28 Best Enemies-to-Lovers Movies and Shows

Season 2 of Bridgerton follows Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), a dashing and brooding gentleman known for his rakish ways. Kate Sheffield (Simone Ashley), on the other hand, is a fiercely independent and quick-witted young woman, determined to protect her younger sister from the perils of London’s high society. When Anthony and Kate find themselves constantly at odds, their fiery exchanges and sharp banter ignite a simmering tension that sparks an unexpected love story.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is a teen flick that effortlessly weaves elements of comedy, romance and teenage angst. From secret admirers and mischievous siblings to Shakespearean plotlines and unexpected alliances, 10 Things I Hate About You is an unmissable enemies-to-lovers watch.

Vampires, demons, and supernatural beings run rampant in the cult classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Armed with her quick wit, impressive combat skills, and a trusted group of friends, Buffy embarks on a mission to protect the world from darkness. Amidst the chaos and danger, Buffy discovers a love that defies all odds with a vampire that drives her crazy from the start. Buffy and Spike, two characters initially driven by hatred and animosity, become entangled in a complex dynamic that ignites a fiery chemistry between them.

In this romantic comedy, Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz) and Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher), a seemingly incompatible duo, wake up after a wild night in Sin City married to one another. 

Joy is a successful Wall Street trader driven by her ambition and determination while Jack is a carefree slacker devoid of any real responsibilities or aspirations. From the outset, their different outlooks on life and contrasting personalities create a volatile mix, setting the stage for a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Palm Springs (2020), is a modern-day tale of enemies finding unexpected love amidst the twists and turns of a time loop. The story unfolds at a seemingly typical wedding in a picturesque desert town, where we meet Nyles (Andy Samberg). Nyles is a carefree, witty character who seems content to navigate life with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment. Enter Sarah (Cristin Milioti) who attends the wedding as a reluctant maid of honor caught in her web of personal discontent.

Love and deceit go hand in hand in the comedic flick How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003). This modern classic embarks on a wild ride that follows the unconventional love story of Andie Anderson and Benjamin Barry. Andie, a journalist, and Benjamin, an advertising executive, find themselves caught in a unique bet that will put their budding relationship to the ultimate test.

Once Upon A Time is a modern-day fairy tale that weaves together the worlds of fantasy and reality in a spellbinding way. Set in a small town where fairy tale characters find themselves trapped without their memories, the show centers around Emma Swan, a strong-willed woman who has grown accustomed to a life devoid of happy endings. But everything changes when the son she gave up for adoption years ago, Henry, shows up at her door, claiming that she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, and that she alone holds the power to break the curse that plagues their town.

It Happened One Night (1934) is a classic film that proves that sometimes love can bloom even in the most unexpected circumstances. This timeless tale follows the whirlwind journey of Ellie Andrews, a young heiress escaping from her controlling father, and Peter Warne, a witty newspaper reporter looking for a big story. As fate brings them together on a bus trip, their initial animosity soon gives way to a captivating connection.

The Sound of Music (1965) follows the story of Maria, a free-spirited and compassionate young woman who becomes the governess for the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp, a strict and disciplined military man. Initially at odds with one another, Maria’s exuberance and zest for life begin to melt the Captain’s icy exterior, gradually transforming their relationship.

Set in a lively corporate environment, The Hating Game (2021) centers around Lucy and Joshua, two colleagues who constantly clash, each vying for a promotion that would secure their professional success. 

Avatar (2009) is a prime example of an enemies-turned-lovers narrative in the realm of fantastical worlds and riveting adventures. Directed by James Cameron, this visually stunning film takes us to the lush planet of Pandora, where humans and the indigenous Na’vi people grapple with their differences and conflicting interests.

At the heart of this captivating story is the protagonist, Jake Sully, a former Marine who finds himself torn between his loyalty to humanity and his growing fascination with the Na’vi culture. Initially sent to infiltrate the Na’vi and gain intelligence for the human corporation exploiting Pandora’s resources, Jake’s encounters with Neytiri, a fierce Na’vi warrior, slowly unravel his preconceived notions.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) introduces us to Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a man struggling with bipolar disorder and the aftermath of a devastating personal loss. Pat’s journey toward recovery and self-discovery takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), a fiery and complex woman dealing with her own demons.

Harry and Sally, played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, first meet as recent graduates, but their initial encounter is less than pleasant. Their clashing personalities create an instant dislike, and they part ways, assuming they will never cross paths again. However, as fate would have it, their lives intersect over the years, leading to unexpected encounters and conversations that challenge their preconceived notions about each other.

In The Princess Diaries 2, we reunite with Mia Thermopolis, who has now become the Princess of Genovia. As she navigates her newfound responsibilities and the pressure to find a suitable husband to ascend the throne, Mia finds herself at odds with Nicholas Devereaux, an arrogant and charming fellow noble. Their initial encounters are fraught with tension and disdain, as they clash over their differing views on duty and tradition. However, as the story unfolds, their initial animosity evolves into respect, admiration, and ultimately, an undeniable chemistry that cannot be ignored.

Bridget Jones Diary takes a different approach to the enemies-to-lovers trope, offering a refreshing and relatable take on romantic relationships. Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of the lovable Bridget Jones is both endearing and hilarious, instantly capturing the audience’s hearts.

In the midst of Bridget’s journey, we meet Mark Darcy, played by the charming Colin Firth. Mark initially appears as the epitome of everything Bridget dislikes, sparking a lively rivalry between the two. However, as they reluctantly spend more time together, their animosity gradually becomes a genuine connection.

In this gripping movie, John (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie) are not your typical couple. On the surface, they appear to be living an ordinary suburban life, but beneath the facade lies a secret they both share: they are highly skilled assassins working for rival organizations. Unbeknownst to each other, their mission leads them to cross paths, igniting a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The Bounty Hunter follows the story of Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), a former police officer turned bounty hunter, who is assigned to track down his ex-wife, Nicole Hurley (Jennifer Aniston), after she skips bail. As the plot unfolds, what starts off as a simple mission quickly turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as Milo and Nicole find themselves chased by dangerous criminals and entangled in a web of deceit.

Now it’s time to venture into the realm of television with Caroline Forbes and Klaus Mikaelson from The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017). This iconic enemies-to-lovers pairing takes the tumultuous rollercoaster of emotions to a whole new level. Caroline Forbes, initially portrayed as the typical popular high school girl, and Klaus Mikaelson, a thousand-year-old vampire with a dark past, couldn’t be more different. Their paths cross in the supernatural town of Mystic Falls, where their initial feelings of animosity and contempt bloom into something much more.

Dirty Dancing (1987) is a cinematic masterpiece that artfully blends music, romance, rebellion, self-discovery and forbidden love. At the heart of Dirty Dancing lies the tale of Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman who finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions when she meets the charismatic dance instructor, Johnny Castle.

In Time (2011) takes place in a dystopian future where the ticking countdown of our mortality governs our lives. In this unforgiving reality, an unexpected connection emerges between Will Salas, a man struggling to survive, and Sylvia, the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in society. Initially, their paths cross as adversaries, with Sylvia belonging to the privileged upper class and Will fighting to stay alive in the time-deprived slums. Yet, as their lives intertwine, they defy the boundaries of their predetermined roles.

In the realm of enemies-to-lovers movies, Moonstruck is a prime example of how passion can emerge from the unlikeliest beginnings. At the heart of the story is Loretta Castorini (Cher), a woman torn between familial duty and her own desires. Loretta, engaged to the safe and predictable Johnny Cammareri, unexpectedly falls for his estranged younger brother, Ronny (Nicolas Cage). Their initial disdain for each other is palpable, driven by a long-standing family feud. But as fate intervenes, their paths cross again, and their shared animosity transforms into something deeper.

Set It Up (2018) takes the enemies-to-lovers trope to fresh heights, delivering a heartfelt and charming story that proves even the most unlikely pairings can blossom into something truly remarkable. This Netflix original film introduces us to Harper and Charlie, two overworked and underappreciated assistants who find solace in their shared frustration. As they hatch a plan to set up their demanding bosses, they unwittingly set the stage for their own surprising journey towards love.

Melanie Smooter (Reese Witherspoon) is a successful fashion designer living in New York City. But her seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected twist when her past catches up with her. Enter Jake Perry (Josh Lucas) Melanie’s estranged husband from her southern hometown. As fate would have it, Melanie is forced to confront her roots and face the man she once despised to finalize their long-overdue divorce.