless film about when the love you lost returns when you least expect it. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman have instant chemistry! Every second of the film is not wasted and you will find yourself engulfed by their romance. It may even inspire your own romance with your partner.
Netflix
365 Days
Hold your skepticism! We know the plot of this film has some not-so-great elements. Still, you got to admit…it was kinda hot. It’s hot people doing hot things and the film trended all over the internet for a reason. Think of it as porn with some semblance of a story. There are many scenes of spectacular locations, shopping, and private jets! 365 Days is on this list because hopefully it will ignite passion between you and take your evening from good to great. That’s if you didn’t fall asleep from all the talking.
The Lovebirds
The Lovebirds takes the traditional romantic-comedy and pushes it to the limit. A couple in the fast lane to splitsville accidentally end up the suspects in a murder case. What happens next is high comedy shenanigans to find the real killers and clear their names. You’ll find yourselves belly laughing but also intrigued by the mystery of who really did it. It’s a great film to cuddle up and laugh together with.
Hulu
Love and Basketball
Love and Basketball is a story about two friends who connect over their love for basketball as kids and find themselves falling in and out of love as they grow up. We like this film because it’s the closest thing to what love is like in real life. There isn’t a rich man who kidnaps you, a fairy godmother, or a mystery to solve; it’s just two real people falling in love. Love and Basketball is a great date night film for when you just want something authentic.
The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride has a cult status for a reason; on top of being one of the most quotable movies of all time. This magical rom-com is about a young man on a journey to find his true love. The film is genuinely hilarious while still maintaining the romance. The Princess Bride also has sword fights and sorcerers! The ending of the film is unforgettable.
Amazon Video
The Big Sick
Among all the films on this list, The Big Sick will make you cry! The Big sick is based on the real-life love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan as the couple struggles to overcome cultural differences, a mysterious illness, and skeptical parents. You will laugh, cry, laugh, and cry again.
The Conjuring
The Conjuring is an excellent date night movie because it gives you an excuse to snuggle up close. This suspenseful horror film is based on the real-life couple Ed and Lorraine Warren. They were pioneers in the fields of Paranormal Investigations. The Conjuring is based on the Warrens’ most famous case, The Amityville Horror. This film succeeds at being bone-chilling and wildly entertaining. It masterfully uses the absence of sound to create suspense that will have you sleeping with all the lights on.
This completes our list of date night movies! What do you think? Will you be watching any of these with someone special? Give us your feedback in the comments and online. We hope you have a safe and fun Valentine’s Day!
