Top 10 Memorable Movie Couples of 2018
#10: Max & Annie Davis “Game Night” (2018)
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Actors Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams go together like snakes and ladders in this comedy. When two competitive people cross paths, the result is usually a double-edged sword. Max and Annie are perfectly in sync from the moment they meet, however, bonding over their mutual love of games. The two even play “Dance Dance Revolution” at their wedding. Although they seem unstoppable as a pair, Max and Annie face several challenges throughout “Game Night.” Some of their trials are relatable, like struggling to conceive. Others are more of the screwball variety, like haplessly getting mixed up in a kidnapping plot. Even when their lives are on the line, though, they make for a winning team.
#9: Ron Stallworth & Patrice Dumas “BlacKkKlansman” (2018)
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The US was largely divided in the 1970s and even today it can sometimes seem like little has changed. Ron Stallworth was the Colorado Springs police department’s first African-American detective, which puts him in a compromising position when he falls for Patrice. The black student union’s president, Patrice has encountered her fair share of racist cops, including one who sexually assaulted her. Upon discovering that Ron is with the police, Patrice feels betrayed and isn’t sure if she can date a quote unquote “pig.” Nonetheless, Ron manages to use his position to protect her from the KKK. When they work together, the two form an iron fist that punches prejudice square in the jaw.
#8: Neil & Janet Armstrong “First Man” (2018)
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This biopic depicts Neil Armstrong as a humble, stoic figure who has trouble letting others in. After his young daughter dies from a brain tumor, Neil can only bring himself to cry in solitude. Although he hasn’t gone to the moon yet, you can already sense the distance growing between Neil and his wife Janet, who’s usually left alone to take care of their remaining children. When a potentially fatal mission approaches, however, Janet refuses to let Neil go without giving his family a proper goodbye. While their relationship isn’t perfect, Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy paint a believable portrait of a real-life married couple dealing with grief, unresolved conflict, and a brave new world.
#7: Simon Spier & Abraham “Bram” Greenfeld “Love, Simon” (2018)
The world has become a lot more accepting of the LGBT community, but coming out can still be difficult for young people, even when their family and friends are generally open-minded. Closeted teen Simon isn’t able to talk to anyone until a fellow gay student opens up online under the pseudonym of Blue. While neither knows who the other is, there’s an immediate connection between these two as they discuss their common interests and insecurities. This creates a compelling mystery romance that culminates in Simon learning his secret pen pal was classmate Bram. When they’re finally able to share a kiss on a Ferris wheel, it’s as satisfying as it is uplifting.
#6: Bob & Helen Parr, aka Mr. Incredible & Elastigirl “Incredibles 2” (2018)
The Parrs are one of the few couples on this list that we actually get to watch evolve over the course of two movies. In the first film, the retired superheroes try settling into a traditional life with Bob taking an office job and Helen becoming a stay-at-home mom. With supers staging a comeback in the sequel, though, the roles are reversed. Elastigirl becomes the face of the costumed community, going up against a villain named Screenslaver. Mr. Incredible, meanwhile, accepts the equally daunting task of looking after their three children. They may have superpowers, but the dynamic this couple shares feels surprisingly relatable in a world where family structures are evolving.
#5: T’Challa & Nakia “Black Panther” (2018)
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Although they’ve broken up at the beginning of the film, it’s clear that there’s still a spark between T’Challa and Nakia. Inheriting the crown of Wakanda after his father’s sudden death, T’Challa still isn’t sure what kind of ruler he wants to be. Nakia, on the other hand, is ready to fight for what she believes in. Through her wisdom and bravery, T’Challa is able to see the bigger picture, realizing that he’s not only in a position to help Wakanda, but the rest of the world as well. Between these two and Ant-Man and the Wasp, the MCU is full of power couples that no villain can tear apart…accept for maybe Thanos.
#4: Evelyn & Lee Abbott “A Quiet Place” (2018)
“A Quiet Place” is obviously a very personal film for stars John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, not only because they’re married in real life, but because they also became parents a few years ago. This adds another layer of authenticity to their performances as Lee and Evelyn, respectively, who must endure every parent’s worst nightmare. Determined to protect their family as noise-sensitive aliens invade Earth, Lee and Evelyn rarely speak throughout “A Quiet Place.” Yet, their facial expressions alone are enough to tell us everything we need to know. They’re fiercely dedicated partners who will do anything to keep their children safe, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. Love speaks louder than words.
#3: Lara Jean & Peter “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)
Netflix has become the go-to activity for date night and the steaming service gave us a few charming romantic comedies in 2018. While Harper and Charlie’s relationship in “Set It Up” was certainly cute, this film has left a greater cultural impact. Lana Condor shines as Lara Jean, an awkward high school girl who loses track of several letters she wrote to former crushes. To avoid an uncomfortable confrontation, Lara Jeans enters a phony relationship with the hunky Peter. As they get to know each other, though, genuine feelings begin to surface. While their courtship touches upon a few familiar teen movie beats, the relationship sets itself apart with wit, warmth, and diverse casting.
#2: Rachel Chu & Nick Young “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
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“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” wasn’t 2018’s only mainstream film that shined the spotlight on performers of Asian descent. “Crazy Rich Asians” was the first Hollywood picture with a mostly Asian-American cast in 25 years and at its heart was an immensely likable romance. Rachel is an intelligent, modern woman who built a life for herself despite coming from little. While boyfriend Nick can see the value in her, Rachel has a harder time convincing his family, who turn out to be as wealthy as they are judgmental. Through brains and determination, Rachel shows the Youngs that she’s anything but a gold digger while Nick demonstrates just how much Rachel’s worth to him. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Will & Sarah Sawyer “Skyscraper” (2018) Ronit Krushk a& Esti Kuperman “Disobedience” (2017) Wade Watts & Samantha Cook, aka Parzival & Art3mis “Ready Player One” (2018)
#1: Jackson & Ally Maine “A Star Is Born” (2018)
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No film released in 2018 better defined romance than this remake of a timeless love story. Jackson Maine is an alcoholic country singer who finds a star and a kindred spirit in a nightclub performer named Ally. With Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in the lead roles, it’s as if we’re seeing this classic romance unfold for the first time. The charisma, sincerity, and honesty Cooper and Gaga bring to their roles makes for what might be the best version of “A Star Is Born.” We’re swept away by their beautiful relationship from the moment we hear them perform “Shallow” and our hearts break when Ally closes out the film with “I'll Never Love Again.”
