Oscar Winners You and Your Partner Should Watch for Date Night
From timeless Best Picture winners to unforgettable international gems, these Oscar-winning movies are perfect for your next cozy date night.
Last updated March 15, 2026
Forrest Gump (1994) — 142 min
Won 6 Oscars, including Best Picture
This is the movie that gave us 'Life is like a box of chocolates,' but don’t let the catchphrase fool you into thinking it’s light. Tom Hanks’s deeply human performance as Forrest snagged him a second consecutive Best Actor Oscar. His journey through decades of American history makes this a surprisingly tender pick for couples with different tastes. One of you gets a nostalgic trip through iconic pop culture moments, and the other gets a story full of heart. Currently streaming on Prime Video, it’s a classic worth revisiting.
Night In Score: 87/100
Tom Hanks gives an Oscar-winning performance as a simple-minded man who becomes a war hero and businessman all while pursuing the love of his life.
Best for: Won Best Picture in 1995, beating Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption.
Added: Jan 2, 2026
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 118 min
Only horror to win Best Picture
You think your partner’s movie taste is scary? Try Hannibal Lecter. This psychological thriller swept the major Oscars in 1992, including Best Picture and acting wins for Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. It's intense, unsettling, and oddly intimate, making it perfect for couples who can handle edge-of-your-seat tension together. Watch it on Prime Video, but maybe keep the lights on if this is a first-time watch.
Night In Score: 85/100
A young FBI trainee must earn the trust of a twisted and brilliant psychopath to help her learn the identity of an at-large serial killer.
Best for: Only the third film ever to win all five major Oscars.
Added: Mar 2, 2026
Whiplash (2014) — 106 min
Won Best Supporting Actor
J.K. Simmons’s terrifying portrayal of a music teacher earned him the Supporting Actor Oscar, and his dynamic with Miles Teller is electric. Whiplash is as much about obsession and perfectionism as it is about jazz, making it a fascinating watch if you and your partner enjoy high-stakes drama. At just 106 minutes, it’s lean, riveting, and leaves you debating whether greatness is worth the cost. Streaming now on Netflix.
Night In Score: 84/100
Driven by his demanding music teacher, drummer Andrew is determined to succeed as a jazz musician — even if it destroys his personality.
Best for: J.K. Simmons won for his intense, unforgettable performance.
Added: Nov 27, 2025
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) — 103 min
Won Best Original Screenplay
This is the movie for when you want to feel everything all at once. Charlie Kaufman’s inventive screenplay won an Oscar for its heartbreaking exploration of love, memory, and regret. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are mesmerizing as two people trying to erase each other from their minds, literally. It’s a bold choice for couples who don’t mind diving into the messy, beautiful corners of what it means to love someone. Catch it on Hulu and prepare for a post-movie debrief.
Night In Score: 82/100
A fragmented, non-linear look at the elusive and peculiar nature of memory, this gorgeous and romantic, high-concept yet lo-fi/sci-fi cult classic could only come from the genius mind of Charlie Kaufman. Aching and ambitious filmmaking, of a kind rarely replicated.
Best for: Charlie Kaufman’s screenplay blends sci-fi and romance in unforgettable ways.
Added: Feb 2, 2026
The Usual Suspects (1995) — 101 min
Won Best Original Screenplay
This is the movie that gave us one of the most famous twists in film history. If you’re a couple that loves untangling a mystery together, The Usual Suspects is a perfect pick. Its atmospheric storytelling and sharp script earned an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1996. Just remember, one of you will probably call the twist before the other. Streaming now on Prime Video.
Night In Score: 84/100
Named by the American Film Institute as one of the Top 10 mystery films of all time, and winner of two Academy Awards, The Usual Suspects involves a case of twenty-seven dead bodies, five career criminals and the FBI agent in search of answers.
Best for: The twist ending redefined crime thrillers in the 90s.
Added: Feb 2, 2026
The Pianist (2002) — 143 min
Won Best Actor
Adrien Brody’s haunting performance as Władysław Szpilman made him the youngest-ever Best Actor winner at age 29. The Pianist isn’t an easy watch, it’s raw, devastating, and deeply powerful. But for couples who want a film to spark meaningful conversation, this Holocaust drama is an unforgettable choice. Stream it on Prime Video and prepare for a quiet, reflective evening.
Night In Score: 84/100
The true story of a Polish, Jewish pianist who survives the Holocaust during WWII even as his friends and family are taken away to concentration camps.
Best for: Adrien Brody’s Oscar acceptance speech is as moving as the film itself.
Added: May 18, 2024
The Lion King (1994) — 88 min
Won Best Original Song and Score
Yes, it’s technically a kids’ movie, but The Lion King’s Oscar-winning music by Elton John and Hans Zimmer makes it a must-watch for adults too. This is for couples who want something familiar but still emotionally resonant. Plus, it’s short enough to fit in on a weeknight without sacrificing emotional impact. Stream it on Disney+ and prepare to belt 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' together.
Night In Score: 84/100
Celebrate the glory of The Lion King as this magnificent coming-of-age masterpiece takes its rightful place as the reigning star of the acclaimed Walt Disney Signature Collection!
Best for: Won two Oscars in 1995 for its unforgettable music.
Added: Dec 11, 2024
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) — 124 min
Won Best Foreign Language Film
This Argentine thriller is the rare film that manages to be a love story, a revenge tale, and a political mystery all at once. Its win at the 2010 Oscars came in a highly competitive year, cementing it as a standout of modern international cinema. For couples who love untangling complex narratives together, this one offers plenty to discuss long after the credits roll. Stream it on Prime Video to see why it’s become a Latin American classic.
Night In Score: 79/100
At once a love story, a revenge epic, and a mystery of political intrigue, this excellent thriller from Argentina won 2009’s Best Foreign Film Academy Award® (in a crowded year!) and has become one of Latin American cinema’s most popular exports.
Best for: Won the 2010 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Added: Dec 26, 2025
A Separation (2011) — 123 min
Won Best Foreign Language Film
This Iranian drama is like watching a moral puzzle box unfold in real time. A Separation’s Oscar win in 2012 was a watershed moment for international cinema, and its exploration of family, class, and justice is as gripping as it is heartbreaking. For couples who want a film that sparks conversation about life’s grey areas, this is an unforgettable pick. Available on Apple TV, it’s the kind of movie that lingers long after it ends.
Night In Score: 80/100
When his wife (Leila Hatami) leaves him, Nader (Peyman Moadi) hires a young woman (Sareh Bayat) to take care of his suffering father (Ali-Asghar Shahbazi). But he doesn't know his new maid is not only pregnant, but also working without her unstable husband's (Shahab Hosseini) permission.
Best for: Iran’s first-ever Oscar winner, taking home Best Foreign Language Film in 2012.
Added: Apr 19, 2022
The Lives of Others (2006) — 132 min
Won Best Foreign Language Film
Set in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, this Oscar-winning thriller dives into the lives of a playwright and his lover under surveillance by the secret police. It’s a tense and deeply human story about the intersection of art, politics, and morality. Couples who enjoy gripping dramas with a historical edge will find this one unforgettable. Available on Apple TV, it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to expose the truth.
Night In Score: 82/100
This Oscar(r)-winning thriller (Best Foreign Language Film, 2006) tells the erotic story of an East German couple whose every intimate moment is being monitored by the Secret Police hoping to learn information that could destroy their lives.
Best for: Winner of Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 Oscars.
Added: Jun 17, 2022
20 Feet from Stardom (2013) — 90 min
Won Best Documentary Feature
This documentary shines a long-overdue spotlight on the backup singers who helped shape the soundtrack of the 20th century. Winning Best Documentary Feature in 2014, it’s a joyful, poignant ode to unsung talent. For couples who love music and behind-the-scenes stories, this is a feel-good pick that also packs an emotional punch. Stream it on Prime Video and prepare for some serious goosebumps.
Night In Score: 67/100
Award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century.
Best for: Won the 2014 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
Added: Nov 26, 2025
Man on Wire (2008) — 94 min
Won Best Documentary Feature
Philippe Petit’s daring high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974 is the stuff of legend, and this Oscar-winning documentary captures every breathtaking moment. Couples who love stories about ambition and artistry will find this inspiring and nerve-wracking in equal measure. It’s also surprisingly romantic, exploring the passion behind Petit’s impossible dream. Available on Prime Video, it’s an edge-of-your-seat and heartwarming pick.
Night In Score: 73/100
Philippe Petit, who walked an illegally rigged highwire between NYC’s twin towers in 1974, faces stupendous challenges for the sake of his daring art.
Best for: Won Best Documentary Feature at the 2009 Oscars.
Added: Dec 26, 2025
The Salesman (2016) — 123 min
Won Best Foreign Language Film
Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winning drama is a quietly devastating portrait of a couple grappling with trauma and revenge. The Salesman’s layered storytelling earned it the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2017, becoming a high point in Iranian cinema. For couples who appreciate movies that challenge their perspective, this one is an emotional gut punch. It’s streaming on Prime Video, but be ready to unpack it together afterwards.
Night In Score: 75/100
Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life.
Best for: Won the 2017 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Added: Jul 23, 2023
The Great Beauty (2013) — 141 min
Won Best Foreign Language Film
A lavish exploration of life, art, and memory in modern Rome, The Great Beauty is a feast for the senses. Its Oscar win in 2014 for Best Foreign Language Film was no surprise, given its stunning cinematography and poignant storytelling. Couples who want a movie that feels like a mini-vacation to Italy will find plenty to savor here. Streaming on HBO Max, it’s opulent, melancholic, and unforgettable.
Night In Score: 76/100
A journalist's 65th birthday and a shock from the past cause him to examine his status as a fixture of Rome's literary and social circles.
Best for: Won Best Foreign Language Film at the 2014 Oscars.
Added: Apr 16, 2025
More From The Watch List
For couples who find themselves debating genres, check out our guide: Can't Agree on What to Watch?
Looking for a movie to match your vibe? Our Best Date Night Movies by Mood list has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 'Forrest Gump' a good couples' pick?
Its mix of heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic pop culture moments offers something for both partners to enjoy.
Is 'The Silence of the Lambs' too intense for a date night?
Only if you’re not into edge-of-your-seat thrillers. It’s unsettling but oddly intimate—a great choice for thrill-seeking couples.
Why is 'The Pianist' recommended for couples?
It’s a deeply emotional film that sparks meaningful conversations, making it ideal for a reflective, quiet night together.
Why should couples watch 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'?
Its raw, inventive take on love and memory makes it perfect for couples who like to explore the complexities of relationships.