50 Dating Tips From The Movies

Before Sunset (2004)

The Dating Tip: "Even being alone it's better than sitting next to your lover and feeling lonely."

How It Applies To Real Life: Richard Linklater's adored sequel to Before Sunrise is one long lesson in love and human connection, and Céline (Julie Delpy)'s French straight-talking gave us this important tip.

When a relationship is wrong, you'll feel it - if you find yourself feeling chirpier sitting home alone on Saturday night than hitting the town with your other half, then cut it off immediately.

Lost In Translation (2003)

The Dating Tip: "You know you're just a teenager, at marriage, you can drive it but there's still the occasional accident."

How It Applies To Real Life: Mistakes happen.

Bill Murray turned in a stellar performance as ageing movie star Bob Harris in Sofia Coppola's powerful film. The parallels between his ailing marriage and that of newlywed Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) are played out perfectly, as he offers sage wisdom to his pal, without ever patronising her youth.

The Wedding Singer (1998)

The Dating Tip: "If you find somebody you can love, you can't let that get away."

How It Applies To Real Life: Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) taught us to fight for the girl, even if it looks as if she'll never be yours.

We also learned that if all else fails, write a really kick-ass song and serenade her on a packed aeroplane. Works like a charm.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

The Dating Tip: "When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side 1 of ‘Led Zeppelin IV.’"

How It Applies To Real Life: Once you've found the move that works for you, you use it and you use it every single time you need that boost of confidence. For some people it's a lucky item of clothing, but for Mike Damone (Robert Romanus), it's the Zep.

He also states that "when ordering food, you find out what she wants, then order for the both of you. It's a classy move." We're starting to think that Mike Damone should have written a book full of his invaluable dating tips.

Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

The Dating Tip: "You could always tell what kind of a person a man thinks you are by the earrings he gives you."

How It Applies To Real Life: Ladies : take a long, hard look at your jewellery. According to girl-about-town Holly Gollightly (Audrey Hepburn), that's how you know how much he loves you.

Gents : think very carefully before buying that necklace. There's a high possibility that your girlfriend has watched Breakfast At Tiffany's , in which case this is much more than just a necklace. It's a statement.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

The Dating Tip: "Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills."

How It Applies To Real Life: Always try to better yourself.

Napoleon (Jon Heder) knows that he won't get a girlfriend until he gets better at bow-hunting and computer-hacking. Does he sit around moping? He most certainly does not. He makes use of his illustration skills and learns to boogie in order to impress his girl; that's the kind of can-do attitude that the ladies love.

Although maybe avoid the dodgy doodles. No woman wants to see a sketch of herself sporting what looks like a Tom Selleck moustache.

Say Anything (1989)

The Dating Tip: "No. The world is full of guys. Be a man. Don't be a guy."

How It Applies To Real Life: Everyone needs a pep talk from a sassy 80s movie best friend when they're feeling mopey, and Corey Flood (Lili Taylor) is one of the best.

She's not afraid to give buddy Lloyd (John Cusack) a dressing down for using his gender as an excuse for bad behaviour, and this is definitely one that all teenage boys should listen to.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

The Dating Tip: "It's not the end of the world."

How It Applies To Real Life: You've just been dumped. The jukebox just starting playing a mopey tune by Chicago. Your lonely, single life stretches ahead of you as you start to wipe away the tears. But look on the bright side - at least you're not getting chased by a hoard of bloodthirsty zombies.

If Shaun (Simon Pegg) can survive his break-up AND the zombie apocalypse, then there's nothing you can't do.

Alfie (2004)

The Dating Tip: "Couples should never split up between Thanksgiving and January 2nd. Always have a relationship to see you through the holidays. Always."

How It Applies To Real Life: Selfish though it might be, no one likes spending the holidays alone. Womaniser Alfie (Jude Law) shares his tip for avoiding a lonely Christmas, although we can't help thinking that it's surely more financially sensible to split up pre-Christmas and save yourself the cost of a gift?

Pretty In Pink (1986)

The Dating Tip: "Listen, it's after 7:00. Don't waste good lip gloss."

How It Applies To Real Life : Closely linked with the now infamous mantra "nothing good ever happens after 2am", this classic John Hughes line reminded us all that you have to know when to pack up and quit.

When it looks like she's been stood up for her big date, Andie (Molly Ringwald) gets this invaluable piece of advice from record shop owner and generally cool mentor type Iona (Annie Potts). Boys who think it's okay to be late aren't worth the wait.