20 Of The Most Romantic Date Ideas From Our Favorite Rom-Coms
Don't lie. We have ALL wanted to do these things.
So, I don't care who you are, we've all been there ... you know — under the covers with a huge tub of ice cream crying over your favorite romantic comedy.
I don't know about you, but most of the time, I'm envious of the kinds of dates the really cute lovey-dovey couple go on. I'm also envious of how into each other they are. Like, can that really happen in real life?
Sometimes, I even resent those movies because even if SOME of the places they go and things they do are realistic, it just NEVER seems to happen in real life. But why can't they?
Think about it. As envious and passionate as we feel about the movies we watch, why CAN'T this happen in real life? Why can't we feel this way about our own lives and with our own S.O.?
Chances are you and your boo have been together longer than those people that literally just met on the big screen, so why wouldn't YOU deserve to go on those kinds of dates? Especially if you're in a loving relationship with your partner — but every relationship could use a little spicing up once in a while.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's a good idea to start thinking about the perfect date night idea, so we've gathered some GREAT ones from our favorite romantic movies of all time. You're welcome.
1. When Harry Met Sally: Go on an epic road trip.
You're bound to learn a WHOLE lot about one another this way. I mean, think about it. If you're forced to (or, you know, want to) spend x amount of time with your SO road-tripping for a romantic overnight stay or for a week long vacation, you are BOUND to learn things you are intrigued — or maybe disgusted — by, from your partner.
This is excellent because maybe before you tie the knot, it's a good idea to know EVERYTHING. When I say everything, I mean everything.
2. Sleepless in Seattle: Surprise your S.O. at the top of the Empire State Building.
HOW RIDICULOUSLY ROMANTIC! I mean, what better chivalrous move than to surprise your partner on the top of the most iconic building in NYC?
Not only is this super creative (well, some cred has to go to this movie, of course) but it also is SUPER breathtaking. Especially if you have something important to tell them (or, ask them???) than this could be the right date for you.
Even if it's for no other reason than just to show them how special they are to you, you did GOOD, my friend. You did GOOD.
3. The Lucky One: Go on a romantic boat ride through the trees.
She'll want nothing more than to gaze at your flexing arms every time you row, row, row the boat. Not only will she be thoroughly entertained by the sight of your awesome bod, but it's probably one of the most romantic places you can take her.
This date ambiance really gives you a chance to open up, discuss things that scare you and connect in a way you might have not ever thought possible.
4. The Notebook: Slow dance in the street at night (be careful of cars, OBV.)
Actually, to be honest, you could pretty much copy this entire movie. Just kidding (kind of). However, the kind of spontaneity of this date will be a MAJOR turn on.
Trust me. Not only will she now think of you as her own, personal Ryan Gosling, but thanks to you (and, you know, thanks to me) you just made reality a little bit better than "The Notebook."
5. 50 First Dates: Make your S.O. a video about how much you love them.
So they can watch it, every day. I mean, think about the kind of fights and uncomfortable moments you and your partner will have in the future.
Don't you want something romantic than not only makes for a creative date, but makes for a fairy tale relationship?! You won't be able to do wrong because now that you have this documented, it doesn't matter how much of an a-hole you're being.
She'll fall to your feet and thanks to this video — you might get lucky WAY more often too.
6. 13 Going on 30: Go on a date to the park and eat candy, like OLD times.
Who doesn't like a little nostalgia? Especially if you're in the friend zone, this might just work FOR you. Even if you're not, who doesn't need a little spicing up in their relationship?
I mean, we all wish we can rewind time and go back to simpler, happier moments. Why not combine all of the great benefits nostalgia can bring by a little reminiscing, a little candy and some playground action?
By the way, this makes for a pretty cheap date, too.
7. Grease: Hit up a drive-in theater (YES, they still exist!)
Drive-in movies are ALWAYS a good idea. Also, if you're going to put your arm around her, do it confidently. OK? No boob grabbing. That is, of course, she gives you the signal.
Don't worry. If you're anything like Sandy and Danny, you got this. Hopefully, you can handle yourself with a little more class than he did, though.
8. Princess Diaries 2: Take her horseback riding.
That, or late-night slow dancing by the lake. *SWOON*
This is the perfect environment to not only make some serious moves, but there's so much to be entertained by. Can we talk about the stars, cuddling and maybe a thumb war while telling our most prized secrets?
Yeah. That's an A+ all the way.
9. A Walk to Remember: Make a bucket list together and check each item off the list — one date at a time.
Everyone has a bucket list, but bringing your S.O. along just makes it MORE fun.
This does one of two things: First, it makes her feel as if she's fulfilling her dreams that she's had way before you. Then, adding YOURSELF in this mix? You better believe she has googly wedding eyes all over you.
10. Dirty Dancing: Take a dance class together.
Who knows, you guys could get really good! Also, you might just amp up the chemistry that may or may not have been there from the start.
It also could get pretty silly which is awesome for the kind of connection you're trying to establish. There are so many benefits that a dance class can offer.
May I remind you that you just MIGHT get in shape, too! ;)
11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Stargaze on a frozen lake.
WARNING: Dress warm. I mean, they did this in the movie Serendipity, too. So, if you want to establish the kind of love Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet have OR the kind that John Cusak and Kate Beckinsale have, I'd advise doing this
First of all, if you're both willing to do this you're obviously equally invested in making this work. Also, judging by how many movies this happens in, it obviously is a way-popular activity.
12. The Last Song: Have a romantic evening talking on the beach.
You could also spice this up by volunteering for a turtle rescue and release baby sea turtles back to the ocean, in case you were wondering.
Needless to say, Miley Cyrus landed Liam Hemsworth made it together in real life, so I'm going to bet that this actually works.
13. Elf: Get the world's "best" cup of coffee, go ice skating, window shop and take turns running through the revolving door.
It's the simple things, really. Let Will Ferrell's character be a lesson to us all that if you're with the right person, it really doesn't matter what you do. As long as the company is the puzzle piece that you've been missing to your life, anything and everything will be tons of fun.
Plus, I like doing this stuff all by my damn self and if you don't, then BYE!
14. 500 Days of Summer: IKEA DATE! Or, you know, vinyl shopping.
There's nothing more romantic than browsing through Ikea, dreaming about the house you'd make together. Also, it's another activity in and of itself by trying to exit Ikea.
Not only do you have two date activities in one place (and again, it's cheap) but you'll learn a lot what your future house or apartment would look like. Talk about a make or break date, am I right? Better to find out now rather than later!
15. 10 Things I Hate about You: Go out to a party and leave early to go hang out together.
Trust me, after the party, there will be plenty to talk about. Or not talk about (if you catch my drift).
Plus, if you can both make fun of the party then it's clear you're both over your teeny-bopper-drink-until-you-puke phase — and that's awesome. You both are obviously ready for something serious.
16. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Get court-side seats to a basketball game.
Talk about FUN! I know for me, personally, if you get me front row seats to an NFL game I'll do anything for you. If they're a basketball fan?! You'll score more than just your winning team ;)
Okay. That was lame, but again, you catch my drift.
17. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: Do yoga together. BONUS: in Hawaii.
Or basically anything in Hawaii will do. Yoga takes a lot of strength so, it probably is super attractive to see your partner keep up.
However, it's also an extremely vulnerable meditation practice to do. If your partner is open to it, that's cool in itself. If they enjoy it, then you obviously have a spiritual connection you didn't necessarily realize before.
18. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — yes, again: Talk about what life would be like without each other (i.e. sad).
And then set a date and place in the future where you’ll meet, JUST in case your memory is erased.
As deep as this romantic movie is, it has a very real sentiment behind it. Communication is key. Also, your connection should be deeper than just the surface. If it's meant to be, it will click and the future will align for you two.
19. Sweet Home Alabama: Go to a local festival or farmers market.
Not all of us can afford an engagement ring at Tiffany & Co., so go dancing low key and eat some popcorn. Not only does this introduce a little of your history to your SO, but it gives you a chance to be in your element.
Incorporating your partner in this environment kind of locks them in, am I right? Once again, it's the simple things that mean so much.
20. Friends with Benefits: Go visit the Hollywood sign.
Makes for a great adventure and an even better memory.
I mean, if you're going to do what they do in the movie and actually SCALE it, you'll need a bit more preparation. However, you should be best friends and the adventures together should be nothing short of an EPIC story.