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The Perfect Date

The Perfect Date

He's whoever you want him to be.

201989 minTV-14Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films
Director
Chris Nelson
Starring
Noah Centineo, Laura Marano, Odiseas Georgiadis, Camila Mendes

No beau? No problem! To earn money for college, a high schooler creates a dating app that lets him act as a stand-in boyfriend.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Perfect Date?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Perfect Date streaming on Netflix.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Perfect Date?

The Perfect Date earns 5 badges, led by Award Winner and Feel-good.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is The Perfect Date worth watching?

The Perfect Date's Midcredits score is the 38th percentile of all films, from 51K ratings across 2 sources. 35% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

38th percentile

Better received than 38% of films

43rd percentile among Comedy39th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)30th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Comedy48th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.9 — solid but not unanimous.

35% liked it

30th percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Comedy30th percentile among 2010s
35% rated it 7–1065% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 2 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

93rd percentile

47K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Comedy93rd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 37% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a predictable, formulaic teen romcom that follows familiar plot beats and character tropes.

Fans praised

  • cute, light-hearted feel-good watch
  • sweet message about being yourself and valuing friends/family

Detractors panned

  • predictable, clichéd, paint-by-numbers teen romcom
  • leads lack romantic chemistry
  • boring, forgettable, feels like a waste of time

What stands out

Acting50

Noah Centineo charming but plays same character; Laura Marano solid but lacking chemistry

Dialogue45

snappy at times but often feels forced or unnatural

Emotional impactDivisive45

sweet and heartwarming for some, but feels unearned or hollow to detractors

Pacing40

slow middle, rushed ending; 90 minutes feels longer

HumorDivisive40

some funny moments, but overall not laugh-out-loud

Characters30

flat, undeveloped, token supporting roles

Plot and storyDivisive25

paint-by-numbers story with no surprises or depth

Originality20

retreads of Loverboy and Can't Buy Me Love; derivative of other teen romcoms

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Perfect Date like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
HopefulRomanticTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmPlayfulRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is earnest and lighthearted, with a warm-hearted tone that doesn't undercut its own emotions.
The rideA breezy, upbeat tone throughout with a gentle emotional turn near the end as Brooks reassesses.
StructureTold in linear order following Brooks' scheme and its consequences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer with a warm, cheerful feeling and a sense that being yourself matters.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA high school student creates an app to be a paid stand-in boyfriend, leading to romantic complications and self-discovery.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeBrooks crafts a public persona to sell, and the film centers on reconciling that performed self with who he really is.
StanceThe film questions the authenticity of a self built for others, without settling on a definitive answer.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanSuburbanDomesticRealistic
PopSupportive music · licensed compilation
SettingA high-school student's suburban town and city dates for hire.
MusicLikely a soundtrack of contemporary pop to match the lighthearted tone.

Content guide

Is The Perfect Date okay for kids?

TV-14

The Perfect Date is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (6/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (10/100) and frightening material at minimal (7/100). Overall it is heavier than 5% of TV-14 films.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • South Korea15세 이상 관람가
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands6
  • Poland16
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporePG13
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 3% of all filmsHeavier than 5% of TV-14 films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a TV-14 film
heavier than 11%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a TV-14 film
heavier than 26%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 film
heavier than 44%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a TV-14 film
heavier than 19%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a TV-14 film
heavier than 7%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 44% of TV-14 films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Perfect Date have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Perfect Date?

Cast

Noah Centineo
as Brooks Rattigan
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Laura Marano
as Celia Lieberman
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Odiseas Georgiadis
as Murph
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Camila Mendes
as Shelby Pace
Matt Walsh
as Charlie Rattigan
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joe Chrest
as Harvey Lieberman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Carrie Lazar
as Lillian Lieberman
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Alexander Biglane
as Tuna Melt on Seven Grain
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Blaine Kern III
as Franklin
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zak Steiner
as Reece
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Perfect Date?

Movies like The Perfect Date include Whatever It Takes (2000), Just One of the Guys (1985) and The Tao of Steve (2000). Of the 12 closest matches, most are friends-to-lovers stories, and most are films set in the suburbs.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: romantic comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Perfect Date?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: friends to lovers. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.