Iconic Screen Duos: 25 Memorable Cinematic Partnerships
Chemistry is a tricky thing. It can either save or elevate a movie, or break it. While we often think of chemistry as that spark between actors playing romantic partners, it’s also a crucial component of every kind of relationship on screen, whether they’re friends or even family. Here, we have selected some of the best chemistry between acting duos.
In "A Star Is Born," Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga make an incredible pair. Cooper, who also directed the film, plays a seasoned musician, Jackson Maine, while Lady Gaga is Ally, a talented but undiscovered singer.
Their connection in the movie feels real as they go through the ups and downs of love, fame, and personal struggles. The way they act and sing together makes their on-screen relationship really special, and it even sparked romance rumors.
The “Before” trilogy is one of the most cherished romantic films. Directed by Richard Linklater, the films chronicle the romantic relationship between Jesse (Hawke) and Céline (Delpy) at three periods of their lives.
The films are naturalistic, and often rely on dialogue between the characters. So, chemistry was necessary for these films and thankfully Hawke and Delpy have it.
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's on-screen chemistry was one of the stronger points of “The Amazing Spider-Man” and its sequel. While the reboot of the series at the time felt too soon, one thing that everyone could agree on was that the romance between Garfield’s Peter and Stone’s Gwen was captivating.
And the pair also hit it off behind the scenes too. Garfield and Stone’s relationship in real life also captured the imagination of the public back in the day. They dated for four years, before splitting in 2015. However, since then, they have shown their support for each other at awards ceremonies and more.
Chemistry in comedic duos is everything, and Simon Pegg and Nick Frost exemplify that perfectly. The pair have worked together several times, often showcasing their comedic timing and blending it with other genres.
Some of their most successful collaborations came alongside director Edgar Wright, including “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “The World's End.” They are not always successful, but they are never afraid to experiment.
“In the Mood For Love” is considered one of the best romantic movies ever made… No, one of the greatest films ever made, period. It portrays a man (Tony Leung) and a woman (Maggie Cheung) whose spouses have an affair together and who slowly develop feelings for each other.
The movie is a punch in the gut, especially thanks to Leung and Cheung’s performances and chemistry. The two of them feel like magnets, always gravitating toward each other, intense but also filled with delicacy.
We want a sequel to 'The Nice Guys'! Can we start a petition? While Ryan Gosling’s Ken is incredibly funny, we have to argue that his best role as a 'himbo' is Holland March. And, of course, his performance wouldn’t be as enjoyable without going up against Russell Crowe’s most serious Jackson Healy.
Gosling and Crowe share some of the best comic rapports of recent years, as demonstrated by this fast-paced buddy comedy directed by Shane Black. Unfortunately, despite receiving rave reviews, the film didn't gross enough at the box office. What a shame.
When talking about The Princess Diaries, we could have easily picked Anne Hathaway and Chris Pine’s chemistry as the best. However, one relationship we see evolve in the two films and it also requires a lot of chemistry is the one between Mia and her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, portrayed by Julie Andrews.
Hathaway and Andrews manage to build a relationship that feels natural but charming to the audience. Andrews has called Hathaway "adorable” and a “natural,” meanwhile, Hathaway has said that she was “lucky enough to have learned from the very best at the very beginning.”
“Carol” is one of the most beloved romance movies, especially among the LGBTQ narratives. Directed by Todd Haynes, the story revolves around the evolving relationship between Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a young photographer, and Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), an older, sophisticated woman going through a divorce.
Fans were in awe with the electricity between the pair. According to Mara, chemistry can’t be created. After the premiere of the film, she explained "As in real life, you either have it or you don't. I felt lucky that it was easy for me to feel chemistry towards Cate."
“Fast and Furious” became one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood. Apart from the mind-blowing action, one of the reasons was the magic between co-stars Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in the first films. While the movies keep getting bolder with each installment, the truth is that it's impossible to replicate their chemistry.
The way Brian and Dom's friendship grows has left a significant impact on the people who grew up watching these movies. Even in the new films, they always make sure to remember Paul Walker, honoring the special bond the two characters share.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have worked together three times already, and it’s very clear why. The two of them bring out each other’s best traits. When they’re together, they are effortlessly funny, but they also share great romantic chemistry. However, they also enjoy a strong friendship off-screen.
They first collaborated in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011), then in “Gangster Squad” (2013), and finally in the beloved musical “La La Land” (2018). When Stone earned her Oscar for her role in the latter, she thanked Gosling for “being the greatest partner on this crazy adventure.”
Travolta and Jackson weren't a pair of actors that the public could imagine working out in a movie, but they really hit it off in "Pulp Fiction." They played hitmen, and their scenes together are unforgettable.
There's this cool mix of tension and humor that makes their characters, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, so memorable. Travolta's smooth style works well with Jackson's powerful presence, creating a vibe that stands out and adds to the movie's lasting popularity.
Zakhar Perez and Galitzine starred together as Alex Clermont Diaz and Prince Henry in Prime Video’s steamy romance “Red, White and Royal Blue.” The film, based on the novel of the same name, was one of the most popular movies of the platform, and it received positive reviews, in part thanks to the co-stars on-screen chemistry.
While Alex (Zakhar) is confident, outspoken and funny, Galitzine’s character is more sensitive and even a little broody, they complement each other very well. Both actors were praised for their performances, and fans can’t wait to see them in sequels or other projects together.
Both Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri are emerging talents in Hollywood, and they've been friends since their time studying at the Tisch School of Arts at NYU. However, this year marked the first time they shared the screen in the teen comedy “Bottoms.”
A testament to their chemistry, the two portray “loser friends” who end up founding a self-defense club to meet other girls. Some of the best moments in the film are improvised, and it's evident that they feel truly confident with each other.
In the recent Whitney Houston biopic, there's a scene in which she receives the script for “The Bodyguard” and she is initially hesitant to star in it until she learns that Kevin Costner is cast as the love interest. While the accuracy of the scene is unclear, it's true that Costner specifically wanted her to star alongside him in the iconic romance.
And, well, their on-screen chemistry was electric. While Whitney portrayed a beautiful and famous star, she also brought vulnerability to the role. On the other hand, Costner's protectiveness was the perfect match in the film. However, the two weren't just co-stars; they became close friends. Even after the singer's tragic death in 2012, Costner still speaks about her with fondness.
Let’s be honest, Sandra Bullock can have chemistry even with a rock. In every rom-com she has been in, you can genuinely believe that she is falling in love with either Ryan Reynolds or Hugh Grant. However, one of her best on-screen pairings was with Keanu Reeves, with whom she collaborated in “Speed” and “The Lake House.”
Of course, their chemistry in the 1994 action thriller was undeniable. It turned out that the pair had a crush on each other, but neither of them acted on it. Bullock told Ellen Degeneres in 2018, 'It was hard for me to be really serious. He would look at me, and I'd be like [giggles].' On the same show a year later, Reeves echoed the sentiment: 'She obviously didn't know I had a crush on her either.
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are now probably best known for working together in the sitcom “Grace and Frankie,” in which they showcased their chemistry as two opposite best friends who must rebuild their lives after their gay husbands leave them. However, they have also collaborated a few times for film.
They first starred alongside Dolly Parton in the great feminist comedy “9 to 5,” released in 1980. Most recently, they worked together in the sports comedy “80 for Brady,” also alongside Sally Field and Rita Moreno, and the dramedy “Moving On.”
It's no wonder that three of Adam Sandler's most enjoyable movies are the ones where he shares captivating romantic chemistry with Drew Barrymore. They have been friends for years, and that familiarity shows on the screen.
Beyond their real-life friendship, it's delightful to witness how seamlessly they portray on-screen couples. Whether it's the numerous love confessions in "50 First Dates" or the charming tension in "The Wedding Singer," fans eagerly anticipate their next collaboration, eager to see this dynamic duo light up the screen once again.
“When Harry Met Sally” is one of the most beloved romantic comedies ever. Of course, the magic comes from Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner’s collaboration, but also thanks to the awesome chemistry between co-stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.
The film follows Harry and Sally throughout the years, while they transform from strangers to friends and eventually lovers. It’s Ryan and Crystal’s unique spark when they are together that almost sells the couple from the very beginning, and it’s impossible to not root for them, even when some jokes and ideas feel outdated.
Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence have so much chemistry that they have already worked together four times in “Silver Lining Playbook,” “Serena,” “Joy,” and “American Hustle.” However, it’s clear that they are at their best when they play romantic interests.
In “Silver Linings Playbook,” the two of them create tension thanks to their witty dialogue and great dynamic. Cooper has said about their chemistry that “We understand each other very well, despite our age difference, and I’ve always been impressed by her artistic maturity.”
Julia Roberts has been paired with many great actors with whom she had excellent chemistry. However, if we have to choose one, we would definitely pick Richard Gere. While everyone thinks of them in "Pretty Woman," they also worked together a decade later in the rom-com "Runaway Bride."
Roberts and Gere shared an electric complicity in "Pretty Woman," and, in fact, their chemistry was one of the reasons for the change in the tone of the film, which was initially intended to be a grittier tale. While the movie has its faults, it remains one of the most beloved rom-coms of the '90s, and nobody can deny that.
“Brokeback Mountain” was one of the first big, studio queer love stories, which also happened to be well-received by critics and earned awards. It also solidified the careers of Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, who portrayed two star-crossed lovers with great chemistry.
Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) is a gruff, silent cowboy who is afraid of his feelings, while Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal) is more sensitive and open. When the two work together in the solitary and cold mountains of Wyoming, they start a steamy romantic relationship.
One of the most captivating romances of recent years was portrayed in the French film “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” Starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, the movie follows the story of a love affair between two women: an aristocrat and a painter commissioned to paint her portrait.
The actresses play the romance so well, complimented by the great direction of Céline Sciamma, that it’s impossible to not root for them. Talking about their great chemistry, Noémie said that they didn’t prepare their scenes beforehand, instead they got to know each other during this shooting: “We observed each other a lot. We also used it to create our relationship between Héloïse and Marianne.”
Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are two great actors in their own right, but their chemistry in James Cameron’s “Titanic” was one of the reasons the film was so successful (and convincing). Especially with some lines of dialogue that lesser actors might have not pulled off.
Even after all these years since starring in 'Titanic,' Winslet and DiCaprio's (platonic) affection for each other is still evident. They reunited on-screen for 'Revolutionary Road,' a film directed by Winslet's husband at the time, Sam Mendes.
Fey and Poehler met in the 1990s in Chicago while taking comedy classes together, and they have collaborated several times. They are best known for their skits on SNL, but they have also showcased their great chemistry in movies, particularly in 'Sisters.'
In the film, they play Kate and Maura, sisters who return to their childhood home to clean it out before their parents sell it. Since the script for 'Sisters' was written by Laura Pell specifically with Fey and Poehler in mind, the excellent chemistry and star power from the two main actors make it a really enjoyable watch despite a not-so-exciting script.
Charlotte Wells’ drama “Aftersun” earned widespread acclaim in 2022. The film stars Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio, making her feature film debut, as Calum and Sophie, a father and daughter duo who spend a vacation together in Turkey.
Told from the perspective of adult Sophie's memories, the film relies on the remarkable chemistry between the pair. Mescal has expressed feeling an “immense love” and “care” for Corio, noting that these emotions 'mirror a lot of the things that Calum was feeling' in the movie.