Let’s admit it—there is nothing that makes movie lovers happier than witnessing a believable on-screen romance. But there are times when the story is more engaging when the chemistry between characters only happens on camera. Several Hollywood couples made our hearts melt with every sultry look and romantic scene they shared on-screen, but behind the scenes, they allegedly could not stand each other. Some even took their dislike for each other to the point where they lashed out at each other. Here are ten pairs that took their off-screen feud to a whole new level.
10. Shirley MacLaine & Anthony Hopkins
In the film A Change of Seasons, they played a couple whose marriage was on the verge of collapse, but in real life, the tension between the two was just as high. Anthony Hopkins had no qualms saying that Shirley MacLaine was “the most obnoxious actress I’ve ever worked with.” MacLaine, for her part, had no kind words for the actor either, saying that the tension between them was because of his struggles with sobriety at the time, but the film was a box office flop nonetheless.
9. Gillian Anderson & David Duchovny
Mulder and Scully provided the heart for The X-Files, but in real life, the relationship between the actors wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy. David Duchovny confided, “We couldn’t stand the sight of each other. We argued about nothing.” Gillian Anderson also had similar sentiments to share, saying, “There were days when we hardly talked to each other at all.” Although the relationship between the two actors has since improved, the relationship between Mulder and Scully in the beginning was as frosty as the show’s paranormal mysteries.
8. Lauren Graham & Scott Patterson
Viewers loved Lorelai and Luke’s coffee-brewed romance on Gilmore Girls, but in real life, their relationship was purely professional. Graham called their professional relationship “fine” and “functional,” explaining that although they shared wonderful chemistry on screen, they weren’t buddies in real life. Translation: no last-minute late-night coffee orders once cameras stopped rolling.
7. Armie Hammer & Blake Lively
Hammer’s Gossip Girl stint was short-lived—and gossip claims it was due to Lively. He would later imply that tensions were high on set, confessing that producers appeared keen on writing him out. Asked if the issue was Lively, Hammer’s smile answered. Based on what we now know about Hammer, the majority of fans have no difficulty with her being in the right.
6. Richard Gere & Debra Winger
In An Officer and a Gentleman, they were unforgettable on-screen lovebirds—but they didn’t possess the same sparks. Winger reportedly called Gere “a brick wall,” while co-star Louis Gossett Jr. described how the two of them kept to themselves whenever they could. Winger later confessed they had a rocky patch, but the chemistry was palpable enough to last long after the camera stopped rolling.
5. Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams
It’s difficult to envision The Notebook without their charged chemistry, but initially, Gosling hated working with McAdams. Director Nick Cassavetes dropped a bombshell that Gosling had asked if she could be replaced in the middle of one of her scenes. After a screaming argument, things cooled down—and ultimately turned into a real-life romance. Their romance off-camera was as epic as the one they acted out.
4. Kim Basinger & Mickey Rourke
Steamy on screen, icy off. In 9 1/2 Weeks, Basinger has said she “hated him” sometimes, particularly as director Adrian Lyne pushed Rourke to get a reaction out of her. Lyne would later admit he even instructed Rourke to “break her down,” resulting in real tears and a slapped face. The on-screen passion was undeniable—but so was the emotional residue.
3. Julia Roberts & Nick Nolte
Their own romantic comedy, I Love Trouble, became a misnomer, as the stars did not get along. Roberts acknowledged that Nolte was charming but also “disgusting,” and Nolte retorted that Roberts was not a nice person. Their back-and-forth insults were front-page news, and the only thing they could agree on was that they didn’t like each other.
2. Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey
Dirty Dancing could be the greatest love story of all time, but the two stars weren’t exactly on the same page. Swayze characterized Grey as moody and sensitive, and Grey had already butted heads with him on Red Dawn and didn’t wish to repeat the experience. Their bristly dynamic, though, produced the very tension that made Baby and Johnny’s affair so electric.
1. Dustin Hoffman & Meryl Streep
Headlining the list: Hoffman and Streep in Kramer vs. Kramer. Although their acting earned them Oscars, filming was by no means a harmonious experience. Hoffman reportedly slapped Streep without provocation in her first scene, describing it as over the line and inappropriate. It is claimed that he also taunted her with derogatory personal comments, even mentioning the name of her deceased partner. It was savage, age, but the raw emotion delivered unforgettable performances.
From cringe-worthy silence to all-out feuds, these tales demonstrate that great on-screen chemistry doesn’t always result from actual affection. In Hollywood, love and hate are sometimes co-starring in the same set—and fans benefit.