Choose from these 3 Prime Video movies for this weekend’s date night (January 23

This month we’re doing something new and tackling the topic of date nights. Wow! I don’t know about you, but my ideal date night is at home with my favorite person, in front of the TV, with our favorite snacks and a good movie or two.

If this sounds like you and your partner or love interest, sit back, then relax with your significant other for these three acclaimed romantic comedies on Amazon Prime Video.

3

Late at night

From the mind of Mindy Kaling and boasting an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score, Late at night is a fabulous, Oscar-nominated comedy about a legendary late-night talk show host. It’s a solid choice for relaxing and unwinding, both for you and your date.

After almost 30 years, groundbreaking talk show host Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) suspects she’s about to lose her coveted seat on late-night television after her ratings have steadily declined. Her only option is to revamp the show if she doesn’t want the ax, so she makes a revolutionary transformation and hires her first and only writer, Molly Patel, played by Kaling. Although intended to quell diversity issues, Katherine’s decision leads to hilariously unexpected consequences as she and Molly, who are from very different cultures and generations, bond over their love of a biting punchline.

This feel-good comedy-drama balances its laughs with crucial social commentary and witty writing, for which Kaling is known. She and Thompson give brilliant performances in this timely exploration of workplace diversity, sexism, and finding your voice when it matters. It’s funny, heartwarming, thoughtful and uplifting, making it a perfect movie for a date night.

2

Dilapidated

Dilapidated is a sweet little romantic comedy set in Maine about a widow who falls in love with her late husband’s biographer. In addition to Jason Sudeikis and Rebecca Hall, Dianna Agron, Joe Manganiello and Blythe Danner also star.

Hannah (Hall) finds herself a protective and grieving widow after her famous folk singer husband Hunter Miles dies suddenly after falling into a ravine. Conceived in the footsteps of greats like Nick Drake, Elliot Smith and Jeff Buckley, Hunter’s music continues to influence listeners, drawing them to his final resting place. When Pop Culture Studies professor and music scholar Andrew McDonnell (Sudeikis) shows up and wants to write about Hunter, it sparks the start of a turbulent relationship with Hannah, which quickly stabilizes after she reads his sensitive prose.

You’ll love the strong lead performances in this romantic story that’s so much deeper than just fluff. It mixes a bit of witty humor with poignant explorations of heartbreak, healing, and unexpected love without dwelling too much on the painful moments. It offers a gentle look at what it means to move forward while examining the beauty brought by new beginnings and how both work as modes of healing if you let them.

1

The seriously ill

Based on real events, The seriously ill tells the story of how a medically induced coma turned into an epic, real-life love story for comedian Kumail Nanjiani and writer Emily V. Gordon. Their cross-cultural romance was put to the test when a medical crisis struck just as they were beginning to fall in love.

After meeting Emily, an American graduate student, at one of his stand-up shows in the mid-2000s, the Pakistani comedian falls hard. As their relationship blossoms, he worries what her Muslim parents will think of her, but everything changes when Emily suddenly falls ill and ends up in a coma. While waiting at her bedside, Kumail develops a deep bond with Emily’s parents, played by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, and after being diagnosed with a rare systemic autoinflammatory disease that can shut down major organs if left untreated, Emily wakes up. It had only been eight months, but Kumail was ready to marry her, and he did so in 2007.

If that doesn’t give you all the feels and puts little hearts and tears of joy in your eyes, you’re in trouble. I’m kidding. Seriously, The seriously ill is refreshingly authentic in a deeply heartfelt take on the romantic comedy genre. The film successfully mixes humor and serious themes in this true story full of authentic drama and several laugh-out-loud moments.

If date nights with romantic comedies are your thing, you can’t go wrong with these recommendations, which are worth your time and any tears of joy that might be shed. Remember, guys, it’s not just girls who will have misty eyes. In the immortal words of one Jeffrey Lebowski, “Strong men cry too,” so don’t be afraid to show those emotions. That’s what Date Night is for! Watch one, two, or all three, but before you do, make sure to level up with Prime Video’s overlooked features for the best possible viewing experience.​​​​​​​

Subscription with advertisements

Yes, via Prime membership or $9/month

Concurrent streams

3

Live TV

No

Price

Included with Amazon Prime membership ($15/month or $139/year) or $9/month alone

Prime Video has a large volume of content to watch. Amazon’s other perks are also a bonus.