Fictional Couples Who Would Make It Or Break Up In Real Life
Love is fun. It’s also annoying and exhausting. Sometimes, it’s better to invest time into fictional couple’s relationships than real-world ones. Watching your favorite TV characters fall for one another is always a treat. Those complicated and multi-layered storylines finally converge to a pairing you were anxiously waiting to see come together. Who doesn’t enjoy a friends-to-lovers storyline? Do you know what’s better? Watching the absolute worst matches in the history of the universe get together, knowing it would never work in real life. Some characters don’t belong together and should’ve never crossed paths, to begin with. Whether you have a favorite or most hated, some of the best and worst relationships in entertainment history are also some of the most talked about! Toot toot! Ships ahoy!
People name fictional couples who would last forever or break up!
BREAK UP: Edward & Bella, Twilight
We’re not saying vampires don’t exist. However… we’re here to say they’re not real. Vampire bats are an actual thing. Vampire people are only playing pretend. This is probably the only saving grace in Edward and Bella’s relationship. Since he can’t exist, this trainwreck of a relationship doesn’t either. Even if Edward was somehow real, there’s no way this would have lasted as long as it does in the books and movies.
This dude straight-up stalks Bella until she falls in love with him, and that’s only the beginning! He then runs away with her when she’s only a teenager (and remember, he’s ancient). He then converts her into a monster! Bellward (or whatever ship name they have) is one toxic couple.
STAY TOGETHER: Gomez & Morticia Addams, The Addams Family
These two are the epitome of couple goals and true love. They’re creepy, spooky, and mysterious. They’re also madly in love on a level that not even the souls of the damned trapped in the underworld could dig to. They’re Gomez and Morticia Addams. These two heads of the Addams dynasty seem to be living in Heaven, 24/7. Every evening seems like it’s their honeymoon night.
What makes it better, is the weirder, darker, or downright creepy the setting, the even further they fall for one another. Nothing in the world matters to them but to each other and their family. These two are the definition of passionate devotion.
BREAK UP: Raymond & Debra, Everybody Loves Raymond
It’s kind of a given if you spend enough time with someone you’ll eventually disagree. Married couples fight, it comes with the territory. No matter how close two people are, there are bound to be arguments. Ray and Debra from Everybody Loves Raymond are outliers to this sentiment. These two are always at each other’s throats!
Ray’s incompetence at everything combined with Debra trying to maintain her sanity is sitcom gold. In reality, these two wouldn’t have lasted a year together. How can Debra be content when she lives across the street from two people she can’t stand? Plus, she’s stuck in the house with a bunch of kids and a husband who’s a child himself. The best gift anyone could give the couple is the number of a good divorce attorney.
STAY TOGETHER: Agents Scully & Mulder, The X-Files
Sometimes, a professional relationship can be as important (if not more so) as your day-to-day ones. When you’re working a job where you spend a lot of time with co-workers, you may end up forming a lifetime bond with some people. This bond will only deepen when you’re investigating paranormal and weird occurrences happening in your country. Agents Mulder & Scully covered a lot more than the X-Files during the day.
They also had to try and navigate their own feelings for each other. While workplace relationships are never the best idea, these two could probably make it work. At the very least, they showed being partnered with someone for multiple seasons can be a pretty sweet gig!
BREAK UP: Rose & Jack, Titanic
Ugh, listen, when you take away the soundtrack and special effects, Rose and Jack would never have been as romantic as they were portrayed. Times were different in the early 20th century. Not only were these two from completely different worlds, but they probably wouldn’t even see each other as equals if they were real. Rose, despite having some common sense and decency, was beyond spoiled and uppity.
Even if she were miserable, and they had both survived, how long would she have actually stayed with Jack? He couldn’t even afford to rub two pennies together! He would’ve been out of his element trying to make things work with someone as pampered and out-of-touch as her. Maybe this is why she didn’t let him on the door.
STAY TOGETHER: Michael Scott & Holly Fax, The Office
The Office is an interesting show where everything, and everyone, seems like they could actually exist. All the characters are also terrible. There’s no way anyone in the mockumentary should be allowed to be with someone who enhances their insanity. Though, in the context of the show, Michael and Holly were perfect for each other. These two complimented each other perfectly in an odd, planets-aligned, kind of way.
No matter what ridiculous thing came out of Michael’s head, Holly seemed to understand. She even accepted and enabled him to live his best life. In return, he was loving, funnier (kind of), and happier! They would’ve raised a cute, but very odd family.
BREAK UP: Ross & Rachel, Friends
Ross is a jerk and Rachel can do better. Sorry, we had to get it out of our systems. Look, if these two morons ended up in the real world, there’s hardly any chance they would’ve stayed together. There’s no way Rachel would’ve actually given up her dream job. The regret would eat anyone alive. Plus, Ross is a cheater with no backbone or ability to think clearly when it comes to relationships.
Plus, he has a chronic case of foot-in-mouth syndrome. He never fails to derail any chance he has of maintaining a stable partnership for longer than a handful of episodes. These two may have made great TV, but they were also a ticking time bomb together. On top of all of this, they weren’t on a break enough for Ross to CHEAT ON HER and then not claim ANY RESPONSIBILITY.
STAY TOGETHER: Marge & Norm, Fargo
When you strip away the murder, comedy, and iconic one-liners, Fargo is a movie about a cop doing her job while trying to preserve a quiet home life. Marge is six months pregnant, in the middle of a frozen lake, and trying to solve a triple homicide. It would be a lot for anyone. Thankfully, whenever she comes home (or gets ready to leave), her partner is there to support her.
Painter, former cop, and all-around nice guy Norm never had a problem waking up whenever his wife got called in. He’ll make her a quick meal, make sure she’s all right and see her out. These two even cuddle together after a long day and smile at the idea of their family growing! They’re so wholesome.
BREAK UP: Mitch & Cameron, Modern Family
Modern Family is a fantastic show portraying how beautiful a big and diverse family can be. It also showcases how dysfunction and mismatched partners can exist in any household. Mitch and Cam are cute on the surface, but not deep down. If you really watch these two live together, it’s clear they need to split. Mitch is so high-strung he’s often exacerbated by Cam’s spirit.
Cam, on the other hand, hates being tied down and often complains about how Mitch is stifling his creativity and passions. These two are constantly at odds with each other or thinking up some weird plan against the other. It’s like watching Tom and Jerry fall in love and start a family while continuing their hijinks.
STAY TOGETHER: Amy & Rory Pond, Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a Time Lord. This is a constant. Doctor Who also always has a companion. This is another constant Amy Pond made sure to uphold with the eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith). While many companions often make for fascinating, and sometimes romantic partners, Pond wasn’t interested. Instead, she and her fiance, Rory, showed us what love is all about.
Their time-traveling adventures culminated in their daughter being born on the Doctor’s TARDIS! If they didn’t have to deal with all the wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff, these two would have lived long and lovely lives together. Instead, their devotion caused them to stay together after being sent to the past, and right in front of the Doctor’s eyes.
BREAK UP: Princess Leia & Han Solo, Star Wars
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a quaint alliance of people rebelling against a tyrannical and out-of-control evil empire. The epic space opera, Star Wars, has captivated and entertained generations of fans for decades. It’s not all planet-blasting and lightsaber battles. There’s some great love in these movies/books/shows/games too!
One of the most celebrated relationships in the galaxy is between Princess Leia and Han Solo. It’s also one of the least practical. No matter how much love these two feel for each other, there’s no way it would actually play out. Han’s entire deal is being a lone rebel and free spirit. There’s no universe where he would settle down, especially with a politician and freedom fighter like Princess Leia!
STAY TOGETHER: Monica & Chandler, Friends
For every Joey and Rachel out there, there’s also a Monica and Chandler. What started out as a pair of friends slowly transformed into one of primetime TV’s most celebrated sitcom couples. Even outside of their wacky and scripted adventures, the Bings are a great couple. They’re both independent, but also become stronger when they lean on each other!
Chandler’s sarcasm and humor prove to be the perfect balance for Monica’s uptight and disciplined personality. Both also bring out the best in one another and they’re in the same friend group. What more could a couple want? Oh, on top of all this, they become homeowners in the suburbs after toiling away in the city for decades. Seriously, relationship goals.
BREAK UP: Fred & Ethel, I Love Lucy
We don’t care if times were different when TV was in black and white. Whatever good times we saw Fred and Ethel Mertz enjoy on I Love Lucy were few and far between. Sure, there were lots of laughs, but they usually came at the expense of one, or both of them! Plus, neither seemed too keen on getting married, talk about red flags.
Fred was constantly barking and yelling at Ethel. Ethel was always talking trash and dismissing Fred. There’s no way these two wouldn’t end up on some trashy TV divorce show. Somewhere, in another timeline, they’re throwing furniture and making daytime rating history.
STAY TOGETHER: Leslie Knope & Ben Wyatt, Parks and Recreation
Usually, workplace romances don’t work out. In movies and TV, they usually lead to a multi-episode dumpster fire of a pairing which brings people to laughter, tears (or both). In reality, there’s a lot of bureaucracy people have to go through if they want to date coworkers. Instead of filling out all the forms, Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt decided to start things off on the wrong foot entirely: by not even liking each other.
As the seasons of Parks and Rec went on, the once auditor and now love interest, quickly became a favorite of Knope’s. The two reconciled their professional differences, and some personal ones, before making things official and forever-lasting. These two make such a perfect pair that they even conquered the White House together in the series finale!
BREAK UP: Hermione & Ron, Harry Potter
Yes, they’re perfect for each other. They complement each other and make up for what the other lacks. Yes, everyone shipped them when we were in school. This doesn’t mean Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley belong together. If there wasn’t a magical war brewing during their formative years, these two probably wouldn’t even be on each other’s radars. Ron doesn’t appreciate Hermione’s skills and brilliance until he needs them.
Plus, Hermione is forever tilted whenever Ron opens his mouth and says something dumb or offensive. Their relationship only works in a fantasy setting. These two are so different, the only reason they could possibly live together is if they never spoke or interacted. Maybe relationships are easier when you both have wands.
STAY TOGETHER: Dan & Roseanne Conner, Roseanne
When Roseanne premiered in 1988, people were shocked. How could a network allow an accurate depiction of a loving blue-collar family and their struggles to be shown on television? The outrage over the truth was hilarious. The only thing which made it better was despite all their arguing and struggles, Dan and Roseanne Conner were head over heels in love with each other.
Both of them had found their true love early in life and chose to stay together through thick and thin. No matter how bad things got, or how ridiculous (we remember that lottery season), these two would stick it out to the end. They showcased a beautiful and authentic relationship. Neither of them lost their love for one other which is the most important thing!
BREAK UP: Peggy Carter & Steve Rogers, Avengers Endgame
What do you do if you fall in love with a colleague? Okay, put that aside and replace colleague with the word Avenger. It’s the same question for Peggy Carter. Things get more complicated when you yourself are also a specially-trained agent with a ridiculous list of skills, abilities, and responsibilities. Somehow though, Agent Peggy Carter and Steve Rogers made it work.
Well, they tried at least. However, these two Marvel legends never seemed completely thrilled with their arrangement. When you’re on top of your game and join up with someone at the top of theirs, you should be unstoppable together. Instead, it felt like a forced pairing where both heroes lost more than they gained.
STAY TOGETHER: Molly & Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter
One of the most magical things in the entire world is love. It can cause great destruction or protect someone from nearly anything, even an Unforgivable Curse. Love may very well be the strongest emotional force on the planet. Which couple embodies it more than any other? It’s Molly and Arthur Weasley. No muggle, Minister of Magic, or malicious magical minotaur could rip these two apart.
Even when they’re flush with powers and love, and not much else, these two are as happy as can be. They raised a loving family, have their own home, and are decent people that have an unshakable bond stronger than any charm! Even if they lived on our side of the Hogsmeade wall, they’d be fine.
BREAK UP: Bender & Claire, The Breakfast Club
How many of you fell in love with your high school sweetheart? What about your high school bully? The Breakfast Club led us to believe no matter what clique you were part of, you too could find love in detention. During the film, there was little indication the “Princess” and the “Criminal” would end up together. There were even fewer signs they would stay together.
They even admitted to the fact they were so different they wouldn’t associate with each other (or the others) outside of detention! All of those “kids” were so determined to stay in their bubbles, even after their growth at the end. All of the pairings seemed nonsensical. However, Claire and Bender? Those two wouldn’t even last past the lunch break.
STAY TOGETHER: Dill & Rosemary Penderghast, Easy A
Watch Easy A to slyly do your book report on The Scarlet Letter. However, pay attention to Olive’s parents. Those two zany characters aren’t only one silly Hollywood comedy couple with cool names. Rosemary and Dill are two of the wildest people in the film. They’d also be a hoot and a half to hang out with.
They decided to live a boring suburban life but keep their love fresh by always being as off-the-walls as possible. Every scene showed them either giving out strange advice or being completely smitten with each other. If they were real, we’d be over at their place daily.
BREAK UP: Annie & Jack, Speed
Nothing brings two random strangers together like devastatingly high-stakes, absolute terror, and the imminent threat of death. For everything Speed is, a textbook example of a real relationship is not one of them. Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves do their best to save lives. However, were they doing their best at finding love? These two had zero chemistry outside of the bomb-threat disaster.
Hooking up at the end only makes sense as their adrenaline and other fun brain chemicals were pumping. One of them was bound to have a clear enough head to realize how unlikely it is they would last. These two are best in a crisis and nothing else.
STAY TOGETHER: Burt & Virginia, Raising Hope
Despite getting his attention in an underhanded way, Virginia getting together with Burt was perfect for two of Raising Hope’s best characters. After getting married while she was in labor, Virginia and Burt were ready to be there for each other forever. High school sweethearts turned parents, turned grandparents, they’re goals.
Even when they’re having their worst moments, they’re doing it together and falling in love. Not many comedies have this much romance in them. You can’t help but smile when they’re cuddling up with each other. Their house seems like it’d be the fun one to hang out at after school.
BREAK UP: Bruce Wayne & Selina Kyle, The Dark Knight Rises
How can Batman ever think being with another masked antihero was a good idea? With all of his wit and ingenuity, Bruce Wayne isn’t very intelligent. He fell in love with one of his most nefarious foes: Catwoman. What makes it worse is she went and did the same thing! As cool of a couple as they make, they’re so unstable.
One of them craves justice more than fish crave water. The other thinks the law is merely a suggestion and refuses to be tied down to anything or anyone…except for Batman. Even if they weren’t wearing capes they wouldn’t last! In what world would a cat and a bat ever get along?
STAY TOGETHER: Jesse & Celine, Before Trilogy
One of the greatest love stories in all of cinema history is the Before trilogy. From sunrise to sunset, and up until midnight, Jesse and Celine’s love story is a sight to behold. It’s cliche to say every moment in their story is like a movie, especially since it’s the truth. However, they’re kind of the blueprint for a love most people crave after watching this flick.
It almost seems ridiculously over-the-top. But it’s based enough, in reality, to give anyone hope they can find their dream partner one day. Hopefully, for the rest of us, it doesn’t take three movies and eighteen years to figure things out. Jesse and Celine show the highs, lows, and best parts of any great relationship.
BREAK UP: Alison & Ben, Knocked Up
Not every couple who has a baby stays together. Some people happen to meet up and do certain things which accidentally result in a pregnancy. Surprise! We’re talking about Knocked Up. For all of its funny moments and memorable lines, Seth Rogan and Catherine Heigl make a terrible pair. You don’t have to stay together because you’re having a kid.
As long as you’re both good parents and present in their life, don’t worry about a relationship. We’re saying this because we can’t understand how Alison would stay with Ben. She has everything she needs to be on her own and thrive. Plus, she and Ben don’t seem compatible besides a few physical moments.
STAY TOGETHER: Willow & Tara, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Not only was it a great moment in television history, but seeing Willow and Tara get together was everything. With all of the madness and chaos going on in Sunnydale, watching these two find happiness warmed our hearts. We’re also pretty sure Tara is responsible for helping Willow become a goddess.
If everyone in their orbits, including them, were mortal, things wouldn’t be much different. Willow is strong emotional support for Tara. Willow completely bares her heart and falls in love with Tara! We can only dream of finding something like this in our version of reality! They’d definitely make it in the long haul.
BREAK UP: Scott Pilgrim & Ramona Flowers, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Scott Pilgrim is a jerk, it’s not up for debate. He basically dates a high school kid for fun, then dumps her for someone else. He has no problem stringing people along and then ditching them when he gets bored. This is why it’s ironic he ended up with Ramona Flowers. She’s almost the exact same person as him. Despite being less spastic and a bit more stable, she shares Scott’s MO.
She went through a lot of exes before having a new love interest destroy them all. Choosing to be with Scott makes comical sense and nothing more. These two would immediately get bored with each other when all their adventure drama ended. They’d end up breaking each other’s hearts.
STAY TOGETHER: Mike & Frankie, The Middle
The Middle is one of those shows where everyone is silly and the comedy is lighthearted. When you watch it, everything feels at peace in the world. They also showcase some of the most interesting marriages. Frankie and Mike are two of the most wholesome, but different people in all of Indiana.
Frankie is always on the go, trying to better herself, all while still being there for her family. Mike, despite being quiet and distant, supports his wife and loves her. They balance each other out beautifully! Every relationship could learn a thing or two from them. They’re all about striving for success together.
BREAK UP: Noah & Allie, The Notebook
Noah and Allie aren’t only in a bad relationship. It’s tragic and creepy. There’s no “love at first sight” explanation that could work with these two. Noah stalked Allie until she agreed to date him. He kept getting pushier and pushier! In the real world, he would be behind bars for harassment. It may not seem like it but Allie is a prisoner in the relationship at first.
She looked so uncomfortable while Noah was losing his mind around her. Nobody should be taking notes from this film. These two are the exact last people you’d want to model your relationship after. It’s not sustainable and makes zero sense.
STAY TOGETHER: Harry & Sally, When Harry Met Sally…
The world forever changed when Harry met Sally. Not only are they the main characters of an iconic romance, but they’re pretty incredible personalities to put together. Their journey from friendship to lovers is not only realistic but inspiring as well. It also removes those old cinema cliches of random and sporadic romances.
They had known each other for so long, things developed slowly and authentically. They even discussed what defining the relationship could do to them, and their friendship! Not only are they funny, but they’re rational too?! We’re sure they’d not only stay together in our world, but they’d be a power couple to rival all the others.