50 First Dates: A Movie I Can Watch Over and Over Again

If there’s one movie I could watch endlessly without ever getting tired of it, it’s 50 First Dates. Sure, there are plenty of incredible films out there that tug at your heartstrings or leave you with powerful life lessons — but this one? This one hits differently. It holds a permanent, cozy spot in my heart. I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve watched it — definitely more than eleven — and every single time, it makes me feel just as warm and giddy as it did the very first time.

What makes it so special to me isn’t just the storyline or the laughter it brings — it’s how the movie captures something we don’t see often enough: unconditional love. The kind that doesn’t ask for anything in return. The kind that shows up again and again, even when things get complicated, even when it’s hard. In a world that moves so fast, where so much feels temporary, this movie gently reminds me that real love — the honest, patient, messy kind — still exists.

Why is it my favorite?

Honestly? Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are my favorite on-screen duo. Their chemistry in this film feels so natural, like it wasn’t just acting — like they really got each other. There’s this softness in their scenes that makes you believe in the possibility of love all over again. They weren’t just acting out a script; it felt like they were telling a real story — one that matters.

And while 50 First Dates is labeled a romantic comedy, it’s more than that. Yes, it’s funny and light-hearted, but it also sneaks in these tender, emotional moments that hit you in the chest. You don’t expect a romcom to make you cry, but this one kind of quietly gets under your skin in the best way. It’s not just a feel-good movie — it’s a feel-deep one.

What’s the story really about?

At the heart of the film is Henry Roth — a free-spirited marine vet who never really let anyone get close. Then he meets Lucy, this bright, quirky, joyful woman whose energy fills up a room. She’s the kind of person you want to get to know. But there’s a twist — Lucy has short-term memory loss. Every morning, she wakes up with no recollection of who Henry is. No memories of the day before. Nothing sticks.

But Henry doesn’t walk away.

Instead, he makes the decision to love her — every single day — even if it means starting from scratch each time. He finds ways to bring laughter into her mornings, hope into her routines, and love into her life, even when she doesn’t remember his name. That, to me, is what makes this story unforgettable. It’s about choosing love, every day — even when it’s hard, even when it hurts.

What did this film teach me?

This movie reminded me that love isn’t just a feeling — it’s a choice. A commitment. A decision we make again and again, through the good and the messy. It’s about showing up — fully — even when there’s no guarantee we’ll be remembered or understood in the way we hope.

It’s easy to love someone when things are smooth. But loving someone through their struggles, and staying when it’s not convenient — that’s a kind of bravery not many talk about. 50 First Dates taught me that love isn’t always grand gestures or fireworks — sometimes, it’s just quietly being there. Choosing them. Over and over.

That soundtrack though…

Can we talk about “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole? That song wraps around you like a warm hug. His version feels like it was made just for this story — soft, healing, otherworldly. Every time I hear it, I feel something deep shift in me. It’s more than music. It’s like being reminded that love — real love — exists in the quietest corners of the world.

Why do I always recommend this movie?

Because it’s not just a movie. It’s a reminder.

A reminder to slow down and really see the people around us. A reminder that even when memories fade, love can still be felt. It’s adorable and funny, yes — but it’s also full of heart. I think we all need that sometimes. Something that tells us, “Hey, don’t forget the people who matter.” Because while forgetting can feel like relief, remembering can feel like reliving all those beautiful moments again.

So if you haven’t watched it yet — or if it’s been a while — do yourself a favor and revisit 50 First Dates. Watch it with your heart open.

And maybe, just maybe, it’ll become your favorite too.