17 Famous Fictional Couples We’re Still in Love With

Ross and Rachel. Carrie and Big. Edward and Bella. Romeo and Juliet. The list of famous fictonal couples runs long—but not one of the aforementioned made our list of the most memorable couples in all of film and television. (That’s right! No “breaks,” jilted weddings, imprinting by werewolves, or deaths by poison here.)

Who did then, you ask? Come along as we revisit the on-screen sweethearts that continue to capture our affections—proving that some love stories are simply unforgettable. Spoilers—and plenty of swooning—ahead.

Allie and Noah, The Notebook (2004)

We kick things off with one of the most memorable romance films of the 21st century. What makes Allie and Noah such a good couple is that even through years of miscommunication, family issues, and the ravages of old age, they continue to choose each other. And isn’t that what love is ultimately about?

Ben and Leslie, Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Two ambitious, work-focused people falling in love doesn’t always pan out, but Ben and Leslie grew into their relationship while learning to navigate the big plans that each one had for their futures—even if that meant Ben putting his own career on ice for a bit.

Issa and Lawrence, Insecure (2016-2021)

The course of true love never did run smooth for the central couple in HBO’s Insecure, winding through breakups and career pressures along the way. But once Issa and Lawrence finally got it together, boy, was their bond sweet.

Mia and Sebastian, La La Land (2016)

Mia and Sebastian’s tender love story is one that could only be told against the glittering backdrop of Hollywood, where—despite their passionate connection—they each must decide whether to choose each other or follow their own dreams. The result is bittersweet—and a beautiful reminder that, sometimes, the truest way to love someone is to let them go.

Tara and Willow, Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Although Tara and Willow never get their happy ending, their relationship made history as one of the first lesbian love stories on a popular TV show, sweetly growing from a witchy friendship into something more.

Westley And Buttercup, The Princess Bride (1987)

“As you wish,” is all the farmhand Westley ever says to Princess Buttercup—but it’s enough to make her fall madly, deeply, and truly in love. But when he’s presumed dead after a tragic run-in with a pirate ship, our heroine is forced to take up with the spiteful Prince Humperdink—that is, until a masked man in black jumps in to save her. Is the veiled crusader her long lost love? “I told you I would always come for you,” he answers with a kiss. Swoon!

Fran Fine and Maxwell Sheffield, The Nanny (1993-1999)

The will-they-won’t-they dynamic of the recently widowed Broadway producer and his children’s eccentric nanny had many of us gobsmacked in front of our television sets—especially when Mr. Sheffield finally said “I love you” to Ms. Fine (and then promptly took it back). Between their zany bits and talent for physical comedy, this duo felt like the ’90s equivalent of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo.

David and Patrick, Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

If you binge-watched Schitt’s Creek during quarantine, then you also probably fell in love with David and Patrick’s relationship. They had no shortage of ups and downs, but Patrick’s rendition of “Simply the Best” was so endearing, and David’s unique proclamation of love so undeniably charming. Seeing them happily married by the end of the series was exactly what we needed in 2020.

Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley, Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

At first, the cold-as-ice Lady Mary Crawley couldn’t care less about Matthew Crawley, a distant cousin set to inherit her family’s estate: He’s a middle-classed lawyer, she an aristocrat. But as their friendship progresses—and their chemistry becomes undeniable—there’s little that can keep them apart, including World War I, a paralyzing spinal injury, the Spanish flu, and engagements to other people.

Jim and Pam, The Office (2005-2013)

With Jim and Pam came the worthy reminder never to give up on love—even when it’s with a colleague at your paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Han Solo and Princess Leia, Star Wars (1977)

Let’s ignore the whole Luke-and-Leia-kissing thing, and instead focus on the absolutely fun chemistry between Leia and Han. Rugged scoundrel Han Solo and fearless Princess Leia were a power couple waiting to happen: From their witty banter laced with just the right amount of malice to the iconic “I love you”/“I know,” Han and Leia’s love story was written in the stars.

Marshall and Lily, How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Many—if not most—relationships on How I Met Your Mother were complete messes, but one couple that we could always get behind was Marshall and Lily. Even with their brief breakup in the earlier seasons, these two remained one another’s biggest cheerleaders throughout the series. Besides, for a sitcom with so much silliness, Marshall and Lily’s relationship felt surprisingly realistic.

Harry Burns and Sally Albright, When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Can a man and a woman ever just be friends? According to fast-talking Harry, no—but that doesn’t stop him from getting chummy with the lovably neurotic Sally. Needless to say, their feisty, decades-long friendship finally evolves into something deeper—but not without a few hilarious ups and downs. Was Harry right all along? Perhaps, but the romance was well worth the wait. As he says in the film’s final scene, “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Sigh.

Amy and Rory, Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005-)

In honor of Ncuti Gatwa recently taking up the mantle of the 15th doctor, this spot goes to Amy and Rory Pond. Rose and the Doctor are close runners-up, but Amy and Rory’s love story was the first time the revamped 2005 Doctor Who focused on romance. Although their final episode was devastating, who could forget Rory waiting centuries as he protected Amy in Pandora’s box, or Amy choosing to be touched by a weeping angel just so she’d have the chance to live the rest of her life with Rory?

Phil and Claire Dunphy, Modern Family

Cam and Mitchell. Gloria and Jay. Hayley and Dylan… all the couples on Modern Family are undeniably sweet. But Phil and Claire’s marriage—with its friendly teasing, sexy role-playing, and acceptance of the other’s quirks—might just be the most heartwarming romantic relationship of all. Not only do the two appear to truly enjoy and respect each other, but they also seem to be in it for the long haul. Goals!

Angela Chase and Jordan Catalano, My So Called Life

Has there ever been a more heart-wrenching (or relatable) portrayal of high school love? Introspective, flame-haired sophomore Angela obsesses over brooding, bad-boy senior Jordan Catalano—who might just be the ultimate unavailable guy, despite his guitar-playing and adorable puppy-dog eyes. They end up together, but only briefly—and that’s okay: The scene in which he grabs her hand in the hallway after class is enough to make any viewer swoon like a schoolgirl. And, the best part of all? They become true and loyal friends in the end.

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Need we say more? From the glances full of longing, to the hand-flexing scene, to Darcy stuttering “I love you,” this period piece—based on the classic 1813 novel by Jane Austen—will take your breath away.