PHOTO: COURTESY SONY PICTURES
The type of entertainment that we enjoy on our free time can be hard to share with others. Whether you enjoy science fiction, documentaries, or even nothing but comedy movies, your favorite films can say a lot about you. However, sharing your favorite movies with others can be a dangerous game. After raving about a particular film, you wouldn’t want to hear that your favorite is just “okay.” But at the end of the day, whether they love it or hate it, at least you shared your interest!
Personally, I am easily entertained and have never really not liked a movie. Well, except for one Paul Rudd film but that’s neither here nor there. Sorry Paul!
When it comes to my top favorites, the “Twilight” saga holds a special place in my heart. Call me crazy, but it would mean a lot to me for my significant other to at least be able to sit through all the Edward, Jacob, and Bella drama.
Below I have shared what I believe are perfect movies to watch with your boyfriend. You may have seen some of them already but if not, I am glad to introduce you to something new. So grab the popcorn and fuzzy blanket and get ready to cuddle up with some of my favorite movies, perfect for any day and any time!
“Up”
When it comes to animated films, my list of favorites is literally never ending. Disney is at the top of the animated food chain and rightfully so. Disney movies bring wholehearted entertainment to kids and families all over the world. For me, Disney’s daughter company, Pixar created one of my favorite animated films, “Up.”
Released in 2009, “Up” opens with the love story of young Carl and Ellie, who share a love for exploration. The majority of the film focuses on an older, grumpy Carl who attempts to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling to Paradise Falls, a place in South America. During Carl’s trip, he finds Russell, a young “Wilderness Explorer” who accidentally stows away on his floating house. During the adventure, the two meet a talking dog named Doug and if that isn't enough to convince you to watch, then I don’t know what is!
“Up” is a story of adventure, drama, and friendship. Perfect if you want something that will make you both laugh and cry.
“Grave of the Fireflies”
Pixar may be the leading animation film studio in the U.S., but as movies from other countries are dubbed to English, we are slowly introduced to more diverse films popular in other places.
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation film studio that has produced incredible films, one of the most known being “My Neighbor Totoro.” Despite its popularity, I have never personally seen “My Neighbor Totoro,” but I have seen many other Studio Ghibli films. One of my favorites being “Grave of the Fireflies.”
“Grave of the Fireflies” is not for the faint of heart. You will cry during this film. Honestly, if I watched this with my boyfriend and he didn't cry, I would have many questions.
Originally released in 1988, “Grave of the Fireflies” is a war film that tells the story of teenage Seita and his younger sister Setsuko. The film follows the two young siblings as they struggle to stay alive during World War II after an American firebombing separates them from everything they have ever known.
This heartbreaking story can be streamed on Hulu in both its original Japanese format or dubbed in English. The film holds a solid 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and is described as “one of Studio Ghibli's most profoundly beautiful, haunting works.”
“Across the Universe”
Who doesn’t like the Beatles and their music? I’m sure if a survey were conducted, everyone would know at least one Beatles song, even if they just recognized the tune.
Pair some of the best Beatles songs written, plus a love story and you’ve got “Across the Universe,” the 2007 British American musical drama and romance film. The movie uses songs by the English rock band to frame a story of romance, war, and peace.
The film follows Jude, a Brit new to the states in search of his father. While in the U.S., Jude meets various people along the way, all with different and eccentric personalities. In the wake of the Vietnam War, the violent social structure in the U.S. threatens everything in Jude’s life, including his romantic relationship.
“Selena”
Whether you’ve listened to her music or not, I’m sure you have heard the name Selena once in your life, even if it was someone correcting you for thinking they were talking about Selena Gomez.
Selena Quintanilla was a Mexican-American singer songwriter who pioneered the female voice into the male dominated Tejano music genre. In 1997, Jennifer Lopez portrayed Selena and brought her story to the big screen in a film by her same name, “Selena.”
“Selena” is a biographical drama that shows her life from an early age up to her death in 1995. The film shows how Selena got her start in music, how she fell in love, and how her music reached many. As her career continued to rise, she sought to break into the American music industry by recording her first English language album. After her murder, Selena’s family, husband, and fans were left reeling with the tragic loss of a young, beautiful, and strong woman.
“The Princess Bride”
Truly a classic, “The Princess Bride” is one of those films that has something for everybody and it never gets old. Whether you are looking to laugh, follow a love story, or even some action, this movie has it all.
The film is an enactment of a book being read to a sick, bedridden boy in Chicago. The boy’s grandfather tells the story of Westley, a farm boy turned pirate who is on a mission to rescue his one true love, Princess Buttercup. Wesley's journey won’t be easy. He’ll face many obstacles and enemies along the way, but he will also meet strange faces that will become unlikely allies in his quest.
Rotten Tomatoes rates the film highly with 97 percent, and is described as “a delightfully postmodern fairy tale, The Princess Bride is a deft, intelligent mix of swashbuckling, romance, and comedy that takes an age-old damsel-in-distress story and makes it fresh.”
The “John Wick” Franchise
If you and your significant other are looking to have a movie marathon, I have options for that, too!
It’s 2019, if you haven’t watched “John Wick” by now then I don’t know what to tell you. And no, I don’t even want to pretend that females don’t like high intensity action movies because guess what, we can and we do. I can’t speak for all of us, but at least I do enjoy movies like “John Wick.”
If you don’t know anything about the “John Wick” franchise, all you need to know is that it all started when a man lost his wife, car, and dog. If you mess with a man’s best friend you run the risk of unleashing the boogeyman. Literally, John Wick is referred to as the “Baba Yaga” which is the films Russian translation of boogeyman.
In the movies, John Wick returns to his life as a professional hitman and we get an inside look at the inner workings of the fictional world of assassins, primarily in New York but also around the world.
The third movie in the franchise, “John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum” was recently released in theaters.
“Back to the Future” Trilogy
If for some reason you have never gotten around to watching all three of the “Back to the Future” movies, now is the perfect time.
The first movie was released back in 1985 and stars a young Michael J. Fox as 17 year old Marty McFly. Marty is a small town California teen who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time traveling DeLorean car created by his scientist friend, Doc Brown. Wandering around in the 1950s, Marty meets the younger versions of his parents and must make sure they fall in love or he will never exist in the future. Through it all, he must also make his way back to his own time to save Doc Brown’s life.
The second film sends Marty to 2015 and after what he experiences, he must travel back to the 1950s again. The third “Back to the Future” film finds Marty having to once again save Doc Brown’s life, this time in 1885.
Whether you choose to watch an action-packed film, a fairytale love story, or a World War II survival story, I hope you and your boyfriend have an incredible time at home. Countless snacks, great company, and a remote with the ability to pause for breaks is the perfect recipe for an at-home date night.
I hope you enjoy my suggestions and maybe you and your significant other find a new favorite movie to watch together. Let me know if there’s anything I should watch, I’m always open to suggestions!