For the ladies, the date movie is a time-honored excuse to let our boyfriends see us at our most ridiculously sentimental selves, and then blame it on sappy Hollywood screenwriters. For the men, the date movie is usually just an excuse to prove to their girlfriends that they care enough to sit through two hours of sentimental ooze, or just to see a movie they would never admit to liking in front of their friends.
Sixteen Candles
This film is the embodiment of the quintessential ‘80s teen movie. It’s the tale of the awkward high school girl (Molly Ringwald) having the not-so-secret crush on the most popular guy in school.
Notting Hill
Stunning Julia Roberts and adorable Hugh Grant light up the screen in this fairy-tale Hollywood romance story. It’s a great escapist comedy for those of us who harbor secret celebrity romance fantasies.
Dirty Dancing
Patrick Swayze is at his finest when he utters the famous line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Ladies, if you can actually get your man to sit through this, you deserve a medal.
Love Actually
It’s the perfect mix of humor, romance and poignancy and has an all-star cast, including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Laura Linney, among others.
Wedding Crashers
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson play off each other’s comedic talents in this 2005 summer hit. “Wedding Crashers” is full of classic “toilet humor” that never gets old. An excellent first date flick, because you’ll both actually like it.
The Graduate
It’s one of Dustin Hoffman’s best, and it’s a great conversation starter. If nothing else, you won’t be able to get Simon and Garfunkel songs out of your head for days.
The Way We Were
Featuring a young Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, this 1973 film is the ultimate tearjerker.
The Incredibles
This movie isn’t just for families, as a lot of the humor is geared at adults. The animation is stunning, and the superhero theme will make both guys and girls feel empowered. Guys, for extra points, offer to watch this with your girlfriend and her 5-year-old nephew.
Father of the Bride
Steve Martin’s expressions, Diane Keaton’s wit and Martin Short’s accent never stop bringing the laughs. Caution: the wedding theme can make guys very nervous! This movie is for serious relationships only!
The Ring
Though it delivers quite a scare, the girl crawling out of the television set will make you want to crawl into your date’s arms.
