By Sophia Sullivan, Arts & Culture Editor
Chances are, you have gotten some idea of love, no matter how much, from a fictional show, book, or movie at some point in your life. These fictional couples and stories influence pop culture, media, and the way we may look for love ourselves.
While they may not always be realistic, or even healthy, they have cemented places in our popular culture today. So, what are some of the greatest hits of fictional love stories?
- Ross and Rachel (Friends)
The classic “on again/off again” couple of the silver screen, Ross and Rachel from Friends are a fan favorite relationship. From being friends to being (say it with me now) “on a break,” these two have evoked both frustration and affection from viewers for the last 30 years. It may have been an unlikely pairing at times, but Ross and Rachel will forever live on as a fixture in popular culture.
- Allie and Noah (The Notebook)
Everyone knows that The Notebook is the quintennial romance movie, and the main couple, Noah Calhoun, and Allie Hamilton, are characters that live up to that title. Complete with a class difference, old-fashioned love, and lots of angst, this love story is an absolute classic. Over a span of years, these two both break and build a relationship that has become a classic in the romance genre (and a great perpetuator of waterworks for all!)
- Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
It is a truth universally acknowledged… well, you know how it goes. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are the original enemies to lovers of literature, a trope that most readers now know and love. Predictable and a bit boring to some, this couple has withstood the test of time and has certainly solidified themselves in the canon as a love to aspire to have.
- Elle Evans and Noah Flynn (The Kissing Booth)
Anna Griffiths, a sophomore majoring in elementary education at Saint Leo University, said that her favorite fictional couple is Elle and Noah from The Kissing Booth franchise. Starting in high school and a brother’s best friend trope, these two are a fan favorite for the younger crowd. Griffiths said this is her favorite couple “because they’re young and fun.”
- Han Solo and Princess Leia (Star Wars)
With a famous quote like “I love you,” and then “I know,” how could Han Solo and Princess Leia not be on this list? This love story, full of action and difficulties, is a favorite for these characters’ banter and devotion to one another.
- Buttercup and Westley (The Princess Bride)
The Princess Bride is an older movie for college students, but those who have seen it know how dreamy the love between Buttercup and Westley is. Maeve Kiley, a sophomore majoring in English, said that this is her favorite fictional love story.
“I love them not just because I love the movie, but also because of their devotion to one another,” stated Kiley. “The iconic line ‘as you wish’ represents their entire relationship and how both are willing to fight and die for each other if necessary. I am glad they got their happy ending.”
- Simon and Bram (Love, Simon)
Simon and Bram from Love, Simon have a unique relationship, but that does not make their love story less special and inspirational to the audience. After emailing each other anonymously for a long while, they finally find out each other’s true identities, and their love grows from there, even despite the hardship and discrimination they faced as a gay couple in high school.
- Heathcliff and Catherine (Wuthering Heights)
What would this list be without a little bit of tortuous, yet still passionate, love? Heathcliff and Catherine from the classic novel Wuthering Heights are just that. From childhood to adulthood, they were always smitten with one another, but through miscommunications and hardship, their epic love perseveres even through tragedy and death (even if it was not always healthy).
- Bella and Edward (Twilight)
If you were alive during the early 2000s (or are immersed in the popular culture world at all) then you have read or watched Twilight. Edward and Bella are a couple that quite literally defy time and nature to be together. Even though it is a fantasy, the feelings that this relationship evokes from the younger crowd are very, very real.
- Derek and Meredith (Grey’s Anatomy)
Many college students love the soap opera Grey’s Anatomy, and its main couple is no exception. Merideth and Derek are a dynamic force, filled with passion for each other, but not without their problems.
“They are the epitome of a love story,” said Wren Chretien, a junior majoring in marketing. “They go through hard difficulties. Their love was represented on a sticky note that survived more than one lifetime. In the end, it was their love for each other that made them who they are.”
Whether old or new, these characters and fictional relationships are being talked about for a reason: because we love love! Next time you are in the mood to sit down with a romantic story, try one of these options. Happy Valentines Day, Lions!
