Throughout entertainment history, there are certain on-screen couples that have defined the way we think about love and romance. These actors have made some of the most memorable film love scenes of all time. What is so ironically romantic is that some of these couples continued to play each other’s love interests, while being able to remain platonic off-camera – while others actually hit it off and began real relationships. These iconic pairs will forever exist as quintessential couples in the minds of many fans. For a walk down romantic on-screen memory lane, check out these 9 best ever acting duos who played lovers.
Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves
This on-screen duo began with the 1994 film Speed, with Bullock playing the romantic interest of Reeves. They paired up again for the 2006 romantic drama The Lake House.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Before they became Brangelina, Pitt and Jolie played a typical married couple who doubled as assassins in the 2005 film Mr. and Mrs. Smith. That film is now known for being the springboard for their off-camera relationship. They played a married couple again in the film By the Sea.
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
These two are the definitions of 90’s romantic comedies, having paired up in several films from 1990 to 1998. Classic Hanks and Ryan films include Joe Versus the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling
Stone and Gosling played love interests in several romantic comedy film successes, starting with Crazy, Stupid, Love in 2010. The went on to star together in Gangster Squad and La La Land.
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn
Although never actually married, these two iconic actors have one of the longest-standing relationships in Hollywood history. They co-starred in classics like Overboard, Swing Shift, and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.
Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Titanic’s tragically romantic couple Rose and Jack played Winslet and DiCaprio. They did not work together again on-screen until over a decade later in the 2008 film Revolutionary Road.
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere
The 1990 film Pretty Woman cemented Roberts and Gere into rom-com history, with Roberts playing a prostitute and Gere, a businessman. Their paths did not cross again on screen as romantic opposites until 1999 with the film Runaway Bride.
Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson
These two actors are both quintessential rom-com actors of the early 2000s and had great chemistry as romantic duos on screen. They starred together in 2003’s popular film How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, and again in 2008 with the film Fool’s Gold.
Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig
Hamm and Wiig have a quirky, almost hilariously cringe-ish kind of chemistry as an onscreen romantic couple that makes for some pretty funny moments. They have starred in the romantic drama Friends with Kids in 2011, and again in 2012 with the now classic romantic comedy Bridesmaids.