Every few years a YA franchise will arrive, and take a generation of young fans by storm. The Twilight books were definitely in that category, and the property got even more popular once the film franchise hit theaters. For much of the franchise’s life in the pop culture landscape there’s been one major debate: whether Bella should have ended up with vampire Edward or werewolf Jacob. But there are 32 moments throughout the movies and books that prove Bella was right in picking Robert Pattinson’s Edward. Let’s break it all down.
The rivalry between Edward and Jacob continues to rage on, and most Twilight fans have taken a side. The debate is made all the more complicated for those who read the books, while #TeamJacob was buoyed by Taylor Lautner’s ripped physique. from the movies. But I’ve always been more into Edward, and below are various times that prove the vampire was the end game. Let’s break it all down before the Twilight TV show makes things more complicated.
Not wanting to make Bella a vampire.
In the first Twilight, Bella is instantly attracted to Edward… even though he’s a vampire who is capable of draining her blood. But the series’ leading man has a strong sense of morality, and he refused to turn her into a vampire for years before it was necessary to keep her alive. Talk about restraint.
Breaking up with Bella to protect her.
In New Moon, Edward suddenly breaks up with Bella after a close encounter with his brother Jasper. As depressed as this made her, it came from an honest place of trying to protect her from other vamps, especially the Volturi.Â
Bella’s visions of Edward helped save her life.
New Moon focused much of its runtime on how Bella was trying to move on with her life after Edward left her. But even when he wasn’t in Forks, the vampire was still able to save her life, via the visions of him that appeared anytime she was in danger.
Edward could read minds and still didn’t go crazy.
Telepathy is a common superpower in comic book projects, but it often comes with a price. A prime example of Edward’s character is the fact that he could have this ability, while still keeping his humanity and sanity intact.Â
He didn’t imprint on baby Renesmee.
One of the most cringeworthy moments from Twilight is when Jacob ends up imprinting on baby Renesmee. Edward might be a vampire, but at least he has more control over his affections than his werewolf counterpart.Â
Bella was embraced by Edward’s family.
In-laws are a big part of dating… even when you’re seeing a vampire. Edward’s family instantly embraced and protected Bella, including cooking food that the rest of them couldn’t eat. It just took Rosalie more time than everyone else.
He never pressured Bella into having sex.
While Bella was head over heels about Edward from the jump, and wanted to get physical with him. She had to wait until their honeymoon, but even then the vampire was super concerned about keeping her safe throughout the encounter. What a gentleman.Â
Jacob had a bad temper.
While some folks loved Jacob thanks to Taylor Lautner’s ripped body in the movies, the character had a pretty bad temper on both the page and the screen. And for me, that helped make Edward the clear winner.
Edward is a musician who wrote music for Bella.
Because the Cullens have lived so long, they’ve picked up a variety of skills. Case in point: Edward is a talented musician who even wrote new music just for Bella. Jacob just can’t compete.