When Harry Met Sally (1989)
The one that started it all and asked the age-old question: can men and women ever truly be just friends? Following Harry and Sally's sharp, witty, and deeply relatable journey from begrudging road trip companions to the best of friends, this film is the blueprint
for the modern rom-com. The chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is legendary, and Nora Ephron’s script is filled with iconic lines and moments that feel as fresh today as they did decades ago. It’s the perfect movie for a couple that appreciates smart dialogue and a story that feels profoundly real. It’s a slow burn that is both hilarious and heart-warming, making for perfect date night viewing. The film is available to rent or buy on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Notting Hill (1999)
This is the ultimate fantasy of meeting a celebrity and falling in love. Hugh Grant, in his prime as a charmingly flustered bookstore owner, has a chance encounter with the world's biggest movie star, played by Julia Roberts. What follows is a fairy tale set in one of London's most picturesque neighbourhoods. It’s sweet, incredibly romantic, and has a supporting cast of quirky friends that adds so much heart and humour. It’s a story about two different worlds colliding, and whether love can truly conquer all, especially when the whole world is watching. For a dose of pure, feel-good escapism, you can’t do much better. You can stream this classic on Amazon Prime Video or rent it on Apple TV.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
This film cleverly weaves together multiple storylines about love in its various, messy forms. After his wife asks for a divorce, a newly single man in his 40s (Steve Carell) gets a crash course in wooing women from a suave ladies' man (Ryan Gosling). The cast, which also includes Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, is absolutely stellar. The movie is packed with genuinely funny moments, surprising plot twists, and a lot of heart. It explores the idea that love isn't just one thing—it’s complicated, sometimes foolish, but ultimately worth fighting for. Its blend of humour and sincerity makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for a couple. It is available to stream on Netflix.
The Big Sick (2017)
Based on the real-life love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, this film offers a fresh and modern take on the rom-com genre. It follows a Pakistan-born comedian and an American grad student who fall for each other but are challenged by cultural differences and a sudden health crisis that puts Emily in a coma. While she's hospitalised, Kumail gets to know her parents, played brilliantly by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. The film is a beautiful blend of comedy and drama, praised for its intelligence, heart, and honest look at love and family. It’s a powerful story that feels both specific and universally relatable. You can watch this Oscar-nominated film on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
Anyone But You (2023)
For something more recent, this enemies-to-lovers story delivers big laughs and sizzling chemistry. After an amazing first date goes sour, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) find themselves at the same destination wedding in Australia. To serve their own interests, they decide to pretend to be a couple. Loosely based on Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," the film is full of hilarious misunderstandings and picturesque scenery. It’s a fun, slightly raunchy, and ultimately sweet movie that proves the classic rom-com formula is still alive and well. It's a great pick for a lighthearted and entertaining night. The movie is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
