10 Unique NYC Date Ideas, Inspired By Your Favorite Films

In honor of the Oscars, this week’s picks are inspired by movies. Not in the way that romcoms are the life inspiration for hopeless romantic types, but rather taking cues from action films, comedies, animated films, and more. Risk takers can go the route of the potentially death defying simulations while the faint of heart can get their fill by renting or seeing the movie. You could even set up a date to watch the movie in preparation for your real life experience.

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The Fast and the Furious

There’s something kind of sexy about racing around in tricked out cars in the middle of the night or at exotic locations. Also, Paul Walker & a bunch of hot car babes. With the new Fast and the Furious 6 movie coming out, one can prepare by catching up on the last five installations of the film. If you hit all five, you’ll know there’s compatibility!

Real Life Date: The Classic Car Club in Manhattan not only gives members access to some stylish and covetable car models, but also throws events -- like Carchella, a night filled with free drinks, incredible cars, and DJs that will make you dance your butt off. The catch is that these events are private and guest list only... so you have to be a member to attend (or find a date who is).

Watch the trailer here.
On the Road

The icon of the beat generation, arguably the original hipsters. This movie adaptation of the book adaptation of Kerouac’s life is an awesome adventure to watch, as the three characters let it all go on the road to self discovery.

Real Life Date: Ideally the best way to “live” this movie is to take an epic road trip of self discovery yourself, but Grand Life Hotels offers the opportunity to experience key moments and members of this generation without leaving New York. Many of the characters represented in On the Road can be seen through the lens of Beat poet and photographer Allen Ginsberg at “Beat Memories- The Photographs of Allen Ginsberg”, a photo show running now through the first week of April. If you’re itching for some actual movement over looking at photos, you can take the coinciding Ginsberg in the East Village walking tour on April 6th.

Watch the trailer here.
Ghost

The moment where Patrick Swayze sits with Demi over the kiln is enough to make the hair on the back of your neck to stand, as the Righteous Brothers sing through the scene.

Real Life Date: Mud, Sweat and Tears Pottery in Hell’s Kitchen teaches beginner pottery wheel courses. It’s the next best, less creepy alternative to being in your own dark pottery studio with your ghost of a lover guiding your hands. Learn how to make some pots together and play a little unchained melody to set the mood.

Watch the trailer here.
Brave/The Hunger Games

An animated film and a fantasy action film based on a best-selling novel. You’ve got two great movies to choose from depending on the vibes you want to set, with one unifying theme – archery!

Real Life Date: Archery makes for a great date activity. Why? Because you don’t have to be a jock to be good at it, and it’s really fun even if you’re terrible. Pro Line Archery Lanes in NY is an indoor range that welcomes both champions and amateurs alike. They offer 2-hour rental packages for $20 and they even suggest that they can get you shooting like Katniss with their training, on their website’s main page.

Watch the trailer for Brave here and The Hunger Games here.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s

This timeless romantic comedy with the quintessential manic pixie dream girl tale has given many a NY girl the hope that one’s frivolity and craziness can be charming, and even intoxicating. Hmmmm.

Real Life Date: With everyone’s busy schedules these days, people should really start considering the option of breakfast dates. Getting ready for a date pre-10 AM is a novelty, plus it adds a fun twist to your daily routine. Take a cue from the film and get some breakfast around the infamous jewelry store on 5th Avenue. Norma’s at the Le Parker Meridien, on 57th and 6th, is just a walk away and is open as early as 7AM. Finish off this morning date with a coffee and a croissant to-go, and take quick detour from your work commute to visit the Tiffany’s windows before they open.

Watch the trailer here.
Skyfall

Bond – the man that every guy wants to be and every girl wants to be with. The latest installment of the series, featuring Daniel Craig, serves up the typical levels of adrenaline in the first few minutes, with a motorcycle chase scene atop moving trains in Istanbul.

Real Life Date: Trying to ride a motorcycle on top of a train or jumping the side of a bridge is not advisable, so take the safe course by going on a motorcycle lesson date at the Ferrari Driving School. They provide their own fleet of motorcycles and scooters to use, with both closed course and street riding lessons to help you (safely) get on your way to becoming the next James Bond...for a few minutes, anyway.

Watch the trailer here.
Space Jam

This movie featuring revered b-ball player Michael Jordan playing alongside Looney Tunes characters is a cult classic of the 90s. The light-hearted film is hard not to love, even if your reason is the outright cheesiness of Bugs Bunny and MJ defeating aliens in a basketball game.

Real Life Date: Make like Jay-Z and Beyonce and cozy up courtside at a Brooklyn Nets game. All the cool kids are doing it. If basketball isn’t really your thing, just go to watch the Nets cheerleaders and channel Bring it On.

Watch the trailer here.
Black Swan

Natalie Portman playing a psychotic ballerina may not be romantic, but the juxtaposition of her craziness with the beautiful choreography of the Tchaikovsky ballet creates the perfect mix of scary and pretty that anyone can enjoy.

Real Life Date: The Williamsburg Movement & Arts Center offers adult ballet classes in open levels, so you can dabble in dance without having to break your toes or live on carrot sticks. If you really just want to “get your dance on” with no rules, there are sessions you can take bearing just that title (Get Your Dance On) taught by Natasha Blanks every Monday at Atmananda Yoga on Irving Place.

Watch the trailer here.
Titanic

Another oldie but date movie goodie, Titanic was the epic love story of the 90s, with the oh-so-dreamy young Leo Dicaprio. Who could forget that steamy sketching scene?

Real Life Date: This date idea isn’t going to require you or your date to get naked and draw each other, although it does require you to be comfortable with being around other naked people. But it’s ok! There will be booze. Macri Park bar in Williamsburg hosts a Drink and Draw event every Sunday night after 9:30 where they have a semi-nude model strike a few poses and you can (as the event name suggests) drink and draw. It might take a few Jameson’s to feel comfortable doing this on a date, but it will certainly be an interesting bonding experience.

Watch the trailer here.
Wreck it Ralph

The heartwarming tale of a video game bully who’s actually just a misunderstood sweetheart, is set in an arcade city much like the one in Tron, but with a more and playful twist. Though it’s a family film, the appearance of characters like Pac Man and Sonic the Hedgehog hit that nostalgic sweet spot for adults.

Real Life Date: Many of the movie’s games are actually available to play at bar/arcade hybrid Barcade. Grab a glass of one of their many craft beers on tap and challenge your date to some well loved classic arcade games. Maybe let them win a couple of times to win them over in the dating game *winky face*. Most people know about the Williamsburg Barcade location, but if you’re looking to veer out of the BK/Manhattan hood, you should check out the Barcade in Jersey City for a little change of scenery just a Path train away. Both locations are participating in this week’s NYC Beer Week this Thursday, February 28th.

Watch the trailer here.