10 Most Iconic Love Stories

Read 10 Most Iconic Love Stories of All Time

Published on June 16, 2025 by Charlotte Bennett

Some love stories just stay with you. They don’t need to be perfect. The best ones usually aren’t. Whether they’re set in books, films, or real life, these couples made their mark on our hearts. You might laugh, cry, or roll your eyes—but you’ll remember them. Let’s walk through ten of the most iconic love stories ever told. You’ve probably heard of most of them—but that’s kind of the point.

Romeo and Juliet – Young Love, Old Feud

We’ve all heard it. Two teens from rival families fall madly in love, marry in secret, and… well, you know how it ends. Shakespeare gave us a love story that was passionate, foolish, brave, and completely heartbreaking.

Romeo and Juliet – Young Love, Old Feud

It’s been done and redone in more ways than we can count, but the original still hits hard.

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Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy – Pride, Prejudice, and Some Very British Chemistry

Jane Austen’s most famous couple didn’t have love at first sight—and that’s why we love them. Elizabeth was clever and independent.

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy – Pride, Prejudice, and Some Very British Chemistry

Darcy was proud and awkward. It took a bit of time, a few insults, and one very wet shirt, but they got there in the end. Their story has become the gold standard for enemies-to-lovers plots.

Jack and Rose – Love on a Sinking Ship

Yes, it’s fiction. Yes, there was space on that door. But Titanic gave us one of the most memorable love stories in cinema.

Jack and Rose – Love on a Sinking Ship
Image source: South China Morning Post

Rich girl meets poor boy, sparks fly, and tragedy strikes. We all cried, didn’t we? Their love was short but fierce, and it reminded us that sometimes, a few days can change your whole life.

Cleopatra and Mark Antony – Romance, Power, and Drama

This one’s straight out of history, but it reads like a soap opera. Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, and Mark Antony, Roman general—they were lovers, allies, and enemies of the empire.

Cleopatra and Mark Antony – Romance, Power, and Drama
Image source: National Geographic

Their romance was intense, full of politics and danger, and it ended in joint tragedy. It’s been told and retold for centuries, and it never gets old.

Ellie and Carl – A Whole Life in Eight Minutes

You probably didn’t expect to get misty-eyed in the opening scene of Up, but here we are. Ellie and Carl’s love story is shown in a short, silent montage—but it says more than some films say in two hours.

Ellie and Carl – A Whole Life in Eight Minutes
Image source: Elite Daily

From young dreamers to old companions, their quiet life together felt so real, it hit like a punch to the heart.

Allie and Noah – Love Letters and Second Chances

The Notebook is a bit over-the-top, but it’s also the reason many people believe in second chances.

Allie and Noah – Love Letters and Second Chances
Image source: Bustle

Allie and Noah were from different worlds, pulled apart, then brought back together. There were fights, kisses in the rain, and of course, that whole “read me this story every day” twist. Love doesn’t always come easily, but they proved it can come back.

Victoria and Albert – Royal Romance Done Right

Not all royal couples are cold and distant. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a marriage filled with real affection, shared ideas, and mutual respect.

Victoria and Albert – Royal Romance Done Right
Image source: BBC

They had nine children and loved their quiet life at Osborne House. When Albert died, Victoria mourned him deeply for decades. That kind of devotion? Rare and truly touching.

Johnny Cash and June Carter – Music, Mistakes, and Loyalty

This American couple hit all the right notes—on stage and off. Johnny was a rebel with problems. June was strong, grounded, and always in his corner.

Johnny Cash and June Carter – Music, Mistakes, and Loyalty
Image source: wide open country

Together, they made great music and helped each other grow. He proposed on stage in front of thousands. They weren’t perfect, but they were right for each other—and sometimes that’s better.

Molly and Arthur Weasley – Magic, Love, and Warm Jumpers

In a world of spells, darkness, and danger, Molly and Arthur Weasley were proof that real love doesn’t need flash.

Molly and Arthur Weasley – Magic, Love, and Warm Jumpers
Image source: Shipping Wiki – Fandom

They didn’t have much money, but they had a strong marriage, loads of children, and plenty of home-cooked meals. Their love was quiet, kind, and dependable. And sometimes, that’s the best kind.

Buttercup and Westley – As You Wish

From The Princess Bride, this is one of the most beloved fairy tale love stories. Westley, the farm boy turned pirate. Buttercup, the strong-willed beauty.

Buttercup and Westley – As You Wish
image source: Looper

He spent years trying to get back to her, and she never gave up on him. Sword fights, poison, giants—it’s all in there. But what sticks is the love. Every time Westley said, “As you wish,” he meant, “I love you.”

Final Thoughts

Love stories come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big and tragic. Others are slow and steady. But the best ones stick with us—not because they’re perfect, but because they feel real in some way.

Maybe your favourite story didn’t make the list—and that’s alright. There’s no one way to love. But if these tales remind us of anything, it’s that love is worth holding onto… even if it gets messy.

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