Top 10 Best Romantic Movie Couples
Script written by Nick Spake.
Top 10 Best Romantic Movie Couples
It’s time to profess our undying affection for cinema’s most eternal love stories. Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the top 10 best romantic movie couples.
For this list, we’re taking a look at onscreen couples with the most meaningful relationships and romantic chemistry. We’re giving away the endings of a few of these love stories, so a SPOILER ALERT may be in order.
#10: Edward Lewis & Vivian Ward
“Pretty Woman” (1990)
“Pretty Woman” is a regular Cinderella story. In this case, however, Prince Charming is a wealthy businessman and our unlikely princess is an LA hooker. Like all fairytales, Edward and Vivian’s courtship might not be the most realistic. Yet, you totally buy into the fantasy because of the genuine connection between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Their scenes range from funny, to sweet, to touching, to sweepingly romantic. They both save each other from their lonely lives, and learn what it truly means to be loved with a storybook ending.
#9: Jesse & Céline
“Before” trilogy (1995-2013)
Jesse and Céline share one of the most unique romances in film. They first meet briefly in “Before Sunrise,” reunite almost a decade later in “Before Sunset,” and deal with married life in “Before Midnight.” The fact that their relationship is spread over three movies isn’t what makes them so special, however. It’s because Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s chemistry is so natural, honestly depicting the highs and lows of an ongoing relationship. Hawke and Delpy fittingly contributed to the screenplays for both sequels, making their rapport even more believable.
#8: Sam Wheat & Molly Jensen
“Ghost” (1990)
Audiences immediately fell in love with Sam and Molly thanks to their immortal pottery session. This makes it especially tragic when Sam dies in Molly’s arms shortly thereafter. Even after death, Sam dedicates himself to protecting the love of his life. The two spend a majority of “Ghost” so close to each other and yet so far. As fantastic as the premise is, however, the film is surprisingly effective in its depiction of losing a loved one. While their life together was cut short, Sam and Molly’s romance will always have a place in cinematic history.
#7: Danny Zuko & Sandy Olsson
“Grease” (1978)
“Grease” may not be the most authentic representation of high school or the ‘50s. The themes it touches on, however, do ring true, particularly the relationship between Danny and Sandy. The musical’s best songs all tie into their summer nights and hopeless devotion to each other. With one being a greaser and the other being a good girl, though, their contrasting cliques keep driving them apart. However, despite their differences, their chemistry is so strong you might as well call it grease lightning.
#6: Noah Calhoun & Allie Hamilton
“The Notebook” (2004)
“The Notebook” is a textbook example of a chick flick. We’re willing to overlook its cliché and corny moments, though, because the leads share such an enchanting bond. You can’t help but root for Rachel McAdams’ Allie and Ryan Gosling’s Noah to overcome the obstacles of social class, war, and life in general, building up to an iconic kiss in the rain. James Garner and Gene Rowlands’ scenes in the future are equally emotional, as a devastating disease unravels Noah and Allie’s love story. Get the tissues ready.
#5: Johnny Castle & Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman
“Dirty Dancing” (1987)
Here are two lovers we wouldn’t dare put in the corner. “Dirty Dancing” tells the story of Baby and Johnny, two people from different classes that are unified by their love of dance. Being a movie that’s largely about dance, it’s fitting that their chemistry primarily shines through music and choreography. As a matter of fact, Baby and Johnny’s relationship can pretty much be summed up in the exhilarating final number with the Oscar-winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Amazing how music, dance, and love all seem to be part of the same puzzle.
#4: Rhett Butler & Scarlett O’Hara
“Gone with the Wind” (1939)
When we think of perfect casting in film, Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in “Gone with the Wind” instantly come to mind. It’s a match made in heaven, even if Scarlett and Rhett’s love story isn’t always heavenly. That’s not to say they don’t have plenty of timeless romantic moments together. However, between the death of their daughter and Scarlett always holding a torch for Ashley, it isn’t shocking that these two couldn’t work things out. Nevertheless, this is still a romance for the ages.
#3: Harry Burns & Sally Albright
“When Harry Met Sally…” (1989)
“When Harry Met Sally…” is among is among the most identifiable love stories ever told. Part of that is because the attraction between the leads isn’t instantaneous. Upon first meeting, they don’t think much of one another. Over the years, however, they keep bumping into each other and eventually form a friendship. That friendship evolves into a sexual relationship, which evolves into something even more. In the end, Harry declares his true feelings for Sally with a speech that demonstrates it’s the little things that make people fall in love for good.
#2: Jack Dawson & Rose DeWitt Bukater
“Titanic” (1997)
“Titanic” harkens back to the glory days when Hollywood epics were big, thrilling, and complete with a captivating love story. The film takes its time building up the romance between the penniless Jack and upper class Rose, which pays off in a pretty spectacular way. There are too many great scenes to count, from their first kiss at the ship’s bow to their nude drawing session. This is what makes us care so much when their lives are put in peril in the film’s second half. Although the unsinkable ship goes down, we’ll never let go of Jack and Rose.
Before we get to our top picks, here are a few honorable mentions:
– Westley & Buttercup
“The Princess Bride” (1987)
– Romeo Montague & Juliet Capulet
“Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
– Will Thacker & Anna Scott
“Notting Hill” (1999)
– Patrick Verona & Kat Stratford
“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
– Aragorn & Arwen
“The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-03)
– Ennis Del Mar & Jack Twist
“Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
#1: Rick Blaine & Ilsa Lund
“Casablanca” (1942)
When it comes to cinematic love stories, “Casablanca” is as classic as it gets. Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund are star-crossed lovers who experience the happiest period of their lives together in Paris. Due to bad timing and unfortunate circumstances, however, they separate on a heartbreaking note. After coming back together years later, the two must decide what’s more important: their love for each other or the greater good. The final scene may see the end of Rick and Ilsa’s relationship, but at least it marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Do you agree with our list? Who are your favorite onscreen lovers? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.