Valentine’s Day Movies: Superhero love stories

Superheroes have become a pop-culture mainstay since the early 2000s. The film adaptations of popular comic books have shattered several box-office records over the last decade and have been lauded for packing incredible action and drama. Some of these stories have also delved into romantic relationships involving superheroes, as they have in the comic books they’re adapted from. The ‘super couples’ such as Gambit and Rogue, Green Arrow and Black Canary, or Zatanna and Constantine, may have never received a faithful live-action iteration, but there are still a few big names whose love stories have made it to the big screen. Today’s List hai toh hit features the best superhero love stories depicted in films.

Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy (The Amazing Spider-Man)

For most, Mary Jane Watson is the only true love interest in the life of Peter Parker aka Spider-Man. However, there are several comic book iterations where Peter’s first love is Gwen Stacy. This storyline was adapted to Marc Webb’s 2012 film The Amazing Spider-Man. Andrew Garfield replaced Tobey Maguire as the titular hero in this reboot and starred opposite Emma Stone, who played the role of Gwen Stacy. Garfield and Stone’s on-screen chemistry was scintillating and remains unmatched. In the film, Gwen is instrumental in Peter coming to terms with his new powers and his responsibilities. And it should come as no surprise that the two lead stars started dating in real-life during the production of the film.

Superman and Lois Lane (Zack Snyder’s Justice League)

The undisputed power couple among superheroes, Superman and Lois Lane have surely set the bar pretty high. Their story first received mainstream recognition through Richard Donner’s 1978 film, Superman, starring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. However, it is Henry Cavill and Amy Adams’ iteration of the couple in Zack Snyder’s Justice League that beautifully captures the true meaning of love. In the film, after Superman is resurrected from the dead by the newly-formed Justice League, he goes on a mindless rampage unable to control his sanity. The entire might of the Justice League fails to stop him, and it is only when Lois Lane arrives that Superman remembers who he is — an alien with a heart of gold who grew up in Kansas under the name of Clark Kent.

Batman and Catwoman (The Batman)

The most iconic superhero couple, without a doubt, has to be Batman and Catwoman. The righteous defender of Gotham and a master thief falling head over heels for each other is almost poetic. This storyline has received countless adaptations over the decades, including films, TV shows, and video games. Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer’s interpretation of the characters in the 1992 Tim Burton film Batman Returns are certainly iconic, but they have been eclipsed by Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz in the 2021 film The Batman, helmed by Matt Reeves. Their scenes together are a reflection of their fluid chemistry, and their relationship will be further explored in the sequel which is set for a 2025 release.

Iron Man and Pepper Potts (Iron Man)

Despite being limited to just a single iteration of both characters, the relationship between Tony Stark or Iron Man and Pepper Potts is one of the most popular superhero love stories today. They first featured together in the 2008 film, Iron Man — the film that kick-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their relationship endures several obstacles across several films which finally comes to a heartbreaking conclusion in Avengers Endgame as Pepper holds Tony’s hand in his final moments after he saves the universe from Thanos. Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow play the roles of these iconic characters in the MCU.

Captain America and Peggy Carter (Captain America: The First Avenger)

The origin story of Captain America in Captain America: The First Avenger, revolves around a young American soldier named Steve Rogers who is physically unfit to be a part of the US army during World War II. Only a few realised his potential, and it included Peggy Carter, a British military officer. She grows fond of him long before the scientists turn him into a ‘Greek God-like’ super soldier. Their love story remained unfinished for over 70 years after Steve sacrificed himself to save millions and was frozen in ice in the process. However, Steve and Peggy do get a fairytale ending, after Steve goes back in time at the end of Avengers: Endgame to be with Peggy. Chris Evans plays the role of Steve Rogers/Captain America while Hayley Atwell essays the role of Peggy Carter.

Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor (Wonder Woman)

Unlike Captain America and Peggy, Diana or Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor never get the ‘happily ever after’ they dreamt of. An Amazonian Goddess and a spy falling in love during the First World War is the perfect recipe for a captivating story. Gal Gadot and Chris Pine play the roles of this power couple, and they seem to be the perfect on-screen pair. The 2017 film, Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, captures Steve and Diana’s journey from being strangers to comrades to lovers, a transition that fans particularly approved of. Even though the couple's relationship was short-lived, it was one that had a lasting impact on Diana.

Deadpool and Vanessa (Deadpool)

The most unconventional superhero love story on this list is the one between Wade Wilson or Deadpool and Vanessa in the 2016 film Deadpool. The ‘Merc with a Mouth’ is certainly not a typical superhero. If at all, he is an anti-hero who has no qualms about killing anyone who stands in his way. His fiancé is an escort named Vanessa, and their relationship is stronger than any other couple on this list. Even after Wade’s face and body are hideously disfigured Vanessa refuses to abandon him. If this isn’t true love, we don’t know what is.

Star-Lord and Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy)

The universe’s most deadly assassin, Gamora, and a carefree bounty hunter, Peter Quill or Star-Lord being a romantic couple is certainly an odd pairing. Despite being polar opposites, their childhood trauma, and ‘daddy issues’, draw them closer and they eventually fall in love. Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana play the roles of the couple and their relationship will be central to the narrative in the upcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol: 3, releasing on the 5th of May this year.

Well thats the OTTplay List hai toh hit hai episode for today, until the next time its your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

• Written by Ryan Gomez