Favorite Couples

I wanted to write this blog for Valentine’s Day, but time got away from me so you’re getting it now! These are my favorite couples (canon or not—yes you read that right) from books, television, movies and animation. Generally, I enjoy these couples because of how they enhance each others best characteristics, challenge each other to grow, and how they function as a unit to each other and those around them. With that in mind, without further adieu, enjoy:

UPDATED FOR 2016

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice): I feel like this one needs no real explanation, but I like it mostly for how their relationship develops and Darcy continues to surprise Lizzy and the reader.

Hermione and Harry (Harry Potter): I’m very aware this one isn’t canon, but even JKR thinks it should have been. And I’ll stand by that in my grave. They challenged each other in and out of the classroom, were always there for support and comfort, and noticed each other in ways others did not. Plus Harry would be dead 100x over without her x)

Katniss and Peeta (Hunger Games): Honestly, I’m in this one mostly for Peeta. He makes Katniss a better person throughout the series and he’s devoted to her regardless of her complicated feelings. I was still left feeling this was a bit one-sided, though.

Persephone and Callum (Naughts and Crosses): In a world where social standings are turned on their head, these star-crossed lovers struggle at every turn starting with their unlikely friendship. It hurts so good.

Sophie and Mina (Far From You): No spoilers but this one WILL make you cry. By the time we meet these characters, Sophie is suffering to accept Mina’s death. The short time they had together, though, while tragic, was magical.

Clarke and Lexa (The 100): These two are the best kind of bickering lovers. Both girls are incredibly stubborn and motivated by their deep need to protect the people they love. Even still, they desperately want to be together no matter how much it frustrates them. Naturally, this causes some *ahem* tension.

Kate and Jack (LOST): Although the intrusion of Sawyer complicated matters, they fought for each other and really only opened up to one another. Throughout the show, they stood by the other’s (good or bad) decisions. Oh, and he died for her so…

Snow White and Prince Charming (Once Upon a Time): To start, they rubbed me the wrong way for being too cliche, but their development has been touching and hopelessly devoted to seeing each other succeed. Much like Lizzy and Darcy, but in a fairytale retelling where they’ll always find each other.

Connor and Oliver (How to Get Away With Murder): Although Connor is probably the most promiscuous person on this list, he has a lot of insecurities that Oliver fixes with one sweet smile. Despite being polar opposites, they make a lovely couple and have changed each other for the better.

Rachel and Ross (Friends): It had its up and down moments, but overall this was a tantalizing relationship that came together with beautiful symmetry. Besides, who doesn’t want to marry their high school sweetheart?

Neytiri and Jake (Avatar): Given that Jake and Neytiri were from different races to start (and the Pocahontas parallels), I loved seeing his shift in motivations, her focus on his development, and their mutual fight for the planet they loved.

Evey and V (V for Vendetta): Yes, their relationship is complex with a touch of Stockholm syndrome, BUT a girl with no passions found her purpose and a vengeful man found reason to love again.

Allie and Noah (The Notebook): The greatest love story of all time. Period. A classic teenage dream come true and even though they were apart for years, true love always finds a way. Noah wrote their story and it brought Allie back to him. After all, it was never over.

Eve and Walle (Walle):  What is cuter than robots in love? And robots that rarely speak and only do so in each others names. They went all over the galaxy for each other. Eve went rogue. Walle was squished. Plus, the little spark kiss? Instant classic.

Katara and Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender): I had no qualms about this pair being young or slightly separated in age. They were always very mature, loving and thoughtful—perfect role models for young viewers. And in the end she helped him become the Avatar.

Korra and Asami (The Legend of Korra): As the Avatar after Aang, I had very high expectations for Korra. She struggled a lot in life and love, but after much soul searching, she finally found happiness with one of her best friends. After all, the hero always gets the girl!

Nala and Simba (The Lion King): They were betrothed and that was gross! But together these childhood friends found each other exactly when they needed to in order to have good conquer evil. Just in time to feel the love tonight.

America and England (Hetalia): The sexual tension is unbelievable! These personifications of their respective countries have a very special relationship indeed 😉

Honorable Mentions:

Lucy and Mr. Tumnus (Narnia)

Amy and Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory)

Piper and Leo (Charmed)

(All of Miyazaki’s pairings but mostly) Sophie and Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle)

Who are some your favorite couples? I’ll bet a missed quite a few that I love, so feel free to leave your beloved pairings in a comment!