Sizzling onscreen chemistry is a big part of why we go to the movies, but not all silver screen romances need to be passionate all of the time. Awkward dating attempts can be just as fun to watch, as well as couples who’ve been together so long we can’t imagine the world of movies without them.
There are countless options to choose from for the most iconic couples in modern cinema, but we’ve whittled it down to five. See if your favourite duo made the list as we run down what makes each pairing so memorable.
Princess Leia and Han Solo, Star Wars
With the late, great Carrie Fisher still sorely missed by Star Wars fans worldwide and the latest movies smashing box office records, no list of iconic cinematic couples is complete without the Star Wars galaxy’s most famous pairing. Han Solo and Princess Leia matured majestically on our screens from hot-blooded, back-talking young adults to mellow veterans of the galactic war. They might not have had a happily ever after, but they definitely made their actions count.
Ron and Hermione, Harry Potter
Two lovers who start off on the wrong foot is a well-used plot device, yet J. K. Rowling’s way of storytelling lets a loveable and believable relationship emerge that fans still adore to this day. From Diagon Alley and into the halls of Hogwarts, they’re even able to tread in the same magical footsteps of this couple for themselves on a Warner Bros Studio Tour – gaining a closer insight into how and why this pair fell for one another in the first place.
Rose and Jack, Titanic
Shattering social classes and pushing onscreen chemistry to its limits, Rose and Jack in James Cameron’s Titanic are as iconic now as they were in their 1997 debut. While the tragic end leaves us in bits every time, the intense passion of their relationship and the way it helps them to run from the chains society put on them is inspiring and heart-warming in equal measure.
Noah and Allie, The Notebook
The twists and turns this couple goes through to make their love work makes for some captivating viewing. Noah doesn’t give up on winning the heart of Allie, and once she realises her feelings, nothing can stop these two from racing to a happy ending that, as the film shows, has a bittersweet and memorable conclusion. We won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say that growing old together has its fair share of challenges too.
Fiona and Shrek, Shrek
In most fairytales, the hero rescues the princess and they live happily ever after. The Shrek films were one of the first CGI movies to show exactly how much work goes into a relationship, though. Through twists and turns, both Fiona and Shrek confront their own imperfections and misunderstandings to emerge happier and stronger for it. And aren’t ogre babies adorable?
Iconic movie couples come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing that’s always present is their belief in one another. Whether the sparks are flying or it’s just a cosy night in, we can all learn a few things for our own relationships from these kinds of pairings. What’s your ultimate movie couple?
