We love a good romance movie, right? There’s nothing more touching and exciting than curling with your partner or friends on the couch to watch a family drama with a heart-warming romance as the main theme. For tears, laughter and every emotion in between, here’s a quick guide on where to watch romance movies without having to feel guilty afterwards!
Cinemas and Drive-Ins
The traditional cinema experience is difficult to beat, especially when it comes to watching the latest romantic dramas. Nothing quite beats the big screen and warm, immersive audio that takes you into a virtual world. Whenever possible, try to plan ahead and book tickets for a movie at your local cinema. This way, you can save yourself the trouble of dealing with a hastily put-together makeshift drive-in! You can even find out what’s showing at nearby theatres with websites such as Fandango or Moviefone.
If you prefer to be a bit more spontaneous, a drive-in is the perfect option. It’s an easy, breezy way to watch a romantic movie in the comfort of your car. Many eco-friendly drive-ins have been popping up across the country, too, so you can be mindful of the environment and cuddle up to the person next to your with the air con blasting good vibes.
Streaming Services
If you don’t fancy crowding with a bunch of strangers at the cinemas, or don’t have access to a drive-in, streaming services can be an option. The best part is that you don’t have to pass a third party to sign into the streaming platform and there is no subscription required. You can access the best of the streaming platforms with your basic internet subscription and watch your favourite films from any device, from the comfort of your home.
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are some of the well-known streaming platforms available to watch romantic movies. For an even deeper dive, platforms such as HBO and Showtime offer exclusive content, as well as movie channels like Starz and Cinemax. These platforms even offer apps on smart televisions and streaming players like the Apple TV, so you can watch whatever you like without having to pay through the nose!
Rent Movies
Renting movies at places like Redbox or renting digitally through Zune, YouTube, and most streaming services is also an option. This can be a great way to connect with family and friends who’re scattered across the country, as you can rent the movie and send it to them. You can even use a rent service to watch the same movie with both sides in different countries without paying twice!
Many sites even offer free rentals, giving you access to famous titles like The Notebook, Love & Basketball, and The Proposal. Whether you decide to spread the love or watch a movie with your other half, renting movies can be an affordable way to stay entertained.
DVDs from the Library
For those who want to go all out and pay for the movie, purchasing a DVD may be the way to go. Depending on the library, you can purchase a DVD cheaply, or rent it for free, to watch at a later time. Many libraries even have physical shops where you can pick up a DVD and decide which movie to watch. You can also look up movies online and order them to reserve them before they’re gone. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or the latest romantic flick, your local library could have just what your heart desires.
Indie Cinema
To watch something a bit closer to home, it’s also worth checking out an indie cinema. Independent cinema has been skyrocketing in popularity, offering films as unique as the popcorn served in the lobby and sometimes for cheaper than a movie ticket at the big cinemas. Every indie cinema is likely to have its own set of titles and a majority of them are likely to be from the romantic genre.
You’re likely to find some great films, so if you’re keen to watch a genre other than the mainstream ones, then this is an ideal option. On the downside, it’s wise to book the tickets in advance as the indie cinemas are quite small and it is likely that they’ll be full right away!
Drive-In and Theatre Events
Tired of watching the same old movies in the same old way? Break the monotony by attending a drive-in or theatre event. You’re likely to find some great titles, so if you want a change from the usual big-screen fare, this could be just the ticket. Events like these will screen all manner of romantic films, from classic black-and-white classics to indie gems to round-the-world romances, so there’s something to suit every film enthusiast.
These events are often held in the evening, so if you’re looking for a unique, romantic outing with your special someone, this could be the perfect way to do it!
Film Festivals
Looking to experience something truly unique and bingeworthy? Check out a film festival in your area. Many film festivals have special screenings that focus on romantic movies, and give guests the chance to watch both past and upcoming blockbusters. From Cannes to Sundance to TIFF, you’re sure to find a romantic flick worth checking out.
Many of these events can also be streamed, so if you’d rather stay in the comfort of your own home, you can still get a taste of the festival. Alternatively, you could watch some of the festival favourites on the big screen and in the company of friends.
Free Open-Air Cinema
Open-air cinemas are a great change from the traditional indoor experience. Watching a movie outdoors can be quite an adventure, and there are some cities that offer free screenings. Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and New York all offer open-air screenings of some of the world’s biggest romantic films, so why not get in on the fun this summer?
These screenings are often organized by local councils, so do check with your local authority to find out if there are any taking place near you.
Video On Demand
To really get the most out of your romantic movie watching experience, investing in a video-on-demand service can be a great idea. Companies such as Lovefilm, NowTV, and Cinecarpet offer a wide selection of romantic movies available to rent and/or buy.
So if you’d like to watch a movie your way, anytime, anyplace, go for it!
Netflix Party
If you feel like catching a movie with a group of friends, then the Netflix Party app is the perfect solution. It’s free, and allows you to watch multiple cinema-style movies from home with your friends from different locations. You simply create a party and invite your friends, who can then comment and share reactions throughout the movie.
This is an awesome way to watch your favourite romantic movie while still experiencing the joy of watching it with other people.
Rent a Film Room
If you’d like to go all out and have a true cinema-style experience at home, try renting a film room. Many movie theatres have a dedicated film room that can be rented out for private screenings, which can be a great way to host a special movie night with friends and family.
Think about how awesome it would be to watch your favourite romantic movie with all the comforts of home and the serenity of being in a private movie theatre. With a film room, you can even choose from a variety of classic and modern films as well as upcoming releases, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds!
