The best couples on our screen to remind us of true love this Valentine’s Day

Written by Trinity Barnatt

Warning: there may be spoilers ahead…

In honour of Valentine’s Day, here is a list of what I think are some of the most iconic TV and movie couples. These are no regular couples—they’re the couples that have kept us fixed to the screen and pining, as if they were our own relationships, staying in our hearts long after we’ve finished watching.

Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona – 10 Things I Hate About You 

There’s no better way to kick things off than with this 90’s couple. Played by the gorgeous Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, this relationship took us on a turbulent journey. Despite its unfortunate false beginnings, Kat and Patrick truly brought out the best in each other. Besides, Patrick’s serenade of ‘I love you baby’ made up for his mistake and will forever be an iconic scene.

Cameron Tucker and Mitchell Pritchett – Modern Family

Through 11 seasons of this beloved comedy series, Cam and Mitch made us laugh, cry, and everything in between. As we watched them grow and build their family, we fell in love with them almost as much as they loved each other. 

Bonnie Bennett and Enzo St. John – The Vampire Diaries 

This supernatural couple took us a while to adjust to, but then we finally learned to love the unlikely pairing. Until, of course, the writers ripped out Enzo’s heart and ours along with it. Both Bonnie and Enzo had been through so much and it was heart-warming to see them both finally happy, but it is fair to say that Bonnie deserved better than this tragic ending.

Captain Hook and Emma Swan – Once Upon a Time 

Though there were many encounters with darkness, these two consistently brought each other back into the light. Emma was known as ‘The Saviour’ and, for Hook, she really was. For these modern fairy-tale characters, their happy ending took some time to achieve, and throughout the series they went to hell and back to be together (literally), so it was beautiful to see their little family together in the show’s finale. 

Monica Geller and Chandler Bing – Friends

These two never lost sight of their friendship after they began their romance, building their eventual family on that very solid foundation. Their relationship was fairly unproblematic too, and they always seemed to be on the same page when it came to the big decisions in their relationship. They are the perfect example of having what you’re looking for, right under your nose the whole time. 

Arizona Robbins and Callie Torres – Grey’s Anatomy 

They survived a car crash, a shooting, a plane crash, and adultery, only for their relationship to end anyways. Their relationship started so strong and their love thrived for many years, but in the end, their traumas tore them apart. Even though they remained supportive of each other whilst they co-parented their daughter, their break-up was devastating and personally, I will never forgive the writers for not making them end-game.  

Jackie Burkheart and Steven Hyde – That 70’s Show 

Jackie was a self-centred materialist, and Hyde was selfish and non-committal, until they began their romance. They brought out the best in each other and loved each other selflessly whilst doing so. Even though their relationship has its ups and downs, and even its betrayals… in the end, neither one could turn their back on the other. 

Haley Dunphey and Andy Bailey – Modern Family 

Modern Family gives us another amazing couple in Haley and Andy. Andy was by far the best boyfriend Haley had in the show and whilst her relationship with Dylan has its moments, they don’t come close to what Andy and Haley had. Their relationship ended because of life taking them in different directions, rather than any lack of love, which makes this one of the saddest break-ups. 

Joey Potter and Pacey Witter – Dawson’s Creek

The show may be centred on Dawson, but Joey and Pacey’s unlikely romance stole the show. While focused on other relationships in the earlier seasons, they grew closer until eventually, they fell into each other’s arms. This was a romance we didn’t see coming, but loved from the moment it began. 

Mickey Milkovich and Ian Gallagher – Shameless 

This couple may have many faults, but their chemistry is undeniable. The pair portrayed several difficult issues, including mental illness, criminality, and homophobia. Throughout all their hardships, they never stopped loving each other and they are by far the most gripping couple on the show. 

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Trinity Barnatt is a first year English student at University of Leicester, originally from Bourne, Lincolnshire. You can find her on Instagram here: @trinity_b._