Romantic Films for Every Age and Gender
Date Ideas: Movies Paired With the Perfect Dish
Feb 11, 2009
Don’t know what to do for a Valentine’s Day date? This is no ordinary dinner and a movie list: Anyone can suggest a night in, but the wrong film can easily put your romance on ‘pause’, whereas the right one can put it in fast forward.
These Valentine’s Day-worthy films suit every age, and every gender. Food suggestions in this article compliments the films, so you’re bound to have more fun at home than sitting in an overpriced theatre with no ambiance.
Best First Date Films for Gen-X and Gen-Y Viewers
- Say Anything
- The Sure Thing
- The Princess Bride
- Pretty In Pink
- Titanic
- Officer and a Gentleman
- An Affair to Remember
If you’re in the mood for some 80’s nostalgia, or just a cute romantic comedy, John Hughes was the man when it came to directing teen romance. John Cusack was the king of romantic comedies, as the indelible image of a boom box held overhead to serenade love interest Ione Skye, became an icon of romance.
For those interested in classic films or at least something with more drama, An Affair To Remember reminds everyone why Cary Grant is the definitive romantic lead. An Officer and a Gentleman and Titanic add more in the way of more modern romance. The direction and acting in both critically praised make them worth watching.
Best Romantic Films for Valentine’s Day
If people pair food and wine, why not match your movie with the right dish? Put a theme into your evening to add another dimension to an otherwise romantic evening together.
- Casablanca: Pair it with Moroccan food, like couscous and honey cake. Easy to make, and so romantic, even hardened cynics are guaranteed to sniffle.
- The English Patient: The titular patient is Hungarian, so an easy to make dish of Lecso, or some schnitzel would work well here.
- Brokeback Mountain: A sad story of loss, but with real feeling. Some cowboy style pan-fried steak with beer comes to mind.
- Before Sunrise: For a one-night-stand with heart, it’s still a romantic fling with feeling. Have some white wine and a baguette with cheese, a European snack that matches Jesse and Céline’s tryst in the park.
- Across the Universe: For those who love Beatles songs, or just want to see amazing visuals that represent a satisfying love story. Munch on some chocolate dipped strawberries with this one.
Romantic Comedies For Valentine’s Day
- When Harry Met Sally: Have a deli platter with various dishes on the side, just the way Sally Albright would order it. Cold cuts with coleslaw, kosher pickles, and rye bread – orgasm on the side is optional.
- Chasing Amy: American style deli food can work, here too. Something New York, like pizza and beer work well. Buy some plain dough and top it the way you and your date would like for a custom-made treat.
- Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: Go for the All Meat Platter that Norah orders when Nick professes his feelings. (Tip for those who haven’t seen this film yet: Avoid chewing gum, or anything gummy while viewing this.)
Romantic Animated Films for Valentine’s Day
- Beauty and The Beast: Be our guest: Find out why it won 2 Oscars and nominated for more awards. Watch with some roast beef by roses and candlelight. You’ll feel like you live in a castle.
- Snow White. Primitive animation for the 21st century viewer, but it is handmade animation at it’s best. Some bread and cheese, maybe some soup, and you’ll feel at home in the little cottage with Snow White and the Dwarfs.
(Writer's Note: Many thanks go to fellow Suite101 Green Living Writer Naomi Szeben for her food suggestions on this piece)
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