Top 10 Worst Boyfriends in Teen Dramas

Bad boys are not always cool. Welcome to MsMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Worst Boyfriends in Teen Dramas.

For this list, we’re looking at the worst in-universe boyfriends in TV teen dramas.

#10: Dawson Leery
“Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)

Dawson is a nice guy. Everyone in Capeside knows it, Pacey and Joey know it, and most importantly, Dawson knows it. Whether dating Joey or Jen, Dawson has a habit of putting his significant others on pedestals, although this comes less from a place of idolization and more out of an egotistical belief that a nice guy like himself deserves perfection. Dawson always finds a way to justify his actions, be it reading Joey's diary or reacting poorly to the news that Jen is “experienced.” Even if Dawson’s greenness explains some of his less-flattering moments, that does not make him a good boyfriend.

#9: Archie Andrews
“Riverdale” (2017-)

Torn between football and music, Archie cannot quite decide what he wants, a theme that also defines the guy's love life. Along with hooking up with basically every eligible woman on the show, Archie tends to treat his partners as disposable, often proving to be rather inconsiderate to their feelings. Even while in an apparently happy relationship, Archie seems to constantly be on the hunt for something new, or, in the case of Betty, something old. More than anything, Archie is just too self-absorbed to fully commit, as demonstrated by his on-and-off relationship with Veronica, although that could change once he matures a little.

#8: Jess Mariano
“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

If there was one thing "Gilmore Girls" clearly established, it is that Rory knows how to pick them. While Dean had more than his fair share of frustrating moments, Jess takes the cake for being Rory's worst boyfriend. A cool bad boy persona with potential for growth goes a long way in selling Jess as a partner, but this mainly translates to a relationship defined by poor communication, several angry and jealous outbursts, and frequent acts of disregard and disrespect. Despite maturing considerably towards the end of the show's run, Jess is still a horrible boyfriend to Rory during season 3.

#7: Lucas Scott
“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)

Lucas Scott is dreamy and a decent enough friend. It is just a shame that Lucas doesn't show as much regard to his girlfriends. Lucas has a crush on Peyton, a fact that persists regardless of who she is dating. While Lucas cannot be condemned for this attraction, the basketball player can be blamed for cheating on both Brooke and Lindsay. Lucas strung both partners along while secretly pining for Peyton, a sham that – in Lindsey’s case – went all the way to the altar. While fine with Peyton, Lucas is a terrible boyfriend to just about anyone else.

#6: Ray Pruit
“Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000)

An aspiring musician and a carpenter, Ray initially came across as soft-spoken, kind of nice, and a good fit for Donna. However, it did not take long for Ray to reveal another side to his personality, one that was insecure, quick to anger, and dishonest. Along with cheating on Donna with Valerie, Ray also gets verbally and physically violent with his girlfriend. Ray repeatedly took out his frustration on Donna, apologized after the fact, before then repeating the cycle. For her own safety, Donna had to cut ties with Ray.

#5: Jackson Whittemore
“Teen Wolf” (2011-17)

In certain ways, both Jackson and Lydia were using each other to cement themselves at the top of the food chain at Beacon Hills High School. Although the couple's relationship slightly improves towards the end of Season 2, Jackson's insecurities made him a pretty terrible boyfriend to Lydia. Jackson’s ego is so fragile, Lydia has to walk on eggshells to keep her boyfriend from feeling threatened. At one point, the lacrosse player even dumps Lydia via text and describes his girlfriend as dead weight, all because Jackson couldn't stand the fact that Scott was now the alpha male on campus.

#4: Ezra Fitz
“Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)

Ezra is Aria's High School English teacher. What else needs to be said? Even if the teacher was oblivious during the couple's first make-out session, Ezra should have immediately broken off their relationship after realizing that Aria is just a teenager. Well, as it so happens, Ezra was using Aria to spy on all the liars and learn more about Alison. Why? Well, the teacher wanted to write a novel based on the girl's disappearance. "Pretty Little Liars" does a great job selling these two as an in-love couple, but that does not change the fact that Ezra raises all the red flags and continues to do so even after they get engaged.

#3: Charles ‘Chuck’ Bass
“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)

Thanks to being handsome, charismatic in a "bad boy" sort of way, and also really rich, Chuck Bass could commit murder and still be granted another chance to turn things around. Make no mistake though, Chuck is not only an awful boyfriend but also a terrible human being. While far from perfect, Blair deserves better than a guy who, at one point, trades his girlfriend for a hotel. Chuck is manipulative, vindictive, arrogant, and hides behind a wall of money and social rank to avoid having to take responsibility for his actions.

#2: Nate Jacobs
“Euphoria” (2019-)

"Euphoria" takes a realistic look at the darker side of adolescence, touching on subjects such as addiction, self-destructive behavior, and identity issues. East Highland High School's star quarterback, Nate Jacobs is rich, popular, and prone to violent outbursts. "Euphoria" doesn't hide the fact that Nate and Maddy's relationship is toxic, which makes it even more frustrating when the two get back together after breaking up. When things are going perfectly to plan, Nate can play the part of the ideal boyfriend; however, if the quarterback's masculinity is questioned, Nate tends to respond by physically hurting his girlfriend or engaging in a touch of blackmail.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable, or in this case, dishonorable mentions.

Jordan Catalano
“My So-Called Life” (1994-95)

Benjamin ‘Ben’ Boykewich
“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (2008-13)

Xander Harris
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Tony Stonem
“Skins” [UK] (2007-13)

Luke Ward
“The O.C.” (2003-07)

#1: Bryce Walker
“13 Reasons Why” (2017-)

Describing Bryce Walker as a "bad" boyfriend might be the understatement of the century. Even if focusing solely on the character's relationship with Chloe, which is hard to do considering what happens to Jessica and Hannah, Bryce still comes across as a cruel bully who is not on speaking terms with consent or empathy. Through a mix of fear and emotional manipulation, Bryce coerces Chloe into silently surrendering to her boyfriend's whims. Bryce is a criminal who treats Chloe as less than human, someone who exists merely to satisfy his desires.