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10 Netflix Love Triangles That Left Us Saying “Whoa” More Times Than Peter Kavinsky
Navigating the trials and tribulations of high school or the cobblestone streets of Paris in stilettos is complicated enough, but add a love triangle into the mix, and it’s a recipe for broken hearts and sexual tension galore. From the first way-too-short season of Never Have I Ever to the three-year journey we took with Lara Jean and all the boys she’s loved before, Netflix has introduced audiences to exciting love stories full of awkward situations and steamy romances. Whether the stories unfold because of a kissing booth or right after spilling fruit punch all over an ex-BFF’s bright white suit, these Netflix originals showcase the love-triangle trope in all of its glory.
Here’s a roundup of the 10 best (and messiest) love triangles from Netflix original movies and TV shows that left us itching for a resolution in the next episode and tweeting at Netflix to beg for a movie sequel.
Never Have I Ever: Ben + Devi + Paxton
After making the worst possible first impression her freshman year, Devi from Never Have I Ever isn’t giving up on becoming cool. From the first day of sophomore year, she decides the best course of action is to convince Paxton, the most popular boy in school, to be her boyfriend. But as Devi’s plan to rewrite her high-school reputation starts to get complicated, so does her longstanding rivalry with her childhood nemesis Ben, resulting in a love triangle that she never saw coming.
Emily in Paris: Emily + Gabriele + Camille
Things are off to a rocky start when Emily first moves to Paris in Emily in Paris, but after her hot neighbor Gabriel rescues her from a work disaster and she meets Camille, the first French woman who’s actually nice to her, it seems like the stars are finally aligning for Emily. She’s sure her Parisian love story is about to unfold when she and Gabriel share a passionate kiss – until she learns Gabriel has a serious girlfriend, and it just happens to be her new friend Camille.
Sex Education: Maeve + Otis + Ola
After accidentally walking in on Adam Groff in the middle of a Viagra mishap and proceeding to give him standout advice, Otis and Maeve from Sex Education find themselves at the precipice of a perfect business opportunity. When their reputation as Moordale’s go-to sex therapists starts to develop, so does their attraction toward each other. But when Otis begins dating Ola, a girl he takes to the dance, he finds himself struggling with his suppressed feelings for Maeve.
Elite: Ander + Omar + Malick
Though they meet for the first time through their mutual friend Christian, Omar and Ander from Elite end up becoming romantically involved after matching on a gay dating app. Due to Omar’s Muslim background, the two are forced to keep their relationship a secret from Omar’s family, with only the support of his sister Nadia. But when Ander undergoes treatment for his cancer and begins pushing his boyfriend away, Omar turns to Nadia’s boyfriend, Malick.
I Am Not Okay With This: Syd + Dina + Brad
Between unproductive therapy sessions, an impatient mother, and judgmental classmates, Syd from I Am Not Okay With This is resigned to the fact that her only saving grace amid her miserable life in Brownsville is Dina, her best friend and secret crush. When Dina begins dating Brad, a homophobic bully and “epic douchebag,” Syd tries to convince herself that she’s OK with their new relationship but ends up kissing Dina at Ricky’s party instead.
On My Block: Ruby + Olivia + Cesar
When Olivia’s parents get deported to Mexico in On My Block, Ruby’s family takes her in, and she’s quickly welcomed into his friend group. But despite Ruby’s constant flirtation and romantic gestures, Olivia ends up dating his friend Cesar instead. Though Ruby makes peace with being friendzoned, he continues treating Olivia like a princess, and much to his surprise, Olivia confesses her feelings for him at the quinceañera he hosts for her.
The Kissing Booth 2: Noah + Elle + Marco
With her boyfriend, Noah, away at Harvard and rumors about an eventual breakup spreading at school, Elle has no choice but to make the best out of her senior year in The Kissing Booth 2. Planning to bring back the Charity Fair Kissing Booth for a second year, Lee convinces Elle to ask Marco Peña, “the new Noah Flynn,” to be one of the kissers, and the two become friends. But after Elle finds an earring under Noah’s bed during her visit to Boston, her insecurity about their relationship grows along with her attraction to Marco.
Ginny & Georgia: Marcus + Ginny + Hunter
When Ginny from Ginny & Georgia gets into hot water on her first day of school at Wellsbury, her classmate Maxine is the only one who has her back. The two become fast friends, and Maxine goes so far as to set her up with Hunter, Ginny’s crush-at-first-sight. Their first date ends in a hug instead of a kiss, and later that night, Maxine’s twin brother, Marcus, a handsome bad boy, sneaks into Ginny’s bedroom. Though the two admit their attraction to each other and end up hooking up, the night ends with Marcus assuring Ginny he doesn’t want her to ruin her chances with Hunter.
Alex Strangelove: Claire + Alex + Elliot
Though they’ve dated since freshman year, high-school seniors Alex and Claire from Alex Strangelove have never done anything more than kiss, even though they’re deeply in love. But when the happy couple finally make plans to spend the night together at a local hotel, Alex feels more confused than excited. He’s sure he loves his girlfriend, but after meeting Elliot, an openly gay teen, at a party, Alex can’t stop thinking about going to prom with him instead.
P.S. I Still Love You: Peter + Lara Jean + John Ambrose
Cute and charming from the beginning, Peter Kavinsky wastes no time stealing Lara Jean’s heart. But when the thoughtful and sophisticated John Ambrose, a recipient of one of Lara Jean’s love letters, enters the picture in To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, things start to get complicated. From kissing in the hot tub to crying enough tears to fill said hot tub, Lara Jean learns just how unpredictable love can be.