Love triangles are kind of the bread-and-butter of TV shows, and the occasional movie. Over many seasons, we get to see characters fight and love and make up, only for them to find themselves in the arms of someone else. Seasons of “will-they-or-won’t-they” make for great TV watching and can cause fans to sit in very distinct camps.
Movies aren’t totally cut out of the equation, either – just look at all the #TeamEdward and #TeamJacob merch that came out of the phenomenon that was the Twilight franchise! Debating who’s the better choice for a character (or if the character deserves either love interest at all) will undoubtedly lead to impassioned speeches, declarations, and dismissals. These are just 15 of the best on-screen love triangles and who we personally rooted for.
15 Gossip Girl: Should Blair & Chuck Have Really Been Endgame?
Who we rooted for: Dan
Was Dan perfect? No, but he was a lot better than Chuck! The toxic relationship between Blair and Chuck inexplicably ended in marriage, despite how much of a skeeze Chuck was throughout the series! While Dan was far from ideal, he definitely connected with Blair on a deeper level, and their relationship had potential!
14 Grey’s Anatomy: Meredith Was Once The Other Woman
Who we rooted for: Meredith
While Derek and Meredith’s relationship was technically born out of infidelity (not that Meredith knew), it was still vital to the growth of Mer as a character. Their love story spanned over a decade! Addison, on the other hand, was a boss who didn’t need Derek – plus, she had way more chemistry with Mark Sloan.
13 Twilight: Jacob Never Seemed Like A Real Contender For Bella
Who we rooted for: Edward
Once it was revealed that Jacob had strong feelings for Bella because he was imprinting on an egg that would later become Renesmee (this series was weird, y’all), the decision was made. This love triangle felt forced, since Bella never felt as strongly about Jacob as she did about Edward.
12 The Office: Jim And Pam Are PB&J
Who we rooted for: Jim
Is this one even a question? Pam and Roy were The Worst together, and watching them was like watching Pam drown. Jim and Pam – while not perfect at all times – felt very real and their relationship was organic. The “will-they-or-won’t-they “ of the early seasons was a driving force in the show’s success.
11 Friends: Ross And Rachel Were '90s Icons
Who we rooted for: Rachel
While Rachel definitely shouldn’t have gone to London to try and break up Ross’s wedding – and while Emily’s reaction to Ross saying the wrong name was entirely understandable – it was still Ross-and-Rachel, who were such an iconic sitcom couple. While they kind of devolved in later seasons, in its prime, they were OTP.
10 Jane The Virgin: Jane Was Torn Between Both Guys
Who we rooted for: Rafael
Michael and Jane were hot for a bit, but it had to be Rafael in the end. It seemed that even the creators were confused about which route to take, since they almost killed Michael off, only for him to return. We’re glad Jane got her happy ending, and that it was with someone who really deserved her.
9 Bridget Jones’s Diary: Bridget's Choice Was An Easy One
Who we rooted for: Mark
Daniel was the definition of an f-boy, which makes it clear that we had to root for Mark Darcy. Number one, he’s played by Colin Firth, and two, he looks like he really knows how to kiss. Let’s ignore all the sequels and focus only on the guilty perfection of this first installment.
8 The Hunger Games: Katniss And Peeta Still Upset Fans
Who we rooted for: Gale
A perhaps controversial opinion, but Gale in the earlier books and Katniss seemed meant to be. Perhaps it’s because Josh Hutcherson looked too childish next to Jennifer Lawrence for audiences to buy them as a romantic couple, but Liam Hemsworth captured our hearts (even if he was a jerk towards the end).
7 One Tree Hill: Did Real-Life Romance Affect This Trio?
Who we rooted for: Peyton
Part of the reason we rooted for Peyton to come out on top was because, in real life, Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) and Sophia Bush’s (Brooke) relationship had splintered, too. Despite Lucas’s declarations to Brooke, it was too many grand gestures with not enough follow through – after all, this love triangle spanned nine whole seasons!
6 Gilmore Girls: Rory Was Torn Over Her Feelings
Who we rooted for: Jess
A brooding bad boy who loves books and music and can wear the hell out of a leather jacket? Be still, our teenage hearts! Dean was a good first boyfriend to Rory initially, but Jess was on Rory’s intellectual level. In the revival, he got even better (Rory did not). We see this as a future Luke and Lorelai situation.
