18 Netflix Movies That Are Perfect to Watch on a First Date

Need a good low-key first date idea? Netflix has got you covered! The popular streaming service is filled with countless great movies that will set the tone for a casual, fun, and creative date. When it comes to the actual movie to watch, keep it short and sweet since first dates are already inherently awkward. 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 favorite fun, campy, and light first date Netflix movies! Whether you want to get to know your date in a casual setting or you're looking to Netflix and chill, these movies are all you need. Just pop the popcorn, and get ready for a first date that's worthy of an award. Pass the remote!

Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

01
Out of My League
Netflix

Out of My League

Based on a novel by Eleonora Gaggero, this Italian rom-com tells the story of Marta, an awkward yet charming young woman with a rare genetic disorder who decides she's ready to find love. Since it's a new movie, so you don't have to worry about your date already seeing it.

When it's available: Aug. 18

02
Tell Me When
Netflix

Tell Me When

Looking for a cute and semi-romantic movie for your date? In this rom-com from Mexico, a workaholic decides to put his predictable life on hold in order to fulfill his late grandfather's dying wish: to visit Mexico City and find love. You and your new suitor just might blush while watching this!

Watch it now.

03
The Theory of Everything
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The Theory of Everything

If you or your date haven't seen The Theory of Everything, this is your sign! Future physicist Stephen Hawking discovers that he has ALS while studying at Cambridge University. In search of a cure, Stephen begins to study time, knowing that his own life expectancy is limited. Stephen breaks grounds in his studies and surpasses his life expectancy, but with all of this comes a higher dependency on his wife, Jane, causing stress on their relationship. It's an insightful, moving, and thought-provoking film.

Watch it now.

04
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Based on a play by August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom follows blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) as tensions rise between her bandmates during a recording session. In his final role, Chadwick Boseman stars as Levee Green, an overzealous trumpeter who stirs up trouble. You'll have tons to talk about after watching this, so make sure your date is ready!

Watch it now.

05
Have You Ever Seen Fireflies?
Netflix

Have You Ever Seen Fireflies?

Based on the play of the same name, this Turkish dramedy tells the story of Gülseren, a rebellious young woman navigating love and loss amid political turmoil and major social change. It's interesting and different, meaning it's great for conversation starters.

Watch it now.

06
Uncut Gems
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Uncut Gems

Want to watch an enthralling thriller for your movie night? The Safdie Brothers' Uncut Gems will have you and your date dry heaving as you watch Adam Sandler portray a gambling jeweler who plays a dangerous game with collectors.

Watch it now.

07
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

If your date is into movies, they'll like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. In an attempt to save his village from famine, a 13-year-old boy sneaks into his school's library and learns to build a wind turbine to create energy. It's thoughtful and sweet, and it'll be great to chat about when it's over.

Watch it now.

08
Rose Island
Netflix

Rose Island

Based on the true story of Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa, this comedy from Italy follows the story of one man's attempt to build a platform in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Italy and declare it a micronation. You'll like this movie for a first date if you don't want to do a whole lot of talking, but a lot of watching.

Watch it now.

09
The King
Netflix

The King

Looking for a reason to stare at Timothée Chalamet during your date? Turn on this flick. Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet) is crowned King Henry V after his father passes away. As a new ruler, Hal has to face all the hostilities and politics that his father left behind as he battles for England. You can thank us later.

Watch it now.

10
What a Girl Wants
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What a Girl Wants

Nostalgic and sweet enough to watch on any date, What a Girl Wants is the perfect turn-on-in-the-background kind of movie. Amanda Bynes will captute anyone's heart in this movie, and it's hard not to fall for her costar Colin Firth, too. In search of a father she's never met, Daphne (Bynes) hops across the pond to find out her father is an established politician. Feel free to chat with your date while this is on, and enjoy!

Watch it now.

11
Moonlight
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Moonlight

If you want a good movie, we've got just the thing for you. Barry Jenkins's Moonlight weaves through three chapters in the life of Chiron, a young Black man grappling with his family troubles and sexuality as he grows up in Miami. In addition to the three actors (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) who skillfully embody Chiron, Mahershala Ali and Janelle Monáe also bring in excellent performances. Full of sweeping cinematography, the film picked up three Oscars in 2017.

Watch it now.

12
Always Be My Maybe
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Always Be My Maybe

Always Be My Maybe 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 humor 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!

Watch it now.

13
Homecoming
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Homecoming

Watching Homecoming 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.

14
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
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To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Based on Jenny Han's young adult novel, To All the Boys I've Loved Before 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.

15
The Fundamentals of Caring
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The Fundamentals of Caring

In this short slice of life comedy, Paul Rudd 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.

16
Murder Mystery
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Murder Mystery

Microwave popcorn and pour some red wine for Poirot thrills and breezy laughs with your date. Starring Hollywood darlings Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, Murder Mystery 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 is a light whodunnit that'll have you and your date following the mystery with the characters.

Watch it now.

17
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
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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. 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.

18
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
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Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a classic favorite with simultaneously witty and absurd humor 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.