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There’s something irresistible about a love story that starts with loathing. Whether it’s through biting banter, heated standoffs, or mutual disdain that slowly melts into something deeper, the enemies-to-lovers trope delivers some of the most electric romantic tension you’ll find on screen.
From timeless classics like Pride and Prejudice to recent hits like Anyone But You, these enemies to lovers movies and shows know how to turn friction into full-on fireworks. You’ll find fake dating schemes, rival coworkers, royal rivals, and even supernatural slow burns (because yes, vampires count). Whether you’re craving a classic rom-com or a high-stakes action romance, this list has something for every mood.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best enemies to lovers movies and TV shows to add to your watchlist, you’re in the right place.
1
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
This enemies-to-lovers classic delivers everything: biting banter, unresolved tension, and a slow burn romance for the ages. Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen bring Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to life with crackling chemistry that only gets better with each rewatch. If you’re a fan of stubborn pride, social class angst, and passionate eye contact, this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel is a must-see. It’s basically the blueprint for every modern enemies-to-lovers story that followed.
2
The Proposal (2009)
Fake dating turns chaotic (and swoony) when a grumpy boss blackmails her assistant into marrying her, only to end up in Alaska meeting his family. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are comedic gold in this enemies-to-lovers rom-com packed with snarky banter, unexpected feels, and one unforgettable scene with a baby blanket.
3
Anyone But You (2023)
Bea and Ben had one magical date… followed by a total disaster. But when they’re forced to play nice at a destination wedding (hello, forced proximity), the tension gets deliciously complicated. Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s chemistry makes this enemies-to-lovers romance one of the most fun and flirty releases in recent years. If you love Much Ado About Nothing-style banter with a sunny, beachy vibe, this one’s for you.
4
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Rival bookstore owners unknowingly fall for each other over anonymous emails, making this cozy 90s rom-com a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers trope. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan bring just the right amount of sarcasm, longing, and charm in a story that’s both timeless and heartbreakingly sweet.
5
Bridgerton (2020-Current)
Anthony Bridgerton has sworn off love. Kate Sharma has sworn off Anthony. Their verbal sparring and sizzling stares light up Season 2 of Bridgerton with a slow-burn romance full of longing, angst, and scandalous tension. If you’re into Regency-era enemies-to-lovers with high stakes, family drama, and repressed yearning, this is peak viewing.
6
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This iconic teen rom-com takes Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and flips it into a high school battle of wits, angst, and swoony slow-burn romance. Kat and Patrick start off as total opposites, but their sharp banter, emotional layers, and Heath Ledger’s dreamy serenade make this a top-tier enemies-to-lovers classic.
7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Buffy and Spike go from mortal enemies to something far messier and magnetic in this supernatural slow burn full of tension, redemption, and bite (literally). If you’re into morally gray love interests and enemies-to-lovers dynamics that are as complicated as they are compelling, their arc will keep you hooked.
8
What Happened In Vegas (2008)
A wild night in Vegas leaves Joy and Jack accidentally married—and when a jackpot win is involved, they’re stuck with each other until the money gets sorted. Cue the chaos, sabotage, and undeniable chemistry in this rom-com that leans into opposites attract, fake marriage, and enemies-turned-reluctant-roommates.
9
Maxton Hall (2024)
Set at an elite prep school, Maxton Hall brings academic rivals, class tension, and major slow-burn vibes as scholarship student Ruby Bell butts heads with privileged heartthrob James Beaufort. Their fiery dynamic is full of secrets, snark, and the kind of tension that keeps you glued to the screen—I binged it in one sitting and cannot wait for the next season.
10
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
She’s writing an article on how to lose a guy; he’s betting he can make a woman fall in love with him—so naturally, chaos (and chemistry) ensues. With hilarious sabotage, cringe-but-cute dates, and classic rom-com charm, this one nails the enemies-to-lovers setup with a side of fake relationship fun.
11
Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
In this fairytale-meets-modern-world fantasy series, enemies-to-lovers romance plays out in multiple arcs, but Emma Swan and Captain Hook steal the show with their snarky banter, emotional baggage, and slow burn chemistry that builds over seasons. If you love magic, redemption, and reluctant heroes falling hard, this show delivers it all.
12
It Happened One Night (1934)
This black-and-white gem is one of the earliest and best examples of the enemies-to-lovers trope in classic cinema. When a spoiled heiress and a cynical reporter end up on a road trip together, they bicker, banter, and eventually fall in love—proving that opposites really do attract, even in 1930s Hollywood.
13
The Sound of Music (1965)
Maria and Captain von Trapp start off at odds in this beloved musical, with her free spirit clashing against his strict military order. But as music and warmth fill their home, their enemies-to-lovers romance unfolds with grace, longing, and one of the most iconic slow burns in romantic film history.
14
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
When the First Son of the United States and a British prince go from diplomatic disaster to steamy secret romance, you get a queer enemies-to-lovers rom-com filled with swoon-worthy tension and heartfelt moments. This adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel blends royal romance with a sweet, sexy, and emotional slow burn.
15
The Hating Game (2021)
Office rivals Lucy and Joshua are locked in a daily battle of wits and power plays—until their enemies-to-lovers chemistry threatens to combust in the best possible way. Set against the backdrop of corporate ambition, this romantic comedy delivers steamy tension, sharp banter, and that delicious moment where hate turns to something much hotter.
16
Avatar (2009)
On the lush alien world of Pandora, a human soldier and a fierce Na’vi warrior start as enemies on opposite sides of a war, but their unlikely bond transforms into a powerful enemies-to-lovers romance. With stunning visuals, culture clash tension, and a heartfelt connection that grows through trust and betrayal, Avatar delivers an epic, action-packed love story with real emotional weight.
17
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Pat and Tiffany don’t exactly hit it off—they’re both chaotic, emotionally guarded, and dealing with deep personal pain—but their sharp-tongued dynamic evolves into something raw and unexpectedly romantic. If you’re into messy characters, slow burn chemistry, and offbeat enemies-to-lovers stories with heart, this one hits the sweet spot.
18
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Starting off as mutual skeptics about love and friendship, Harry and Sally go from sharp-tongued strangers to soulmates over the course of years. This iconic romantic comedy plays the long game with its slow burn enemies-to-lovers arc, complete with witty dialogue, real emotional growth, and one of the most satisfying payoffs in rom-com history.
19
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Mia Thermopolis returns as Genovia’s princess—and this time, she’s facing royal pressure to marry. Enter Nicholas, a rival for the throne with a cocky smile and an infuriating charm. Their clashing ideals and political tension give way to a sweet, slow-burn royal romance that’s both swoony and family-friendly.
20
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2004)
Bridget can’t stand Mark Darcy when they first meet—he’s awkward, judgy, and apparently hates her Christmas sweater—but over time, their frosty relationship thaws into something genuine and tender. With sharp wit, relatable cringe, and classic enemies-to-lovers tension, this rom-com gives us a romance that feels as messy and real as it is charming.
21
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)
Two assassins, one marriage, zero honesty—Mr. and Mrs. Smith turns a domestic facade into an explosive, action-packed enemies-to-lovers romance. As John and Jane discover they’ve been assigned to kill each other, their battle becomes the ultimate form of foreplay, blending sharp humor, high-stakes tension, and undeniable chemistry.
22
The Bounty Hunter (2010)
Exes with baggage and bullets flying? That’s the setup in The Bounty Hunter, where a bounty hunter is assigned to track down his journalist ex-wife. Their love-hate dynamic is full of snark, chase scenes, and romantic tension as they navigate danger—and their unresolved feelings—on the run.
23
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
From their very first scenes together, Klaus and Caroline spark a forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance that fans still can’t get over. With centuries of darkness clashing against Caroline’s moral compass and sharp tongue, their slow burn connection brings out surprising vulnerability and intense longing in a supernatural setting.
24
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Baby and Johnny come from completely different worlds—she’s a sheltered idealist, and he’s the bad boy dance instructor—but their tension-filled journey from friction to fiery romance is iconic. This classic delivers all the enemies-to-lovers vibes with electric chemistry, forbidden love, and one of the best final dance scenes in movie history.
25
In Time (2011)
In a dystopian world where time is currency, Will and Sylvia are forced to rely on each other despite coming from opposite sides of society. What starts as a kidnapping quickly morphs into a reluctant alliance—and eventually, a high-stakes enemies-to-lovers story that blends sci-fi action with slow burn romance.
26
Moonstruck (1987)
Loretta just wants to marry a nice, boring man—but then she meets his brooding younger brother Ronny, and their mutual loathing turns into a fiery, passionate romance that catches them both off guard. Moonstruck delivers an old-school enemies-to-lovers story with intense chemistry, family drama, and Cher in one of her most unforgettable roles.
27
Set It Up (2018)
Two overworked assistants team up to set up their nightmare bosses—but end up accidentally setting themselves up for a romantic comedy of their own. Harper and Charlie’s bickering, competitive energy slowly gives way to flirtation and genuine connection in this charming modern take on the enemies-to-lovers trope.
28
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Fashion designer Melanie returns to her Southern hometown to finalize her divorce, only to butt heads (again) with her stubborn ex-husband, Jake. Their second-chance enemies-to-lovers arc is full of sarcasm, unresolved feelings, and the kind of small-town nostalgia that makes this rom-com a cozy comfort watch.
29
Palm Springs (2020)
Trapped in a time loop and stuck together indefinitely, Sarah and Nyles go from irritated strangers to reluctant allies to something much deeper. With its sci-fi twist and emotional depth, Palm Springs delivers a quirky, existential spin on the enemies-to-lovers romance, complete with dark humor and a surprisingly heartfelt love story.