20 Romances That Start with Genuine Dislike and Earn Every Second

The enemies-to-lovers trope remains one of the most beloved storytelling devices in the romance genre. Audiences enjoy watching friction turn into affection because it requires characters to overcome pride and prejudice to find common ground. A relationship that begins with animosity forces the pair to truly understand one another before romantic feelings can take root. The following films and television shows feature couples who started as adversaries but ended up as soulmates through earned development.

‘Pride & Prejudice’ (2005)

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy represent the ultimate standard for romances beginning with animosity. Their relationship starts with insults and misunderstandings regarding social standing and family reputation. The slow revelation of true character transforms their mutual disdain into deep respect and ardent love. Every interaction peels back layers of defensive pride to reveal a profound connection that feels entirely deserved.

’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)

Kat Stratford initially views Patrick Verona as nothing more than an annoyance hired to take her out. Their abrasion stems from her guarded nature and his reputation as a school delinquent. Patrick eventually sees past her abrasive exterior while Kat learns to trust someone other than herself. The film earns its emotional climax by letting them bond over shared intellect rather than superficial attraction.

‘The Hating Game’ (2021)

Lucy and Joshua maintain a rigid professional rivalry filled with daily intimidation tactics. They sit opposite each other in a shared office where every glance serves as a calculated move in their ongoing war. The transition occurs when a shared elevator ride exposes the physical tension underlying their hostility. Viewers watch them navigate the thin line between competition and passion before finally surrendering to their feelings.

‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)

Harry and Sally spend the first leg of their journey arguing about whether men and women can truly remain platonic friends. Years pass with chance encounters that reinforce their fundamental differences in worldview and personality. Their friendship blossoms slowly as they support each other through separate heartbreaks and life changes. The eventual romance feels earned because it is built on a decade of honest conversation and shared vulnerability.

‘The Proposal’ (2009)

Margaret Tate forces her assistant Andrew Paxton into a fake engagement to avoid deportation to Canada. Andrew despises her tyrannical management style while Margaret views him merely as a tool for self-preservation. A trip to Alaska forces Margaret to drop her guard and allows Andrew to see the vulnerable woman beneath the corporate exterior. The romance succeeds because they solve each other’s problems before admitting their love.

‘You’ve Got Mail’ (1998)

Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox are sworn business enemies who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous emails. Their real-life interactions are filled with biting sarcasm and genuine conflict over the fate of a small bookstore. The audience watches them bond intellectually online while clashing personally on the streets of New York. The reveal works because Joe falls for her mind before he realizes she is his professional adversary.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–present)

Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton spend an entire season trading barbs and denying their obvious attraction. Anthony seeks a dutiful wife without love while Kate is determined to protect her sister from him at all costs. Their verbal sparring matches reveal that they are intellectual equals who challenge one another constantly. The slow burn culminates in a passionate union that honors their stubborn personalities.

‘Anyone But You’ (2023)

Bea and Ben share an amazing first date that turns sour due to a misunderstanding the next morning. They reunite months later at a destination wedding where they pretend to be a couple for mutual benefit. Their constant bickering slowly gives way to genuine moments of care as they navigate treacherous hiking trails and family drama. The film relies on their undeniable chemistry to sell the transition from resentment to romance.

‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ (2023)

Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry start as international rivals who cause a diplomatic incident at a royal wedding. Forced into a fake friendship for PR purposes they discover they have more in common than they assumed. Their late-night texts and secret meetings build a foundation of trust that surpasses their initial prejudice. The romance feels grounded because they understand the unique pressures of public life better than anyone else.

‘The Ugly Truth’ (2009)

Abby Richter is a control freak producer who clashes instantly with the chauvinistic talk show host Mike Chadway. Mike tries to help Abby land a doctor by teaching her his cynical rules of attraction. His mentorship leads to a genuine friendship where both characters soften their extreme views on relationships. They eventually realize that their abrasive honesty is exactly what the other person needs.

‘Leap Year’ (2010)

Anna travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend but ends up relying on a cynical innkeeper named Declan. Declan finds her American uptightness insufferable while she views him as rude and unhelpful. The treacherous journey across the Irish countryside forces them to rely on one another for survival and comfort. By the time they reach Dublin their animosity has transformed into a realization that their current lives are unfulfilling.

‘It Happened One Night’ (1934)

Ellie Andrews is a runaway heiress who clashes with a cynical newspaper reporter named Peter Warne. Peter initially sees Ellie only as a headline story while she views him as an opportunist. Their road trip involves hitchhiking and sharing small motel rooms which breaks down their class barriers. This film established the blueprint for screwball comedies where bickering is a clear sign of deep affection.

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

Sarah initially dismisses Nyles as a carefree slouch at her sister’s wedding in the desert. Getting stuck in a time loop together forces them to confront their flaws and shared existential dread. They spend infinite days annoying each other before realizing they are the only people who truly understand their plight. The romance earns its keep by exploring themes of commitment and the choice to suffer together.

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

Pat Solitano and Tiffany Maxwell are two volatile people dealing with significant mental health struggles. Their relationship begins with abrasive honesty and a mutual agreement to help each other reach impossible goals. Tiffany recruits Pat for a dance competition while he tries to win back his ex-wife. The rigorous dance rehearsals serve as therapy that binds them together in a chaotic but loving partnership.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (1993)

Beatrice and Benedick engage in a merry war of wits where they claim to despise the concept of marriage. Their friends conspire to trick them into believing the other is secretly in love with them. The verbal fencing matches drop away to reveal a fierce loyalty when Beatrice’s cousin is slandered. Their romance is satisfying because their sharp minds are perfectly matched in both insults and affection.

‘North & South’ (2004)

Margaret Hale moves to a northern industrial town and immediately judges the mill owner John Thornton as harsh and unfeeling. Thornton falls for her despite her prejudice but struggles to communicate his softer side. The series covers huge social misunderstandings and labor strikes that keep them apart for years. Their eventual reconciliation is one of the most earned moments in television history due to the personal growth required from both parties.

‘Set It Up’ (2018)

Harper and Charlie are two overworked assistants who bond over their shared misery under demanding bosses. They scheme to set their bosses up with each other to gain some free time. While orchestrating the romance for their superiors they unwittingly fall for each other during late-night pizza runs. The film excels by showing how their friendship serves as the stable foundation for a relationship.

‘Clueless’ (1995)

Cher Horowitz views her ex-stepbrother Josh as a pretentious college student with terrible fashion sense. Josh constantly critiques Cher’s superficial lifestyle and lack of social awareness. Their relationship shifts when Josh sees Cher’s genuine efforts to help others and defend herself. The realization of love comes suddenly but makes perfect sense given their long history of challenging one another.

‘Anne of Green Gables’ (1985)

Anne Shirley swears eternal hatred for Gilbert Blythe after he calls her Carrots in the schoolhouse. Gilbert spends years trying to apologize and redeem himself through academic competition and small kindnesses. The transition to friendship occurs only after they both mature and face significant personal losses. Their romance is the definition of earned affection after a childhood defined by stubborn rivalry.

‘The Cutting Edge’ (1992)

Doug Dorsey is a rough hockey player and Kate Moseley is a prima donna figure skater. They are paired together for the Olympics because no one else can tolerate Kate’s attitude. Their training sessions are filled with shouting matches and physical exhaustion. The partnership works because they channel their aggression into performance and learn to respect the other’s dedication to the sport.

Tell us which friction-filled romance you think has the best payoff in the comments.