Iconic On-Screen Love Triangles Ranked By Drama

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2 days ago

For a while, I missed the good old messy, sexually tense, and cliché love triangles. And in the midst of this love triangle drought came Challengers and Materialists, which brought a sleek, modern twist to the classic love triangle. And honestly, it was refreshing.
I mean, come on. It's a piece of beauty!
But it also made me nostalgic for the chaotic, confused-girl-core kind of love triangle that had us in a chokehold (you know, Elena-Damon-Stefan). So, naturally, I decided, why not rank the best on-screen love triangles of all time?
You might not agree with some of these, but—oh well!
In last place is the Serena-Dan-Nate love triangle in Gossip Girl.
This trio comes in last because it was wayyy too messy for my liking. Only Serena and Nate made sense with their chemistry, but bad decisions and unnecessary drama ruined what could have been an amazing couple. And don't get me started on Dan—I have never come across another character with such minimal romantic energy. He was giving NOTHING throughout the seasons—except for judgement. This love triangle didn't need to exist.
Twilight is second to last because this trio was honestly...bleh.
The Twilight Saga had 5 films, and in the duration of these 5 films, there was no sign of chemistry between these three characters. Their so-called romance was as pale as Edward's skin. And that's the nicest way I can put it. Jacob and Bella had zero romantic interest towards one another; it was not very substantial. While Edward did care for and love Bella, it was more about awkward possessiveness than anything. Not to mention creepy.All in all, they are a famous love triangle, just not one that actually makes me blush.
The Favourite—it may not have been a legit 'love' triangle, but it still made me feel some kinda way.
Okay, I know it's not a textbook love triangle. But the tension in the air, the stares, and the fighting over Olivia Colman—very enticing. It is not so good that it deserved to be in the top 10, but it definitely deserves a spot on the list because of their incredible chemistry! They may be fighting for more power, but ultimately, the love and care for Olivia Colman's character is just so beautiful to watch.
Materialists—the only reason I love this love triangle is because it is modern and hopeful.
This has to be the most realistic love triangle on-screen. Maybe a bit too real. And I don't entirely love it for that, but also I don't hate it. There was definitely chemistry between the characters, but it wasn't enough to get me rooting for Lucy to end up with one of them. The love triangle trope was left hanging and incomplete, taking away the fun of it. And while the film was not aiming for this trope, there were traces of love and angst, which was enough to include this film at number 12.
At number 11 is Jane The Virgin with one of the most memorable love triangles—Michael and Rafael.
If you ask me, I am team Michael all the way. The show had the best tug-of-war between the good boy and the bad boy—a trope we all love watching on screen. The characters looked good with one another, however the unnecessary plot lines and dragged out confusion between the two male leads just made it boring for me.What started as a show with great chemistry, by the end, fizzled out—and that's why it isn't too high on my list.
The Age of Innocence—Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder in a love triangle? Hell yes!
Okay now, the love triangles are getting more juicy and interesting. Nothing screams old-money love and tension like The Age of Innocence, with Daniel Day-Lewis confused between two gorgeous women—Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer. All three actors in their prime, yearning for each other, stealing glances—it couldn't get any better than that. This love triangle has the slow-burn chemistry that holds my interest. However, the plot never livens up, and ends in the same way we all can imagine.Plot wise it may not be the greatest film, but the love triangle is definitely worth the10th spot.
The Graduate in 9th place is shocking, but the only reason it's here is for the peak messy energy.
Benjamin falling for Elaine after having an affair with her mother—extremely awkward but angsty love triangle. It's questionable and messy, but that's why I kind of dig it.Of course, I do not support this kind of behavior—however, this love triangle checked all the boxes of a good old nostalgic chaotic trio. It does not have a very interesting plot and story but it does have an irresistible sexual energy between the characters— that is why it is included in the top ten.
The Vampire Diaries or the OG girl-confused-between-brothers trope.
The iconic Salvatore brothers have ruled our teenage years, with us fighting over who is the better brother. But in the end, we all were like Elena—wanting the best of both.The sexual energy and tension were great, but was it a healthy love triangle? No. The reason why it wouldn't be in the top 5 is because this triangle was born out of bad decisions and plot lines that really didn't make sense.After a point, I was annoyed by how confusing Elena was in getting with either brother, which makes it perfect for the 8th spot. There was simply no growth or depth to any relationship.
Past Lives—the most heartbreaking and painful love triangle on this list.
The only reason this isn't number one is because I wanted Hae Sung with Nora, and that didn't happen, so yeah. But nonetheless, the melancholy, the subtle glances, and the nostalgic feeling of love between these three gave us a love triangle that made my heart ache. The quietness in the conversations and the reliving of their childhood memories together, with her husband trying to understand—now this was a healthy relationship. It's a highly cinematic love triangle and very real, without the excess juicy drama. But would I prefer it over the others that have a bit of chaos? No. And that's why it is placed at number 7.
Casablanca, the ultimate war-time love triangle that had us in our feels.
At number 6, we have the legendary classic—Casablanca. Meeting your lover from the past and rekindling the spark is such a classic take on love triangles, and that's why I adore this trio. It was all about old-school love and charm, and while it was lovely to see the sacrifices of love, I wanted to indulge in the story of what could have been, rather than the reality. It's a cinematic masterpiece, no doubt, which is why it earns its spot at number 6. But if I were looking to indulge in the thrill of a truly captivating love triangle, this wouldn't be my go-to rewatch.
Grey's Anatomy, because this listicle wouldn't make sense without this iconic trio.
This is my ULTIMATE TV love triangle.Forget power couples; this was the power throuple! This love triangle really had some of the most romantic lines and gestures, and hence is in the top 5 love triangles. The only thing that irked me about this triangle was McDreamy and how he was able to fumble both Meredith and Addison, thanks to his pride and ego. But if I were to look past his questionable choices in the show, hands down, they were the best TV love triangle and a solid contender for the top five love triangles on-screen.
The love triangle in Little Women, which led to massive hearbreak.
This love triangle is pure literary heartbreak—with the sisters learning about love, growing apart, and realizing life has other ways of working out. While the slices of loving moments between Laurie and the sisters were so sweet, the pain was very real, and I could not bear to look at Laurie anymore. I will forever love this trio, but the trauma screams louder than the love. And that's why it will not be the number one for me. (Even though it will forever remain with me.)But thanks, Greta Gerwig, for making something beautiful out of this!
And now, for the top three love triangles on-screen (drumroll please):
Challengers, because look at them!
This was, no doubt, going to be the top three after this particular bedroom scene. The moment I saw this film, my obsession for love triangles was reignited, and I could not have been more in love with this trio. The rising tension scene after scene, when they grow older, and the manipulation just make this such an addicting love triangle. The power, ambition, mixed with love and hate and secrets—mind-blowing! When I miss a good chaotic relationship, Challengers is the film to watch, and that's why it's in my top 3!
Sabrina is peak fairy-tale-meets-corporate-chaos.
I would like to believe the trope of two brothers falling in love with the same girl started with this film. Sabrina, the chauffeur's dreamy daughter, returns from Paris all glowed up, and suddenly both Larrabee brothers—playboy David and serious-business Linus—are very interested. And things get very serious very soon, amping up the drama for the viewers. It got second place for its irresistible nature of love, the epic chemistry between the actors, and of course the end scene with Linus running to the boat to run away with Sabrina! Because who doesn't love a chasing-your-love-at-the-last-minute scene?
And number 1 belongs to Bridget Jones's Diary, because, honestly, it's just THAT GOOD!
Classics are classics for a reason, and who doesn't love a good romantic comedy with Hugh Grant and Colin Firth? It had all the simple aspects: the jerk, the very sweet and shy guy, and a female lead who is full of life, figuring out who is the one for her. Bridget Jones's Diary nailed this formula and perfected the love triangle of undying chemistry and comedy. And no other film comes close to it—making it the BEST love triangle on-screen.
This is my ultimate ranking of on-screen love triangles—some hit the mark, some missed wildly, and a few might stir up controversy. But hey, it's all a matter of perception. For me, each of these tangled romances is iconic in its own messy yet addicting way. Good or bad, they're the ones I keep coming back to—because nothing beats the guilty pleasure of drama, longing, and a little rule breaking.