Picking the right date movie is harder than it sounds. Sometimes you think you’re watching something sweet and adorable and innocent only to get blindsided by a horrible, tragic ending that ruins the mood entirely. Sometimes you head out to the theater on Valentine’s Day and check out the latest sexy escapade, only to find out that it’s not only terrible but that it also gives your partner exactly the wrong idea about BDSM. It can be a bit of a crapshoot.
Date movies are an art, not a science, and no movie is perfect for everybody. That’s why we have film critics, who are responsible for watching every movie ever made and helping you find the right movies for you. Even the popular streaming service Netflix has a lousy hit-to-miss ratio, with tons of outright junk taking up more screen space than the legitimate classics whenever you search for anything in just about any genre.
Also: The Top 50 Best Romance Movies of the Decade (So Far)
So whatever you do, don’t chance it. Let us be your guide, and help you have the most romantic night possible, free from the horrible anxiety that inevitably stems from “What do you want to watch?” “I don’t know, what do YOU want to watch?” arguments on the couch. Here are eight perfect date movies on Netflix.
You’re welcome, internet. Now hold each other’s hands and enjoy.
8 Perfect Date Movies on Netflix:
Top Photo: 20th Century Fox
William Bibbiani (everyone calls him ‘Bibbs’) is Crave’s film content editor and critic. You can hear him every week on The B-Movies Podcast and Canceled Too Soon, and watch him on the weekly YouTube series What the Flick. Follow his rantings on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.
8 Perfect Date Movies on Netflix
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Amelie
Audrey Tautau makes merry mischief as an eccentric waitress who secretly schemes to improve the life of everybody she knows. But will her shyness get in the way of her own happiness?
Photo: Miramax
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Clueless
Rocket yourself back to the 1990s with this retro charmer, about a matchmaking teen debutante who is completely "clueless" about her own love life.
Photo: Paramount
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Grease
The classic musical is just as weird and wonderful as ever. Just be are that you may end up having a conversation about whether or not the ending is kinda sexist.
Photo: Paramount
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Grease 2
It's not as respected (or as good) as the original, but the cheesy sequel Grease 2 has built up a large cult following over the years, and is bound to elicit lots of happy giggles.
Photo: Paramount
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How to Steal a Million
Classic movies are hard to come by on Netflix nowadays, but if you're in the mood, this clever and sexy caper - about Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole stealing a statue (and each other's hearts) - is one of the old school romances currently available.
Photo: 20th Century Fox
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The Princess Bride
Sword fights! Sea monsters! Giants! And even some kissing. Rob Reiner's classic fantasy has something for everybody, and is still just as funny, thrilling and romantic as ever.
Photo: 20th Century Fox
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Sliding Doors
If you want to watch two romantic movies at once, watch Sliding Doors, an unusual but wonderful story of a woman who misses her train and meets the perfect guy, but who (in an alternate reality) arrived just on time but wound up with someone else. Both stories play out simultaneously, and both are great.
Photo: Miramax
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Working Girl
Melanie Griffith fakes her way to the top of the corporate ladder in Mike Nichols' smart, romantic, empowering, Oscar-nominated comedy.
Photo: 20th Century Fox