The universe has faced two burning questions for a long time. The first, obviously, is why is the sky blue? That has already been studied by scientists, and I am not here to answer that. The second question, one that everyone has stumbled across: What movie should I watch on a first date?
I have watched and reviewed 10 movies that were suggested for a date night on Valentine’s Day.
At first, my roommates told me to go on 10 different dates, with 10 different guys to watch all 10 movies and carefully review them as date material. Due to reasons of time and efficiency, I did not take this path. To keep in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I made the decision to rate each movie on a scale of five hearts instead of stars. One being the worst, and five being the best.
Here is my list:

“Anyone But You”
Starting off strong, we have my favorite rom com that has come out in recent years: “Anyone but You” (2023), directed by Will Gluck. It’s a remake of the classic Shakespeare play, “Much Ado About Nothing.” Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell nail the enemies-to-lovers pipeline Shakespeare adored. The use of slapstick comedy was so well done, and I doubled over and fell out of my chair from laughing. This film is perfect for a first date, as it will break any nervousness or awkwardness. Final rating: 4/5 hearts.

“A Walk to Remember”
Next up, is “A Walk to Remember” (2002), directed by Adam Shankman. Mandy Moore and Shane West are both terrific leading actors. However, I do not suggest this movie for a date night. I expected it to be a cheesy rom com, like others in this list. Nope! If you’re like me, it’s possible your roommates will ask you if you’re OK because you’re crying so hard. I feel bad giving it two hearts, because it’s a great movie, just depressing for a first date. However, this is the perfect movie to cry-watch after your Valentine’s date ghosted you. Final rating: 3/5 hearts.

“She’s All That”
There’s not much for me to say about “She’s All That” (1999), directed by Robert Iscove. It’s classic, cliche and cute. It is predictable, but an easy watch. Making fun of its cheesiness is the perfect ice breaker on a first date. Final rating: 3/5 hearts.

“My Bloody Valentine”
I had never heard of “My Bloody Valentine” (2009), directed by Patrick Lussier, until I saw it on the list of suggested movies. I was not a fan of this movie, but I might be biased as I hate all horror movies. To be honest, I couldn’t finish the movie. I have no clue if he is a killer and if they fall in love or not. If you’re into cult classic horror movies, I recommend you watch the original “My Bloody Valentine” slasher from 1981 and the 2009 version, then you and your boo can compare the two and dive into the many fan theories that come with these films. Final rating 2/5 Hearts.

“How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”
“How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days” (2003), directed by Donald Petrie, will always be my favorite movie. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are both gorgeous, witty and hilarious. This movie is perfect for a first date, it has just the right number of difficulties to stay interesting. Overall, it is lighthearted with a happy ending. I love the fact that there are no villains in this story. Both main characters are more than their relationship — they’re hardworking and career driven. Everything about this movie hits all the right spots to make a perfect rom-com. Final rating: 5/5 hearts.

“Set it Up”
The next movie, “Set it Up” (2018), directed by Claire Scanlon, has Glen Powell again. He plays a similar character as he does in “Anyone but You” of an egotistical business bro, who has a soft side. We see this character all the time in the media, but my heart still melts when the guy confesses his love for the quirky and awkward female lead. This movie is lighthearted but delivers a great message about not settling in your romantic relationships. Zoey Deutch is also hilarious and is perfect in her role. Final rating: 3/5 Hearts.

“Ten Things I Hate About You”
“Ten Things I Hate About You” (1999), directed by Gil Junger is another Shakespeare remake. A stacked cast of rising stars from the early 2000s? Count me in! Another enemies-to-lovers story, but this movie is unique as it follows multiple characters and their pursuit of high school love. My favorite scene is obviously Heath Ledger’s iconic rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” to make Julia Stiles’ stubborn character swoon. There are many fun and goofy scenes, but they’re balanced by the scenes of the various characters fighting and confronting each other. Absolutely perfect for a first date. Final rating: 5/5 hearts.

“Clueless”
“Clueless” (1995) directed by Amy Heckerling, is perfect for a girl’s night–a galantines, if you will. It is a love story, which features the oh-so-charming Paul Rudd, but the focus is a message about valuing the friendships in your life over materialistic items. To round out girls’ night, I suggest watching a double feature of “Clueless” and “Mean Girls.” I promise it will be way more fun than an awkward first date with an average guy from a dating app. Final rating: 4/5 hearts.

“Valentine’s Day”
“Valentine’s Day” (2010), directed by Garry Marshall, has a star-studded cast — something for everyone. From Taylor Swift to Bradley Cooper, this movie is enjoyable. The multiple love stories are interconnected, and we follow them through the difficulties of being single on Valentine’s Day. This movie is great to watch with a group of friends, on a first date or alone. Final rating: 3/5 hearts.

“The Notebook”
Finally, I watched “The Notebook” (2004), directed by Nick Cassavetes. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams created the perfect romance movie. I love this movie dearly, but I don’t recommend it for a first date. The highs are remarkably high, and the lows are incredibly low — this is another movie that you watch to cry. It would be perfect to watch with your friends, while eating ice cream and wishing you had a Ryan Gosling or James Marsden on your arm. Although it’s a masterpiece, I warn you not to expect any happy endings. Final rating: 4/5 hearts.

According to the internet, these are the most suggested 10 movies for the perfect first date. Not every movie on this list is perfect for a first date, but nothing for a first date is. It’ll be a little awkward no matter what, so embrace that and be yourself. If your date goes bad, remember you’ll always have Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Gosling forever on film.