Worst date movies ever!

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Are these the worst date movies ever!

Valentine’s Day is already a bit much for some, but the predictable, formulaic romantic comedies made for the holiday are often just plain terrible. Then there are great movies that are still a bad choice for a first date. So, to help you avoid a disaster, we’re listing the worst movies to watch on a first date, starting with…

So here’s those worst date movies in full…

Closer (2004)

Closer is generally a fantastic film, penned by the talented Patrick Marber – known for his early work with Alan Partridge on TV and radio. However, it’s a deeply emotional and often painful look at relationships. Directed by Mike Nichols, the film features strong performances from Jude Law, Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, and Natalie Portman, all of whom realistically portray the complexities and often harsh realities of love and honesty.

The story revolves around two couples whose relationships become entangled and filled with secrets when one husband and one wife begin an affair.

The film cleverly subverts typical romantic comedy tropes, as one character playfully admits that lying can be just as thrilling as taking risks – and even more so. It’s a story of escalating challenges and competitive one-upmanship. Both Owen and Portman received Oscar and BAFTA nominations for their performances, and the writer, Marber, deserved similar recognition – perhaps even an Oscar win. It’s a raw and compelling film, but definitely not one for a first date.

 

Fatal Attraction (1987)

Fatal Attraction was a massive success when it came out, depicting a dangerous affair between Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. However, looking back, the film feels somewhat unfair to women, portraying a rejected lover as psychotic instead of someone deserving of sympathy. The fact that the ending was changed to make audiences root for Glenn Close’s character to be punished only reinforces this. The film was part of a string of popular, yet often controversial, movies for Douglas, including titles like The War of the Roses, Basic Instinct, Falling Down, and Disclosure. Notably, Douglas was uniquely able to get these challenging projects greenlit.

 

45 Years (2015)

Okay, so I stumbled across this really subtle indie film, and wow, Charlotte Rampling delivers an absolutely incredible performance. What I loved is it doesn’t focus on a new romance. Instead, it’s about a couple who’ve been married for, like, 45 years. Tom Courtney, playing Rampling’s husband, is fantastic – they really feel like a devoted pair. Then, on their anniversary, they get this letter revealing a secret about a past relationship of his – a former girlfriend found in the Alps. From there, everything just starts to fall apart. And the final shot? Seriously, a masterclass in acting – it completely blew me away.

 

Gaslight ( 1944)

The classic film Gaslight is the origin of the term used to describe psychological manipulation and abuse. Based on a stage play, it tells the story of an opera singer, played by Ingrid Bergman, who falls in love and marries a musician who then systematically tries to convince her she’s losing her mind and stealing things. The film powerfully portrays a breakdown of trust and is deeply unsettling, especially considering its impact when it was released in the 1940s. It’s definitely not a movie you’d want to watch on a date!

 

Gone Girl (2014)

If the movie Gaslight made you question your partner, Gone Girl takes that feeling to a whole new level. Based on the popular novel, it centers on Nick and Amy Dunne (played by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike), who seem like the perfect couple until Amy vanishes. Suspicion quickly falls on Nick, especially after Amy’s diary entries suggest he mistreated her. However, appearances are deceiving, and director David Fincher expertly unravels a story of mutual destruction in what many consider one of his finest films. It’s probably not the best movie to watch right before your wedding!

 

Irreversible (2002)

Even now, the film is shocking. It tells the story of a single, traumatic night in Paris, but in reverse order. While it’s considered an art house film, it contains disturbing violence, including a deeply upsetting scene of Monica Bellucci being assaulted and a punishingly difficult sequence set in a BDSM club. Despite all this, the film ultimately begins as a love story.

 

Marriage Story (2019)

Featuring outstanding performances from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, the film portrays a stage director and his actor wife navigating a difficult and emotionally draining divorce, which challenges them both personally and professionally.

This film is a difficult watch for anyone who’s experienced a painful divorce, as it realistically portrays how quickly things can fall apart. It highlights how divorce lawyers can sometimes make matters worse by creating conflict and hindering peaceful resolutions, often causing significant emotional distress. Laura Dern delivers a powerful performance as the lawyer and deservedly won an Academy Award for her role.

Love isn’t always enough to make a relationship work, and this movie honestly portrays that, potentially making it a tough watch for couples planning their weddings. Read our full review.

…so by our reckoning those are the worst date movies ever!

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2026-06-10 02:24