For those of you who grew up reading fairy tales, you might still remember the characters Prince Charming and Snow White. Well, it seems like our modern day counterparts, Rob and Kristen, are living the happily ever after. Over the past eight years, the on-screen couple have become iconic figures in film and have influenced pop culture. While fans may have been divided on whether or not the pair are actually an item these days, one thing seems certain: they’ve worked hard to prove that fairies do exist in reality. Here’s a quick look back at their remarkable romance…
2008: Beginnings
It all started in 2008. Prince Charming (Pattinson) is filming a movie in Paris when he crosses paths with Snow White (Stewart). The chemistry between these two is undeniable and sparks immediately fly. A year later, Rob and Kristen are officially a couple and are enjoying a comfortable, yet luxurious life in London. When asked in a 2014 interview about the key to their enduring romance, the actor replied, “I think it’s just been about the fact that we’ve been really true to ourselves. No one’s ever really managed to be true to themselves as much as we have. It’s kind of amazing.”
2009: Breaking Dawn
One of the most highly anticipated films of 2009 is Twilight. Based on the hugely successful novel of the same name by Stephenie Meyer, the film was a masterpiece that topped $400 million in ticket sales. Directed by Michael Caine and starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner, the story revolves around a young woman named Bella (Stewart) who is plagued by bad dreams about a venomous creature known as a werewolf. One day, while out walking, she is attacked by a crazed werewolf who bites her on the neck. The next day, she awakes to find that she has turned into a vampire. At this point, the movie becomes a family drama as she struggles to maintain a normal life and bond with her new family of man and beast. In the final moments of the film, after Bella has given birth to a litter of tiny vampires, she decides to undergo the transformation for good. Breaking Dawn was a critical and box office success, winning several awards and becoming the highest-grossing live-action film of all time until Toy Story 3, which was released one year later.
2010: The Runaways
Another masterpiece from Sony. In 2010, the studio released the crime thriller The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart and Laura Linney. The film was an early indicator of what was to come for the young actress as it centered around her daring social experiment, involving herself and a group of close female friends who venture far from home in search of adventure and excitement. Along the way, they encounter criminals, killers, and one charmingly evil rogue who plots to capture them and force them to work as prostitutes. The movie is quintessential in showcasing Stewart’s dramatic range as she goes from wide-eyed innocent to badass in a matter of seconds. The film currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
2011: On the Road
The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Tree of Life star Ralph Fiennes stars as M, a renowned English tourist known for his elegant charm and kind spirit. It was widely reported that the actor spent 10 hours a day for a week preparing for his role as M. In an interview with Time Out magazine, Fiennes revealed that his approach to the role was highly systematic and that he drew from his own experience as a well-known aristocrat. He cited his extensive touring and world travel as an essential factor in his ability to embody M, describing how important it was to “understand that elegance is being generous and courteous and it’s very much a matter of the little things that you do.”
The Grand Budapest Hotel was directed by Woody Allen and is a feast for the eyes. Set in 1938, the story follows M as he is hired by the eccentric, yet benevolent owner of the Grand Budapest Hotel, to serve as his personal assistant. With the outbreak of World War II, M is tasked with escorting the hotel’s famous guest, Mr. Peach, on a round-the-world journey that will eventually bring the two of them face to face again. As the film progresses, M and Mr. Peach’s relationship shifts from one of employer/employee to that of friends as they share deeply private moments together.
2012: Magic Mike
The year 2012 was one of the biggest of recent times for Kristen Stewart. In addition to appearing in four more films for Woody Allen, she starred in two blockbusters. First, she appeared alongside Ryan Gosling in the comedy Magic Mike. The film was a major success, grossing over $100 million at the box office worldwide. After its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, fans and critics alike rushed to call Magic Mike a modern day fair isle selection. The story follows three male strippers as they navigate the complexities of modern-day dating. While the film is undoubtedly light-hearted, it is also a commentary on the objectification of women and the power of seduction. In the end, we are reminded that beauty is a form of magic.
2013: Snow White And The Huntsman
It was a banner year for the Twilight franchise. The first film in the series, The Twilight Saga: Twilight, was released in June and went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, raking in over $500 million at the box office worldwide. Based on the fair isle selection published by Mark Twain in 1897, the story follows the adventures of Bella (Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Pattinson), a human and a vampire, as they try to navigate their evolving relationship. The franchise was a triumph for Twibbon.com, which tracked the money-making phenomenon, and its success spawned a whole community of fans all celebrating their own individual takes on the iconic characters. While many people may have been inspired by the couple’s impassioned love story, to date, they have avoided any sort of trouble. Aside from a few minor scuffles with paparazzi, everything seems to be going well for our favorite newlywed couple.
2016: Pattinson And Stewart Are Still Together
It’s been a remarkable journey for the on-screen pair. Today, they are often referred to as the ‘It’ couple and are widely regarded as one of the most powerful romances in film history. In 2016, their eighth anniversary was celebrated with a star-studded gala that was televised internationally. Over 450 guests, including Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, and others paid tribute to this powerful couple and toasted to their continuing success. On September 24th, Twibbon.com released an article proclaiming that “#PattinsonAndStewartAreStillTogether,” citing them as an “enduring proof of love and success.” Although their fairy tale story began years ago, this is one celebrity couple that has managed to stay together and committed to each other through thick and thin. Even when the world turns its back on them, they have never wavered in their devotion to each other. It appears that their fame and overwhelming popularity have only increased over the years and have helped keep them close even when things get chaotic in their personal lives. Hopefully, with this anniversary, their partnership will be celebrated for many more happy years to come.