Date night doesn’t have to be boring or predictable – why not take some inspiration from your favorite movies? Whether you’re a romantic at heart or an action movie enthusiast, there’s something on this list for everyone. Just make sure to leave your lightsaber at home (unless you’re really committed to the Star Wars theme).
1. The Notebook-Inspired Picnic
Bring some romance to your date night with a The Notebook-inspired picnic. Find a picturesque spot, like a park or a beach, and pack a basket full of your favorite sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. Don’t forget the wine (or iced tea, if you’re feeling less Allie and Noah). Set the mood with some soft lighting, scented candles, or even some floral decorations. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even recreate the iconic ferris wheel scene (just make sure to bring some tissues for the inevitable tears).
2. The Great Gatsby-Inspired Speakeasy
Channel your inner Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan with a speakeasy-themed date night. Find a local bar or brewery that has a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, with dim lighting, jazz music, and classic cocktails. Dress up in your best 1920s-inspired attire and sip on some gin fizzes or sidecars as you enjoy the live music. You could even try your hand at some swing dancing – just make sure you don’t break any ankles (or hearts). If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even try creating your own speakeasy at home – just make sure to stock up on some bootleg liquor (or just stick to the legal stuff). And to really make it a memorable night, you could even plan a surprise at the end of the evening, like a private jazz performance or a personalized cocktail named after the two of you.
3. The Princess Bride-Inspired Adventure
Channel your inner Westley and Buttercup with a Princess Bride-inspired adventure. Find a local adventure park or create your own adventure at home. From rock climbing to laser tag to escape rooms, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even try your hand at some sword fighting (just make sure to use foam swords). Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character – extra points if you can pull off a convincing Dread Pirate Roberts or Inigo Montoya. And to really make it a memorable outing, you could even plan a few Princess Bride-themed challenges or trivia questions along the way, with prizes for the winners. Just make sure to leave the poisoning and torture to the professionals (unless you’re feeling particularly diabolical). To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private adventure park experience or a personalized gift related to your favorite Princess Bride moments.
4. The Harry Potter-Inspired Pub Crawl
Embrace your Hogwarts spirit with a Harry Potter-themed pub crawl. Find a few local bars or breweries that have Harry Potter-inspired drinks and snacks, like Butterbeer or pumpkin pasties, and make your way from location to location. Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character – extra points if you can pull off a convincing Hermione or Ron. And to really make it a memorable night, you could even plan a few Harry Potter-themed challenges or trivia questions along the way, with prizes for the winners. Just make sure to use your magic responsibly (or at least have a designated driver).
5. The La La Land-Inspired Jazz Night
Bring some jazz and romance to your date night with a La La Land-inspired evening. Find a local jazz club or concert and dress up in your best vintage-inspired attire. Sip on some classic cocktails and sway to the music. And if you’re feeling brave, you could even try your hand at some improvised singing – just make sure you have each other’s back (and don’t shatter any dreams). To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private jazz performance or a personalized cocktail named after the two of you.
6. The Lord of the Rings-Inspired Hike
Embrace your inner hobbit and go on a Lord of the Rings-inspired hike. Find a local hiking trail or park and explore the great outdoors together. Pack a picnic lunch and make sure to bring along some hobbit-approved snacks, like lembas bread and ale. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even try your hand at some archery or sword fighting (just make sure to leave the actual swords and bows at home – sticks and foam swords will do just fine). Don’t forget to keep an eye out for any orcs or trolls (or just enjoy the peaceful scenery). To really make it a memorable outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private picnic with a view or a personalized gift related to your favorite Lord of the Rings moments.
7. The Breakfast at Tiffany’s-Inspired Brunch
Get fancy and enjoy a leisurely morning with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-inspired brunch. Find a local fancy brunch spot or create your own at home by trying out different breakfast and lunch dishes. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little – you deserve it. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, you could even dress up as your favorite Breakfast at Tiffany’s character – extra points if you can pull off a convincing Holly Golightly or Paul Varjak. Don’t forget to bring along some classic brunch drinks, like champagne and mimosas. And to really make it a memorable outing, you could even plan a few Breakfast at Tiffany’s-themed challenges or trivia questions along the way, with prizes for the winners. Just make sure to leave the cat burglaries and love triangles at home – this is a night for celebrating love and indulging in some delicious food and drinks. To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private brunch experience or a personalized gift related to your favorite Breakfast at Tiffany’s moments.
8. The Star Wars-Inspired Scavenger Hunt
May the force be with you on this Star Wars-themed scavenger hunt. Create a list of clues and challenges based on your favorite Star Wars moments and characters, and see who can complete the scavenger hunt first. You could even dress up as your favorite characters – just make sure to leave the light saber duels for later (unless you’re really feeling the force). To really make it a memorable outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private screening of your favorite Star Wars movie or a personalized gift related to your favorite Star Wars moments.
9. The Grease-Inspired Drive-In Movie
Get your retro on with a Grease-inspired drive-in movie. Find a local drive-in theater or create your own drive-in movie experience at home. From classic romantic comedies to action-packed blockbusters, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even dress up as your favorite Grease character – extra points if you can pull off a convincing Danny or Sandy. Don’t forget to bring along some classic drive-in movie snacks, like popcorn, candy, and soda. And to really make it a memorable night, you could even plan a few Grease-themed challenges or trivia questions along the way, with prizes for the winners. Just make sure to leave the leather jackets and greased-up hair at home (unless you’re really committed to the theme). To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private drive-in movie experience or a personalized gift related to your favorite Grease moments.
10. The Crazy, Stupid, Love-Inspired Karaoke Night
Let your inner rockstar shine with a Crazy, Stupid, Love-inspired karaoke night. Find a local karaoke bar or create your own karaoke setup at home. Choose your favorite love songs (or your most embarrassing guilty pleasures) and belt out your heart. To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private karaoke room or a personalized gift related to your favorite Crazy, Stupid, Love moments. Just make sure to leave the leather jackets and greased-up hair at home (unless you’re really committed to the theme).
13. The Wedding Crashers-Inspired Winery Tour
Sip on some fine wines and enjoy each other’s company with a The Wedding Crashers-inspired winery tour. Find a local winery or create your own winery tour at home by trying out different wines and snacks. Don’t be afraid to try something new – you never know what delicious discoveries you’ll make. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even dress up as your favorite Wedding Crashers character – extra points if you can pull off a convincing Jeremy or John. Don’t forget to bring along some classic winery tour snacks, like cheese and crackers, fruit, and chocolate. And to really make it a memorable outing, you could even plan a few Wedding Crashers-themed challenges or trivia questions along the way, with prizes for the winners. Just make sure to leave the wedding crashing and family drama at home – this is a night for celebrating love, not tearing it apart. To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private winery tour or a personalized gift related to your favorite Wedding Crashers moments.
12. The Eat, Pray, Love-Inspired Food Tour
Embark on a culinary journey together with an Eat, Pray, Love-inspired food tour. Find a local food tour or create your own by trying out different restaurants and cuisines in your area. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you never know what new favorites you’ll discover. To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private cooking class or a personalized gift related to your favorite Eat, Pray, Love moments.
13. The When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Walking Tour
Take a walk through the city and discover new sights and sounds with a When Harry Met Sally-inspired walking tour. Choose a theme, like art or history, and make a list of your favorite spots to visit. Don’t forget to stop for some coffee or lunch along the way – and maybe even recreate the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen scene (just make sure to save some room for pie). To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private museum tour or a personalized gift related to your favorite When Harry Met Sally moments.
14. The 10 Things I Hate About You-Inspired Trivia Night
Put your knowledge to the test with a 10 Things I Hate About You-inspired trivia night. Find a local trivia event or create your own at home. Choose a theme, like movies or music, and see who can answer the most questions correctly. Just make sure to leave the slapstick comedy and Shakespeare references to the professionals (unless you’re feeling particularly witty). To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private trivia night or a personalized gift related to your favorite 10 Things I Hate About You moments.
15. The Bridget Jones’s Diary-Inspired Cooking Class
Learn something new and bond over food with a Bridget Jones’s Diary-inspired cooking class. Find a local cooking class or try out a new recipe at home. Don’t be afraid to make a mess – it’s all part of the fun. And if things don’t turn out quite as planned, just remember – “it’s just a jumping off point for what will be an exciting and wonderful year, full of new opportunities and experiences.” To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private cooking class or a personalized gift related to your favorite Bridget Jones’s Diary moments.
16. The Sweet Home Alabama-Inspired BBQ Night
Get your southern charm on with a Sweet Home Alabama-inspired BBQ night. Find a local BBQ joint or create your own BBQ feast at home. Don’t forget to bring along some classic southern sides, like collard greens, mac and cheese, and baked beans. And make sure to wash it all down with some sweet tea or a cold beer. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even try your hand at some southern-style desserts, like pecan pie or banana pudding. Just make sure to leave the family drama (and estranged exes) at home – this is a night for celebrating love, not tearing it apart. To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private BBQ feast or a personalized gift related to your favorite Sweet Home Alabama moments.
17. The The Big Sick-Inspired Board Game Night
Get competitive and have a good laugh with a The Big Sick-inspired board game night. Find a local board game cafe or dust off your old board games at home. From classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer hits like Codenames and Pandemic, there’s something for everyone. Just make sure to keep the trash talk to a minimum (unless you’re really feeling feisty). To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private board game tournament or a personalized gift related to your favorite The Big Sick moments.
18. The When in Rome-Inspired Street Food Tour
Embrace your inner foodie with a When in Rome-inspired street food tour. Find a local street food market or try out a few different street food vendors in your area. Don’t be afraid to try something new – you never know what delicious treats you’ll discover. And if things don’t turn out quite as planned, just remember – “you can’t be in love if you’re hungry.” To really make it a special outing, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private cooking class or a personalized gift related to your favorite When in Rome moments.
19. The The Wedding Planner-Inspired DIY Project
Get creative and work on a project together with a The Wedding Planner-inspired DIY date. Find a local DIY workshop or choose a project to work on at home. From building furniture to creating home decor, there’s something for everyone. Just make sure to leave the wedding planning to the professionals (unless you’re feeling particularly inspired). To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private DIY workshop or a personalized gift related to your favorite The Wedding Planner moments.
20. The Silver Linings Playbook-Inspired Dance Class
Get moving and have some fun with a Silver Linings Playbook-inspired dance class. Find a local dance class or create your own at home. From salsa to swing to ballroom, there’s something for everyone. Just make sure to leave the family drama (and mental health issues) at home – this is a night for celebrating love and having fun. To really make it a special night, you could even plan a surprise at the end, like a private dance class or a personalized gift related to your favorite Silver Linings Playbook moments.
“So there you have it – 32 ideas for fun and affordable winter date nights inspired by your favorite movies and TV shows. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or action-packed adventures, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to keep an open mind, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. And as Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber would say, ‘So you’re telling me there’s a chance?'” Happy dating!
