It’s always nice to watch a beautiful love story unfold, especially when two people simply adore each other from the get-go. But sometimes, watching the tension and frustration build between two people who appear to be polar opposites, before they realise they are actually perfect for one another, is even more endearing.
It’s a classic cinematic trope that’s been used countless times. Sometimes it can be too cliché, and the predictability works against the film. However, when done right, the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope is a wonderful, life-affirming narrative technique for storytellers to lean on.
If you’re a sucker for this sub-genre of the romantic realm, then have we got a treat for you: 10 Things I Hate About You, one of the most well-known examples, and another five charming love stories that capture this magical feeling, too. The final entry, meanwhile, may be the crowning example of this trope.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
I had always been reluctant to watch this film. For years, I believed it would be a mediocre teen rom-com. I was so wrong. I ended up watching 10 Things I Hate About You with my fiancée and my teenage daughter, and we all loved it. In fact, I think I enjoyed it more than anyone. With its Shakespearean storyline (literally, it’s based on his play The Taming of the Shrew), brilliant chemistry between Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, and the infectious soundtrack, I have to admit I was totally bowled over.
It plays on the archetypes of the moody teen who pushes everyone away and the charming, cool boy who thinks he can get any girl he wants. It’s a tried and tested formula, sure, but I’ve never seen it done as effectively as this. There are little twists and turns along the way that only serve to boost the serotonin when it all works out in the end. You can watch 10 Things I Hate About You on Disney+, and it’s only just over an hour and a half; no more excuses, get it watched!
2. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
It may not be quite as old a tale as Shakespeare’s catalogue of love stories, but Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is another classic story we have seen adapted time and time again. However, it’s the 2005 version, Pride & Prejudice (the ampersand is important), that really takes the crown as the most emotionally affecting, simply gorgeous retelling of this wonderful story.
Honestly, this is another film that I put off watching for so long. I’m not crazy about period pieces, truth be told, but within minutes of putting this film on I felt so silly for having that aversion. It’s absolutely beautiful to look at, for a start, with director Joe Wright and his team capturing an almost spiritual, glowing aura. What really sells Pride & Prejudice, though, are the performances Kiera Knightley as Elizabeth, and in particular, Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy. Macfadyen delivers such convincing yearning as the longing lover – it makes for a truly captivating watch. No wonder Elizabeth changed her mind and allowed herself to fall in love with Mr. Darcy – how could she refuse?
3. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
There are lots of animated movies that have tried the enemies-to-lovers trope: Shrek, Pocahontas, Tangled… the same narrative beats are all there. However, it’s Beauty and the Beast that I would say encapsulates the theme in the most profound way, and that’s because of the incredible lengths the two lead characters must go to in order to realise their love for one another.
There’s no way a monster and the young maiden he keeps captive in his castle could fall for each other, but love finds a way in this cornerstone of Disney’s ‘Renaissance’ era. Forget the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast; there is far more life and vibrancy in the 1991 animated original. From the wondrous array of characters to the magnificent music, this is right up there as one of the best films Disney has ever produced.
4. Avatar (2008)
James Cameron stunned us all in 2008 with his groundbreaking story of indigenous aliens fighting to protect their world from human invaders. With next-level CGI and pioneering 3D technology, Avatar was an absolute cinematic behemoth and still ranks as the highest-grossing film of all time (just about). But behind all the action and gunfire, it’s also a glorious love story.
Much like Beauty and the Beast, the love between Jake Sully and Neytiri is one that defies all logic, social, and even species boundaries. Jake, the human soldier sent to Pandora to infiltrate the Na’vi and Neytiri, the passionate warrior with a cold, lone wolf vibe; yet somehow, as they learn about one another, they fall deeply in love, and Jake turns his back on his past life and people. If you’re after a romantic tale that’s a little less grounded in reality, and you don’t mind whiling away 160 minutes on some sci-fi, Avatar is the one to watch.
5. The Handmaiden (2016)
By their very nature, enemies-to-lovers stories are quite complex, most of the time. None is quite as intricate and tangled as Park Chan-wook’s enthralling The Handmaiden. This sprawling Korean epic begins as a tale of deception only to transform into a journey of forbidden sapphic love. It’s highly sensual and erotic – certainly not for the faint of heart or the easily offended – but as always Chan-wook captures the sordid details with impeccable artistic integrity.
I’ve never seen a film quite like The Handmaiden. I had no idea which way it was going to go, but every twist and turn is so rewarding and exhilarating that you just cannot help but enjoy the chaotic ride. My partner, who is usually averse to watching foreign language films, was so invested in this that it even made her more open to watching other Asian cinema classics, too. You’ll need a BFI Player subscription to check this one out, but it’s absolutely worth it.
6. La La Land (2016)
I should caveat this by saying that La La Land is my second favourite movie of all time (Donnie Darko just has it beat), but believe me, I am speaking with no bias here when I say that this Damien Chazelle masterpiece is the ultimate version of the enemies to lovers trope.
When Seb and Mia first meet, they barely even acknowledge each other apart from to beep their horn and swear at one another. Even as Seb rudely barges past Mia, or when she mocks him for his side hustle as a for-hire musician, you can see the sparks flying between them, and just know that something special is brewing.
With amazing music, laugh-out-loud comedy, and some of the most stunning visuals you’ll ever see put to film, La La Land is genuinely a delight for all the senses. As the playful petulance makes way for pure love between Seb and Mia, our investment in their story evolves, too. Sadly, not all love stories have happy endings, although you could argue La La Land’s bittersweet conclusion is the most fitting ending of all.
