# Best--and worst--onscreen chemistry **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 12, 2007, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694 "2007-06-12T12:36:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/121 "2007-06-14T04:39:02Z")
Good chemistry: Al Swearengen and Trixie on _Deadwood_. I also think Al had great non-romantic chemistry with Dan Doherty. Dan was always getting insecure about Al trusting and valuing him, and Al would reassure him in his fucked up way. Mickey and Mallory Knox in _Natural Born Killers_. I never would have thought Woody Harrelson could be that hot. Whatever happened to Juliette Lewis? Veronica and Logan on _Veronica Mars_. I’m watching S2 too, and despite Logan being a psycho, they have chemistry. Buffy/Spike. Loved it. And the ultimate blue-balls hot chemistry: Mulder and Scully from _The X-Files_. Too bad that was ruined in such a completely sickening way by the end of the series. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/122 "2007-06-14T04:42:47Z")
Is it ironic that I have no idea who had chemistry or didn’t in **The Chronicles of Narnia** because I was having sex the whole time? (Drive-in theater.) ---
**Author:** ![Promethea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Promethea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Promethea)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/123 "2007-06-14T10:01:37Z")
I second the vote for “Midnight Run”. Both Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin not only had great onscreen chemistry but did a beautiful job of conveying a deepening friendship. It’s one of my favourite ever films for this reason. I am always sad for a second right at the end when Jack turns back to add somethng else to The Duke after they’ve said their goodbyes but he’s already long gone… Elsewhere, still in the realm of the bail bonds business, Robert Forster and Pam Grier are amazing in “Jackie Brown” in their scenes together, with his wary adoration of her and her more complex fondness for him. The Larry Sanders Show had amazing chemistry in the three male leads of Arthur, Larry and Hank. Especially Arthur & Larry. I think It’s one of the reasons that the show is so funny because the characters feels so real, therefore the humour seems very natural, no matter how outlandish it might be. Sigh, I miss that show. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/124 "2007-06-14T10:20:46Z")
Bad: Top Gun Good: Casablanca ---
**Author:** ![cactus\_waltz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@cactus\_waltz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cactus_waltz)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/125 "2007-06-14T11:21:45Z")
I can’t believe I get to nominate \*\*Gomez \*\*and **Morticia Adams**! They define on-screen chemistry. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/126 "2007-06-14T11:46:02Z")
[QUOTE=NoClueBoy] So, why did I watch it for its entire run …? [/QUOTE] I’ll take “Boobs” for $500, Alex. ---
**Author:** ![singular1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/127 "2007-06-14T12:23:06Z")
[QUOTE=Promethea] The Larry Sanders Show had amazing chemistry in the three male leads of Arthur, Larry and Hank. Especially Arthur & Larry. I think It’s one of the reasons that the show is so funny because the characters feels so real, therefore the humour seems very natural, no matter how outlandish it might be. Sigh, I miss that show. [/QUOTE] You _do_ know that show just came out on [DVD](http://www.amazon.com/Just-Best-Larry-Sanders-Show/dp/B000MTFDB0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-4640308-3114801?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1181823375&sr=8-1), right? I’m watching the first disk now with Mr. singular, and it’s really a fun trip. Oh, and I think the chemistry of many of the characters in True Romance is palpable. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper, and surprisingly, Bronson Pinchot and Tom Sizemore were all great together. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/128 "2007-06-14T12:23:10Z")
Any movie with Richard Dryfuss and Holly Hunter is great chemistry. I was so convinced by them that actually thought they were seeing each other at one time. ---
**Author:** ![Ronald\_C.Semone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cc9497/32.png) [@Ronald\_C.Semone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ronald_C.Semone)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/129 "2007-06-14T12:38:35Z")
Great Chemistry: Ozzie and Harriet Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore Miss Piggy and Kermit Lousy Chemistry: Ross and Rachael Chandler and Monica Bob Newhart and any of his TV wives Raymond and his wife ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/130 "2007-06-14T12:41:13Z")
Another great one: George Clooney & Laurie Metcalf in the first season of “Roseanne.” Dick & Mary and especially Harry & Vickie (and Harry & Nina) on “3rd Rock.” Come to think of it, French Stewart is one of those odd looking guys that just smokes on the screen. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/131 "2007-06-14T13:30:34Z")
I just remembed Kevin Costner and Graham Greene in Dances With Wolves. Graham Greene also had chemistry with the actress who played his wife, Tantoo Cardinal. I was more interested in their relationship than Costner and McDonnell’s. Not much chemistry there. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/132 "2007-06-14T13:47:09Z")
[QUOTE=Cicero] Bad: Top Gun [/QUOTE] Hey, now. Iceman had great chemistry with Slider, whom he was obviously sleeping with. Just like Iceman had great chemistry with Maverick, whom he obviously _wanted_ to sleep with. And Goose and Maverick had good chemistry, 'cause they were probably sleeping with each other or wanted to. It was only when the chicks showed up (Goose’s wife, Kelly McGillis’ character that had the man’s name) that the chemistry went all flat. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/133 "2007-06-14T14:16:01Z")
Criminal Mind’s Garcia & Morgan have great chemistry! More House: Chase & Cameron have zero, zilch, nada. And yet the actors are playing them are engaged. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/134 "2007-06-14T16:04:35Z")
Great chemistry - Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon in “Bull Durham.” Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon in “Bull Durham.” Heck, that movie is so note-perfect, everybody in “Bull Durham.” 😃 Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell in “Battlestar Galactica.” Bad Chemistry - Katee Sackhoff and Jamie Bamber in BSG. Katee Sackhoff and Michael Trucco (Anders) in BSG. The only one that Starbuck has any chemistry with is Admiral Adama, in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/135 "2007-06-14T17:22:34Z")
[QUOTE=Ronald C. Semone] Lousy Chemistry: Ross and Rachael Chandler and Monica [/QUOTE] I can’t really argue with either of these. On the other hand, I always thought Joey and Chandler had great (non-romantic) chemistry. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/136 "2007-06-14T18:12:37Z")
Bad: Jim Belushi and whoever that blonde girl is in _According to Jim_. Good: Rob and Laura Petrie ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/137 "2007-06-14T19:28:22Z")
Lucy & Desi were one of the first with great on scene chemistry. He obvously adored her. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/138 "2007-06-14T19:37:34Z")
[QUOTE=Annie-Xmas] Lucy & Desi were one of the first with great on scene chemistry. He obvously adored her. [/QUOTE] I read somewhere that they talked on the phone everyday after their divorce, literally up until the week he died. They adored each other but couldn’t live together because of his womanizing/drinking/gambling and her being about as anti-Lucy Ricardo as you could get off-screen (hard headed no-nonsense business woman and not the least bit interested in domestic or maternal stuff [the latter from her own children, who now that she’s dead and they’ve inherited her millions make no secret of the fact they were much closer to their dad]). [This is](http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ox_A4eOtRlw) almost a tearjerker- Robert Stack reading a letter from Desi a few days after he died when Lucy was being honored at the Kennedy Center. Even Lucy falls apart. ---
**Author:** ![whole\_bean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/96bed5/32.png) [@whole\_bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whole_bean)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/139 "2007-06-14T20:19:18Z")
good: Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in Midnight Cowboy Burt Reynolds and Sally Field in Smokey and the Bandit Natalie Portman and Timothy Hutton in Beautiful Girls Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman in Rushmore Owen and Luke Wilson in Bottle Rocket and to a lesser extent the Royal Tennebaums bad: Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic Ed Burns and Maxine Bahns in both The Brothers McMullen and She’s the One ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2007, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694/140 "2007-06-14T22:21:01Z")
Billy Zane’s an actor that I’ve never seen have chemistry with an actress. (I know there are gay rumors like there are about every actor and the occasional movie camera, but there are gay actors who play straight just fine.) Has anyone mentioned Brando and Kim Hunter yet? (Sorry, but my connection is slow as justice today.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-onscreen-chemistry/407694.md?page=8)