Movies are a great way for couples to strengthen a budding relationship with their partner, whether it’s a horror film like Jordan Peele’s Nope or a heartwarming animated adventure like Pixar’s Lightyear. Through movies, new couples can spend some good quality time together while watching interesting characters discover themselves, go on exciting adventures, and find true love.
From the romantic comedy film Begin Again to the jukebox musical movie Mamma Mia!, there are some movies that are best enjoyed by couples who have just started their romantic journey together.
Begin Again (2013)
Stream On Netflix
There's a harmonious balance between music and drama in the 2013 film Begin Again. In the movie, Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo), a successful record label executive who is way past his prime, tries to sign a budding songwriter from England named Gretta James (Keira Knightley).
The movie has won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for Lost Stars, which is arguably one of the most romantic songs in film history. Even though the film does not feature a romantic relationship between its two leads, new couples will surely relate to the dynamic of the main characters who try their best to help each other with their personal woes.
The Notebook (2004)
Stream On Netflix & HBO Max
Based on a novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook is a movie about a couple who lose touch early in their relationship but later again to continue their romance. The movie's lead roles are played by Hollywood icons Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
The movie might have been riddled with melodramatic clichés, but there's no doubt that the film will surely make new couples feel warm inside. The two stars give an astounding and inspiring performance as a couple to boot. In fact, some movie buffs consider Gosling and McAdams' pairing as one of the best examples of effective on-screen chemistry in film.
Happy Death Day (2017)
Stream On FuboTV & FXNow
Slasher films are a great movie genre for couples who like a little thrill in their lives. In Happy Death Day, a college student named Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) finds out that she's stuck in a time loop that resets whenever she dies. Unfortunately for her, she's stuck with a murderer hiding behind a baby mask in the time loop.
Happy Death Day attempts to shake up the slasher genre by putting a fun sci-fi spin on its story, which will surprise couples who want to see a thrilling flick together. Couples who want to find out what happens to Tree after the events of the movie can also watch its sequel together, Happy Death Day 2U, making for a thrilling date night.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Stream On Starz
The popular jukebox musical by Catherine Johnson finally makes it to the silver screen with the 2008 movie adaptation of the same name. The movie features an endearing story between a bride-to-be, her mom, and her three presumed fathers. The movie also has some of the catchiest songs from the beloved Swedish pop group ABBA.
Mamma Mia! is an accessible film for couples that want to get into musicals together due to its heartwarming story and iconic pop songs. While the film does get some flack for its campy tone and underwhelming vocals, many viewers still found it a fun movie to watch and even consider it better than the original stage show.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Stream On Tubi
Directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost In Translation follows a movie star played by Bill Murray, who travels to Japan to take a job as his spotlight has dimmed. There, he meets a college graduate, played by Scarlett Johansson, and the two eventually start a friendship.
The movie touches on topics like cultural displacement, alienation, and loneliness - heavy themes that new couples might find interesting to discuss and dissect. Couples might also relate to Lost In Translation as it explores a novel connection between an unlikely pair. Despite the melancholic atmosphere of Lost In Translation, Coppola is still able to imbue the film with tender humor, allowing the viewers to laugh at the characters' plights while also empathizing with them.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Stream On Starz
Judd Apatow has directed a lot of comedy films, but The 40-Year-Old Virgin remains one of his most popular flicks. The movie follows Andy (Steve Carell), an electronics store employee and the titular virgin who receives help from his friends in order to find a woman he likes and finally lose his virgin status.
Andy meets and starts dating a customer named Trish (Catherine Keener). The movie received a lot of praise for the excellent performance of its cast, sweet narrative, and incredibly likable characters. New couples looking for a fun movie to watch will surely laugh together at Andy's antics and sympathize with his woes.
Couples Retreat (2009)
Stream On Peacock Premium, DIRECTV, & Sling
Couples Retreat is a fun comedy film for couples who are looking for gut-busting movie sequences and sizzling one-liners. The movie showcases four couples who are all riddled with their own problems and issues, and in one couple's attempt to save their marriage, they invited the other three pairs to a couples resort therapy named Eden.
The movie features a stellar cast with actors like Jon Favreau, Kristen Bell, and Vince Vaughn, all of whom have supreme comedic chops and can easily make couples laugh with the way they deliver their hilarious lines. Couples Retreat can provide new couples with an insightful look at the issues they might face in the long term.
Iron Man (2008)
Stream On Disney+
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's phase one started with the 2008 superhero film Iron Man. The movie explores how Tony Stark started his superhero journey and became one of the most recognizable superhero characters in film history.
Iron Man was received warmly for its impressive special effects, for its strong lead actor, and for successfully reinvigorating the superhero movie genre. The film is a great introduction to the wide world of comic book films and couples who find themselves interested in the MCU thanks to Iron Man can enjoy the best films the MCU has to offer.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Available To Rent On Amazon Prime Video
The most recent iteration of the 1937 romance film A Star Is Born stars Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the lead roles. The movie is about the romance between a famous musician who suffers from alcohol addiction and a young singer who soon finds mainstream success.
The movie showcases an enlightening performance from Gaga, who shows that she's more than just a pop star. It's also a good pick for couples who want to watch a movie together as it features the beginning and tragic end of a beautiful but strained relationship. The movie received several Academy Awards nominations, including a Best Actress nomination for Gaga.
Your Name (2016)
Available To Rent On Amazon Prime Video
Makoto Shinkai is a Japanese animator and filmmaker who's most known for his sentimental films. His 2016 film Your Name is about two teenagers in different timelines who inexplicably switch bodies. Because of their predicament, they also form a connection and bond.
The movie's animation is breathtaking and Shinkai manages to entertain audiences with its endearing tale about destiny, youth, and tradition. Your Name is a good introduction for couples who want to veer away from what Hollywood offers and explore the vibrant world of Japanese animation.