Without a doubt, love is one of the most common themes included in films of various genres. From comedies and crime dramas to action movies and thrillers, most movies involve some kind of romance to some extent. No movie would be complete without conflict, and seeing the characters struggle with their love lives and relationship problems is very interesting. And as time passes, more and more famous couples appeared in pop culture, like Romeo and Juliet from "Romeo + Juliet", Rose and Jack in "Titanic", and Noah and Allie from "The Notebook".
Yet, some of the most famous couples are the best examples of toxic relationships. When you take a closer look at couples like Bella Swan and Edward Cullen or Christian Gray and Anastasia Steele, it becomes clear that they can actually bring out the worst instead of the best for each other. Like them, we are also so caught up in their love that we don't realize the problem right away. We confuse possessiveness with lust, and jealousy with passion, and it's not entirely our fault. These relationships have been meticulously constructed to make us feel that they were destined to be together forever - despite the way they treat each other fundamentally wrong.
But don't worry. If you have lost your way, we are here to open your eyes. Scroll down to see which toxic couples in movies people romanticized over years!
#1 Jack and Rose from "Titanic"
Source: © Titanic / Twentieth Century Fox and co-producers
Over the past 20 years, Jack and Rose's love has been a symbol of true love that many people dream of. However, when you think about it, they really are a terrible couple. From the moment Jack saved Rose from the Titanic until he froze to death in the Atlantic Ocean, just over
48 Hours passed. Love takes time to grow, and two days is not long enough. It makes the point that they are in lust rather than love. Although Jack and Rose have great chemistry, they don’t share much. If Jack had survived the disaster and they had fled to New York together, would their love have passed their differences?
#2 John and Jane from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"
Source: © Mr. & Mrs. Smith / New Regency Productions and co-producers
Their relationship is founded on the fabrications of both sides. They were originally a fulfilling couple, but now they are imprisoned in an unhappy marriage that both feel suffocated.
#3 Nate and Andy from "The Devil Wears Prada"
Source: © The Devil Wears Prada / Fox 2000 Pictures and co-producers
It took some time to realize that Miranda Priestly is not the antagonist in this film. Nate is more than just a clingy boyfriend. He's a self-centered, whiny kid who values his birthday more than Andy's professional success. He abandoned her when she needed him most because she prioritized her goals and dreams. The first comment he gave Andy after she learns she has a position at a fashion magazine is, “Was that a phone interview?” really believes Andy can't work at Runway! Simply put, Nate didn't deserve her.
#4 Ross and Rachel from "Friends"
Source: © Friends / Warner Bros. Television and co-producer
Rachel and Ross are one of the most beloved couples in TV show history. Their relationship was an emotional roller coaster. In fact, Ross is a bad boyfriend for Rachel. He frequently uses other women to try to get over her by bringing them into their romantic relationships. Ross behaves like a controlling boyfriend with all the lies and deceit he employs throughout their relationship. After they got married by accident in Vegas, he wouldn't divorce Rachel despite her desire. That is not romantic.
#5 Romeo and Juliet from "Romeo + Juliet"
Source: © Romeo + Juliet / Bazmark Films and co-producers
Although the principal pair from Romeo and Juliet is still regarded as the gold romance standard, this story is toxic. As relatively immature teenagers, they mistake infatuation for true love and got married within a few days. Another instance of "love at first sight", however, this one can also be a pure attraction, lust, or adrenaline of defiance. In the beginning, their romance becomes all-consuming, and in the end, they sacrifice their lives for a relationship that doesn't even last a week.
#6 Edward and Bella from "Twilight Saga"
Source: © The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
While the "Twilight" trilogy is hugely popular, the relationship between 17-year-old Bella and 104-year-old vampire Edward Cullen is no doubt toxic in some ways. However, the age disparity is only the beginning of the problem. Because she is younger, Bella isn’t sure what she really deserves. In contrast, Edward exemplifies many of the classic traits of a toxic spouse. First and foremost, he tries on purpose to keep her separate from everyone, including her father and friends. Edward doesn’t respect Bella’s boundaries, he constantly chases after her, breaking into her house and keeping an eye on her while she sleeps. The film romanticizes all of them.
#7 Mr. Big and Carrie from "Sex and the City"
Source: © Sex and the City / Darren Star Productions and co-producers
Their toxic sometimes non-existent relationships have more downs than ups. Carrie has a bad habit of assuming her partners understand her wishes without telling them. When the two began dating, Carrie notes that Mr.Big often takes her to hidden restaurants so that no one they know will stumble across them. He frequently abandons Carrie and ends their relationship. Just remembering the scene where he abandoned Carrie at the altar is sufficient.
#8 Christian and Anastasia from "Fifty Shades of Grey"
Source: © Fifty Shades of Grey / Focus Features and co-producers
Although the "Fifty Shades" series was praised for its progressive subject matter, this relationship is unhealthy. Right away, there is a problem with the power dynamic. Christian takes advantage of Anna's inexperience and insecurity because she has never been in a relationship before. Christian Grey is a controlling, envious guy who goes to great lengths to maintain control over Ana's life. He stalks her and is preoccupied with finding out where she is and who she is with. Not only that, but he also buys the business where she works.
#9 Chuck and Blair from "Gossip Girl"
Source: © Gossip Girl / 17th Street Productions and co-producers
Blair and Chuck show off cuteness from time to time, but that's not enough to make up for their toxic relationship. When Blair decides to go with another guy instead of him, he turns to Gossip Girl, where he reveals all of Blair's personal information, ruining her image. Chuck even stated that he enjoyed watching her suffer and vowed to keep going until she had "nothing left." Blair struggled with insecurity due to her mother’s relationship, and her friendship with Serena and Chuck exacerbated them.
#10 Noah and Allie from "The Notebook"
Source: © The Notebook / New Line Cinema and co-producers
From the beginning, their connection is problematic. When they run into one other at a fair, Allie rejects Noah's overtures. In order to get Allie to agree to go out with him, he decides to hang from the Ferris wheel where she is now sitting. It's not romantic at all; it's manipulative conduct. Throughout their summer affair, they often have arguments that turn into fights. That just serves to emphasize how crazy in love they are. As they meet up again after a 14-year absence, Noah encourages Allie to start an affair with him and cheat on her fiancée. Just one of many movies that romanticize adultery.