• Viral badge

15 Actors Whose Onscreen Chemistry In Movies Was Unmatched, And 15 Actors Whose Chemistry Was Utterly Cringeworthy

Nothing compares to Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Kayla Yandoli
by Kayla Yandoli

BuzzFeed Staff

Hot Topic
🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Harry Potter

We asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which actors had the best *and* worst onscreen chemistry in movies (to get a full picture of romantic relationships in film). Here's what they had to say:

Warning: Potential spoilers ahead! 🚨

1. Awkward chemistry: Daniel Radcliffe and Bonnie Wright in the Harry Potter movies

Ginny telling Harry to close his eyes in the room of requirement
Warner Bros. Pictures

"When I read the book, I read a lot of the paragraphs and quotes about their relationship over and over, and it was so pure and made me so happy. When I watched the movie, I was extremely disappointed with how poorly executed their chemistry was."

—rowelakins

2. Amazing chemistry: Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic (1997)

Jack pretending to drive in a car, asking Rose where she wants to go, and her responding with: "To the stars"
Paramount Pictures

"Their chemistry was undeniably good in Titanic — whenever you saw both of them on screen, you believed in their love. Especially when Rose got off the lifeboat and Jack rushed to her and said how stupid she was for getting off the boat — from start to finish, their connection was just so real." 

—dannabaste14

3. Awkward chemistry: Constance Wu and Henry Golding in Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Rachel asking Nick if he's wealthy on the plane, and when he says his family is "comfortable," she responds with: "That is exactly what a super rich person would say"
Warner Bros. Pictures

"The leads in Crazy Rich Asians had zero chemistry, but to be fair to the actors, their characters weren't that fleshed out by the script. The supporting actors had better lines, and their relationships were more believable."

—joannab14

Hot Topic
Think you’re the biggest Harry Potter fan? Let’s put it to the test.
See our Harry Potter Discussions

4. Amazing chemistry: Jennifer Lopez and Jon Seda in Selena (1997)

Warner Bros. Pictures

"I loved the chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and Jon Seda in Selena. It was this beautiful friendship on screen that made you believe they truly were falling for each other. Playing real-life people is probably hard enough without needing to also portray their love story, but I always loved watching them on screen together."

—calm4f5d10454

5. Awkward chemistry: Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Anakin and Padmé sitting in a field of flowers
Lucasfilm

"Anakin and Padmé had no chemistry together — Anakin was kind of creepy, and Padmé showed no interest in Anakin until the plot forced her to. These characters should have had a heartfelt (and ultimately) tragic love story — what we got instead was something bland and inorganic."

—cor15

6. Amazing chemistry: Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Satine and Christian singing "How wonderful life is now you're in the world" to each other, ending it with a kiss
20th Century Fox

"Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge!. I still have hope for these two all these years later!"

—gabbywatson0708

7. Awkward chemistry: Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby (2013)

Daisy and Jay meeting again after a long time, saying to each other: "I'm certainly glad to see you"
Warner Bros. Pictures

"This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think the chemistry between Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan as Gatsby and Daisy in The Great Gatsby ruined the movie for me."

—aljr02

"I prefer the Robert Redford and Mia Farrow version from 1974 over the 2013 version — there was absolutely no chemistry between Leo and Carey."

—bloodandchocolate

8. Amazing chemistry: Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya in Queen & Slim (2019)

Queen and Slim slowly dancing together in the juke bar while a monologue of one of their conversations plays over the scene
Universal Pictures

"Their chemistry was absolutely incredible, and made the film unforgettable."

—deadcupcake02

9. Awkward chemistry: Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow in every Marvel movie

Pepper and Tony looking at each other at the end of "Iron Man" with battle scars on their faces
Marvel

"I have to say it: Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow in all of the Marvel movies — never mind that Tony and Pepper weren’t a couple in the comics, the two actors were just awful together."

—holly_gobiteme

10. Amazing chemistry: Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet in Little Women (2019)

Jo telling Laurie she can't marry him
Sony Pictures Releasing

"They did such an amazing job playing Jo and Laurie, showing how their friendship developed and how flirty they were with each other. The scene where Laurie confessed his love for Jo and asked her to marry him on that hill, and then when she turned him down, you could see the pain written all over Timothée’s face. They were perfection."

—mikaelakempton

11. Awkward chemistry: Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton in The Sun Is Also a Star (2019)

Daniel and Natasha talking to each other about love, and how Natasha believes it doesn't exist
Warner Bros. Pictures

"There was much more passion in the book than the movie, and in the movie they added an extra day to the plot, so you'd think there'd be more room for the two actors to develop chemistry. The acting felt very awkward, even though they're both great actors in their own TV shows."

—alvaset

"I read The Sun Is Also a Star in a day because I loved it so much — I initially didn't want to check out the movie, but after loving the book so much, I figured I’d give it a shot. The movie left me so, so disappointed — I honestly didn’t watch enough to know if Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton had chemistry, but based on what I saw, it was hard for me to believe Charles Melton could have good chemistry with anyone."

—jadekoalas

12. Amazing chemistry: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo in To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Lara Jean explaining why she's afraid of being in a relationship to Peter
Netflix

"Lana and Noah have such a beautiful friendship that many of us can only dream for, and the way they act together on and off screen is very couple-like. Everyone loved them in TATBILB because their chemistry was so intense and well-displayed."

—nataliizavalaafloress

"The chemistry they had on and off camera led to a really good setup for this legendary movie. It would not have been the same without Lana Condor and Noah Centineo!"

—camithy

13. Awkward chemistry: Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Belle and Beast eating a meal together for the first time, Beast with food all over his mouth
Disney

"The movie was poorly thrown together in a lot of ways — bad singing, bad onscreen chemistry between Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, and a general stilted awkwardness. I couldn't find much that was redeeming, even though I generally am a big Emma Watson fan — it was cute for the kids, and that's about the only good thing I can say."

—ohgreatanothercomment

14. Amazing chemistry: Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in The Mummy (1999)

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz kissing at the end of "The Mummy"
Universal Pictures

"They played such a GOOD couple! They didn’t have a toxic relationship, they genuinely loved and respected each other, and it was just healthy and awesome to watch. I loved these two together."

—nicmac

15. Awkward chemistry: Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott in Aladdin (2019)

Jasmine telling Aladdin: "It's a little sad, having a monkey as the only parental authority in your life"
Disney

"I LOVE Mena Massoud, and I really enjoyed the live-action Aladdin in general, but Abu and the magic carpet had more chemistry in that movie than Mena and Naomi Scott did."

—ravenclawprefect1990

16. Amazing chemistry: Gina Rodriguez and LaKeith Stanfield in Someone Great (2019)

A montage of Jenny and Nate kissing
Netflix

"Gina Rodriguez and LaKeith Stanfield had wonderful chemistry — as you watched their relationship play out, it felt very real, and you wanted their screen time to last longer. Someone Great is centered around the friendship between the three female leads, but it's a rare movie where both the friendships and the love story were equally compelling, and that's because of the cast."

—jennr4ab11fa64

17. Awkward chemistry: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey in Failure to Launch (2006)

Tripp and Paula looking at each other as they're laying on leather armchairs in a store
Paramount Pictures

"Definitely Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey in Failure to Launch — it was cringeworthy watching them try to be in love."

—itswisa

"They did not seem like a believable couple at all."

—gabby333

18. Amazing chemistry: Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Jacob asking Hannah if she could ask him a personal question, and her responding with: "Okay, fine. I'll do it. And then we bang"
Warner Bros. Pictures

"Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid, Love — I truly believed that they were in love in that movie. Their first kiss was just 😍. Also, the fact that they went on to play a couple in two other movies just proves that their chemistry was amazing!"

—nicolesue

19. Awkward chemistry: Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in Jurassic World (2015)

Universal Pictures

"I think they’re both such talented actors, and maybe the direction just wasn’t there, but I didn’t buy their chemistry at ALL."

—thetimble

"That kiss between them felt so forced."

—stella4star

20. Amazing chemistry: Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in Carol (2015)

Therese smelling the perfume on Carol's neck
StudioCanal / The Weinstein Company

"Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara's characters in Carol were practically dripping off the screen with chemistry — it’s what made the movie so damn good."

—tamaraow

21. Awkward chemistry: Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn in The Break-Up (2006)

Gary offering Brooke a hot dog at a Chicago Cubs baseball game
Universal Pictures

"They had such bad chemistry together — when they broke up, did they just go back to having a friendly relationship? It was awkward."

—robertwooldridge

22. Amazing chemistry: Tom Holland and Zendaya in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Peter telling MJ she looks pretty in the theatre, and MJ teasing him while responding in the same, loving way
Marvel

"Despite being absolute best friends in real life [now romantically involved], they displayed their affections for each other extremely well on screen. Fans loved them together, and will only continue to ship them!"

—nataliizavalaafloress

"Tom Holland and Zendaya were pretty cute together in Spider-Man — they portrayed the awkwardness in teenage relationships so well."

—brianam15

23. Awkward chemistry: Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis in Jupiter Ascending (2015)

Caine helping Jupiter in the hospital
Warner Bros. Pictures

"Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis had zero chemistry — I was shook when they kissed because it felt soooooo out of place, and it was very awkward."

—mddexter7

24. Amazing chemistry: Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani in The Lovebirds (2020)

Kumail Nanjiani making a joke about Issa Rae's "fun" dress, saying: "It's fun, but sexy -- like Fuck E. Cheese"
Netflix

"I really thought Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani had incredible chemistry in The Lovebirds, and after watching the film, that’s all I said to anyone. They felt like that couple you know are meant to be together because no one could communicate with them the way they communicated with each other."

—gstaplesburton

25. Awkward chemistry: Reese Witherspoon and Luke Wilson in Legally Blonde (2001)

The ending of "Legally Blonde," with text that reads: "Emmett is proposing to Elle tonight"
MGM

"Come to think of it, Reese Witherspoon and Luke Wilson didn't have that much chemistry together in Legally Blonde. Granted, their romance wasn't really a huge plot point, and they only had a few scenes one on one, but I never felt they had anything special between them. Most of the time, it felt like he was just her understanding, level-headed supervisor, and they randomly ended up getting married."

—colleend9

26. Amazing chemistry: Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps in Love & Basketball (2000)

Monica challenging Quincy to play a game of one-on-one for his heart
New Line Cinema

"Sanaa Latham and Omar Epps in Love & Basketball should be at the top of this list."

—Aimee Renaud, Facebook

27. Awkward chemistry: Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche in Dan in Real Life (2007)

Dan and Marie talking in the bookstore
Touchstone Pictures

"It was a great script, a great story, and had some really great moments, so I really wanted to love it — but Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche had NO chemistry. I was supposed to believe they met for one day, chatted for a few hours, and suddenly they were meant to be together? Sorry, but no."

—tomkat41

28. Amazing chemistry: Josh O'Connor and Alec Secăreanu in God's Own Country (2017)

Johnny telling Gheorghe he wants him to come back, and wants them to be together
Picturehouse Entertainment

"They both spent time alone on a farm before shooting to create a real sense of isolation, and as the characters were getting to know each other, so were the actors. The loneliness you saw in the beginning was very genuine."

—yosefa

29. Awkward chemistry: Anne Hathaway and Anders Holm in The Intern (2015)

Matt apologizing to Jules, telling her: "I thought I could do it -- I thought I could be the guy I told you I was going to be"
Warner Bros. Pictures

"I think the chemistry between couples in Nancy Meyers movies is one of the many things that makes her comedies so memorable (Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson in The Parent Trap, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law in The Holiday, etc.). But, in The Intern, I thought Anders Holm was so miscast as Matt — I never felt like he was the right choice for Jules (Anne Hathaway's character). One of Nancy Meyers’ strengths as a writer and director is showing all the different layers of a relationship, and although Jules and Matt’s journey took many different turns, Anne and Anders’ lack of chemistry did a disservice to this important aspect of the movie."

—mavmag

30. And amazing chemistry: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born (2018)

Jackson and Ally singing with each other in the studio
Warner Bros.

"As soon as Bradley Cooper saw Lady Gaga in the bar singing 'La Vie en Rose,' there was an instant connection. And after her performance, when he went backstage and he touched her face to take off her fake eyebrow, and saw how beautiful she was without any makeup on...they were just amazing together."

—mikaelakempton

Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Which movie actors do *you* think have either amazing or totally cringeworthy onscreen chemistry? Tell us in the comments below!

Hot Topic
🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Harry Potter
We see you lurking 👀
Join a Harry Potter conversation instead.
See the Discussions