25 MORE Movies to Watch for Date Night
After publishing my last blog, 21 Movies to Watch for Date Night, I was floored by how much of the internet loved it. Picking the perfect movie is serious business when it comes to cozy nights in with your person. So, here I am with a sequel list, because if we can have Sharknado 2, we can have Part 2 of this.
And if you're new here, hello! I’m a wedding videographer who loves storytelling in all its forms, especially the cinematic kind. I believe the stories you watch together can feel just as memorable as the stories you live. So here’s my latest collection of films that’ll spark conversation, laughter, and maybe a good existential crisis or two.
1. Materialists (Romantic Comedy, Drama)
A witty, sharply observed comedy that follows the chaos of modern love and ambition in NYC’s dating scene. One of the best, most realist comedies about modern dating I’ve ever seen. It’s sharp, biting, and reflective of all the absurdities we wade through trying to find connection in a status-driven world.
2. Eddington (Western, Comedy, Drama, Action)
Sherriff Joaquin Phoenix and Mayor Pedro Pascal go at it during Covid-19 in a little New Mexico town. My jaw was on the floor the entire time. This is a chaotic, immersive ride into the absurdity of America’s decline, dressed up as a Western. It is equal parts hilarious and shocking. If your date night mood is reality with a little side of silly and scary, this is the one.
3. Sinners (Drama, Music)
A moody, music-soaked drama about a traveling group confronting desire, power, and morality in unexpected ways. I knew nothing about this going in and I believe that enhanced my experience. Think mesmerizing blues, stunning costumes, unforgettable performances, and a magnum opus type of scene midway through that I think about daily. I won't spoil it, but it’s magic.
4. The Life of Chuck (Drama, Fantasy)
A uniquely structured story that explores one man’s life through beautifully fragmented moments. Clever, tender, and home of my favorite movie ending ever. A poignant reminder of how precious and remarkable every life is. Perfect for the kind of date night where you stay up talking for hours after.
5. Triangle of Sadness (Dark Comedy, Thriller)
A luxury cruise unravels in spectacular fashion, spiraling into a darkly funny and biting look at privilege, beauty, and survival. Visually striking and audaciously gross. A satirical, wild ride through class, power, and the human condition. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely unforgettable.
6. Spencer (Biographical Drama)
Kristen Stewart becomes Princess Diana in this haunting, tragic, and visually stunning portrayal of one emotionally fraught weekend during the royal Christmas holiday. A slow, mesmerizing burn. Perfect if you want your date night to feel like falling into a dark fairytale.
7. The Dressmaker (Drama, Western, Comedy)
A glamorous woman returns to her dusty hometown to face old wounds, sewing couture and stirring chaos along the way. Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth at their most captivating. An underrated gem with revenge, sexy gowns, and drama served. Plus, the chemistry? Off the charts.
8. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Adventure, Comedy)
If you haven’t seen it, who are you and why? A quiet man escapes his mundane routine through vivid daydreams until real adventure calls him to step out into the world. It's an easy, feel-good adventure with a surprisingly tender core. Perfect for when you both need a little nudge to romanticize your own lives.
9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Animated, Action)
The best animation of the decade, hands down. Exceptional storytelling, a killer soundtrack, and visuals that amaze. A teen is pulled into a multiverse of Spider-People, where he must find his own voice while saving more than one world. Make it a night and watch the sequel too!
10. Dune (Sci-Fi, Epic)
A sci-fi space opera epic for people who don’t like sci-fi space opera epic. A young nobleman must navigate betrayal, destiny, and an unforgiving desert planet to protect his family and people. Stunning world-building, a stellar cast, and it’ll have you doing a swishy little sand walk for days after.
11. Big Fish (Fantasy, Drama)
A whimsical, bittersweet fable about a son trying to untangle his dying father’s larger than life tales. It feels like a big, comforting hug. Perfect for a night when you need a story that feels both grand and deeply personal.
12. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Animated, Mockumentary)
Marcel the shell is a charmer! A tiny shell living in a big world shares his simple joys and quietly profound outlook as he searches for family. This sweet, funny, and quietly profound little film will leave you smiling at the world just a bit differently. A cozy, wholesome choice.
13. Little Miss Sunshine (Comedy, Drama)
Peak family dysfunction that will rip your every wound raw again and somehow stitches you back together by the end. A messy family hits the road in a beat-up van to support their daughter’s dream of winning a beauty pageant. You’ll sob and you’ll laugh. It’s simply brilliant.
14. Cabrini (Biographical Drama)
A fearless catholic Italian immigrant takes on a deeply resistant system to build something for underserved communities in New York. Don’t let the religious themes throw you. This is a fierce, inspiring story of a woman who fights every systemic barrier thrown her way. Cabrini is the picture of badass.
15. Us (Horror, Thriller)
Jordan Peele is the modern master of horror, and Us is my personal favorite of his so far. Smart, chilling, and layered with meaning. A family vacation spirals into a nightmare when they come face to face with terrifying versions of themselves. An absolute must for horror-loving couples.
16. It’s What’s Inside (Horror, Thriller)
A group of old friends reunites for a weekend getaway, only for a mysterious force to expose their deepest secrets. This Netflix release flew under the radar, but it’s a brilliant, fresh take on the horror genre with clever editing and a tight, focused story. Great for when you want to be scared and impressed.
17. Never Let Me Go (Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi)
Adapted from one of my favorite novels, with a cast that includes Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield. Three children at a secluded school grow up learning about love, loss, and the unsettling truth of their existence. It's heartbreaking, tender, and thought-provoking. It’s especially great if you want a film that hits both the head and the heart.
18. Kubo and the Two Strings (Animated, Fantasy)
A young storyteller with magical abilities sets out on a heroic quest to uncover his family's legacy and defeat ancient forces. It’s a visually gorgeous stop-motion adventure set in ancient Japan. A rich, moving tale about family, loss, and bravery. Don’t let the “kids movie” label fool you because it’s stunning.
19. Parasite (Thriller, Drama, Dark Comedy)
A poor family schemes their way into the lives of a wealthy household until their plans take a chilling turn. It’s a comedy to horror plot, which is my favorite trajectory in a film. Parasite nails it with one of the best twists in cinema. If you somehow missed it, fix that immediately.
20. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Romance, Drama)
A modern queer classic. On a remote island, an artist and her subject find unexpected connection in a story of forbidden love and quiet rebellion. Every frame is a painting, and the love story is so delicately told it practically burns. Quietly intense and absolutely captivating.
21. The Florida Project (Drama)
A raw, colorful glimpse into childhood and poverty on the fringes of Disney World. A six-year-old girl spends a summer exploring a motel blissfully unaware of the realities around her. Authentic, emotional, and features one of the best child performances I’ve ever seen.
22. Silence (Drama, Historical)
Scorsese’s dark, harrowing adaptation of a Japanese novel. Two missionaries journey to 17th-century Japan to find their missing mentor and confront unimaginable tests of faith. It’s not a light watch, but a profound exploration of faith, doubt, and suffering. It’ll stay with you.
23. Daughters (Documentary)
The sweetest documentary for all the “girl dads” and “daddy’s little girls” out there. A documentary that follows incarcerated fathers preparing for a dance with their daughters. Tender and moving, it’s a love letter to fatherhood and a raw window into the hearts of incarcerated men.
24. Before Sunrise (Romance, Drama)
A man and woman meet on a train and spend a spontaneous night walking and talking through Vienna… and that’s it. It sounds simple, but it’s deeply romantic. I didn’t get it the first time, but the second time? It hit so different.
25. The Handmaiden (Thriller, Romance, Drama)
A con artist’s plan to infiltrate a wealthy household gets tangled in secrets, shifting loyalties, and unexpected romance. The plot twists are unexpected and clever. It’s a beautifully crafted, mind-bending thriller from South Korea, and ps: if you’re not watching more foreign films, you’re missing out.
So, What’s Next?
If you made it this far, congrats, I think it is safe to say that your date nights are now set for months. And if you missed the first list, you can check it out right here.
I’ll probably keep doing these twice a year because, frankly, curating movie lists is an art form and a love language to me. Until next time, happy watching!
