Some on-screen couples are so magical that filmmakers bring them back for another round—or two! These duos have become synonymous with romance, drama, and chemistry, captivating audiences across multiple films. Here’s a look at 10 actor pairings who played couples in more than one movie:
1. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
Films Together: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are often considered the king and queen of romantic comedies, and for good reason. From the whimsical adventure of Joe Versus the Volcano to the serendipitous charm of Sleepless in Seattle and the AOL-era love story of You’ve Got Mail, this duo created an enduring blueprint for cinematic love stories. Their believable chemistry and relatable performances keep these movies beloved, even decades later.
2. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling
Films Together: Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), Gangster Squad (2013), La La Land (2016)
When Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling share the screen, sparks fly in every direction. Their performances in Crazy, Stupid, Love. introduced audiences to their effortless banter and undeniable romantic tension. They pivoted to a darker tone in Gangster Squad, trading comedic timing for high-stakes drama. Finally, their crowning achievement came in La La Land, where their love story was beautifully intertwined with an ode to ambition, heartbreak, and dreams deferred.
3. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
Films Together: The Wedding Singer (1998), 50 First Dates (2004), Blended (2014)
Few comedic pairings feel as genuine and heartfelt as Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Their first collaboration in The Wedding Singer captured the nostalgic charm of the 1980s, while 50 First Dates added a unique twist to the rom-com formula with its heartwarming amnesia plotline. In Blended, the duo explored the challenges of blending families, showing they could bring both humor and emotional depth to their characters.
4. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
Films Together: Titanic (1997), Revolutionary Road (2008)
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet delivered one of the most iconic love stories of all time in Titanic, cementing their place in pop culture history. Over a decade later, they reunited for Revolutionary Road, trading the sweeping romance of their first film for an unflinching exploration of marital strife. Their ability to seamlessly transition between genres highlights their shared talent and mutual trust as actors.
5. Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper
Films Together: Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle (2013), Serena (2014)
Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper quickly became one of Hollywood’s go-to pairings, delivering standout performances in each of their films together. Silver Linings Playbook earned Lawrence her first Academy Award, thanks in part to the electric dynamic between her and Cooper. American Hustle saw the duo navigate a web of deceit and ambition, while Serena explored darker, more tragic elements of their chemistry.
6. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere
Films Together: Pretty Woman (1990), Runaway Bride (1999)
When Julia Roberts and Richard Gere teamed up for Pretty Woman, they created one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time. Their second collaboration, Runaway Bride, may not have reached the same iconic status, but it reaffirmed their ability to light up the screen together. Both films leaned on their irresistible charm and strong rapport, making them a definitive Hollywood pairing.
7. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
Films Together: Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), Before Midnight (2013)
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s work in the Before trilogy is a cinematic feat. Directed by Richard Linklater, the films chronicle the evolving relationship between Jesse and Céline over nearly two decades. From the hopeful beginnings of Before Sunrise to the reflective reunion in Before Sunset and the raw intimacy of Before Midnight, their performances offer an unmatched authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences.
8. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward
Films Together: The Long, Hot Summer (1958), Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys! (1958), Mr. and Mrs. Bridge (1990)
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward epitomized real-life and on-screen romance. The couple’s first collaboration in The Long, Hot Summer showcased their sizzling chemistry, which carried over into other projects like Mr. and Mrs. Bridge. Their decades-long marriage only added depth to their portrayals of love and partnership.
9. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
Films Together: To Have and Have Not (1944), The Big Sleep (1946), Dark Passage (1947), Key Largo (1948)
The original golden couple of Hollywood, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, starred together in four unforgettable films. Their on-screen romance mirrored their real-life love story, adding an irresistible authenticity to their work. Whether navigating noir mysteries or tension-filled dramas, their pairing remains one of the most iconic in cinema history.
10. Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder
Films Together: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), A Scanner Darkly (2006), Destination Wedding (2018)
Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder have shared the screen in films spanning genres and decades. From the gothic intensity of Bram Stoker’s Dracula to the trippy sci-fi of A Scanner Darkly, they’ve always had a unique, understated chemistry. Their most recent pairing in Destination Wedding brought a dose of wry humor to their dynamic, solidifying their status as a fan-favorite duo.
