India – 16th December 2024 – This holiday season, love is on demand—literally. In today’s world of modern dating, shared experiences are key to building meaningful connections. And what better way to bond than over a movie marathon? Bumble’s latest research shows that binge-watching movies and shows together isn’t just a casual pastime—it’s the secret sauce for modern dating. With the majority (77%) of singles in India* believing shared watching experience is important when dating, this trend is reshaping how we find love. It’s clear that the allure of movie nights goes beyond just entertainment—it’s about building rapport and sparking chemistry.
Ruchi Ruuh, Relationship expert, Bumble India says, “Movie dates have become a key part of how singles are connecting – for many, it’s not just about enjoying the same content but understanding each other’s preferences and values. Whether it’s enjoying a rom-com or a thriller, the shared experience allows for a quick chemistry check, and gives people the chance to gauge compatibility during their post-movie debrief. If you’re looking to make a meaningful connection, cuddling up for a good show after a lengthy, conversational dinner provides the perfect opportunity to bond over mutual interests and spark those initial feelings of intimacy.”
Ready to binge and bond this upcoming cozy season? Ruchi Ruuh, Bumble India’s relationship expert, delves into her top tips on how to create deeper connections through movie nights and shared experiences:
Extend a Binge-bonding invitation
Watching together, especially when it’s a regular thing, transforms entertainment into quality time. Over 3 in 4 Indian singles say shared viewing experiences help deepen their bond, with more than 2 in 3 (69%) of singles saying they would be open to dating someone who doesn’t share the same movie or show genre preferences. Finding a genre that both of you are open to is important, and starting a series together can also be seen as a “commitment” in growing your connection together. Plus, it’s a great way to understand your partner’s inner world over time.
Cozy Movie Date Night Setup
Transform your living room into a cozy movie haven! Snuggle up with blankets, your favorite snacks, and phones off for a night of emotional and physical connection. No fancy setup needed—just a laptop and shared headphones work wonders for that perfect, intimate vibe.
Themed Movie Night Fun
Pick a theme like ‘90s nostalgia, sci-fi adventures, or a holiday rom-com marathon. Match it with themed snacks, decorations, and outfits to bring the vibe alive. Themed nights aren’t just fun—they show effort, creativity, and a playful spirit that makes the connection even stronger. If you’re ever unsure of the genre to pick for a first date, stick to more lighthearted themes like comedy or romance. According to single Indians, comedy takes the lead as the top genre, with 87% of singles preferring to laugh together, followed by romance and thriller. Biopics (47%) and documentaries (44%), on the other hand, are less popular with first date goers. Have a genre that you’re especially passionate about?
Add it as an interest badge on your Bumble profile so you are more likely to match with someone with the same interest! Fun Fact: Some of the most popular Film & TV interested badges amongst the Bumble India community are Comedy, Thriller, Horror, and Action and Adventure!
Snack Making = Extra Fun
Bonding over movies is about more than just what’s on-screen. Try making movie snacks together—think experimental popcorn or nachos! These little moments of creativity and teamwork add joy and create lighthearted memories you’ll both cherish, and take away that stress of having to plan a full pre-date activity.
The Power of Movie Post-Mortems
It’s not just about watching—it’s about discussing what you watched. With 7 in 10 single Indians enjoying movie post-mortems with their date or partner, diving into the plot twists, character arcs, and everything in between, makes it a fun and engaging way to bond. Discussing themes, characters, or even the funniest scenes can ignite deep conversations. Whether you’re diving into serious topics or swooning over rom-coms, these chats bring you closer.
*The research was commissioned by Bumble and conducted by Censuswide with over 2,000 single Indian adults aged 18-40 across gender identities between 15.01.24 to 19.01.24. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.
