15 Best Date Night Movies to Set the Mood

If you're looking to make a good impression or simply enjoy a romantic evening together, these films are sure to do the trick. Check out our list of the 15 best date night movies ranked just for you.

By Khushi Srivastava

Updated on Jul 14, 2023 | 12:39 AM IST | 5.8M

Best date night movies

Looking for the perfect date night movie? We've got you covered! Say goodbye to endless scrolling and wasted time. Our handpicked selection of genre-bending, timeless movies will create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic evening with your partner. From romance and comedy to action, thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy, these movies have it all. Whether you're a new flame, a long-term couple, or married, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your popcorn, snuggle up under a cozy blanket, and let the magic of these movies set the mood for your special night.

1. The Big Sick (2017)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff, Adeel Akhtar, Bo Burnham.
Director: Michael Showalter
Writer: Michael Showalter
Run time: 2 hours
Year of release: 2017
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 5.6/10

Looking for a romantic comedy that actually sparks real feelings and is genuinely enjoyable? Look no further than The Big Sick. This refreshing film breaks free from the typical clichés and offers an authentic, heartfelt story of true love. With its blend of laughter and soulful moments, it's the perfect choice for a memorable date night. Not everyone may appreciate it, but those who do will hold it dear as one of their all-time favorites. Say goodbye to the usual rom-com routine and embrace something truly special.

2. I Love You, Man (2009)

Genre: Comedy/Romance
Star Cast: Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones, Sarah Burns, Greg Levine, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons.
Director: John Hamburg
Writer: John Hamburg
Run time: 1h 45m
Year of release: 2009
OTT Platform: Apple TV
IMDb rating: 7/10

Love and dating can be awkward, but movies about them make it feel more relatable. One such movie is "I Love You, Man," where Paul Rudd and Jason Segel's bromance blossoms in a hilarious and heartfelt way. Rudd's character, Peter Klaven, is incredibly awkward and realizes he has few male friends before his wedding. The film features a talented cast including Andy Samberg, JK Simmons, and Rashida Jones. It's a unique and funny choice for a date night movie.

3. Lion (2016)

Genre: Drama
Star Cast: Sunny Pawar, Abhishek Bharate, Priyanka Bose, Khushi Solanki, Shankar Nisode, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Riddhi Sen.
Director: Garth Davis
Writer: Garth Davis
Run time: 1h 58m
Year of release: 2016
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8/10

If you're looking for a movie that captures the power of an epic story, check out "Lion." It's based on a true story about Saroo Brierley, who gets separated from his family at the age of five and has to survive on his own. After 25 years, he sets out on a journey to find them again. The film stars Dev Patel, whose performance is both graceful and moving. The cinematography is beautiful, and the story itself is profound and uplifting.

4. Yes, God, Yes (2019)

Genre: Comedy/Drama
Star Cast: Natalia Dyer, Timothy Simons, Wolfgang Novogratz, Francesca Reale, Susan Blackwell, Alisha Boe, Donna Lynne Champlin, Parker Wierling.
Director: Karen Maine
Writer: Karen Maine
Run time: 1h 18m
Year of release: 2019
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.1/10

Heartbeats race as the small screen flickers, making their eyes sparkle. All you want is to hold their hand, but you can't. The tension builds, and their laughter is adorable. They're so cute. Their hand touches your leg, and your eyes meet. Yes, God, Yes, featuring Natalie Dyer from Stranger Things, sets the mood perfectly with its superb writing. It's a movie fueled by hormones, exploring the journey of sexual self-discovery. It guarantees laughter amidst steamy moments.

5. Decision to Leave (2022)

Genre: Romance/Mystery
Star Cast: Park Hae-il, Tang Wei, Lee Jung-hyun, Go Kyung-Pyo, Shin-Young Kim
Director: Park Chan-wook
Writer: Park Chan-wook
Run time: 2h 18m
Year of release: 2022
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Decision to Leave is an unconventional romance mystery movie directed by Park Chan-wook. It's perfect for a great date night with a cinephile. The movie follows a detective with insomnia who stumbles upon a strange murder case and unexpectedly falls in love with the main suspect.

With its innovative cinematography, the film creates a tense and quirky atmosphere. The twisted romance adds an extra layer of intrigue. Decision to Leave is one of the best recent South Korean movies that will surely be remembered as a cinematic masterpiece.

6. About Time (2013)

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Star Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Richard Cordery, Joshua McGuire, Tom Hollander.
Director: Richard Curtis
Writer: Richard Curtis
Run time: 2h 3m
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Romantic comedy movies often lack profound meaning, but that doesn't mean they can't be enjoyable if you're single and longing for love. Escaping into a romance devoid of real-life complications can be a great way to unwind. However, a magical love story with thought-provoking concepts can leave a lasting impression.

About Time is a unique love story infused with time travel. The protagonist, Tim, realizes he can journey back in time. Initially, it's a delightful experience, but things get complicated when he meets his soulmate. The film beautifully balances lightheartedness, thanks to the charming performances of Dohmnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, with the profound exploration of love's connection to time.

7. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Genre: Romance/Drama
Star Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Valerie Planche, Dave Trimble, Victor Reyes, Lachlan Mackintosh, Michelle Williams.
Director: Ang Lee
Writer: Annie Proulx
Run time: 2h 14m
Year of release: 2005
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 3.9/10

Sometimes you just need a classic, heart-wrenching love story that brings tears to your eyes. Movies like The Notebook and Dear John excel at this. But then there are the all-time greats.

If you and your date haven't watched Brokeback Mountain yet, have you truly experienced the power of love on-screen? Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal's on-screen chemistry is undeniable as they portray two cowboys who find themselves in a forbidden love affair. Every aspect of this film is simply stunning, making it the ultimate choice for a romantic movie night.

8. Her (2013)

Genre: Romance/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lynn Adrianna Freedman, Lisa Renee Pitts, Gabe Gomez, Chris Pratt, Artt Butler, May Lindstrom, Rooney Mara.
Director: Spike Jonze
Writer: Spike Jonze
Run time: 2h 6m
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8/10

Combining complex social commentary and budding romance can be challenging. Conflicting opinions may lead to heated tensions, but engaging in healthy debate can be exhilarating as your date challenges you in exciting ways. This delicate balance is what creates chemistry, and the perfect solution is a movie that seamlessly integrates love and commentary.

In the 2013 film "Her," Joaquin Phoenix portrays Theodore, a writer dealing with a broken heart. He unexpectedly falls in love with Samantha, an operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The movie delves into the modern interpretations of intimacy and identity, which have become even more relevant in the aftermath of the pandemic.

9. Amélie (2001)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta, Serge Merlin.
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Writer: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Run time: 2h 2m
Year of release: 2001
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Amélie is a must-watch French film that takes you on a whimsical journey through the beautiful streets of Paris. The story revolves around Amélie, played by Audrey Tautou, who secretly brings happiness to the lives of others while dealing with her own loneliness. Everything changes when she meets a charming man.

This feel-good movie has a touch of artistry and serves as a wonderful reminder of the kindness and love that exist in the world if we are open to seeing it. It's perfect for a light-hearted and heartwarming date night that will leave you smiling and maybe even shedding a happy tear.

10. Your Name (2016)

Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Star Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryo Narita
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Run time: 1h 52m
Year of release: 2016
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Your Name is an incredibly popular anime movie loved by fans worldwide. It tells the story of Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, two high school students who mysteriously start swapping bodies. As they navigate this strange situation, they bring positive changes to each other's lives. The movie combines romance, sci-fi, and fantasy elements, and it surprises viewers with a twist that adds depth to its seemingly straightforward plot. Whether you're new to anime or a seasoned fan, Your Name is a fantastic choice that will captivate you with its exciting and emotional story.

11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Genre: Romance/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Gerry Robert Byrne, Elijah Wood, Thomas Jay Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Jane Adams, David Cross.
Director: Michel Gondry
Writer: Michel Gondry
Run time: 1h 48m
Year of release: 2004
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Indie cinema offers a lot of depth, but it can be intense or confusing for newcomers. Whether you're a movie lover trying to introduce your date to indie films or just looking for an easy way in, you need a simple and understandable analysis.

"Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind" is a great indie film from the 2000s, starring Jim Carrey. It takes place in a world where technology can erase memories of past relationships. The story follows a couple who keep crossing paths. The plot and performances are amazing and captivating.

12. Before Sunrise (1995)

Genre: Romance/Drama
Star Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl, Karl Bruckschwaiger
Director: Richard Linklater
Writer: Richard Linklater
Run time: 1h 45m
Year of release: 1995
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Sometimes you just know. And when you do, you need something special. Something that sparks that magical, dreamy feeling in both of you. Something significant, with sequels. Something as valuable as your relationship.

Let Richard Linklater guide you on a journey of love and chemistry with Before Sunrise. Two travelers in Vienna meet on a train heading to Paris and instantly feel a strong connection. They decide to spend just one night exploring Vienna together. This film is part of a trilogy that follows the couple's story every nine years.

13. Love & Basketball (2000)

Genre: Romance/Sport
Star Cast: Omar Epps, Sanaa Lathan, Alfre Woodard
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Writer: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Run time: 2h 7m
Year of release: 2000
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.2/10

This cult classic tells the story of Quincy McCall (played by Omar Epps) and Monica Wright (played by Sanaa Lathan), best friends who both have dreams of becoming basketball players. However, as they work towards their goals and find success, their relationship starts to suffer. If you enjoyed movies like The Best Man or Brown Sugar, you should definitely watch this film.

14. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Genre: Romance/Comedy drama
Star Cast: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan
Director: Jon M. Chu
Writer: Jon M. Chu
Run time: 2 hours
Year of release: 2018
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Rachel Chu, an NYU professor of Chinese-American descent, embarks on a trip to Singapore with her boyfriend to meet his family. However, she finds herself immersed in a world of extreme wealth and faces criticism from many women who label her a "gold digger." Will their relationship survive amidst all the chaos and drama?

15. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone
Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Writer: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Run time: 1h 58m
Year of release: 2011
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.4/10

Carell plays the role of Cal Weaver, a middle-aged man who appears to have everything: a stunning wife and a luxurious house. However, his wife cheats on him and demands a divorce, leaving him single and clueless about dating. Fortunately, Jacob Palmer, an expert in seduction, offers Cal a chance to find love once more.

Also read: Top 15+ Movies to Watch with Boyfriend On A Movie Date