Top 10 Most Underrated Movie Couples of All Time

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have starred in three films together, but their on-screen courtships started with this rom-com. Stone plays Hannah, a law student who initially turns down womanizer Jacob, played by Gosling, but soon finds herself smitten. Of course, this is complicated when it's revealed Hannah's father is Cal, played by Steve Carell, whom Gosling had been offering romantic pointers to. We totally understand why Stone would be drawn to someone as wily as Jacob, and why he would be willing to reform his ways for her. In a 2016 interview, director Glenn Ficarra said the actors "love each other in real life, and they get on like a house on fire." Here’s hoping for many more Stone/Gosling on-screen pairings..

Not only is this a great movie couple, but it’s all actually rooted in real-life events. Kumail Nanjiani stars as a character based on himself, a comedian who falls for Emily, played by Zoe Kazan. The couple breaks up after Emily learns Kumail’s parents intend for him to go through with an arranged marriage. Soon, though, she falls ill and is hospitalized in an induced coma. During this difficult time, Kumail grows close to Emily's parents, played by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano; and while we're rooting for a happy ending, the script, written by Nanjiani and wife Emily V. Gordon, doesn’t lean on contrivances. “The Big Sick” is a pleasure to watch, especially knowing how things turned out for the real-life Kumail and Emily.

#8: Barry & Lena “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002)

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Anyone who doubted Adam Sandler’s abilities as a dramatic actor was quieted after seeing “Punch-Drunk Love,” a dramedy unlike any other from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson. Sandler plays Barry Egan, a lonely businessman prone to intense fits of rage, who meets Lena, a co-worker of his sister, played by Emily Watson. But it’s not a simple “meet cute,’ as Barry has a lot on his plate, including an extortion plot. While Sandler has played plenty of emotionally stunted characters, Barry’s imbalance is never treated as a joke, and Watson makes for a wonderfully grounding presence, reminding us that love and understanding go hand-in-hand.

#7: Mia & Lance “The Best Man” (1999)

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Taye Diggs plays Harper, the head groomsman in this wedding rom-com, but the title can also be referring to the male characters working to be the best versions of themselves. Morris Chestnut plays pro footballer Lance, who’s engaged to Mia, played by Monica Calhoun. The ceremony is jeopardized by Harper’s recently published novel, which takes inspiration from real experience, including a fling between Harper and Mia. Chestnut and Calhoun show that their love for each other is strong enough to weather difficult circumstances and conversations (including in the sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.”) When they’re finally wed at the end of “The Best Man,” it feels like it’s truly meant to be.

#6: Meg & Hercules “Hercules” (1997)

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Disney’s “Hercules” film takes some pretty significant liberties with Greek mythology in order to stay family-friendly, but there’s still plenty to enjoy about it, including the relationship between Hercules and Megara, or “Meg.” When the sinister Hades tasks Meg, his slave, to seduce the muscular hero to gain her freedom, she finds herself, in true movie fashion, falling in love with him. Inspired by Hollywood legends like Barbara Stanwyck, Lauren Bacall, and Joan Crawford, Meg’s cynicism makes her stand out among Disney heroines. And Hercules’ caring nature helps her to open her heart. The characters might come from myths, but Meg and Hercules’ relationship feels refreshingly real.

#5: Rick & Evelyn “The Mummy” (1999)

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“The Mummy” is an exciting adventure film that, well, never gets old. But it’s not the action or the supernatural elements that most speak to us. Rather, it’s the relationship between explorer Rick O’Connell and librarian Evelyn Carnahan, or “Evie.” When Rick leads Evelyn and her brother, Jonathan, on an expedition to Hamunaptra, the Egyptian city of the dead, a major setback occurs: the reawakening of mummified high priest Imhotep, looking to bring his lost lover, Anck-Su-Namun, back to life through sacrificing Evelyn. Thanks to Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz’ chemistry, “The Mummy” becomes something more than a mindless popcorn movie, while still being plenty of fun.

#4: Kat & Patrick “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)

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There have been numerous modern teen adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, but none are better than “10 Things I Hate About You,” which also features the breakthrough performances of Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. Based on the Bard’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” the plot centers around Kat, a rebellious high school senior with no interest in relationships, much to the chagrin of her popular sister, Bianca, who isn't permitted to date unless her sister does, too. Thanks to the manipulation of Bianca and others, Kat is set up with handsome bad boy, Patrick. Further drama ensues, but Kat’s and Patrick’s development as a couple, and individuals, grows. We can’t think of one thing we hate about this relationship.

Too many movie romances tell us the characters are infatuated with each other without actually showing why. This great sports drama defies that by showing how Monica and Quincy, played by Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, reconcile their passion for each other with their passion for their sport, from youth to adulthood. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood's script is honest about the difficulties of figuring out what - and who - is best for you, and Lathan and Epps display maximum emotional honesty. While basketball plays a major role in this film, it’s the love that truly makes it worth watching.

#2: Janet & Brad “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

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So much goes on in this cult classic, but it still manages to squeeze in an all-time-great movie couple amidst all the crazy experiments and “Time Warps.” A flat tire leaves fiancées Janet Weiss and Brad Majors, played by Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, stranded and arriving at the castle of the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his equally outlandish guests. Though some partially unintentional infidelity occurs on this eventful evening, Janet and Brad still manage to be a couple we love and root for. For any movie, that's impressive, much less a musical horror comedy like this. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Frenchy & Doody, “Grease” (1978) A Truly Perfect Couple, Despite Limited Screen Time Woody & Bo Peep, “Toy Story” Franchise (1995- ) Even Seemingly Inanimate Objects Can Find Affection for Each Other Nick & Norah, “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist” (2008) A Chance Encounter Becomes Something More in This Rom-Com Nina & Darius, “Love Jones” (1997) Nia Long and Larenz Tate Truly Seem Meant for Each Other Noni & Kaz, “Beyond the Lights” (2014) Gugu Mbatha-Raw Is Incredible in This Music Industry Love Story

#1: Mary & Tim “About Time” (2013)

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Rachel McAdams’ most-famous on-screen romance is with Ryan Gosling in “The Notebook,” but our favorite has to be the one between her and Domhnall Gleeson in “About Time.” Directed by Richard Curtis, who also made “Love Actually” and other classic rom-coms, this film is about Tim, a man with time-traveling abilities who hopes to use them for romantic purposes. He falls for McAdams’ Mary, but soon learns that messing around with the timeline is a hindrance to their relationship’s existence, as well as other things in his life. Although the film’s time travel logic is greatly flawed, what matters is the love between McAdams and Gleeson, and theirs is a relationship that is utterly timeless.