Top Five No-Strings-Attached Couples in the Movies

Movies are known to portray real-life situations that resonate with us profoundly. And with matters of intimacy and love being the divine spice of life, it is understandable why movies have produced thrilling plots and scenes of characters in no-strings-attached relationships from time to time. 

What Is A No-Strings-Attached Relationship?

It is one where the partners are purely casual without any emotional attachment or commitment. They are free to see other people and want out anytime. Some time ago relationships of this kind usually started in bars and various social situations but today with various online dating platforms and social media opportunities people tend to maximize their experience without spending too much time.

Some movies have depicted this perfectly, capturing adventurous, casual relationships, flings, and hookups devoid of emotional attachment. But like in real life, these characters, unexpectedly hit by real feelings, sometimes decide to take the plunge and commit to serious relationships. Here are the top five examples.

Jamie and Dylan from Friends with Benefits

Jamie (Mila Kunis) manages to sway Dylan (Justin Timberlake) into becoming GQ’s Art Director after a night out. They develop a friendship and even get comfortable talking about relationships and sex. While watching a rom-com, they decide having a friends-with-benefits relationship would be best for them.

This relationship goes on for a while until Jamie decides she wants out and seeks a committed relationship. However, she gets heartbroken by her new boyfriend and again by Dylan when she finds out they don’t share the same feelings for her. 

However, realizing the importance of Jamie’s presence, Dylan fights to get Jamie back. It seems like starting with a tender hookup on a dating site or in real life is not bad after all; it could lead you to your soulmate. People meet online and offline and simply enjoy their relationships without planning anything but end up getting a pleasant surprise or even the love of their life.

Lainey and Jake from Sleeping with Other People

After having a one-night stand in college while still virgins, they go their separate ways. However, matters of love are hectic for both of them, with Lainey (Alison Brie) becoming a sex addict and cheating on her boyfriend with an unforgettable ex. On the other hand, Jake (Jason Sudeikis) has become a tom cat, unscrupulously cheating his way out of relationships.

Nevertheless, twelve years later, they meet again at a support group session for sex addicts. They are aware they like each other and may fall into the very trap they are fleeing from, which may break their special bond. Therefore, they resort to keeping things cordial and supporting each other as they seek to sort out their love lives.

This friendship works for some time, and they even move on to new relationships. However, it is evident to Lainey, Jake, and their friends that they are in love with each other. The two decide to give love a chance and start dating.

Edward and Vivian from Pretty Woman

Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), an escort, is hired by Edward (Richard Gere), a business tycoon, for one night. The following morning, Edward offers Vivian $3,000 to act as his girlfriend during his week-long business meetings. 

However, this relationship starts getting deeper than just a hookup, and Edward realizes he has grown fond of her. Surprisingly, it turns out that they’re entwined in mutual affection, as Vivian likewise admits she has fallen in love with him. Edward then offers her more to stay permanently, but Vivian declines and moves away. She feels like he’s just treating her like a prostitute.

Edward realizes Vivian’s positive influence in his life, for example, turning him into a helpful instead of a corrupt businessman, and decides he wants a romantic relationship with her. He climbs to Vivian’s apartment and professes his love for her. This kickstarts their newfound love as Vivian gives in. This film is the highest-grossing rom-com ever.

Peter and Debbie from Your Place or Mine

Peter (Ashton Kutcher) and Debbie (Reese Witherspoon) share an amazing 20-year-old friendship after a tender hookup, although they now live miles apart. Peter is a New York business mogul with commitment issues, while Debbie is a well-organized but controlling mum who lives in LA and works at her son’s school. 

Debbie moves to New York for further studies, and Peter, after a breakup, offers to take care of Jack in LA, greatly helping him to relax and play hockey. Debbie hooks up with Theo, a publisher, and they expose themselves to Peter thanks to an apartment camera. Peter gets frustrated and realizes he loves Debbie. Debbie also finds souvenirs he gave to Peter years ago and realizes she also loves Peter.

The two BFFs meet at the airport, where they share a romantic moment and get married months later.

Emma and Adam from No Strings Attached

After hooking up, Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) agree to a no-strings-attached relationship. This is after Adam just discovers his dad is dating his ex. However, Adam falls for her and tries to change the course of their relationship to a more serious one. For this reason, Emma quits. However, she misses him, and they get back together.

However, they struggle as Adam, unlike Emma, seeks an emotional attachment. This time, Adam quits, starting a relationship with his workmate, even though Emma attempts to get back with him. Emma sees Adam’s new girlfriend and gets devastated.

But finally, when Adam’s father is hospitalized, Emma is present at the hospital, and she asks Adam to give their relationship a chance, which they do.

Conclusion

Relationships can be complicated, and that has been captured in film for years. In this context, movies not only act as a date night entertainment but also accurately depict how tender hookups can quickly morph into intimate affairs. Love can strike like a bolt from the blue, converting strangers into soulmates. And while film mirrors real life, life can also imitate art, and you can find yourself in the same situations depicted in these movies.