- We do virtual movie nights where we video call and watch the same film together.
- We love animated, feel-good movies but have already seen most Disney and DreamWorks titles.
- Looking for fresh movie recommendations to keep the fun going!
Long-distance relationships can be a real test of creativity, especially when all you want is to hang out together. If you’re like me, living in the U.S. and engaged to your fiancée in Japan, you probably miss those cozy nights spent cuddled up on the couch. But hey, we’ve found a super fun workaround! Welcome to our version of a virtual date night: online drinking and movie watching.
Picture this: it’s Friday night, and I’m lounging in my living room while my fiancée is cozily settled in her place thousands of miles away. We get on a video call, smartphones in hand, a glass of our favorite drink ready—yes, we’re international, so she’s sipping on sake while I’m nursing a bourbon. We hit play on a movie simultaneously, then just like that, it’s a Friday night in front of the TV, even if we’re miles apart. If you’ve never tried this, you’re missing out! It’s a bonding experience that’s almost as good as being there in person, minus the popcorn sharing, of course.
Now, let’s get real for a second. We have seen just about every animated movie that Disney and DreamWorks have churned out—sometimes I feel like we’ve watched “Frozen” more times than we’ve had dates in person. As lovely as those movies are, that’s where I’ve hit a serious roadblock. I need fresh ideas! So, what animated feel-good movies can we dive into next?
If you’re searching for recommendations, here are some gems that might just fit the bill:
- The Secret Life of Pets – This movie is a hilarious peek into what our pets might do when we’re not home, which guarantees plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are adorable, and you can’t help but cheer them on.
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – Who doesn’t love the idea of food falling from the sky? It’s quirky, colorful, and packed with one-liners that’ll have you chuckling. Plus, who can resist a giant meatball?
- Coco – This one’s an absolute tearjerker with a heartwarming storyline about family and music that celebrates the Day of the Dead in a beautiful way. It’s visually stunning while also tugging at those heartstrings.
- Zootopia – In a world filled with anthropomorphic animals, Zootopia unpacks some major themes about tolerance and friendship without being preachy. The humor is sharp, and the cultural references will give you some fun conversations afterward.
- Kubo and the Two Strings – For something a little different, this stop-motion animated film is a visual feast. It dives deep into Japanese folklore, and experiencing the beauty of that while connecting with my fiancée is a win-win situation.
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines – A Spider-Man animator brings this hilarious, slightly chaotic family adventure to life. You’ll be laughing out loud, especially if you give it a twist with your favorite drink.
- Soul – A beautiful exploration of purpose and passion, it’s perfect for those introspective nights while encouraging you to think about the little joys in life. Who knew talking about existential crises could be so uplifting?
The key with our online movie nights is to keep the conversation flowing while we sip on our drinks. We often pause the movie every now and then to laugh, criticize the characters, or try out our most terrible impressions. Pro tip: picking a film that sparks conversation will only deepen that connection—even if you both go “wait, did you see that?” mid-sip.
So, my fellow long-distance aviators, if you’re in a similar boat and craving an engaging movie night, try out these suggestions. Pick a flick, pour your drink of choice, and create a fun ritual around it. Not only does it keep the relationship fresh, but it also gives you both something to look forward to—even from across the ocean.
Now, don’t keep this golden nugget of wisdom to yourself! Share this article with your friends, family, and fellow long-distance lovers. Who knows, you just might help someone find their new favorite movie to enjoy while sipping a drink and laughing over video calls. Cheers to making the most of distance!
