In order to keep the romantic spark alive, it is important for married couples to have date nights. There are a lot of choices that go into planning, and getting ice cream is always great...but what about a movie?
Movies are a fun way to slip into another world for a while, and watching a romantic movie with the spouse is a fun date night activity. You can pull one from your video collection for a totally free and fun date, or try one of the online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, or iTunes for movies via the internet. No more late fees!
Everyone has their own "Top 10" list when it comes to movies, but here is our Top 10 list of romantic movies for you to consider the next time you pick out a date night flick (in no particular order):
10. You've Got Mail
Tom Hanks plays the owner of a bookstore chain; Meg Ryan is the woman he falls for online. Both are unaware that she runs the book shop his big-box store will soon overwhelm.
9. Sleepless in Seattle
The Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan duo has just the right romantic chemistry once again, where a widower's son calls a radio talk show hoping to find his father a partner.
8. While You Were Sleeping
The crazy, cute side characters in this film make this movie a crowd favorite. Sandra Bullock plays a lonely ticket collector who saves the life of a man she's loved from afar. While he's in a coma, she pretends to be his fiance, but in the process, real love blooms.
7. Groundhog Day
Bill Murray plays Phil, a cynical and rude weatherman who goes to Punxsutawney, Pa. to report on Ground Hog's day. He soon finds himself trapped, living the same day over and over again. Eventually, he learns to transform his life as he tries to win the heart of a co-worker.
6. Stranger Than Fiction
Will Ferrell plays Harold Crick, a sweet, unselfish hero (yes, he's a hero, even though he's an IRS auditor) you'll both root for. Follow him as he suddenly finds himself hearing a narration of his life (by Emma Thompson) that only he can hear.
5. P.S. I Love You
Holly, a young widow (played by Hillary Swank), receives messages from her late husband in various forms: letters, tapes, cakes, etc. As time passes, she learns to look forward to the future and not let the sadness of the past hold her back.
4. Somewhere in Time
This 1980's flick is a classic. Christopher Reeve plays a playwright who hypnotizes himself in order to find an actress who's picture he is taken with. You'll get swept up in this gorgeous period romance with a time-travel twist.
3. The Notebook
It's the classic tale: He's poor (Ryan Gosling), she's rich (Rachel McAdams), but they fall in love. Her parents separate them but later, they meet again and she must decide where her heart lies. This story, told by James Garner, is guaranteed to make you cry.
2. Stardust
Adventure keeps this movie fast-paced, but it stays sweet. You'll both love watching the adorably, bumbling hero grow in confidence as he first pursues and then protects a fallen star (who is really a maiden).
... and the number one suggested movie:
1. The Princess Bride
... the movie that has it all, right? Remember this line?
Grandson: Has it got any sports in it?
Grandpa: Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles ...
Plus the best kiss: "Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind."
What more can you ask for?
Remember, this is a list of suggested date movies for married couples, not a list of all-time best movies ever made.
As a side note: One funny voter suggested a different movie for each, like Pride and Prejudice for the wife and Indiana Jones for the husband. But save those for another night, and choose one that you can both enjoy together. Have fun, and don't forget the popcorn!
