Acting Duos That Love Working Together

1. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore

                      

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These two film stars have a great partnership on screen, making them some of the most successful personalities in the comedic box office. From the 1998 rom-com 'The wedding singer' to the 2004 collaboration '50 first dates', Sandler and Barrymore's charming romance glued audiences to their screens. In 2014, they reunited in 'Blended,' directed by Frank Coraci. However, this film is a highly generic storyline that no perfect pair like Sandler and Barrymore could salvage.

2. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey

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These two fantastic film stars have had incredible chemistry for two decades. It all began in the 2003 movie 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'. The rom-com features Hudson as a magazine writer called Andie Anderson, while McConaughey is an ad executive called Benjamin Barry. The complementary acting skills between them made this film successful. Other movies that feature the duo include a romantic action comedy Fool's Gold (2008), where this chemistry was also undeniable.

3. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

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Movie critics have praised the duo as the funniest women in America, taking sitcom roles and maintaining a firm friendship over the years. Their collaborative comedy careers began in 1993. Fey would then grow her comedic career in SNL till 2006 and reunited with Poehler in 2008 to do comedy sketches. The films they have appeared in together include Sisters (2015), Mean Girls (2004), Baby Mama (2008), Wine Country (2019), and 'Martin and Orloff (2002)'.

4. Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy

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These two actors are a delightful pair whenever they are on screen. The three films and one show that they have so far appeared together have been proof of this acclaim. Their magical collaboration began in the 2010 action movie 'Inception.' This duo later appeared in 'The dark knight rises (2012)' and a war-time sensation 'Dunkirk (2017)' directed by Christopher Nolan. The two have also encountered each other in the fantastic show 'Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022).

5. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter

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No one can deny that this is one of the greatest duos on screen. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter have been unforgettable faces in: Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the chocolate factory (2005), The Lone Ranger (2013), Alice Through the looking glass (2016), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and the horror film Dark Shadows. Their most well-known performance was in the musical "Sweeney Todd" from 2007, giving them more time on screen together.

6. Amy Adams and Christian Bale

        

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This duo has been so spectacular that three of their films got nominated for the Oscars. They include The Fighter (2010) which Bale won the supporting actor category; American Hustle (2013) which got nominated for lead actor and lead actress; and Vice (2018), nominated for Lead actor and supporting actress. The duo in American Hustle was iconic as two con artists got forced into a sting operation on corrupt politicians.

7. Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper

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This dynamic duo has brought so much life to the film world that critics have claimed it as historic. Some of the beautiful films that Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper got paired in include The Hunger Games trilogy, A star is born, Serena (2014), a 2013 crime-drama American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook (2012), and a 2015 drama-comedy called Joy. According to film enthusiasts, American Hustle is rated as their most excellent film together; with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Lawrence playing Rosalyn and Cooper as an FBI agent.

8. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

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An award-winning collaboration between these actors has defined the American film industry for over three decades. It all began in 'The Field of Dreams' (1989)' when both were extras. But their acclaim rose in 1992 in a film called 'School Ties' where they paired as anti-Semitic students bullying a classmate. Other films that have cast the duo include Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob reboot (2019), and The Last Duel (2021).

9. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet

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Their friendship has gone a long way since they first appeared in the 1997 epic romance film 'Titanic.' The memorable performance as Rose and Jack define modern pop culture, and it is easy to admit that the film would not have had its impact if DiCaprio and Winslet did not nail their roles. The duo would reunite a decade later in 2008 in a romantic drama, Revolutionary Road. Their roles in the movie were so good that they got nominated for the Golden Globe awards.

10. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts

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This romantic duo has appeared together in three movies. Their first movie was 'Pretty Woman (1990)', their most extraordinary collaboration. A story about a wealthy entrepreneur falling in love with an escort glued romantics to their screens. Later in 1999, Gere and Roberts became Ike Graham and Maggie Carpenter, respectively, in the movie 'Runaway Bride.' Their last roles as presenters in 'A Concert for Hurricane Relief (2005)' marked the apex of their esteemed collaboration.

11. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly

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They are the perfect comedic duo on American television. Ferrell and Reilly have appeared in some of the greatest films that have entertained the country for decades. They include Step Brothers (2008), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013), and 'Tim and Eric's billion-dollar movie' (2012). Notably, the duo was iconic in 'Holmes and Watson (2018)' as hilarious investigators after a long time without acting together.

12. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson

            

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A powerful combination in cinema has existed between these two actors since the mid-nineties. Their incredible performances together have been visible in films like Little Fockers (2010), Zoolander 1 (2001), Zoolander 2 (2016), Meet the Fockers (2004), Night at the Museum (2006), Night at the Museum: Secret of the tomb (2014), The Cable Guy (1996), Permanent Midnight (1998), Starsky and Hutch (2004), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and Meet the Parents (2000).

13. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling

       

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The quality of this duo on screen is unmatched. Their genuine chemistry has always kept us anticipating more collaborations. The two film stars appeared in a 2013 action-packed movie 'Gangster squad.' Their connection was unforgettable in a 2011 romcom called 'Crazy, stupid love' that explores the ludicrous nature of modern dating. Moreover, the duo has graced our screens with 'La la Land (2016)'. It is impossible to admit that these two never had a romantic relationship.

14. Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara

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These film stars have had a long-lasting relationship in their acting career. Both of them began at the Toronto Theatre in the 70s. Later in 1982, the two would collaborate to produce a comedy series 'SCTV,' enabling them to get their first Emmy for brilliant writing. Other productions they have both participated in include: 'Best in Show' and 'Waiting for Guffman,' created by Christopher Guest.

15. Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold

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These two black actresses had had a lifelong friendship since the mid-eighties when they appeared as part of the three-girl choir that graces the vocals of the film 'Little Shop of Horrors.' However, their most memorable chemistry appears in the comedy show 'Martin' where Tichina performed as Pam and Tisha as Gina. Later in the 2000s, the two appeared in the hilarious 'Everybody Hates Chris' with Tichina getting the protagonist role as Chris' mother, Rochelle, and Tisha maintaining a minor role as Rochelle's ex-convict friend.

16. Seth Rogen and James Franco

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This duo has produced some of the best acts on screen since 1999's 'Freaks and Geeks.' The hilarious comedies they have worked on have been termed classical performances on screen. They include 'The Interview (2014)' and 'Pineapple Express (2008)'. Franco and Rogen also collaborated on the adult animated film 'Sausage Party (2016)'. Other films that they got paired in include Zeroville (2019), The disaster artist (2017), The Night Before (2015), and The Sound and the Fury (2014).

17. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan

        

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Significantly few screen pairings, like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, have collaborated in depth. From romantic comedies screened in the 90s, every movie the duo has appeared together in glitters at the box office. Some films include Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), which critics say did not reach the top. Understandably, it was their first film together. However, in 1993 they became a sensation in 'Sleepless in Seattle.' Finally, in 1998, they made 'You've got mail' in 1998.

18. Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet

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These award-winning French film stars have chemistry so intense that they fall in love and get married to each other off-screen. Both starred in the 2003 comedy 'Love me if you dare' and they struck audiences. Later, they would embark on 'The last flight' produced in 2009. Their recent film 'Asterix and Obelix: The middle kingdom' is rated as one of the best adventure comedies this year.

19. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort

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The versatile range of these two film stars' performances is phenomenal. From siblings to lovers, the chemistry is undeniably spectacular. They both began their magnetic roles in a 2014 dystopian movie called 'Divergent' about a world where they chose everyone's destinies. That same year, they collaborated to produce a teen movie called 'The Fault in Our Stars,' a powerful romantic film about two teens with Cancer falling in love but with a teary ending.

20. Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg

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Our generation's movie industry is in good hands. Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg have been a powerful duo since 2009's 'Adventureland.' The film features the two film stars as park workers who meet and fall in love. Other films where the two have appeared include An action-comedy movie 'American Ultra (2015)' and 'Cafe Society (2016)' where Eisenberg acts as Bobby falling in love with Stewart got the role of Vonnie.

21. Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson

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Chris and Scarlett began their acting careers in different avenues. However, their chemistry was profound when they finally paired in the film. Their most significant film was The Avengers in 2012, where both film stars were part of the team fighting against Loki and Thanos. Scarlett and Evans star in 2007's comedy-drama 'The Nanny Diaries.' In 2014, 'Captain America: The winter soldier' would be a commercial success thanks to this incredible duo.

22. Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau

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This duo has worked together in successful films since 1993 when they both starred in the 1993 film named Rudy. Most of their collaborations have been comedic works from 'Just your luck' and 'Swingers,' both produced in 1996. Later in 2001, the two reunited in the film 'Made.' Other grossing films that Vaughn and Favreau have participated in include The Break-up (2006), Four Christmases (2008), Couples Retreat (2009), and Term Life (2016).

23. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino

                   

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These two amazing actors have been part and parcel of Hollywood's growth since the seventies, appearing together in grossing films. In 2008, the duo collaborated in 'Righteous Kill,' where two veteran detectives work together to catch a serial killer. But their most remarkable set was 'The Godfather 2 (1974)', acclaimed as the most intriguing film on the Italian mafia. The Irishman (2019) and Heat (1995) are other films where these two actors have glittered together.

24. Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy

        

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This duo, which is also a couple off-screen, is one of the matches made in heaven. We all love Melissa's bold personality; no one sparks it off like Falcone. Some of the films that have incorporated the duo include Bridesmaids (2011), Tammy (2014), The Heat (2013), The Boss (2016), Nine Perfect Strangers (2021), Identity Thief (2013), Spy (2015), Thunder force (2021), Life of the party (2018) and The Happy time murders (2018).

25.

John Hamm and Kristen Wiig

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The most acclaimed film that pairs Hamm and Wiig has to be the 2011 comedy film 'Bridesmaids.' The movie was a commercial success that raked up to $ 306 million. It starred Kristen as Annie Walker and John Hamm as Ted. In that same year, Hamm and Wiig got screened together in a romcom called 'Friends with Kids.' John Hamm would perform as Ben and Wiig took the role of Missy, a sex-obsessed couple.

26. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock

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Their friendship is adorable, and that is partly why their on-screen appearance together has been phenomenal. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock appeared together in their first film 1994 called 'Speed,' which featured them as lovers. The chemistry got rekindled a decade later in a romantic fantasy film called 'Lake House (2006)'. Their affectionate glances and the kissing scenes were so real that the two admitted to having crushes on each other.

27. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost

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This duo is very versatile in its performance. Pegg and Frost can nail them all, from comedy to drama to thrillers. Their magic on the screen began when they starred in 'The three flavors cornetto trilogy.' Other films include Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018), the voices of Thompson and Thompson in the animated movie 'The Adventure of Tin Tin (2011), Paul (2011), and Truth Seekers (2020).

28. John Cusack and Joan Cusack

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Did you ever imagine a pair of siblings would be an iconic duo on screen? Well, Joan and John Cusack have been an incredible match in the films they have been in. They include Grandview, U.S.A (1984), War, inc. (2008), Class (1983), Martian Child (2007), Cradle will rock (1999), Sixteen Candles (1984), Broadcast News (1987), Say Anything (1989), action-packed movie Grosse Pointe blank (1997) and High fidelity (2000).

29. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum

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Many film duos collaborate on projects semi-regularly, but Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum have been together for five years in five consecutive films. Their performance has been a work of friendship and inexplicable skill. This duo started its screen brilliance in 2012's comedy '21 Jump Street'. Later in 2013, the pair appeared in 'This Is the End.' Other movies include The Lego Movie (2014), 22 Jumpstreet (2014), and Hail, Caesar! (2016).

30. Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson

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The magical connection between these two actors on our action screens since the 90s has been undeniable. Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis started their chemistry in the 1993 popular film 'Loaded Weapon 1'. It would re-emerge in 'Pulp Fiction (1994)', a film directed by Quentin Tarantino. 'Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)' would be the duo's third appearance. Later in 2000, they would be on set in a supernatural thriller called 'Unbreakable.' Their latest reunion would be a 2019 superhero movie called 'Glass.'

31. Actors who refuse to work together! Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson

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If you're a fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, then you know that these two have appeared together - and both are very big personalities (as well, as you know... both having big muscles). They apparently butted heads during filming, and while it's known they've been having a feud, they haven't fully admitted why - though Dwayne Johnson once commented they had "different approaches to filmmaking".

32. Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte

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Actress Julia Roberts and co-star Nick Nolte did NOT get along when they filmed the movie 'I Love Trouble' together. They were both interviewed after filming about what it was like to work with each other - a standard interview question - but the answer was a little more negative then you'd expect... Julia called Nick "disgusting" and he fired back saying she's "not a nice person"!

33. Lucy Liu and Bill Murray

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Lucy Liu and Bill Murray worked together on the movie Charlie's Angels, with her of course playing an Angel and Murray playing Bosley. There were rumors that Murray apparently had a problem with Liu's acting, which she understandably didn't take very well. In the sequel to the movie, Bernie Mac came on board to replace Murray, which only made people think the rumors must be true!

34. Lena Headey and Jerome Flynn

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Headey and Flynn both appeared in the hit TV show Game of Thrones together, so you might be wondering how they refused to work together. Well, they had to make sure they never bumped into each other on set, and never had any scenes together! If you rewatch (if you can face it) you'll notice Cersei and Bronn don't have a single scene together. The reason is the pair dated in real life, but it didn't end on very good terms.

35. Alec Baldwin and Shia LaBeouf

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Baldwin and LaBeouf actually starred together on a Broadway play rather than a movie - but it was enough of an experience to make them both realize they couldn't work together. LaBeouf actually got violent with Baldwin after the latter didn't remember his lines, and after Baldwin asked to quit, the producers of the show decided to fire LaBeouf instead!

36. Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere

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These two actors were starring together in the movie The Lords of Flatbush but apparently they didn't pair well together. There were rumors that the two of them got into a fist fight (would you want to get into a fist fight with Rocky?!) but it's not known why. Whether the rumors are true or not, the reality is that they haven't worked on a movie together since...

37. George Clooney and Russell Crowe

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Here are two actors most of us have grown up with, so it's inevitable two big stars would clash at some point. The reason for this one isn't known though, and it gets even more strange. For some reason, Crowe decided to share his opinion on Clooney, as well as two other actors: "George Clooney, Harrison Ford and Robert De Niro are sellouts". Clooney spoke about it in an interview, not fully understanding why Crowe said it, and the pair haven't worked on a movie since!

38. James Franco and Tyrese Gibson

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These two actors starred in the movie Annapolis together, but after the movie finished filming, it seems that Gibson was 100% done with working with Franco - once was apparently enough. Gibson even promised that he would never work with Franco again, the reason being that apparently Franco had tried "real punches" during the boxing scenes, and that he was "cruel"!

39. Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds

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There has to be some serious trouble when a laid back funny guy like Ryan Reynolds point black refuses to work with someone! But apparently that's the case with Wesley Snipes. After the pair starred in the Blade: Trinity movie together, Reynolds didn't have a very good experience. Apparently Snipes was notorious for being difficult on set, and Reynolds had to shoot most scenes with Snipes's stunt double.

40. Kevin Smith and Bruce Willis

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These two actors worked together on Live Free or Die Hard, the first time Smith worked on a Die Hard movie but of course not the first time for veteran actor Willis. Smith later spoke out about how Willis had a bad attitude and that he was "unhappy" and "bitter". However, since Willis's latest health updates, Smith has since apologized for his comments.

41. Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones

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Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones were already huge stars before they appeared together in Batman Forever - which means they already knew each other's work, and Jones wasn't a particular fan of Carrey's "slapstick" comedy. Apparently Jones already had a bad opinion of Carrey, enough to give him a negative attitude on set when Carrey wasn't really doing anything wrong. The director confirmed he thought Jones was "threatened" by Carrey.

42. Will Smith and Janet Hubert

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Will Smith and Janet Hubert of course appeared together on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, with Hubert playing Aunt Viv - and we also know the actress was replaced midway through the show. Hubert spoke out about the younger co-stars causing trouble for her on set, and even refused to work with Will Smith again. Smith himself had said the actress had a "bad attitude" during filming.

43. Shannen Doherty and A LOT of actors

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Shannen Doherty is racking up a list of people who don't want to work with her - and vice versa - as she developed somewhat of a reputation for being difficult to work with. She had a falling out with 90210 co-star Jennie Garth, and then had serious issues with Alyssa Milano on set of TV show Charmed - so much so that one of the actresses had to leave, and it ended up being Doherty. It turns out that the pair have since made up, though, when Milano reached out to Doherty.

44. Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard

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If you're a fan of Iron Man and Marvel then you'll know that Terrence starred as Rhodey alongside Downey's Tony Stark - only to later be replaced by actor Don Cheadle. The reason for that being that Howard was offered a huge amount LESS money for his role in the second, because they didn't think they needed him for it to be successful. Howard tried to reach out to Downey for help, but the guy never returned his call... Eventually, the pair did make up, but that doesn't change that Howard still lost the job!

45. Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore

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Tom Sizemore was a huge 90s actor, and bagged some roles alongside other big starts of the time, like Val Kilmer (they both appeared together in Heat). They paired up again to star in Red Planet, but Kilmer got a little annoyed when he found out that production of the movie had paired for Sizemore's exercise equipment to be shipped out to Australia. A physical fight ensued and they had a fall out for a while, before eventually making up!

46. Julianna Margulies and Archie Panjabi

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These two actresses appear together on the successful TV show The Good Wife, but it's not all as rosy as it seems. There was a feud between the actresses behind the scenes for years, until Panjabi eventually left the show. The feud was so bad they couldn't be in the same room together, so they filmed their parts for a shared scene separately which then had to be later stitched together!

47. William Shatner and George Takei

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George Takei and William Shatner were side by side on the set of Star Trek in their iconic roles, of course, but that doesn't mean they got along. In comments from both of them since, Takei has said that Shatner wasn't very good as playing as part of a team, where Shatner confusedly fired back saying he barely knew Takei during filming and didn't know what he was talking about...

48. Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke

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Robert De Niro's feelings about working with Mickey Rourke were so strong that he even specifically requested Rourke not be given a role in the hit movie The Irishman. Rourke had originally been in line for a part in the film - until De Niro put a stop to it, because he didn't want to work with him. Rourke was understandably upset - and partly because he'd needed the money of the part - but then producers later said he'd never been in line for a part in the first place... What do you think?

49. Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg

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These two actors are known for starring alongside each other in The Departed, but their issues with each other started long before that. The appeared in a movie called The Basketball Diaries when they were both young actors, but they'd already met previously and didn't really get along. Leonardo apparently 'freaked out' when he found out Wahlberg was going to be in the movie with him. Luckily, they set aside their differences and eventually became friends!

50. Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis

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Bonus: two later Hollywood legends that didn't get along! Some Like it Hot is one of the most popular comedy/classic Hollywood movies, but it wasn't all plain sailing for the main stars. Apparently Marilyn's behavior had become more difficult at this point, like showing up late to set, and eventually Curtis had had enough. The kissing scene between the two was particularly difficult for him!