Need a good low-key first date idea [1]? Queue a handful of classics on your Netflix. While we still love going to the movies, streaming flicks on Netflix shaves the exorbitant costs of tickets and theatre snacks. It's a savvy option for students and folks on a budget [2], as long as clear expectations [3] are set (yes, we're talking about Netflix and chill [4].) Plus, it's more comfortable to do dinner and a movie at home. If you're not feeling what's on the screen, simply find a different film.
When it comes to the actual movie to watch, keep it short and sweet since first dates are already inherently awkward [5]. A three-hour drama, for example, may be too intense and long as you navigate the rough waters of first impressions. But we've got you covered, so spiff up, get groomed, and keep reading to discover our favourite fun, campy, and light first date Netflix movies [6]!
Gremlins
Perfect for Halloween [8] or Christmas [9], Gremlins is a horror comedy that offers campy, scary fun while still staying relatively safe for anyone who's squeamish. The story is simple: it all begins with a man who brings back a Furby-like creature for his son for the holidays.
Watch it now. [10]
Benji
You can't go wrong with a cute, heartwarming story around a dog. Joe Camp's original Benji from the '70s is about a stray that rescues two abducted kids. If you already watched this classic, it's worth checking out Netflix's own version of the pup film [11].
Watch it now. [12]
Always Be My Maybe
Always Be My Maybe [13] revolves around two childhood best friends who reconnect later on in life and slowly fall in love with each other. It's a gently romantic film where Ali Wong and Randall Park's smart humour cuts through the sweetness so that the vibes don't get too awkward between you and your date. Plus, you don't want to miss the hilarious cameo from Keanu Reeves [14]!
Watch it now. [15]
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Dates who don't mind a more hands-on activity might have a lot of fun with the Emmy-nominated Black Mirror: Bandersnatch [16]. Netflix's first interactive TV movie lets you control the fate of the apprehensive computer programmer Stefan as he turns a choose your own adventure fantasy novel into a video game. More to do with your hands means less awkward silences!
Watch it now. [17]
Ex Machina
Alex Garland's dark and twisted Ex Machina is a high concept film that makes for lots of great discussions on a first date. In it, computer coder Caleb wins a company retreat at his CEO's house where he tests Ava, a new female humanoid with artificial intelligence. With a cast that includes Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander, you can't go wrong.
Watch it now. [18]
The Fundamentals of Caring
In this short slice of life comedy, Paul Rudd [19] plays Ben, a writer turned caretaker who befriends his client Trevor, a sarcastic young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The feel-good film is sweet without being cloying, just in case you're tentative about playing something that might seem too heavy.
Watch it now. [20]
Get Smart
A spy comedy film with Anne Hathaway [21] and Steve Carell [22] is a trusty option for a first date. It's goofy without heavy romantic overtones, plus we get appearances from The Rock, James Caan, Terry Crews, and more!
Watch it now. [23]
Homecoming
Watching Homecoming [24] is like going to a Beyoncé concert with inspirational interludes. Enjoying Beychella from the comforts of your own home will be anything but boring, in case you're worried about any lulls during the date.
Watch it now. [25]
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Whether or not you and your date are foodies, you'll appreciate the cinematic elegance and heartfelt message of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a documentary that profiles the famous sushi chef Jiro Ono. It's a beautiful and educational watch that will satisfy anyone's appetite.
Watch it now. [26]
The Little Prince
Netflix's The Little Prince reimagines Antoine de Saint Exupéry's classic children's book in a beautifully animated 3D form. The movie is told from the perspective of the now-elderly aviator who came across the quaint little prince character in the original novella. It's a cute date movie that easily rivals any Pixar movie (which will soon migrate to Disney Plus [27]).
Watch it now. [28]
Murder Mystery
Microwave popcorn and pour some red wine for Poirot thrills and breezy laughs with your date. Starring Hollywood darlings Jennifer Aniston [29] and Adam Sandler [30], Murder Mystery [31] tells the story of Audrey and Nick, a married couple who go to Europe to rekindle their spark only to find themselves attempting to crack a series of murders. The record-breaking flick [32] is a light whodunnit that'll have you and your date following the mystery with the characters.
Watch it now. [33]
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Created with beautiful, innovate animations, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the first of many Spider-Man movies to star a black protagonist, is truly a cinematic experience that won't bore you during your movie date. In addition to the visuals, the gentle humour and stacked cast help make the film an enjoyable watch.
Watch it now. [34]
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Based on Jenny Han's young adult novel [35], To All the Boys I've Loved Before [36] is a sweet Netflix rom-com about Lara Jean Covey, a shy teenage girl who strikes a deal with the popular Peter Kavinsky after someone mails out her secret love letters. The film will certainly put you and your date in a light and youthful romantic mood without adding too much pressure.
Watch it now. [37]
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a cult favourite with simultaneously witty and absurd humour that'll have you and your company in stitches. The 1975 film follows King Arthur's ragtag group of knights as they get tasked with finding, as the title suggests, the Holy Grail.
Watch it now. [38]
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Starring Hugh Grant [39] and Andie McDowell, Richard Curtis' Four Weddings and a Funeral is a classic rom-com for the ages that's hilarious and heartfelt without ever feeling too stiff or contrived for a first date. And the era of floppy haired Hugh Grant with witty one-liners, quite frankly, is a gift to us all. If you're really loving the film, it's worth checking out Mindy Kaling's reimagination of the movie [40] in a more diverse series form on Hulu.
Watch it now. [41]
Groundhog Day
With Bill Murray [42]'s comedic sensibilities, Groundhog Day (another must-watch Andie McDowell movie) emerges as a romantic holiday film with a dark bite. Murray plays a jaded reporter who finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over again. Needless to say, it's a cosy classic that'll keep you and your company engaged.
Watch it now. [43]
Heathers
Heathers presents intelligent social commentary about high school life [44] but comes with a campy, sarcastic bent that's strengthened by Winona Ryder [45]'s lead performance. It's great for dry laughs, thoughtful talks, and perhaps even gentle screen shouting with your date.
Watch it now. [46]
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford [47] as a hot archaeology professor who goes on dangerous adventures? We're in. Date movies should entertain, and Steven Spielberg [48]'s Raiders of the Lost Ark will do just that.
Watch it now. [49]
Scream
Scream offers campy, witty, and scary fun that is perfect for a first date movie. The premise is simple enough to follow but also takes amusing twists and turns: Neve Campbell plays a grieving teenage girl who finds herself and her loved ones being stalked by a serial killer obsessed with horror movies.
Watch it now. [50]
Mamma Mia!
Breaking the ice can be a knotty endeavour, but A-listers prancing to upbeat ABBA songs might just do the trick for you and your date. Amanda Seyfried [51] plays Meryl Streep [52]'s betrothed daughter who tracks down the three men who could potentially be her father in this silly musical romantic comedy.
Watch it now. [53]