Chemistry is one of the most essential ingredients in romance films, particularly romantic comedies, which live and die by the invisible spark that ties their protagonists together. While a movie can still be watchable and entertaining even when lacking it,chemistry is undoubtedly an element that can make or break a romantic film, making audiences believe that two people are truly falling for each other and thus becoming more invested in the plot.
While pairing two good-looking and charismatic actors seems like the recipe for success on paper, movie magic doesn’t always happen the way everyone would like. Whether we’re talking about mismatched energy and forced banter or a lack of romantic tension, there are a few ways an on-screen romance can go wrong. Interestingly enough, this isn’t always the actors' fault. Sometimes the issue lies in the production itself — poor direction, writing, miscasting, or even weak editing choices. Still, romantic chemistry on screen is lightning in a bottle, and when it’s missing, no amount of star power can save it. We look back atsome popular examples of rom-coms where the chemistry never took off.
10Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock
‘Two Weeks Notice’ (2002)
On paper,Hugh GrantandSandra Bullockshould’ve been the romantic comedy dream team, but their pairing falls flat inTwo Weeks Notice.Leaning towards the “opposites attract” trope, theMarc Lawrencefilm follows a lawyer who decides she’s used too much as a nanny by her boss. The result? She walks out on him and quits her job.
While the banter is witty and the comedic timing is not entirely bad,Two Weeks Noticelacks the central romantic chemistry that is essential for a movie like this. It’s unfortunate that, even though the two stars are undeniably charismatic individually, they fail to create that spark that audiences root for when they’re together. Still, taste is subjective — proof of that is howTwo Weeks Noticeis often cited among Grant’s most underrated films, with many people finding its narrative entertaining in its own way.
Two Weeks Notice
9Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel
‘Yes Man’ (2008)
ThisPeyton Reedhigh-concept comedy attempts to makeJim CarreyandZooey Deschanelan interesting duo, a romantic match made in quirky heaven. Instead, it deliversan awkward dynamic between the two beloved stars, with, according to some, a distracting age gap and lack of chemistry. The film follows Carl Allen, who enrolls in a self-help program based on saying “yes” to everything.
InYes Man, Deschanel stands out with her trademark twee charm, whileCarrey serves his loud and rubbery energythat many seem to love. Nevertheless, it’s not sufficient to make the movie an entertaining enough romantic comedy.There’slittle tension or spark that compels audiences to root for its central pair. Still, the Reed film may work for those seeking some light entertainment and don’t mind watching two slightly mismatched energies collide.
8Lindsay Lohan and Chord Overstreet
‘Falling for Christmas’ (2022)
InFalling for Christmas,Lindsay LohanandChord Overstreettake the front stage. While their relationship off-screen was seemingly great —Overstreet revealedthat there was “immediate chemistry” — it did not ultimately translate to the result. This holiday feel-good romance follows a young and newly engaged heiress who experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the lodge owner and his daughter.
While the two actors do a formidable job in their respective roles (Lohan’s return to the screenunderstandably came with a lot of festive fanfare, too), the nonetheless heartwarmingFalling For Christmaswas a bit disappointing,lacking swoon-worthy momentsand featuringno apparent spark that makes audiences root for the central coupleother than the show’s narrative. While there are mixed opinions on the chemistry between these two, not everyone felt the holiday magic.
Falling for Christmas
7Jennifer Aniston and Ben Stiller
‘Along Came Polly’ (2004)
You’d thinkJennifer AnistonandBen Stillerstarring opposite each other in a romantic comedy could work, yet it’s surprisingly difficult to buy the idea that their two characters would fall for each other. The plot is as follows: a newlywed finds his strictly organized life descending into chaos when he falls for an old classmate.
Along Came Pollyis another pick for those whoenjoy the “opposites attract” tropeand don’t mind the lack of spark. While its premise had potential,the romance ultimately takes a backseat, with the gags leaving little space for the story’s emotional anchor. Although the audience keeps waiting for the moment when it all clicks, their interactions feel awkward and the opposite of passionate. That said,Along Came Pollyworks better as a comedy about personal growth than a believable love story.
Along Came Polly
6Jennifer Lopez & Owen Wilson
‘Marry Me’ (2022)
A romantic comedy starringJennifer LopezandOwen Wilsonwas not on many bingo cards, and it’s not difficult to grasp why. While each has their talents and brings unique strengths to their roles, this pairing just feels a bit… off. InMarry Me, music superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian (Maluma) are getting married before a global audience of fans. However, after Kat learns that Bastian has been unfaithful, she decides to marry a stranger in the crowd named Charlie.
Although not exactly a box-office flop, grossing about$50 million worldwideagainst a production budget of $23 million,Marry Mewas a disappointment in the sense that there is hardly any spark between Lopez and Wilson, even though the film leans heavily on its premise. While the 2022 rom-com serves as a reminder thatnot even star power can manufacture chemistry where there isn’t much, it’s nevertheless a sweet film in shiny, glossy packaging featuring likable stars.
5Angelina Jolie & Edward Burns
‘Life or Something Like It’ (2002)
Life or Something Like Itsets out to tackle big, existentialist questions, but its most thought-provoking aspect turns out to be the lack of chemistry betweenAngelina JolieandEdward Burns. TheStephen Herekromantic comedy follows a feature reporter at a Seattle television station who interviews a homeless psychic. Her perfect world starts crumbling after he tells her that she leads a meaningless existence and will die the following week, leading her to form a connection with Burns' character, Pete.
While Jolie undoubtedly dazzles with her usual screen presence and Burns holds his own,Life or Something Like Itfeels miscast and emotionally flat. There’shardly any spark, tension, or believable connection, and their relationship never feelsquiteauthentic. Instead, their bond feels a bit staged, and while it’s understood that films are scripted, it’s never a good sign when viewers canactuallysense that disconnect.
4Sarah Jessica Parker & Hugh Grant
‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’ (2009)
Although both charming and talented,Sarah Jessica Parkerand Hugh Grant are a mismatched pair inDid You Hear About the Morgans?The two step into the shoes of an estranged couple who witness a murder and relocate to a small, remote town as a part of the Witness Protection Program — a location almost as remote as their relationship.
Critics and general audiences alike have pointed out that one of the film’s biggest failings isits lack of romantic heat. Instead of making audiences invest in believable affection,Did You Hear About the Morgans?leans heavily on the bickering, which makes their eventual reconciliation feel more like a contractual obligation. While it still keeps boredom at bay,this rom-com features plenty of solid ingredients — except, of course, the one that matters most.
3Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell
‘Bewitched’ (2005)
In this memorableNicoleKidmanandWill Ferrellflick, an egocentric actor unknowingly gets a witch cast in an upcoming TV remake of the classic rom-comI Married a Witch. Although the former brings her old-Hollywood charm to the table pretty efficiently, and Ferrell embodies his usual, exaggerated, man-child demeanor,the pair ultimately never finds a rhythm. Instead of enchanting, their dynamic feels offbeat in the wrong way.
What should have been a magical, whimsical romance inBewitchedturned out to be a total miss, which comes as a surprise considering that both actors are powerhouses in their own right. There’s no romantic tension or build-up — just plenty of mismatched energy. Despite its amusing moments that steal a few chuckles, the film falls flat when it comes to the chemistry between the two, which isawkwardly unmagical and feels almost a bit forced at times.
2Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen
‘Little Italy’ (2018)
Directed byDonald Petrie,Little Italyrevolves around two childhood friends from rival pizza-making families who fall in love despite their parents' feud. It makes for a lighthearted and fun watch for those who are into charming, nostalgic films featuring intriguing locations — specifically Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood — featuring chaotic but endearing relationships between the two families. However, the 2018 romantic comedy leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to its lead characters.
Little Italyfails to ignite any sparks between the two leads, astheir interactions feel forced and lack the playfulness and emotional depthnecessary for a believable on-screen romance. Still, despite its flaws, it is a lighthearted movie that offers an entertaining viewing experience for those looking for a simple, fun-loving film and don’t mind the lack of chemistry (even though it is undoubtedly distracting for those who areenthusiastic about romance films).
Little Italy
1Ashton Kutcher & Reese Witherspoon
‘Your Place or Mine’ (2023)
One of the most surprising mismatches of recent times isAshton KutcherandReese WitherspooninYour Place or Mine. The duo steps into the shoes of two long-distance best friends who change each other’s lives after she decides to pursue a lifelong dream and he volunteers to keep an eye on her teenage son.
Your Place or Mineis a reminder thatnot even the most charismatic romantic comedy pros can save a film if there is no chemistry, especially when it’s mostly built through FaceTime. Their energies are barely aligned, and the emotional stakes never pick up in this Netflix film. What’s worse, the movie keeps viewers hoping that things will get better when they finally share a scene in person, but even then, there is something odd about their dynamic. While theAline Brosh McKennamovie promises with its premise,Your Place or Minefalls disappointingly short.
