Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like seeing romance come alive on the big screen, particularly when you know the attraction doesn’t end when the camera tumbles. Hollywood has long blurred the lines of fiction and reality, with co-stars transforming their on-screen flame into real life. Some of these romances were sweet, some scandalous, and many even more dramatic than the tales they were portraying. From fleeting flings to iconic love affairs, these stars influenced pop culture and drew fans in. Below are 15 of the greatest movie and TV co-star couples—ranked from new to classic.
15. Leo Woodall & Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus)
Their on-screen flirtation had viewers abuzz, and it wasn’t long before the rumors spilled over into real life. After a series of coy Instagram teases and public denials for months, Leo Woodall and Meghann Fahy made the rumors official with a PDA-laden New York evening. Evidence that the White Lotus spell had followed them out of the resort.
14. Zendaya & Tom Holland (Spider-Man Franchise)
It’s practically tradition now—Spider-Man performers romancing their leading ladies. Zendaya and Tom Holland’s affair blossomed quietly backstage over the course of three movies, even though producer Amy Pascal cautioned them not to go down that path. Inevitability prevailed, and their youthful exuberance made them one of the web’s most beloved couples.
13. Zendaya & Jacob Elordi (Euphoria)
PBeforeTom, Zendaya had dated her Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi. Even though they weren’t on-screen lovers, familiarity on set translated to real life. Their fleeting romance fizzled out as the careers of both stars took off, but it remained in people’s minds for some time.
12. Ana de Armas & Ben Affleck (Deep Water)
Their thriller Deep Water didn’t exactly light up the box office, but Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck’s real-life romance definitely led the headlines. The two were inseparable in 2020, but the harsh glare eventually became too much. They broke up on amicable terms, showing that not all Hollywood romances can endure paparazzi mania.
11. Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man)
Way back before Zendaya and Tom, there were Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield as the Spider-Man pair the fans fell for. They fell in love while they worked together on set in 2011 and were together for four years before hectic schedules tore them apart. Their bond was still intact—even Stone messaged Garfield after his surprise No Way Home cameo.
10. Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson (Twilight)
To tens of millions of Twilight enthusiasts, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart weren’t merely Bella and Edward—those were the stars of the late 2000s. Their four-year relationship was torrid, complicated, and very public, having ended following Stewart’s affair scandal. Regardless of the spectacle, their spot in pop culture history is forever solidified.
9. Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical)
“Zanessa” defined teenage romance for a generation. Their off-screen love blossomed while filming High School Musical and lasted four years. Though they kept much of their relationship private, the breakup crushed fans, many of whom are still holding out for a reunion.
8. Blake Lively & Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl)
Life imitated art when Serena and Dan’s relationship continued off-screen. Blake Lively and Penn Badgley dated discreetly for three years while shooting Gossip Girl. Amazingly, they managed to keep their breakup private for months to prevent on-set tension. XOXO indeed.
7. Alexis Bledel & Jared Padalecki (Gilmore Girls)
Rory and Dean’s initial romance wasn’t TV magic alone—it was real life, as well. Alexis Bledel and Jared Padalecki dated briefly in the first season. It wasn’t serious, but it’s a good behind-the-scenes fact for Gilmore Girls enthusiasts.
6. Diane Keaton & Al Pacino (The Godfather)
Their affair started on the set of The Godfather films, and Keaton was smitten with Pacino. The two went out on and off, but Pacino’s resistance to commitment ultimately ended things. Nevertheless, their respect for each other never wavered—Pacino even professed his love for Keaton publicly years later.
5. Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton (Cleopatra)
Few of Hollywood’s romances were as scandalous—or as thrilling—as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s. Their hot affair started on the Cleopatra set, and their passion spawned two marriages, two divorces, and countless public spectacles. Messy as it was, their romance became the stuff of legend.
4. Johnny Depp & Winona Ryder (Edward Scissorhands)
Johnny Depp famously professed his love for Winona Ryder with a tattoo—”Winona Forever.” The couple fell in love on the set of Edward Scissorhands and were engaged for four years. Ryder later referred to it as her first proper love, one that changed her life forever.
3. Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams (The Notebook)
Believe it or not, these two didn’t get along while on set for The Notebook. But the argument turned to passion when they were done filming, and Gosling and McAdams dated between 2005 and 2007. Fans never recovered from their breakup, but their on-screen romance continues to be iconic.
2. Helen Mirren & Liam Neeson (Excalibur)
Before becoming Hollywood royalty themselves, Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson had a romance on the set of Excalibur. They cohabitated for years, each other’s careers being supported. Although it didn’t work out, their respect for one another and affection for each other can still be seen even today.
1. Audrey Hepburn & William Holden (Sabrina)
While filming Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden’s affair burned hot—but couldn’t endure. Hepburn longed for children, but Holden had gotten a vasectomy in secret. When she discovered the truth, she dumped him, leaving behind one of Hollywood’s saddest love affairs.
Why do so many co-star romances occur?
It’s not all Hollywood magic. Long days, shared feelings, and the passion of acting as lovers tend to set up a situation where feelings do overflow. Age comes into play; also, numerous actors are youthful, unmarried, and at an age where passion tends to rumble. Throw in fan interest, and sometimes, life just conspires to bring two individuals together. Not all romances weather the spotlight of fame, but whether they’re a hook-up, a buddy-film romance, or a tale of love for the ages, these romances remind us why we can’t look away—on-screen and off.