Top 10 Best Couples in Pop Culture
-Emma Brown

Whether or not you have a special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day, there are couples that are beloved by pop culture. Here are my top ten…

#10. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

I love Ryan Reynolds as much as the next person. The iconic actor is beloved by most for the comedy he brings to all his roles, as well as being a kind person off screen. However, I placed them low on this list because of Blake Lively’s controversy in the media. Once loved by America in her teen years, it seems she hasn’t quite grown out of that feeling of invincibility continuing to cause issues among past co-stars.

Even though Blake Lively is not the best of people, she supports her husband and he supports her through everything over the last fourteen years. Their relationship seems to be strong, steady, and pure, something rare in Hollywood romances.

#9. Ross and Rachel

No couple is more iconic than Ross and Rachel from the show Friends. For ten years, fans desperately wanted the couple to come together, and the finale made that happily ever after come true. So if they are so beloved, why are they only number nine?

I don’t like Ross and Rachel. Controversial opinion, I know. But honestly, I think we forget the terrible things Ross did. The list? I know, it was a pro con list, which made him realize he loved her, but did he have to say she’s “just a waitress.” The break? I mean, come on. He cheated on her. I’ll admit they were on a break, but he did cheat on her. In the end, Ross would’ve done anything to be with Rachel and make her happy, so I guess they work.

#8. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

The couple is about to tie the knot this summer right here in Rhode Island. A perfect match - the pop star and the football player, they are an iconic dynamic. Would I call them a power couple? No. But the famous Taylor Swift finally found her prince charming after her many, many popular breakups. This relationship will certainly be a turning point in Taylor’s career and may even allow her to shed her reputation.

I do believe Travis will finally be Taylor’s happily ever after that she has been searching for, but the pairing I felt kind of came out of nowhere. Unless you’re a football fan, you probably hadn’t heard of Travis Kelce until Taylor Swift was on his arm. Still, they are a good couple.

#7. Prince William and Kate Middleton

The reputation of the royal family regarding partners has not been great to say the least, but Kate and William have a beautiful love story through all that. Married almost fifteen years with three polite children, they are the definition of a royal family.

Beloved by the public, and royals alike, Kate Middleton has faced recent health issues, but after undergoing chemotherapy, continues her royal duties, showing face in public again. Throughout the rough road of recovery, Prince William was by her side the entire time, holding her hand through it all.  Since they met at St. Andrews University, their relationship has been built on friendship, and continues to be just as strong.

#6. Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker

For this couple, I am specifically talking about Andrew Garfield’s and Emma Stone’s interpretation of the pair. While many people may argue Peter Parker ends up with MJ, I don’t care. When I watched the ending to The Amazing Spiderman 2, I SOBBED over her death and Peter Parker being so close to saving her, but so far. He could save everyone else, but the love of his life.

The heartbreak made me so sad, I haven’t watched any other Spiderman movies. Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker’s love was beautiful, and made him feel safe. But in the end, she was just a message for him to realize he can’t save everyone.

#5. Jim and Pam

Now, I haven’t finished The Office yet, but Jim and Pam just got married, and I love them so much. They were almost highlighted throughout the show as sane people in a seemingly crazy office, making people fall in love with their dynamic.

Jim waited, for a long, long time, for Pam, patiently for 4 seasons. But their platonic friendship of jokes, pranks, and sanity made them work so well together. Mixed in between were the little glances, the flirty jokes, and subtle body language created that friends to lover trope that many fans love. Between that, and the terrible fiancee making Pam wait over three years to get married, the entire fan base started rooting for them.

#4. Meredith and Derek

Another heartbreaking love story that ended in tragedy, Derek and Meredith are one of the most brutal love stories in modern TV shows. Even before they were together, Derek loved her, and it was so clear to the audience. Meredith’s issues with her mother and mental health only made him support her more, being by her side through everything. Without him, she became so depressed, she ran away to have a child.

You may ask, well Derek cheated on his wife to be with Meredith. No. Their situation was different than Ross and Rachel because Derek was separated from Addison because Addison cheated on Derek with his best friend. So. 10/10 couple. Derek’s death broke millions of hearts.

#3. Zendaya and Tom Holland

This blooming love story is only beginning and is beloved by many people across the world. Child star Zendaya announced her relationship with Spiderman star Tom Holland in 2020, after working together on the set of Spiderman Homecoming.

I love their relationship because unlike many Hollywood relationships, it’s not rushed. Five years after starting their relationship, they announced their engagement, and have no shared details with the public. To them, their fame is not the most important thing, their family and relationship is. Both stars have said how they will step out of the spotlight once they have kids.

#2. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt

Ok separately, who doesn’t love Emily Blunt? She is known for iconic roles like The Devil Wears Prada, with her amazing talents in singing along with her acting. John Krasinski is famous for roles like Jim in The Office and is an all around kind, funny guy. They have been together since 2008, with two sweet girls, and over 15 years of marriage, they are beloved by many.

It’s very strange to find this kind of strong commitment in a celebrity’s lifestyle, and I think this is why they made it so high on this list. The fame and fortune never let them stray from each other and their love.

#1. Chandler and Monica

My absolute favorite. Chandler and Monica were a part of the show Friends, but it was never really hinted at as anything more than friendship there. But after the shocking reveal at Ross’ wedding, fans loved them.

They were set after that. The comedy behind hiding their relationship to the beautiful moment of proposal, everything made Chandler and Monica a fan favorite for millions everywhere. They just worked so well together, and were the “mom and dad” of the group. I’m happy they ended in a good way, moving into a home with twin babies. It truly was the best ending of the show, because of their beautiful relationship.