If you’re a fan of the classic ‘dinner and movie date’, you’ll love these suggestions. You can rent most of them from the comfort of your own home. Or if you have a local cinema that shows older films, you can try there.
New releases are a good place to start, so keep up-to-date with movies news. Join mailing lists for special previews and check out any forthcoming trailers. But for older movies, see below.
- Barefoot In The Park
Barefoot In The Park hit the big screen in May 1967. Written by Paul Simon and directed by Gene Saks, it was an instant hit. The chemistry between the two main characters, Jane Fonda and Robert Redford was and still is intoxicating. The romantic, free-spirited Corie (Fonda) is the perfect foil for Redford’s staid Paul. It was nominated for several awards, including the Oscars and BAFTAs.
The story follows newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter as they move into their first apartment. Victor Velasco (Charles Boyer) and Ethel Banks (Mildred Natwick) are a great supporting cast.
- Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook has pretty much everything that a date-night movie requires. It’s fun, romantic, and has just the right amount of darkness. Cheesy it is not. The film follows the story of Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) who has recently be released from a psychiatric institution. He plans a reconciliation with his wife. This is not so easy due to the small matter of a restraining order. He enlists the help of Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who agrees to help. In return Pat must become Tiffany’s dance partner at a forthcoming dancing competition.
Jacki Weaver and Robert de Niro play Pat’s parents and are an absolute delight.
- Annie Hall
Annie Hall is often considered to be the first romantic comedy. It first came to our screens in 1977 but is as funny today as it was then. Woody Allen directs, co-writes and stars. His leading lady is the wonderful Diane Keating. The two meet, fall in love and the film follows their relationship. Of course, it’s a Woody Allen film, and so things don’t progress smoothly. The relationship between Allen’s neurotic Alvy Singer and Keaton’s loopy Annie is what makes this movie. And the spider scene will make you cry laughing.
The film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
- Back To The Future
Always a good choice, Back To The Future has all the components of a great film. It combines comedy, romance, and a little bit of action. It’s wholesome and good fun. And of course, it includes a time-travelling DeLorean. The story follows a teenage Michael J. Fox as the dreamy Marty McFly as he travels back in time. But his visit to the past sparks a change in the time-space continuum which threatens his very existence. This must be rectified with the help of his good friend Dr Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Doc Brown was chosen as one of Empire Magazine’s top 100 movie characters of all time.
These may not be your obvious choices for great date night films, but they are sure to impress. Each combines great performances, on-stage chemistry, and a fluid plot.
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