12 Movie Couples Who Would Never Last in Real Life

1. Anna Scott and William Thacker in Notting Hill (1999)

In the world of rom-coms, Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant coming together in the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill is the stuff of fairy tales. Yet, let's apply a harsh dose of reality to this story. Anna Scott, a world-famous actress, falls for William Thacker, a humble bookshop owner. The film wonderfully navigates the comedic elements of their wildly different lifestyles. However, in the real world, their constant public scrutiny and the inevitable onslaught of paparazzi could shatter their privacy, leading to intense pressures on their relationship. Though their love story was heartfelt on screen, the reality of their disparate lifestyles would likely lead to a less-than-storybook ending.

2. Lloyd Dobler and Diane Court in Say Anything (1989)

Ah, the quintessential 80s romance! Lloyd, a hopeless romantic, falls for Diane, the high school valedictorian. Lloyd's iconic boombox serenade alone would have any girl swooning in the cinematic universe. But realistically speaking, Lloyd's lack of ambition beyond 'I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career' doesn't bode well for their future. Diane's headed towards a bright future, while Lloyd's greatest asset is his charm. Eventually, Diane might tire of their economic instability, leading to the demise of their relationship.

3. Alex Fletcher and Sophie Fisher in Music and Lyrics (2007)

Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant deliver heartwarming performances as Sophie, a plant caretaker and aspiring writer, and Alex, a washed-up 80s pop star, respectively. Their love blossoms over songwriting and shared experiences. However, Alex is used to a life in the limelight, while Sophie prefers a more understated existence. Beyond the feel-good montage sequences and playful banter, one can't help but wonder if Sophie's anxiety in the face of fame and Alex's desperate attempts to regain popularity could cause a real-life rift.

4. Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen in Ghost (1990)

In this tear-jerker, Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore captivated audiences as Sam and Molly, a couple tragically separated by death. While the iconic pottery scene is undeniably romantic, the reality is Sam is a ghost, and Molly is a living woman. No matter how spiritually connected they might be, it's a tad challenging to build a future with someone who, you know, doesn't have a corporeal form. While it worked for the duration of the film, real-life Molly would probably need to find love with someone a bit more... tangible.

5. David Shayne and Helen Sinclair in Bullets Over Broadway (1994)

In Woody Allen 's comedic romp through the 1920s Broadway scene, David Shayne, an aspiring young playwright, falls for Helen Sinclair, an ageing diva, during the production of his play. While their on-screen romance adds plenty of comedic moments, a real-life version of their relationship would likely fizzle out pretty quickly. Helen's manipulative nature and need for constant attention would probably exhaust David. Plus, their common ground – the play – is a temporary situation. Once the curtains fall, their relationship might follow suit.

6. George Wade and Lucy Kelson in Two Weeks Notice (2002)

George, a millionaire playboy, hires Lucy, an intelligent, idealistic lawyer, in this romantic comedy. While their contrasting personalities make for a great movie, in reality, Lucy's continuous frustration with George's irresponsible behavior could become a major issue. Despite the charm Hugh Grant brings to George's character, his inability to handle his affairs without Lucy might eventually become a burden she's unwilling to bear in the long run.

7. Amanda Woods and Graham Simpkins in The Holiday (2006)

The Holiday's Amanda, a workaholic LA resident, and Graham, a charming Englishman, made viewers sigh wistfully at their cozy, snow-covered romance. However, their long-distance relationship could pose serious challenges. Amanda's bustling lifestyle and successful business in LA don't align with Graham's laid-back, countryside life and responsibilities as a single father. The probability of either one uprooting their life for the other seems fairly slim, making their love story rather unrealistic in a non-movie setting.

8. Josie Geller and Sam Coulson in Never Been Kissed (1999)

In Never Been Kissed, Josie, a shy copy editor, goes undercover as a high school student and ends up falling for her English teacher, Sam. While their romance is sweet and innocent on screen, in reality, it's laden with professional and ethical landmines. Even though Josie isn't actually a student, Sam believes she is when he starts developing feelings for her. Just stop right there and think about it for a minute. The real-life fallout from such a relationship could be career-ending for Sam and quite scandalous for both parties.

9. Nicholas Devereaux and Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Prince Nicholas initially tries to steal the throne from Mia but ends up falling for her instead. Sounds romantic? Not really. His initial manipulation and devious tactics to dethrone Mia might cause trust issues in a real-life relationship. Despite their chemistry and eventual engagement, Nicholas's previously cunning behavior could lead to doubt and mistrust in their future together, making this royal romance a rocky one.

10. Adam Franklin and Emma Kurtzman in No Strings Attached (2011)

Friends with benefits? Sounds like a cool idea until feelings come into play, just as they did with Adam and Emma. The arrangement they make—keeping their relationship strictly physical—starts to crumble when Adam wants more. In real life, it's rare that such relationships transition smoothly into a committed romantic relationship. It's more likely that mixed feelings and unmet expectations would lead to an awkward end to their friendship and romance alike.

11. Paul Varjak and Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

While Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard make a delightful pair on screen, their characters—Holly, a flighty socialite, and Paul, a writer and kept man—are less compatible in a real-world setting. Holly's carefree attitude and reluctance to settle down contrast sharply with Paul's desire for a stable relationship. Her wild lifestyle and his need for dependability might soon collide, creating a shaky foundation for a long-term relationship.

12. Jesse and Céline in Before Sunrise (1995)

Jesse, an American, and Céline, a French woman, meet on a train and spend an enchanting night together in Vienna. As romantic as their spontaneous connection is, it's hard to imagine it turning into a sustainable relationship in the real world. With no contact information exchanged and an ocean between them, the odds of them rekindling their romance are slim. It's more plausible that they would remember their meeting as a lovely, ephemeral moment, rather than the start of a long-term relationship.