Finding the perfect film to watch at any time can be a challenge, but finding one to watch on a first date is a critical decision that all to often descends into “you pick”, “ no you pick” blah blah blah. There are a few criteria to selecting a first date film which must be fulfilled in order to achieve success and acclaim as having excellent taste in cinema.
Firstly, run time: not too long, not too short - you don’t want to put on Gone With the Wind (1939) only to realise that it goes on for 4 arduous hours (and is also incredibly problematic). Next, there’s the issue of genre - some people will love horror films and snuggle up to watch a gruesome slasher or terrifying haunting, others will balk at the initial notes of eerie music; likewise rom-coms range in their reception from avid supporters to immeasurable loathing. So, choose your genre wisely.
And lastly, know your streaming services, you don’t want to boast about knowing the best film to stick on, only to spend twenty minutes scrolling through every platform to try, and ultimately fail, to find it. Personally, I’m still a fan of a good old DVD to avoid this slip up.
Without further ado, here are my top 5 films of all time to ensure a first date success:
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – a classic rom-com that avoids unnecessary cheese and delivers a gut wrenching performance from Carey and Winslet alike. Warning, not the best for people who cry at films.
- Shrek (2001) - unbeatable, flawless, cinema at its finest. I will accept no Shrek slander.
- Shrek 2 (2004) - no arguments or questions on this one either please and thank you.
- The Lost Boys (1987) – the height of the eighties, this is a classic that never fails to please. With an amazing premise and soundtrack, you can’t go far wrong. Alternatively you could go for Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986) if you’re feeling a bit more cheesy but want to stick with the decade.
- Zombieland (2009) OR Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) - I couldn’t decide, so have two. Very different vibes, both amazing, light-hearted films that will illicit a laugh for one reason or another.
