Super Significant Others

It's not easy being in love with someone who constantly has to save the city, or the planet, or you. We salute 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2's' Gwen Stacy and the other brave souls whose greatest power may simply be super-patience.

Superheroes tend to pick ambitious, independent and highly intelligent partners, so it's no wonder that Spider-Man would go for the valedictorian of Midtown Science High. Especially since she looks like Emma Stone.

Before there was Gwen, there was Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), Spidey's first onscreen love. This struggling New York actress had plenty of her own issues – and not all of them revolved around Peter Parker.

The original "superhero girlfriend." From 1951's 'Superman and the Mole Men' to 2013's 'Man of Steel,' generations of actresses have portrayed the plucky 'Daily Planet' reporter. We adore Amy Adams, but Margot Kidder still owns the role.

As her relationship to Tony Stark progressed from sassy personal assistant to sassy domestic partner, Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) was also promoted to CEO of Stark Industries. Not bad, Ms. Potts.

Scott Summers, a.k.a. Cyclops (James Marsden), was a central member of the X-Men, but his love for Jean Grey sealed his fate when her Dark Phoenix persona took over.

Wolverine, who also burned a candle for Jean Grey, later hit it off with this Japanese beauty (who was his fiancée in the 1980s X-Men comics). Tao Okamoto played Mariko in 'The Wolverine' (2013).

Though Aaron Eckhart played Two-Face in 'The Dark Knight' (2008), Maggie Gyllenhaal supplied the second face for Bruce Wayne's erstwhile sweetheart; Katie Holmes portrayed Rachel in 'Batman Begins' (2005).

An earlier love interest for an earlier Batman. Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) is part of that long and inexplicable tradition of super significant others having first and last names that begin with the same letter.

Even a weird-looking dude like Hellboy deserves a girlfriend. And they don't come any hotter than Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), a Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense agent with a fiery attitude.

Carol (Blake Lively) is smart enough to run her father's aerospace company – and smart enough to instantly recognize Hal Jordan through his (admittedly skimpy) Green Lantern mask.

It's one of the most poignant superhero romances: In the 1940s, this British agent (played by Hayley Atwell) was Captain America's best girl. In the 21st century, she can only be his elderly friend.

When you're a godlike alien such as Thor, no ordinary earthling could ever win your heart. Thankfully, Natalie Portman is no ordinary earthling.

In 2008's 'Hancock,' the relationship between Mary Embrey (Charlize Theron) and John Hancock (Will Smith) is, shall we say, "complicated." But at one time, during their 3,000 years on Earth, they were husband and wife.

Superhero girlfriends are often journalists or old pals from childhood. Roxanne (Eva Mendes) is both in 2007's 'Ghost Rider.' Johnny Blaze would go to hell and back for her. We don't blame him.

Before he became Professor X, James McAvoy played the nerdy Wesley in 2008's pseudo-superhero movie 'Wanted,' where he was mentored – and smooched – by leading lady Angelina Jolie.

Jennifer Connelly also starred in the 2003 'Hulk' as super significant other Betty Ross. But she was never more glamorous than she was as this 1930s Hollywood starlet in 'The Rocketeer' (1991).