Look to the big screen for inspiration for your big day. We’ve rounded up (and watched) all of the wedding movies on Netflix so you don’t have to. From romantic comedies to dramas, the genre has something for everybody; whether you need a much deserved break from wedding planning or just want to curl up and feel the love.
All of the following movies are on Netflix as of March 2023, they also all actually include a wedding of some sort, even if it is brief. Proposals, engagements and dating doesn’t count for this list.
01
2008 Paul Weiland
Best Cheesy Romance: Made of Honor
When we say wedding movie, Made ofHonor, a quintessential early 2000’s rom com is what immediately comes to mind. Predictable and easy to watch without being cringey, this family-friendly flick has swoon worthy scenes, great laughs and the perfect conclusion. It reminds us that anybody (gender inclusive) can be the maid of honor and a Scottish game day during the wedding weekend might just be the perfect way to kick off your nuptials. Take note how the leading lady opts for red during the rehearsal dinner, saving white for the wedding; a choice that is on trend now 15 years later!
02
2016 Jeff Nichols
Best Drama: Loving
Depicting the interracial couple that changed the country, Loving is an intimate reminder that marriage is a right and love is love. This intimate and sometimes somber story of Richard and Mildred Loving’s fight for marriage equality in 1957 is a must watch. Accompanied by jaw-dropping cinematography and inspiring notes about the nature of love, this movie makes you appreciate progress. Underpinned by class divides and race relations, the social commentary can not be beat.
03
2009 Todd Phillips
Best Comedy: The Hangover
This movie has everything including a musical interlude. A bachelor party in Vegas gone wrong the night before the wedding. A comedic mystery – you really should experience – with not one but two weddings! You truly can not predict what is coming next.
Bradley Cooper’s blue eyes perfectly matching his shirt is reason enough to watch.
A perfect pick to watch with your male S.O. The Hangover is chock full of testosterone so send the youngins to bed early to watch this raunchy film.
04
2023 Kenya Barris
Best Drama & Comedy: You People
Prepared to be uncomfortable in the best way possible. Truly a unique film, You People follows an unexpected couple’s navigation of the wedding process plagued by their respective families. While it is not exactly family friendly, it is hilarious.
It’s refreshing to see a male protagonist who is desperate to settle down and a highlight of the uniqueness that is LA culture.
Expect tons of pop culture references, a killer score, odes to the LA hip hop scene and realistically uncomfortable moments when our lovebirds confront the current racial climate head on. While there may or may not be a feet motif, the proposal is the best on the big screen.
05
2022 Tom Day
Best Romantic Comedy: Wedding Season
A diverse Netflix original through the lens of second generation Indian immigrants in the United States is charming, perfectly predictable and entertaining. Our leading lady is the definition of a self aware girl boss within a fascinating immigrant community who struggles to balance her personal and familial expectations.
The film overall taps into the underbelly of Desi culture surrounding marriage in the USA. It delivers well-rounded characters, beautiful weddings and a fantastic love story. Plus Asha’s wedding hair and outfits are what dreams are made of.
06
2017 Jeffery Walker
Best Family Friendly: Ali’s Wedding
Based on the (unfortunately) true story of an Iraqi immigrant in Australia navigating his Muslim community, Ali’s Wedding is absolutely fantastic. The film follows Ali as he juggles his lie, arranged marriage and feelings for the girl he loves. It is wholesome and speaks to universal ideas about relationships. It ’s also smart, funny, and stylish. It gives you an inside look into a community not well known in the western world. We loved seeing how different Muslim Australian wedding traditions are to Christian American.
The first dance is your introduction as a couple to the world, but it can be stressful choosing the perfect song to backdrop your big debut. We took inspiration from the big screen to find 20 wedding-worthy songs to commence your celebration. From pop to jazz to dramatic ballads spanning decades, this list has something for every type of couple. Check out our first dance tutorial for all the moves you need to wow your guests.
1. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
(Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2)
Whether you’re team Edward or Jacob, it’s hard to deny that Christina Perri’s pop tune pulls at the heartstrings during the final montage of the Twilight series. The upbeat rhythm starts slow and builds to allow lots of variation in your first dance, plus the string bridge sounds beautiful if performed live. While it is upbeat, the song maintains a softer, romantic, hopeful sound to bless your marriage.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Darling, don’t be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more”
2. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
(My Best Friend’s Wedding)
There are few things more romantic than Frank Sinatra’s voice. This jazz classic is a soft and intimate ballad that perfectly articulates the environment that makes a wedding oh-so special. This is a great pick for a couple that would like to combine the first dance and the parent dance in one song or want a shorter first dance. The bridge is a great transition for the newlyweds to switch partners or get the guests to the dance floor.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight”
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis or originally Elvis Presely
(Crazy Rich Asians)
The lavish Singapore wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians takes the cake for being the most drool worthy wedding on the big screen. Kina Grannis’s interpretation on Elvis Presley’s original “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is everything you could want in a wedding song and more. Melodic, rich and lifting, this tune is sure to be a tearjerker. You could do the classic sway or speed it up and opt for a more dynamic waltz.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can’t help falling in love with you”
4. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – Frank Sinatra or Micheal Buble cover
(The Proposal)
Although the bride did not make it down the aisle in The Proposal we would be amiss if we didn’t include another classic Frank Sinatra masterpiece. Similar to “The Way You Look Tonight” this song has a soft jazz swing. However, unlike the other song, this pick is much more suited for a foxtrot. Charming and passionate, you can not go wrong with Sinatra.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near”
5. “I Do I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” – ABBA
( Mamma Mia, Muriel’s Wedding)
While the Swedish pop sensation has several wedding-worthy songs, this one is our favorite because it happens DURING the wedding in Mamma Mia. The cheerful vibe lends itself to easy dancing, no matter your skill level. Whether you opt for the original ABBA version or Meryl Streep cover, “I Do I Do, I Do, I Do” is sure to set the perfect reception mood.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Oh, I’ve been dreaming through my lonely past
Now I just made it, I found you at last”
6. “Over the Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo
(50 First Dates)
“Love can overcome all” is the message at the end of 50 First Dates, backed by the beautiful mashup of two American classics by Hawaiian artist, Kamakawiwo. Maybe it’s the movie, but this melody would be idyllic on a beach. Especially if you’re exchanging vows in Hawaii, consider a local sound to accompany your introduction as a couple!
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true, ooh-ooh”
“I’ll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world”
7. “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” – Franki Valli and the Four Seasons
(10 Things I Hate About You)
If you haven’t seen 10 Things I Hate About You, stop reading and go watch it right now. There are few things more romantic than Heath Ledger’s surprise serenade to Julia Stiles accompanied by a full band. This classic early 2000s movie is paired with an even more classic song. This quintessential Franki Valli song starts slow and builds for the perfect amount of drama. Dynamic and fun, this timeless piece would make an evergreen first dance.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Pardon the way that I stare
There’s nothin’ else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak”
8. “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” – Aerosmith
(Armageddon)
Sensual pop rock—if you know you know. “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” is featured in Armageddon as we watch two very different people fall in love in the midst of global collapse. What is more romantic than an asteroid collision? Although this movie is a science fiction disaster film, love is in the air. This dramatic rock ballad is perfect for an edgy couple, who doesn’t feel the need to slow dance the whole time.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“And thank God we’re together
And I just want to stay with you in this moment forever
Forever and ever”
9. “Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows
(Shrek 2)
The Counting Crows created this song especially for Shrek 2. If your love story was also unexpected, “Accidentally in Love” could strike the perfect chord. Upbeat pop lends itself to an easy sway, or you could level it up and choreograph a dance.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Well baby I surrender
To the strawberry ice cream
Never ever end of all this love
Well I didn’t mean to do it
But there’s no escaping your love, oh”
10. “Today Was A Fairytale” – Taylor Swift
(Valentines Day)
Don’t worry Swifties, we didn’t forget about you. Since your wedding day should be a fairytale, what better way to cement the idea than a pop country ballad paying homage to the big day. Since this one is a little slower, a sway is ideal for those of us with two left feet.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“… Can you feel this magic in the air?
It must have been the way you kissed me
Fell in love when I saw you standing there
It must have been the way
Today was a fairytale”
11. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes
(Dirty Dancing)
This song is excellent for the couple ambitious enough to try the celebrated ~over the head~ lift that is featured at the end of Dirty Dancing. Do your own thing or learn the choreography from the film. Soft rock straight out of 1987 would be lots of fun live because it starts slow and intimate and grows–ideal for getting the party started.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“I’ve been waiting for so long
Now I’ve finally found someone to stand by me
Just remember
You’re the one thing
I can’t get enough of”
12. “My Cherie Amour” – Stevie Wonder
(Silver Linings Playbook & Almost Famous)
Although this song triggers bad memories for Bradley Cooper, we can’t ignore the brilliance of using “My Cherie Amour” for a first dance. The song is intimate, lovey-dovey and downright beautiful to listen to. It would be perfectly paired with a waltz or foxtrot.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“My Cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore
You’re the only girl my heart beats for”
13. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
(Ghost)
Blacktux interviewed 900 couples and found that The Righteous Brothers take the cake for the most popular first dance song. Popular (without being basic)—there is a reason many couples select this song as the backdrop to their introduction as a pair. The pottery scene in Ghost is sexy to say the least, and the song could be easily adapted to fit your style.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Woah, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered, hungered for your touch”
14. “It Had To Be You” – Harry Connick Jr. (movie version), Frank Sinatra (original)
(When Harry Met Sally)
Yet another Sinatra, but our list would be incomplete without including part of the score of this 1989 flick. Your mother probably loves it and the song is easy to dance to. With slightly more swing, this jazz beat is equal parts intimate and lively. If you’re marrying your best friend, this song is a good option.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“I wandered around, and I finally found
The somebody who
Could make me be true”
15. “Moon River” – Audrey Hepburn
(Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
A departure from traditional first dance songs, “Moon River” is sincere, fanciful, and pretty. It is also only 1:50 long, ideal for a more low key couple who wants to celebrate the tradition without it being a focus of the party. A simple sway would be enough to convey the love and commitment in this melody.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“We’re after the same rainbow’s end
Waitin’ ’round the bend
My huckleberry friend
Moon river and me”
16. “City of Stars” – Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
(La La Land)
La La Land swept at award shows in 2016–for good reason. Although (spoiler!) the two do not end up together in the end, the cinematography and love story are breathtaking. Nix the tap shoes (or keep them in for some flair) for some waltzing shoes to stun the crowd. You could even take inspiration from the choreography from the film. This song is on the softer side and is shorter than others on the list.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you
That now, our dreams
They’ve finally come true”
17. “All I Want Is You” – Barry Louis Polisar
(Reality Bites)
This 90s cult classic starring Winona Ryder is one part coming of age, one part social commentary, and one part romantic epic. More recently the tune was featured in Juno, another flick about the intricacies of love. Upbeat and swingy, this is a great pick for a more casual first dance. Whimsical while still being romantic and more folky than other picks on our list, you could even throw in a two step.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“All I want is you, will you be my bride
Take me by the hand and stand by my side?”
18. “When I Look At You” – Miley Cryus
(The Last Song)
Dramatic and starry-eyed, this song could make a beautiful entrance for your reception. Inspired by Nicolas Sparks 2009 book, The Last Song is a coming of age teen romantic drama that sparked its own love story offscreen between Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. A sway or waltz could easily accompany this rock-esc pop song. A live piano performance would be beautiful just like the piano in the movie.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“You love me for who I am
Like the stars hold the moon
Right there where they belong”
19. “A Million Dreams” – The Greatest Showman Cast
(The Greatest Showman)
This hopeful and bright ballad debuted in 2017 and is sung by a star-studded cast. While the movie isn’t explicitly about falling in romantic love, it has every message a new marriage could hope for. This song is perfect for the dreamers and would be performed beautifully live.
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“However big, however small
Let me be part of it all
Share your dreams with me”
20. “More Than A Woman” – Bee Gees
(Saturday Night Fever)
Wedding Worthy Lyrics:
“Oh, say you’ll always be my baby, we can make it shine
We can take forever, just a minute at a time”
Check out our YouTube Playlist HERE to see the songs in action!
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Your Wed Mayhem Team