Culture

10 Romantic Movies Sans Sex Or Nudity For Date Night

Let’s face it: Lots of us have had those date nights where we’re just chilling, watching a movie, and then all of a sudden, clothes are coming off the characters, there’s a heavy makeout session, and a naked body part graces (or disgraces) our screens. Cringe!

By Anna Livia Brady3 min read
Screen Shot 2023-04-25 at 10.59.49 AM
A Walk To Remember

Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice on the romance front when choosing flicks without the explicit sexy stuff. Here are 10 romantic movies sans sex or nudity for date night.

1. La La Land 

While La La Land doesn’t have the quintessential Hollywood romantic ending, the acting, visuals, and witty screenplay are enough to make for a great date night flick. Plus, it prompts discussions about the career vs. love dichotomy and if this is really a dichotomy at all – making it an ideal conversation starter for those first few dates.

2. Pride and Prejudice 

Pride and Prejudice is one of the chickiest of all the flicks, but if your guy’s a history buff, maybe a little Regency Era appreciation is what you need! Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen shine as Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, and compel us, the audience, to think about all the times our own prejudices have prevented us from seeing others in their best light. And don’t even get us started on the soundtrack. Adore. 

3. Rocky 

I think it’s safe to say that any man whose lady will watch Rocky with him will be dropping to his knee within a year. Sylvester Stallone’s titular character has spoken to decades of males for good reasons –  this story of perseverance, resourcefulness, and star-crossed romance is sure to inspire anyone to go the extra mile in life (whether figuratively or theoretically). 

4. A Walk To Remember 

Before films like The Fault in Our Stars glorified life-threatening teenage lovemaking, there was A Walk To Remember, which features a romantic lead who actually values her virginity. Crazy, right? Through befriending bad boy Landon, Jamie opens his eyes to the wonders of choosing joy amidst adversity. It’s a tearjerker for both romantics and cynics alike. 

5. The Princess Bride

If your BF’s looking for a fictional character to emulate, he should look no further than the valiant Wesley. From his first As you wish, Wesley’s devotion to Buttercup is beyond admirable. The way he places Buttercup’s needs before his own, channels his love into ambition, and even aspires to go abroad to make his fortune all speak volumes about his character. Plus, it’s just a fun, iconic flick. ‘80s nostalgia for the win! 

6. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before 

Sometimes, a little high school rom-com is all you need to beat the stress of the work week. And if your man’s down, why not have him join the fun? To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is sweet, witty, and, if nothing else, will make you glad your high school years are over. Plus, we’re suckers for Lara Jean’s girly style (and Peter Kaminsky’s boyish charms). 

7. Casablanca 

In the mood for a classic? Casablanca’s got you covered. For those who haven’t seen it, this movie centers around former lovers Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund, reunited in the Moroccan city of Casablanca during WWII. Ilsa knows she must flee the country with her husband Victor Laszlo, an infamous vigilante, and that Rick can help them escape. But will Rick and Ilsa’s chemistry become an obstacle to the mission at hand? Rent this gem to find out. 

8. Ben Hur 

Got three and a half hours and no idea what to do with them? Grab some snacks, sit back, and watch Ben Hur (1959) with your man. In this exciting tale, Jewish aristocrat Judah Ben Hur is betrayed by a long-time friend and sent into slavery. After he escapes, revenge is at the forefront of his mind.

9. Howl’s Moving Castle 

If you’re into anime or animated movies in general, we can’t recommend Howl’s Moving Castle enough. From the stunning visuals to the gorgeous soundtrack (of TikTok fame), this romantic movie is all about inner beauty, finding meaning in friendships and romance, and sacrificing for the ones you love. Bonus points: The male lead is voiced by Christian Bale. 

10. From Up on Poppy Hill 

As long as we’re on the Studio Ghibli bandwagon, we thought we’d pop on with another animated rec: From Up on Poppy Hill. Synopsis: As Japan prepares for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, government officials start tearing down old buildings and creating new ones. But a group of teens is determined to stop these attempts from wrecking their beloved school clubhouse. 

One of these teens is Umi, a young girl who looks after her family’s boarding house while her mother stays in America. She falls in love with Shun Kazama, a young man aiding in their efforts to save the building. Will a major conflict keep Umi and Shun apart? Cozy up and find out! 

Closing Thoughts 

It’s a shame that Hollywood often assimilates sex with romance. But we promise it’s possible for you and your man to get lost in an adorable romantic movie without having to hurriedly skip a scene or sit in awkward silence. 

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