15 Fictional Love Triangles That Made Me Feel Things I'm Not Emotionally Equipped To Handle, Ranked

Challengers brought back sexually charged love triangles—and none of us were the same again.

For a while, I missed the good old messy, sexually tense, and cliché love triangles. And in the midst of this love triangle drought came Challengers and Materialists, which brought a sleek, modern twist to the classic love triangle. And honestly, it was refreshing.

Movie poster for "Challengers" featuring a close-up of a person's face with tennis scenes reflected in sunglasses. Stars include Zendaya

But it also made me nostalgic for the chaotic, confused-girl-core kind of love triangle that had us in a chokehold (you know, Elena-Damon-Stefan). So, naturally, I decided, why not rank the best on-screen love triangles of all time?

15. In last place is the Serena-Dan-Nate love triangle in Gossip Girl.

Two scenes from a TV show: On the left, a smiling woman in a sleeveless dress talks to a man in a t-shirt. On the right, a couple talks on a couch

14. Twilight is second to last because this trio was honestly...bleh.

Three actors on a "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" poster. Two stand closely together; one wears a dark shirt, the other a white dress

13. The Favourite—it may not have been a legit 'love' triangle, but it still made me feel some kinda way.

Three individuals in period costumes, featuring elaborate gowns and historical accessories, reminiscent of a historical or royal setting

12. Materialists—the only reason I love this love triangle is because it is modern and hopeful.

Three people in formal attire pose with balloons in an elegant setting. Text: "Materialists" with actors' names listed

11. At number 11 is Jane The Virgin with one of the most memorable love triangles—Michael and Rafael.

Two scenes from a TV show: Top shows a man and woman smiling at each other on a sofa; bottom shows them in a close, intimate conversation

10. The Age of Innocence—Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder in a love triangle? Hell yes!

Two scenes from a period drama; a close, intense dialogue above, and a formal outdoor gathering with vintage attire below

9. The Graduate in 9th place is shocking, but the only reason it's here is for the peak messy energy.

Two scenes from a classic film: A woman in a wedding dress looking forward; a man and woman lying in bed, the woman appears contemplative

8. The Vampire Diaries or the OG girl-confused-between-brothers trope.

Three people stand indoors, looking serious. The person in the middle wears a casual outfit with a jacket

7. Past Lives—the most heartbreaking and painful love triangle on this list.

Three people sitting at a dimly lit bar, engaging in conversation. They are dressed in casual, stylish attire

6. Casablanca, the ultimate war-time love triangle that had us in our feels.

Three people in classic 1940s attire, including a woman with a hat. They appear serious, suggesting a dramatic or noir film scene

5. Grey's Anatomy, because this listicle wouldn't make sense without this iconic trio.

A man and woman in business attire exchange looks; a person in scrubs stands behind them in what appears to be an elevator

4. The love triangle in Little Women, which led to massive hearbreak.

Two scenes from a period drama: In one, a couple in formal attire indoors; in the other, they face each other outdoors in relaxed, vintage clothing

And now, for the top three love triangles on-screen (drumroll please):

3. Challengers, because look at them!

Three people sitting on a bed, two smiling at the person in the center. Casual clothing. Cozy setting

2. Sabrina is peak fairy-tale-meets-corporate-chaos.

Vintage "Sabrina" movie poster featuring three actors in formal wear, with names Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden displayed below

1. And number 1 belongs to Bridget Jones's Diary, because, honestly, it's just THAT GOOD!

Italian movie poster for "Bridget Jones's Diary" showing three people, with one holding a diary. Text at the bottom mentions lifestyle impacts on health

This is my ultimate ranking of on-screen love triangles—some hit the mark, some missed wildly, and a few might stir up controversy. But hey, it’s all a matter of perception. For me, each of these tangled romances is iconic in its own messy yet addicting way. Good or bad, they’re the ones I keep coming back to—because nothing beats the guilty pleasure of drama, longing, and a little rule breaking.