There’s nothing like falling in love. The giddy uncertainty, the stolen glances, the first time your hands brush and that moment of no return when you both move in for the first kiss. Cue the angels singing and knees going weak!
As exciting and awesome as it feels to fall in love in real life, romance is never as polished and perfect as it is on the big screen. In movies, everyone’s hair and wardrobe are spotless and the lighting is flattering. But even with a full production team and A-list actors, sometimes the chemistry on screen just isn’t there.
In that spirit, we present the Top 5 Worst Romantic Performances of All Time. These unfortunate pairings are sure to make you feel better about your own awkward advances. Feel free to get in on the fun and share your picks in the comments!
#5 - Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in 50 Shades of Grey
This story has all the hallmarks of a classic romance - a sadist and a virgin meet in a boardroom - and yet the stilted chemistry between its two leads doesn’t live up to the streamy hype. Truth be told, if your romance requires a contract, it’s probably doomed from the start.
#4 - Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire in Spiderman
Kissing in the rain is rarely a good look, despite what movies would have you think. This scene is the King of Awkward Rain Kisses because it’s UPSIDE DOWN and how is this good for anyone involved?!?
#3 - Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in Gigli
Unless you’ve got a weird thing for Thanksgiving or wanna-be thugs who don’t think so good, this movie should leave you cold like leftover turkey.
#2 - Lea Thompson and Howard the Duck in Howard The Duck
Lea may have kissed her own son in Back to the Future, but getting amorous with an anthropomorphic duck is 100 times more uncomfortable to watch.
#1 - Tommy Wiseau and Juliette Danielle in The Room
This cult-classic is a Tongal favorite, and the lack of chemistry between any and all of the actors is part of its charm. That said, The Room hinges on the supposed relationship between its two leads. While the bedroom scenes between ‘Johnny’ and ‘Lisa’ are truly horrendous (not to mention NSFW), even the mundane exchanges between these lovers are like nails on a chalkboard.
