Vampires

8 Most Romantic Episodes of ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ Ranked

Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev and Candice King and Joseph Morgan on 'The Vampire Diaries'
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Vampires, hunters, ghosts, witches, and werewolves were running rampant in Mystic Falls, always risking the lives of just mere mortals. You would think that there wouldn’t be a bunch of time to get caught up in the throes of passion in such a dangerous place.

But you could be wrong.

The always-entertaining love triangle trope was the core of the first few seasons of The Vampire Diaries, and, boy, did they deliver. Going back and forth between Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) was always stuck in the middle between the younger, more stoic/heroic Stefan and the sarcastic daredevil Damon. However, unlike her ancestor Katherine Pierce (also Dobrev), she found no happiness in toying with their emotions.

Although the three were the core of the series, there were so many other incredible (and just as epic) romantic connections in the small Virginia town, making this a pleasure for all.

Not just spooky, The Vampire Diaries had the most chemistry-loaded scenes the world has ever seen. And in the month of October, we just have to celebrate the supernatural series by ranking its most romantic episodes.

Do you agree with our ranking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Ian Somerhalder in Season 2 Episode 1 of 'The Vampire Diaries'
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8. "The Return" (Season 2, Episode 1)

Katherine is quite possibly rotten to her core, but, wow, isn’t she iconic?

One person who agrees, or did for at least a century of his life, is Damon. Always knowing how to wrap the older Salvatore around her finger, Katherine comes back to Mystic Falls after Damon goes through all that trouble to get her out of the tomb. Unbeknownst to him at the time, she was never in there. She just didn’t want to spend the rest of eternity with him. Ouch.

In the Season 2 premiere, they still have a hot hookup, before his bond with her slowly unravels. His “rockets red glare” monologue before she breaks his heart? Swoon!

Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder in 'The Vampire Diaries' Season 1
Bob Mahoney / CW / Everett Collection

7. "Miss Mystic Falls" (Season 1, Episode 19)

Damon steps up for Elena (and an MIA Stefan) during the Miss Mystic Falls contest. As Damon and Elena dance together, that undeniable connection is on full display.

Later, when they are actually together, Elena reveals to Alaric Saltzman (Matt Davis) that she began to find Damon attractive in that moment. Who would’ve known that early moment would’ve had such an important part of their love story? (We did, duh!)

Candice King as Caroline Forbes and Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore in 'The Vampire Diaries.'
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6. "Stay" (Season 6, Episode 14)

Having been infatuated with Stefan since the beginning of the series, Caroline finally gets what she wants.

In Season 6, Caroline gets to experience that romantic kiss between her and the Salvatore of her dreams. Running to her, she almost can’t believe it when Stefan confesses his feelings for her.

Caroline always felt like she was living in Elena’s shadow, but in this moment, all of that is forgotten.

Candice King as Caroline Forbes and Joseph Morgan as Klaus in 'The Vampire Diaries.'
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5. "500 Years of Solitude" (Season 5, Episode 11)

Love them or hate them together, Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) and Caroline had Chemistry with a capital C. The original vampire always had a thing for Caroline. I mean, remember that drawing?

So to see them actually have a moment together is extra special, especially in the 100th episode.

Yes, Klaus might’ve been the person to ruin the lives of many people Caroline loved, but he always cared about her (in his own way).

Caroline struggles with her feelings for him, and she only lets him in a few times. This is one of them. After non-stop sexual tension, Klaroline gave in. And, boy, was it worth it.

Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvotore and Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert in 'The Vampire Diaries.'
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4. "The Turning Point" (Season 1, Episode 10)

The series ran for eight seasons, yet one of the most romantic moments happens in the first 10 episodes.

Once Elena fully realizes that Stefan is vampire, she understandably has some reservations. Smitten by the serious younger Salvatore, she can’t get him out of her mind. No matter how much she tries to convince herself that she doesn’t want to lie to everyone around her, danger keeps calling her name.

Elena runs to Stefan, tells him she loves him, and the two share an intimate night together.

Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett and Michael Malarkey as Enzo St. John in 'The Vampire Diaries.'
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3. "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Season 7, Episode 19)

Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham) did not have an easy go of it on The Vampire Diaries. For most of the series, no one ever put her first. That all changes when she meets vampire Enzo St. John (Michael Malarkey).

Supposed enemies, the witch and vampire quickly grow fond of each other. Bonnie finally gets the romance she deserves with Enzo. When she is whisked away to a dance in a dimly lit room in this Season 7 episode, it’s TVD at its sweetest.

Unfortunately, they are not able to stay together forever. However, for a moment in time, they are perfect.

Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore and Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert in 'The Vampire Diaries.'
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2. "Heart of Darkness" (Season 2, Episode 19)

“Heart of Darkness” might be the most chemistry-filled episodes in The Vampire Diaries history.

Not only is it home to Tyler (Michael Trevino) and Caroline’s passionate embrace after he wrecks himself loose out of the hybrid sire bond, but there’s the iconic motel kissing scene between Elena and Damon.

No motel kiss will ever be the same after Elena and Damon rocked each other’s world while on another important getaway. Also, remember how their hands intertwined in bed? Immediate goosebumps.

Ian Somerhalder in Season 2 Episode 8 of 'The Vampire Diaries'
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1. "Rose" (Season 2, Episode 8)

Telling Elena that he is in love with her before compelling her to forget shows Damon true, unselfish love for her.

The “Damon and Elena are soulmates” talk really ramps up after this episode. Damon’s character arc in the beginning makes you believe that he’s selfish and evil, but Elena brings out so much good in him.

She doesn’t remember this moment until she becomes a vampire herself, yet it’s one of the most genuine acts of love that happens in the series. With kindness and care in his eyes, Damon allows the viewer to see that he loves Elena enough to be able to give her up. But, luckily for us, not for too long.

This episode also features Damon bidding farewell to Rose (Lauren Cohan). After Rose is bitten by Jules, she slowly and painfully begins to die. Damon is there for every step of the way and gives Rose a peaceful final moment. Damon is the most romantic of all the TVD characters, hands down, and this episode proves it.