On the big screen, love stories always appear magnificent—handsome young actors play romantic pairs that delight viewers for many, many years. However, in reality, cinematic couples age and change in ways that often aren’t proportional. (Scroll through the photos in the article by clicking the arrow.)

When it was announced that Tom Cruise would be appearing in the sequel to “Top Gun,” everyone recalled actress Kelly McGillis, who portrayed the love interest of the main character in the 1986 film “Top Gun.” In the ’80s, she was a vibrant star, shining brightly in numerous romantic comedies. Yet today, unlike Tom Cruise, she no longer appears on screen as an object of anyone’s affection.

In 1997, Julia Roberts and Rupert Everett starred in the romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” The actress continues to occasionally grace the screen with romantic stories, such as “Eat Pray Love” and the recent “Ticket to Paradise.” In contrast, Rupert Everett, who was also known for his romantic roles, has long since moved away from that persona.

One of the standout romantic comedies of the early ’90s was the 1994 film “It Could Happen to You,” featuring Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda in lead roles. After a decade, the actress left the film industry to become a homemaker, making it hard to recognize the once-slim movie star. Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage is still captivating, as recently demonstrated in the comedy “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.”

Matthew Perry rose to fame through the sitcom “Friends” and subsequently starred in numerous solo comedies. One of his notable successes was the romantic comedy “Fools Rush In” (1997), where he starred alongside Salma Hayek. The actor has long since lost his former appeal, while the actress continues to land roles as beautiful and desirable women.

Stars of the 1999 film “Blast from the Past,” Alicia Silverstone and Brendan Fraser, both struggled to maintain public interest in their careers during the 2000s. The actress may have lost her slender figure but has retained her attractiveness. In contrast, Brendan Fraser is often barely recognizable to his fans.

Andie MacDowell is one of the bright stars of the 1990s romantic comedies. She starred alongside Gérard Depardieu in “Green Card” (1990). While both have moved away from romantic storylines, Andie has aged much less than her partner, who has significantly filled out.

In the erotic drama “Nine and a Half Weeks” (1986), Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke were a stunning pair. Now, while the actress may no longer be youthful, she remains beautiful and desirable—no surprise that she starred in the major erotic project of the 2010s, “Fifty Shades Darker.” In contrast, Mickey Rourke has long ceased to resemble the handsome young man captured by the camera in the late ’90s.

John Travolta is no longer as fit and attractive as he was at the start of his career, but comparing him to his co-star from the 1989 film “Look Who’s Talking,” Kelly Preston, it’s evident that she has aged far more dramatically than he has.

Sandra Bullock continues to amaze the public with her remarkable ability to remain virtually unchanged in appearance. In 1995, she starred in the romantic comedy “While You Were Sleeping” alongside Bill Pullman. When comparing how the man looked back then to how he appears now, the actress’s youthful looks and steadfastness become even more apparent.