2016 was a banner year for relationships. Whether you were searching for love or just wanted to treat yourself, there were plenty of promising matches out there. But, as always, not everyone was able to parlay their love into a lasting relationship. That doesn’t mean that there weren’t some fantastic couples who deserve recognition for their compatibility. Here are some of the most romantic duos of 2016 that deserved a spot on your radar.
Robert Pattinson vs Kristen Stewart
Few pairings are as iconic as Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. The “Twilight” saga made them famous, and over the years their chemistry has only grown onscreen and off. After playing characters who are polar opposites in life and romance in the movies, these two finally got a chance to be the leads in their own story. Their 2016 romantic comedy, “Central Intelligence,” marked their first joint appearance since their iconic “Twilight” kiss in 2012. While Stewart’s character grapples with an unhappy marriage and personal problems, Pattinson’s character provides much-needed emotional support. It’s one of the more mature and realistic depictions of two happy, mature adults who are committed to each other. The romance is somewhat of a slow burn, but the payoff is well worth it.
Bacon And Eggs
Bacon. It’s everything. And we don’t mean just the smoky, crispy meat. We mean all of it. Did you know that England’s most popular breakfast dish is also its most romantic meal? According to legend, eating bacon and eggs together was one of Lady Diana’s favorite meals. When it comes to dating someone who is a crazy fan of your favorite food, you know exactly what they are thinking. It’s like finding a match made in heaven. Well, maybe not quite, but it’s pretty close. The dish combines the sweetness of the egg with the saltiness of the bacon. It’s an explosion of flavor in your mouth. And it doesn’t hurt that the meat is accompanied by some delicious fried eggs either. What’s not to love?
Keira Knightley And Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch is known for playing characters who are often aloof and reserved. But, behind all the cool, collected dispositions, Cumberbatch has a rich inner life and a passionate side. When it comes to his films, he can be commanding and forceful, but he’s also tender and sensitive. A little bit of both, perhaps, is what makes Knightley’s characters stand out. In 2016 alone, Knightley featured in two romantic comedies: “Sleeping Alone” and “The Smell of Plants.” In the latter, she plays a sophisticated boudoir artist who falls for an aristocratic gardener. While in the former, she’s a chef who must learn to navigate the dating world and find the man of her dreams. The pair’s chemistry is undeniable and even when they’re playing completely different characters, they still manage to steal a few (or many) scenes together. In other words, they are quite the power couple, as well as one of the most beloved romantic duos of 2016.
Chiwetel Ejiofor And Michaela Coel
Another year, another cinematic legend pairing up with another big, strong British actor. This year, it’s Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michaela Coel. The “Sleeping Beauty” actress has been seen in films such as “The Iron Lady,” “The Danish Girl,” and “Honeyland.” While Ejiofor is best known for playing domineering fathers and intimidating leaders, Coel is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. In 2016, she starred in two highly anticipated releases: “Room” and “Darkest Hour.” In “Room,” she plays a mute woman who teaches sign language to a group of deaf children. While in “Darkest Hour,” she portrays an opera singer who must learn to balance her personal life with her career. It’s not always easy being an opera singer, but it looks like these two are up to the challenge. They show great chemistry in both movies and are clearly having so much fun together. We can’t help but wonder if they’ll be starring in each other’s next project as well. Perhaps a musical?
Tom Hiddleston And Felicity Jones
Tom Hiddleston is quickly becoming England’s favorite TV actor. His role as the divine and dashing Loki in “The Avengers” movie series won him newfound fans around the world. Jones is best known for playing Princess Margaret in “The King’s Speech” and Princess Diana in “Diana,” but she has also acted in critically acclaimed dramas such as “The Private Lives of Henry VIII” and “Anonymous.” It would seem that the world is a fan of both actors, as they’ve managed to bag several hit films together. In 2016, Hiddleston and Jones collaborated on “The Deep Blue Sea,” a romantic comedy about a couple who must learn to compromise and adjust to the changing dynamics of their relationship. As the film’s tagline suggests, “You can’t keep a good man down.” It seems that even when they are apart, they find it hard to stay away from each other. The film also stars Tilda Swinton and Jim Broadbent. Overall, it’s an excellent depiction of modern romance.
Jake Gyllenhaal And Reneé Bejo
Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the best American actors of the 21st century. He is a bona fide movie star and has starred in some of the greatest films of all time. His résumé includes roles in “The Dark Knight,” “Prince of Persia,” and “Southpaw.” Bejo is best known for playing Zélie Zela in “Amour,” but she has also appeared in films such as “The Artist” and “No Country for Old Men.” The two worked together on “Nocturnal Animals,” a 2015 thriller that received mixed reviews but was a box office hit. In it, they play a married couple who become entangled in a conflict with another pair of lovers (played by Tom Hardy and Jessica Chastain). The main theme of the film is identity, a topic that seems to resonate with both actors. In the past, Bejo has said that film and theater are very different and that while she enjoys the limelight of a Broadway play, she finds films to be more introspective. Maybe that’s why these two seem to complement each other so well. They can both dig deep and find the truth within themselves and each other.
Jamie Dornan And Nicole Kidman
There are certain couples who just seem to work. They can show up anywhere at any time and the world just flows around them. This year, it’s Jamie Dornan and Nicole Kidman. The Irish and Australian movie stars have shared the screen in several highly acclaimed movies, including “Fading Light,” “Dear Mr. Vasey,” and “Company Town.” They’re known for their on-screen chemistry and their ability to make audiences feel like they are seeing films noir every night. In real life, Dornan and Kidman also share a special connection: they are both parents. This year, Kidman also premiered her first-ever documentary, “WILD,” which follows her and Dornan’s kids (Maciej and Eva) as they explore the Australian countryside. Overall, it’s been a big year for Kidman, who also celebrated her 50th birthday, so it’s no surprise that she’s been in high demand and featured in some really memorable films. Dornan, for his part, has continued to impress us with his versatility. It seems that the world has grown tired of seeing just Tom Hiddleston and has begun to look beyond him for new cinematic sensations. In light of this trend, it’s safe to say that Dornan will have a very good year.