Top 10 Dancing with the Stars Couples of All Time

These couples are simply the best of the best. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 “Dancing with the Stars” couples of all time. For this list, we’ll be ranking the couples on their chemistry, dancing skill, and overall performance throughout the season.

Season 20 belonged to Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy. They made their presence known in the premiere, scoring that week’s highest score of 32 for their foxtrot to Hozier’s “Take Me to Church”. In fact, they were the highest scoring couple for nine dances, including a perfect 80 in week 8, dancing a rumba and a pasodoble. They also ended in spectacular fashion, scoring three straight 40s in the finals. This was more than enough to crown them the season victors, and really, was there anything cuter than seeing proud daddy Bruce in the audience?

#9: James & Sharna

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Who knew race car drivers could also be incredible dancers? Canadian racer James Hinchcliffe was paired with Sharna Burgess for season 23, and they couldn’t have been a more perfect duo. Their first week foxtrot earned them a score of 31, thanks to James’ posture, footwork, and speed. Things would only get better from there, and their finals performance was nothing short of beautiful. Their mesmerizing freestyle to Beethoven’s 5 Secrets earned them a perfect score, as did their waltz/foxtrot fusion. Sharna’s gorgeous choreography, combined with their fiery chemistry and James’ smooth, stylish dancing ensured their status as fan favorites, even if they were edged out of first place.

Going back to season 20, we have R5 singer and bassist Riker Lynch and Allison Holker. Riker and Allison really came into their own in week 3, where they earned the week’s highest score of 34 for their salsa. They also dominated weeks 9 and 10, earning five straight perfect scores. While they eventually became the season’s runners-up, they actually outscored Rumer and Valentine in week 9. Every dance of theirs was either a total blast or a tear-jerking beauty, and many people believe that they should have won season 20. Sorry Rumer.

Model and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco was paired with Peta for the show’s twenty-second season, and boy was it a roller coaster. They came bolting out of the gate, earning the highest scores for three of the season’s first five dances, but then suffered a serious slump in weeks 9 and 10. Luckily, they came back to finish strong, scoring a perfect 30 on night two and winning the competition. They may not have been always flawless, but their undeniable chemistry won over fans as well as the judges. Many a tear was shed as the competition’s first deaf contestant took home the title of season champion.

With “Dancing with the Stars,” a new generation fell in love with sitcom star Alfonso Ribeiro. Alfonso was a stellar surprise, earning the highest score in week one and never letting up. He and dance partner Witney dominated the competition and went on to score three straight 40s in the finale before predictably winning the season. Not only was Alfonso an absolute blast to watch - complete with a hilarious performance of the famous Carlton dance from his time on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” - he was also a spectacular dancer who always kept up with Witney and her dazzling choreography.

When season 16 saw Zendaya, the then-youngest contestant, paired with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, hype was high. From their very first performances, the two did not disappoint, earning the highest scores in the first two weeks, and being pegged by viewers and judges alike as likely winners. Heck, their second week jive alone would have scored well in the finale. Surprising no one, they easily made it to the finals, and earned the highest score with 95, but ultimately placed second. It’s a damn shame, because they had chemistry, talent, and charm to spare. Nobody had the moves or the speed of Zendaya, and if you ask fans, many will tell you that she should have won the season.

Singer and actor Jordan Fisher was paired with Lindsay Arnold for season 25, and while they had a good start, they enjoyed a spectacular finish. Out of their last eight dances, the couple received seven perfect scores, an absolutely incredible feat that all-but guaranteed them the Mirrorball. Which it did, by the way. With their perfect timing, choreography, and synchronicity, the two seemed like they’d been performing together forever rather than just a season. Is Jordan Fisher the best male dancer in the history of the show? If not, he’s definitely up there.

Bindi Irwin, conservationist and daughter of the late Steve Irwin, was paired with “Dancing with the Stars” veteran Derek Hough for season 21, and their partnership was an instant classic. Derek has enjoyed many competent partners throughout the years, but Bindi is arguably his most fun. Not only was she clearly having a blast with the competition, but the couple conveyed emotion and chemistry like no others, particularly during their heartbreaking freestyle to “Footprints in the Sand”. Derek’s mentorship and choreography combined perfectly with Bindi’s enthusiasm and natural talents, ensuring an easy victory.

While Jordan Fisher proved unbeatable in season 25, Lindsey Stirling came pretty darned close. Lindsey and Mark were neck-and-neck with Jordan and Lindsay throughout the season, evident by the very first week when they both earned the high score of 22. Both also earned four perfect scores in the finals, so really, the competition could have gone either way. Their choreography was always sensational, and Lindsey proved herself to be an effortless entertainer capable of creating majestic music and dance in equal measure. Despite coming runners-up, Lindsey and Mark became instant fan favorites due to their quirky relationship and fierce creativity. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Apolo & Julianne Shawn & Mark Laurie & Val

You could argue that Olympic ice skater Meryl Davis had a significant advantage over the competition, but regardless, Meryl and Maksim made for arguably the greatest duo in “Dancing with the Stars” history. The two steamrolled the competition, and Davis currently has the highest celebrity average in the show’s history at 28.4 out of a possible 30. The duo looked comfortable and confident from week one, and they quickly became one of the most technically proficient and entertaining duos in the show’s history. It’s only been a few years, but we’re calling it now – there will never be a better couple that Meryl and Maks.