Sometimes we need a little inspiration to get our romantic fervor going. While we want to engage in a love connection with our spouse, the daily doldrums can distract us from concentrating fully on God’s gift of marital bliss.
My first suggestion would be to read the Song of Solomon (also known as the Song of Songs) from the Bible. It is amazing that God has ensured that this book remains in His Holy Word, as it is a celebration of married love and intimacy.
But if you’re looking for a date night in, try watching a romantic movie together and see if you don’t get a bit inspired to delight in your spouse’s body and soul. I have a few recommendations listed below.
I tried to avoid the usual “chick flicks” that the gals would love but that turn men’s stomachs. If you want to kill the mood between you and hubby, suggest that he give up two hours of perfectly good sports-viewing time to watch a tear-jerker film in which the namby-pamby man woos his woman with flowers, poems, and lengthy “communication.” Try something that both of you will enjoy instead!
Don Juan DeMarco (1994, PG-13). Starring Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway, this film tells the story of a young man who believes himself to be the greatest lover in the world, Don Juan, and the psychiatrist who is tasked to cure him. The plot of Don Juan and his romantic escapades is humorous, but the great story here is between Brando and Dunaway as husband and wife rekindling their own romance.
Fireproof (2008, PG). A firefighter knows how to save lives, but can he save his failing marriage? He takes a 40-day challenge called The Love Dare to try to turn things around. This film was made by Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church, and stars Kirk Cameron in the lead role. I highly recommend this movie.
It Happened One Night (1934). This is a classic film with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in which a reporter helps a spoiled heiress running from her family. He’s looking for a big story but manages to get something much more.
A Knight’s Tale (2001, PG-13). The brilliance of this film is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. A commoner fakes knighthood to win the tournament prize and the heart of his dream gal. The best part of this movie may be Paul Bettany, who turns in an amazing performance as Chaucer. Heath Ledger plays the faux knight.
Ladyhawke (1985, PG-13). A couple cursed to spend their lives close together yet worlds apart come in contact with a thief who might be able to help them break the spell. This fantasy tale appeals to both men and women. Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Matthew Broderick star.
The Mummy (1999, PG-13). An English librarian working in Egypt, played by Rachel Weisz, wishes to find the ancient city of Hamunaptra. She enlists the help of an American in the French foreign legion, played by Brendan Frasier, and they accidentally awaken a mummy at the archaeological dig. Yes, there are some creepy parts, but a sweet romance as well.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003, PG-13). A blacksmith, Will Turner, wishes to save his love from undead pirates. He enlists the help of the unorthodox Jack Sparrow, a former colleague of the pirates. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightly go against the villainous Geoffrey Rush.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, PG).This film is on my Top 10 list. Indiana Jones is an archaeologist tasked with finding the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. He enlists the help of former girlfriend, Marian Ravenwood, who is tough in her own right. Starring Harrison Ford and Karen Black and directed by Steven Spielberg.
Romancing the Stone (1984, PG). Kathleen Turner stars as romance novelist Joan Wilder, who writes about adventures but has yet to live any. When her sister falls into trouble in Columbia, Wilder is forced to come to her rescue and hire a rough-edged scoundrel, played by Michael Douglas, to help her. Guess what happens?
The Quiet Man (1952, TV-G). John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara star in this movie about a former boxer from America who falls in love with a girl in Ireland and faces down his demons to be the man he needs to be. If you’re having trouble getting your husband to watch a romantic film, surely the words “John Wayne” would reel him in!
While You Were Sleeping (1995, PG). A lonely young woman fosters a crush on a handsome businessman she sees every day while collecting subway tolls. When he falls into a coma, she is mistaken for his girlfriend and thrust into the arms of his family. She must decide whether her dream guy is who she really wants or if someone less obvious has captured her heart instead.
I chose only films rated G, PG, or PG-13. Some of the above films, however, have language, violence, etc. Moreover, not all sexual relationships occur within marriage; if I could convince Hollywood to change that tomorrow, I would!
If you wish to check the content beforehand, you can get information on most movies through the websites from Focus on the Family’s Plugged In or Common Sense Media. If you want more Movie Night ideas, check out suggestions from The Generous Wife and her readers HERE. These aren’t specifically romantic, but there are some great films mentioned.
Do you have any suggestions to add to my list?
I just recently saw “A Walk to Remember” and it really touched my heart, and of course “The Notebook” which shows how love should endure as a life long commitment. Thank you so much for your blog!
Kellie
Oh, my goodness, half of these movies I won’t have considered “romantic”, and they are ones we watch semi-regularly. Indiana Jones is a fav, and I love Romancing the Stone. We enjoy Mummy, and I’ve seen a few others. I will need to start a list for date night ideas.
One to add — Princess Bride. It has fighting, pirates, sword fighting… and a bit of romance as well.
Thanks for the ideas!
Oohh! Oooh! I have another one! “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” The Kevin Costner one. It has it all..humor, action, & love! My hubby and I like to watch that one together!
Kellie
I “second” The Princess Bride!
It’s my hubby’s favorite movie!
Also, if you like funny older movies, you can add The Court Jester (with Danny Kaye) into the list!
Can’t agree enough with Princess Bride! Hubby and I danced our first dance together to the theme song. The whole family loves this one! Going along with Fireproof, I will add Courageous, not necessarily romantic, but definitely binding for the married couple. We also try to find a little romance in the kids’ movies like Aladdin, Lion King, etc.
A great one for me is Cinderella Man… Love their relationship in the film…
I totally agree with the Princess Bride. I think I’ve seen it over 25 times.
This is a great list! Thanks!
Two good ones are “Return to Me” with David Duchovny and Minne Driver; also “At First Sight” (based on a true story) with Val Kilmer and Mira Sorvino–and don’t forget “The Lake House!”
One of my very favorites is “A Walk in the Clouds” starring Keanu Reeves and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón. Another is “Sommersby” staring Richard Gere and Jodie Foster.
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