Nothing says “summer” like a great summer romance movie.
Hoping to kick-start your love life this summer? You can get all the inspiration you need without leaving your couch.
From the butterflies of first love (The Notebook) to midlife romance (Summertime), here are five romantic summer movies that are sure to put you in the mood for love. Whether you just started dating or have been together for a while, these movies provide the perfect jumping off point for your next date.
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Dirty Dancing –
The quintessential summer romance movie, this 1980’s classic shows Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze) falling in love on the dancefloor at a resort in Catskills Mountains, circa the 1960’s. Those of us who grew up with this movie remember Baby’s swoon-worthy line: “I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you” – and the steamy dance scene that followed.
Date idea: There’s a reason why we love Dirty Dancing: because dancing with someone you like is fun and romantic. Although I wouldn’t suggest trying to emulate Patrick Swayze’s blush-inducing hip thrusting moves; try checking out a local swing dance night or invite your date to spend an evening learning to salsa with you and watch the sparks fly.
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The Notebook –
It’s 1940’s South Carolina and Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) meet at a carnival and fall in love. They then begin an idyllic summer romance for the ages.
Date idea: From the movies, the beach, a carnival to a romantic paddle-boat ride, The Notebook is chock full of sweet summertime date ideas to choose from. Don’t have access to a rustic paddleboat? Spend some time with the object of your affection eating cotton candy and riding the ferris wheel. These classic date ideas are classics for a reason.
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Grease –
Sandy (Olivia Newton John) and Danny (John Travolta) met and fell for eachother at the beach. Although we see very little of their actual summer romance, it’s enough to inspire an entire song about those “summer nights” in this iconic musical.
Date idea: Grab a beach blanket, some sodas and head down to your local beach. Sun, surf, sand and some good company – what’s not to like? No beach access? Grab your date and head to a kitschy diner to recreate the 1950’s vibe of the movie.
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Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants –
Lena (Alexis Bledel) falls for local boy, Kostas (Michael Rady) during a family vacation to the magical Greek island of Santorini. However, because their two families are feuding, the couple has to meet in secret, sneaking out to enjoy lots of late night dates, under the moonlight.
Date idea: Just because you don’t have to sneak around with your summer date doesn’t mean you can’t give your date the feeling of a moonlit, clandestine event. Grab some wine, a picnic blanket, some lanterns and head somewhere you can enjoy getting to know each other under the stars.
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Summertime –
Middle-aged Ohio secretary Jane (Katharine Hepburn) has never found love. However, before she resigns herself to a life alone, she uses her savings to finance a summer trip Venice, where she finally meets the enchanting and elegant Renato (Rossano Brazzi), in this 1955 black and white classic. Think: a charming summer romance set in one of the most romantic places in the world.
Date idea: Not able to make it to the real Venice? No problem. You can still recreate some of the old world charm that oozes from this film. Take your date for a traditional Italian meal that includes a checkered tablecloths, vino and lots of candlelight and eye-gazing. Follow your dinner with some gelato (or ice cream) and a romantic walk under the stars.
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Before Sunrise –
On his way to Vienna, American Jesse (Ethan Hawke) meets Celine (Julie Delpy), a student returning to Paris. When they hit it off, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him in Vienna. Jesse’s flight to the U.S. departs the next morning and he has no money for a hotel, so the couple wander the city together, taking in the experiences of Vienna and each other. The result? Totally romantic.
Date idea: Instead of wandering the streets all night with someone you don’t know very well (which, in reality sounds more scary than romantic) take inspiration from the film and plan a day where you play tourists in your own town. Check out the local attractions and see the sights. If you’re really game, sign up for a sightseeing tour and enjoy experiencing your hometown with new eyes while you get to know each other.
