Teen Wolf: Stiles Stilinski’s Love Interests, Ranked

Although he’s smitten with Lydia long before the pilot begins, Stiles isn’t in an official relationship until the latter half of Teen Wolf. The first few seasons focus on Scott’s romance with Allison, and while Stiles attempts to pursue the stereotypical “popular girl,” his school-boy crush remains unrequited.

Stiles and Lydia’s slow-burn romance builds in the background for years, and both are given other potential suitors in the meantime. Viewers get to witness Stiles in only one relationship, but he has several love interests throughout the series. Some of them are a better fit for him than others.

Caitlin

Because she only appears in a handful of episodes, it’s easy to forget about Caitlin completely. Viewers aren’t given a reason to ship her with Stiles, as their makeout session is out of the blue and lacks substance.

It’s unclear whether Caitlin is meant to be a fling or if there were once plans for her to return down the line. While she has the potential to be a likable character in Teen Wolf, Caitlin is the worst of Stiles’ love interests. His tryst with her at the rave is short-lived and purely physical.

Heather

Stiles’ first time may have been with Malia, but it almost happens in the third-season episode, “Chaos Rising.” Since Stiles doesn’t hang out with many people outside of the McCall pack, his relationship with Heather comes as a surprise to fans. The series doesn’t go into depth, but it’s revealed that Heather and Stiles are childhood friends, and they’re clearly comfortable around one another.

The two plan to lose their virginity at Heather’s birthday party before she’s kidnapped and eventually killed. Teen Wolf never expands on what almost happens between them, although Stiles is disheartened by her death. There’s very little content to go on, yet it would’ve been interesting to see if they could pull off a friends-to-lovers romance.

Erica Reyes

Erica isn’t in the McCall pack’s good graces after her transition, but it doesn’t take long to realize she’s misunderstood. Her severe epilepsy makes her self-conscious, and she’s unjustly bullied by her classmates. Erica eventually reveals that she had a crush on Stiles for years, but just like Lydia didn’t notice Stiles, Stiles didn’t notice Erica.

Although there’s a prospect of something more once it’s out in the open, fans find themselves hoping for Erica’s friendship with Boyd to evolve in Teen Wolf. Erica isn’t the worst character Stiles could’ve been paired with, but she certainly isn’t the best.

Cora Hale

A relationship between Stiles and Cora is one of several red herrings viewers wish Teen Wolf pursued. Stiles bonds with Derek’s sister during the third season, and their chemistry is undeniable. All signs seem to point to romance, with Stiles alluding to his crush on Cora when he gives her mouth-to-mouth.

Adelaide Kane’s departure from the series prevents them from being a couple, and it’s a missed opportunity, given how well-matched they are. Cora isn’t afraid to call Stiles out when he’s being ridiculous, but she also respects and appreciates his insight. They gradually begin to spend more time together and are always on the same wavelength.

Malia Tate

As the only character with whom Stiles has an on-screen relationship, Malia is ranked higher than most of his love interests. There are plenty of viewers who take a liking to their romance, while others are immediately put off by the abrupt way it starts. Stiles and Malia are an especially adorable couple in Teen Wolf season 4, as Malia uses him as an anchor when she’s close to losing control.

However, the longer they date, the more it becomes clear that Malia isn’t Stiles’ first choice. Episodes before their breakup, Scott and Kira’s conversation in Eichen House tells the audience that Stiles’ heart lies elsewhere. Malia deserves better than being second best, and it makes it difficult to appreciate their relationship as a whole. However, there is a period of time when they’re what the other needs, even if Stiles and Malia aren’t meant to be in the long run.

Lydia Martin

There are several significant relationships between the characters, but Stiles and Lydia’s is the most intricately crafted. Rather than jumping into something neither of them is ready for, seasons are spent developing a strong foundation. Stiles and Lydia have the best romantic tropes in Teen Wolf, and their slow burn makes them the resident will-they-or-won’t-they couple.

Stiles grows out of his crush on the school’s popular girl and develops adult feelings for one of his best friends. In turn, Lydia stops seeing Stiles as an immature teenager and he becomes her closest confidant. Stiles says “I love you” only to Lydia, and it’s clear that she’s always been the one for him. Lydia shows that she returns the sentiment when her feelings are strong enough to open up a portal and save Stiles from the Wild Hunt.

About The Author

Rachel Foertsch
(358 Articles Published)

Rachel Foertsch is a production intern and lover of all things television. Her TV reviews are featured on Rotten Tomatoes and she is currently a Staff Writer at ScreenRant. Additionally, Rachel has written for TV Fanatic, where she conducted onscreen celebrity interviews. You can follow her Twitter: @realrayrays for more content.

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