Choosing a movie to watch with a new love interest can seem harmless enough – that’s until you’ve been handed the Apple TV remote and they say “your pick”.
Suddenly, Netflix’s catalogue resembles the peril of the Bermuda Triangle with your uncertain selection being the doomed light aircraft flying into the eye of the storm. It’s not like you haven’t touched the TV in the last eight months, so why do you suddenly feel movie date anxiety all over again?
Let’s be honest, you’re probably hoping you won’t even get through the opening credits before she’s cosying up to you under the blanket. But a poor choice from your date night movies catalogue can really be your sink or swim moment. You could risk blowing it all and her calling it a night.
Where’s the line between romantic and soppy? Comedy without revealing a less than suave adolescent sense of humour? A touch of horror is okay, but you want her dreaming of you, not Ted Bundy. Similarly, a serious documentary about cults or the general demise of our tech-ridden society, although illuminating, could be a buzz-kill.
To ease the burden, we’ve put together a fool-proof list of 20 date night movies to watch on Netflix right now, approved by the team at Boss Hunting.
Malcolm & Marie
Oscar hype has already been buzzing around this artsy film, which stars Zendaya, John David Washington, and was the subject of an intense bidding war between various studios, ending up in Netflix’s hands for a cool US$30 million. A filmmaker (Washington) returns home with his girlfriend (Zendaya) following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love.
A Simple Favour
The disappearance of Blake Lively’s character, Serena van der Woodsen Emily, is just the beginning of this mystery thriller. Best described as Stepford wives gone wrong, the plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end… which you won’t see coming either.
Baby Driver
Baby is a music-loving getaway driver for a robbery crew – a gig he unintentionally assumed when he stole a car of value to the gang’s mastermind. Will he be able to put this life of crime behind him and drive off into the sunset?
Bad Neighbours
If you’re feeling confident enough to have Zac Efron’s face (and body) feature on your screen for 90 minutes, this comedy is an easy watch. A fraternity wreaks havoc on an unsuspecting suburban family, starting the ultimate neighbour vs neighbour showdown.
The Dark Knight Rises
You better believe chicks dig superhero action just as much as you do. Christian Bale is back as Batman, emerging from exile to once again defend Gotham City.
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Need a few last-minute tips on how to seal the deal? Suave as ever Ryan Gosling is here to save the day, and Steve Carell’s down in the dumps (on the verge of divorce) character are both an enjoyable and entertaining watch as they re-enter the minefield of dating.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
What could be worse than going on a tropical holiday with your ex and their new beau? Oh yeah, nothing. And that is exactly what makes this romantic comedy so damn good. That, and Russell Brand.
Gladiator
There’s a reason Russell Crowe won an Academy Award for his performance. An ancient Roman tale of emperors, battles for victory and family-fuelled vengeance. An absolute film classic worthy of any date.
Horrible Bosses
Who hasn’t daydreamed about a nightmarish boss getting a taste of their own medicine? But only this trio of mates is stupid enough to actually try it on. Funny, relatable and it stars Jason Bateman – seems like a good call to me.
Inglourious Basterds
A renegade band of Jewish-American soldiers, including Brad Pitt, are dedicated to taking down Nazi leaders. All the makings of a Quentin Tarantino masterpiece – genre-blending violence and overall story excellence.
John Wick
Oh, Keanu. The movie’s namesake is a legendary assassin who has hung up his boots so to speak. But when his wife suddenly dies, he’s got a reason to come out of retirement. You can also find sequels 2 and 3 on Netflix if you’re in a marathon mood.
Now You See Me
This movie proves that magic isn’t just for your kid nephew to show off at family get-togethers. A team of illusionists take on a Robin Hood complex, putting their sleight-of-hand to the test to pull off heists whilst evading the authorities.
Shutter Island
Even if you know how it ends, Scorsese’s paragon is a must watch – again and again. DiCaprio’s performance is brilliant as a US marshal who has been sent to an asylum as creepy as it gets, to investigate the disappearance of a patient. A true case of whose reality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iaYLCiq5RTed
A potty-mouthed, bong-smoking teddy bear is the brainchild of Seth McFarlane (who voices the stuffed animal) and Mark Wahlberg (Ted’s human BFF). What will it take for the 30-something-year-old man-child to grow up and get his act together for his girlfriend? You think it wouldn’t be much, considering it’s Mila Kunis…
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
The movie that earned Steve Carell’s everyone’s favourite funny man guernsey. It’s the quintessential story of a geek gone wild. Laughing out loud together to this story of a hilarious yet heartwarming sexual awakening is sure to break the ice.
The Big Short
If the idea of crushing deals on Wall Street gets you hot under the collar, this flick could be the pick. Based on the story of a real hedge fund manager, a group of finance gurus work out how to work the housing market to their advantage.
The Great Gatsby
The modern adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel is a love story of epic highs and tragic lows. Prohibition period partying is also a serious vibe. Plus, Leo featuring on this list just once simply wasn’t enough.
The Holiday
There’s no rule that Christmas movies can only be enjoyed in December and this one will certainly win you brownie points as it’s a fave amongst the girls. A house swap results in the good looking cast of Hollywood A-listers seeking their happy endings just in time for the festive season.
The Shining
In the mood for a fright night? Stephen King’s psycho-thriller depicted in all its glory will have your date clutching your arm in no time. An 80’s cult classic set in an isolated hotel sees Jack Nicholson’s character descend into insanity with a heavy dose of ensuing terror.
When Harry Met Sally
The list would be incomplete without the OG romantic comedy that is as good now as it was when it was released back in 1989. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are the loveable characters who take us on the journey to answer the timeless question, can men and women really be just friends?
Head over to Netflix right now to start streaming these certified date night movies.
