History Main / MindGameShip

[[folder:Visual Novels]]
* Battler and Beatrice from ''VisualNovel/UminekoWhenTheyCry''. Beatrice is a witch with absolute power of life and death over Battler, to the point of casually killing and resurrecting him to prove a point, and is always gloating over new and extravagant ways to make him question his grasp on reality. Battler, in return, adamantly refuses -- to her face -- to believe in the existence of witches or any power these nonexistent beings might or might not have over him. By the end of the fourth chapter, though, the one thing neither can deny is the heaping amounts of {{UST}} that exist between them. [[spoiler:They get married at the end of Episode 6.]] In Beatrice's own words: [[LargeHam "Let's start torturing each other, USHIROMIYA BATTORAAAAAAA!!"]]
* Taichi and [[spoiler:Touko]] from ''VisualNovel/CrossChannel'', albeit a surprisingly ''real''/different example where both parties are insane. Taichi's the only one playing mind-games, but after he realizes what [[spoiler: Touko]]'s "problems" are, he hurriedly tries to cut the relationship short, leading to [[spoiler: Touko ''stabbing herself'' in an attempt to get Taichi to love her again.]] Given that the story takes disorders very seriously, this example is especially tragic.
[[/folder]]

%% * ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': [[IdiosyncraticShipNaming SommelierShipping]] (Cilan/Burgundy) often comes off as this, with Cilan being the manipulator.

-->'''Chuck''': I think we both know that the moment we do,[[note]](say they love each other)[[/note]] it won't be the start of something: It will be the end. Think about it. ''Chuck and Blair, going to the movies. Chuck and Blair, holding hands.''\\

* Every single relationship depicted in ''Literature/DangerousLiasons'' is one of these. The two main players Valmont and Merteuil each see the other as a WorthyOpponent and the mind games they play with one other are their preferred means of expressing BelligerentSexualTension. Their relationships with the hapless innocents they seduce along the way, on the other hand, are squarely in the realm of CorruptTheCutie.

* ''ComicBook/SonicTheComic'': This is the appeal of Super Sonic with both Sonic and Amy, with the former having extra elements because of its ScrewYourself nature. Super Sonic is Sonic's EvilSuperpoweredSide who ended up splitting off partway through the comic.

&& * ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': [[IdiosyncraticShipNaming SommelierShipping]] (Cilan/Burgundy) often comes off as this, with Cilan being the manipulator.

* ''Film/WeNeedToTalkAboutKevin'': It's there in the movie (between Kevin and his mother Eva) and uncomfortably blatant in the novel. Kevin is rather worryingly obsessed with Eva, only showing his true nature to her, harassing her, and even masturbating in front of her while giving her the KubrickStare the entire time. For bonus OedipusComplex points, he also despises his father and seems to resent his sister Celia because Eva likes her better. She's also the only member of the family he leaves alive. Eva, for her part, isn't into her son (probably) but does compare their relationship to a toxic marriage or sexual relationship a number of times.

%% * Mr. Incredible/Syndrome from ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' and Syndrome/Violet.

* Naoe/Takaya in ''LightNovel/MirageOfBlaze''. They both have been known to give as good as they get.

* The interactions between Gauron and Sousuke in ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'' are this. Gauron constantly taunts Sousuke and tries to make him [[BerserkButton go berserk]]. He loves reminding him of the past and makes him feel uncomfortable by being [[StalkerWithACrush creepily]] and [[HoYay overly affectionate]] with him (including calling him "Kashim" and "Honey"). Especially noticeable during the third season, where [[spoiler:Gauron pretty much mind screws Sousuke by rubbing in how Sousuke's friends caused him to become weaker, and telling him that he had his minion kill Sousuke's love, Kaname. He takes much delight in seeing [[HeroicBSOD Sousuke's reaction]], and continues to goad Sousuke into killing him (which apparently is his idea of consummating their relationship)]].

* [[DevilInPlainSight Xellos]] / [[PersonOfMassDestruction Lina]] from the ''LightNovel/{{Slayers}}'' adhere to this. It doesn't help that Xellos apparently knows all of her weaknesses either, even the stuff he shouldn't [[StalkerWithACrush technically]] know about.

* ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'':

* The fight between Ladd Russo and Chane Laforet atop the Flying Pussyfoot in ''LightNovel/{{Baccano}}'' is punctuated with this, as Ladd repeatedly declares his love for Chane and monologues about how she loves him back. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Even while he's trying to blow her to bits with a shotgun.]] It's implied that Ladd's just trying to mess with her, but when he starts to caress her cheek and play with her hair, [[VillainousCrush one can't help but wonder.]]

In any case, for [[FanGirl some]] people in the audience, all those mind games are kind of sexy. Could be the result of a too literal interpretation of the expression "MindScrew" or could be the fact that getting to know someone well enough to play with their mind that way is kind of... intimate. And an excellent fodder for {{Dark Fic}}s.

In any case, for [[FanGirl some]] people in the audience, all those mind games are kind of sexy. Could be the StockholmSyndrome kicking in, or having a too literal interpretation of the expression "MindScrew" or could be the fact that getting to know someone well enough to play with their mind that way is kind of... intimate. And an excellent fodder for {{Dark Fic}}s.

* Taichi and [[spoiler: Touko]] from ''VisualNovel/CrossChannel'', albeit a surprisingly ''real''/different example where both parties are insane. Taichi's the only one playing mind-games, but after he realizes what [[spoiler: Touko]]'s "problems" are, he hurriedly tries to cut the relationship short, leading to [[spoiler: Touko ''stabbing herself'' in an attempt to get Taichi to love her again.]] Given that the story takes disorders very seriously, this example is especially tragic.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Coco}}'': Hector/Ernesto (Also known as Ernector.) There's surprisingly a decent amount of fanfics made about the pairing despite the latter's murder of the former.

%%* Ratigan/Basil in ''WesternAnimation/TheGreatMouseDetective.''
* In ''WesternAnimation/ThePrincessAndTheFrog'' Dr. Facilier offers to make Tiana's dreams come true in exchange for his talisman. He shows her illusions of her restaurant while circling her and making his offer. He also gets really close and speaks with a seductive voice into her ear. Also, Facilier practically seduced Naveen into making the deal.

* Gaston in ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'' wants Belle, the most most beautiful girl in town who refuses to be swayed by him. This is compared to a hunter going after his prey. He also threatens to throw Belle's father into the asylum to try to force Belle to marry him and [[MurderTheHypotenuse stabs Beast because he's angry Belle's in love with him]].
%% * Mr. Incredible/Syndrome from ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' and Syndrome/Violet.
%% ** [[WesternAnimation/{{Incredibles2}} The Sequel]] gives us an even more promenant example with Elastigirl/Helen Parr, and Evelyn Deavor.

[[folder:Film-Live-Action]]
%% * ''Film/NineAndAHalfWeeks'': Everything about the relationship on John's part is canonically a MindGameShip — emotionally, intellectually, sexually.
* ''Film/WeNeedToTalkAboutKevin'': It's there in the movie (between Kevin and his mother Eva) and uncomfortably blatant in the novel. Kevin is rather worryingly obsessed with Eva, only showing his true nature to her, harassing her, and even masturbating in front of her while giving her the KubrickStare the entire time. For bonus OedipusComplex points, he also despises his father and seems to resent his sister Celia because Eva likes her better. She's also the only member of the family he leaves alive. Eva, for her part, isn't into her son (probably) but does compare their relationship to a toxic marriage or sexual relationship a number of times.
[[/folder]]

* Gaston’s plan to woo and marry Belle in ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'' is a literary fig leaf metaphor for rape and lust: he views his pursuit of her as a game with her as a prize, and he wants to break her will.

[[folder: Comic Books]]

[[folder:Film-Animation]]

* ''Webcomic/GirlsNextDoor'': This is part of the dynamic between Jareth and Sarah, which is inherited from their canon (''{{Film/Labyrinth}}'', see in the fandom film examples below). In the comic Jareth's romantic interest in Sarah is more clear cut... but him courting her still basically amounts to him screwing with her and trying to trick her. Deconstructed when she points out that ''this'' is precisely why she can't just get with him.
-->'''Sarah''': Your problem is, you think we're still waltzing about in your crystal ballroom--you want me dazzled and confused, you want to lead the dance, and you've already planned the cushion pit ready for things to get decadent. ''[beat]'' You don't care whether I'm... ready or not, or how foolish you make me look in the process. ''[beat]'' And I know you're all fae and goblin king and make-it-so, but ''see this my way!!'' ''[beat]'' That's... scoring a conquest. It's not trying for a relationship. ''[beat]'' I never ''could'' tell if you wanted to win or if you wanted me.

* SCP-035/SCP-049 for the Website/SCPFoundation.

* ''Manga/{{MAR}}'': Phantom and Alviss. Made canon in the anime.
* ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'': Kurama/Karasu canonically.

* Creator/OsamuTezuka's Michio Yuki from ''Manga/{{MW}}'' actually ''did'' have an explicit relationship with his MindGameShip target, Garai. Make of that what you will.

* ''Anime/{{Gankutsuou}}'': Albert and [[MagnificentBastard the Count]].

* ''Film/NineAndAHalfWeeks'': Everything about the relationship on John's part is canonically a MindGameShip — emotionally, intellectually, sexually.

* ''Literature/KushielsLegacy'': Melisande Shahrizai is like this with Phèdre. There appears to be some genuine love buried amidst the casual backstabbing.

* ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': [[IdiosyncraticShipNaming SommelierShipping]] (Cilan/Burgundy) often comes off as this, with Cilan being the manipulator.
* Johan Liebert (the eponymous ''Manga/{{Monster}}'') and Dr. Kenzou Tenma.
** Also, Johan and Anna/Nina. She is probably the only person in the world that he cares about, but he's not above [[spoiler:mind raping her, allowing his henchman to kill her, and manipulating her into nearly shooting herself.]] And not to mention those certain "emails" he sent her about being "born to smother [her] with flowers" ...whatever ''that'' means.
* Griffith/Guts in ''Manga/{{Berserk}}''
** Griffith/Casca.
* Creed and Train in ''Manga/BlackCat''.
* ''Manga/HunterXHunter'': Hisoka/Gon.
** Hisoka/anyone, really. And Chrollo/Kurapika is pretty common in fanfiction.
* While not foes in most arcs, Mion and her [[{{Twincest}} twin]] Shion from ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'' count, especially in Meakashi-hen and Watanagashi-hen. Before you [[YuriFan get too excited]], you should know that [[spoiler:it ends badly for both of them in both arcs.]]
* Alucard and Integra in ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'', especially in the manga.
** In the manga Alucard and Integra have something like a BodyguardCrush dynamic since their meeting. The Gonzo Anime, on the other hand, they did have head games with Alucard ''testing'' her when they met (which never happened in the manga, she wished for a knight to rescue her and got it). Alucard's loyalty to Integra is unquestionable without setting her BoundandGagged in an illusion.
** Despite their BodyguardCrush dynamic and his UndyingLoyalty, there ''are'' still shades of this. Alucard tests her quite a few times and constantly goads her, spurring her onwards into killing humans and the undead and then expressing his, erm...''excitement'' over it when she allows him to give them hell. In the {{OVA}} official (Creator/{{FUNimation}}) subtitles, he even asks her if declaring war excited her. Alucard has [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence interesting ways]] of [[InLoveWithYourCarnage declaring]] his UndyingLoyalty to her. While it might not be 'mind games' per se, there are definite undertones of powerplay in their interactions in both the manga/OVA and the anime and they certainly apply.
** Seras and Zorin Blitz, with Zorin's particular interest in mind raping her.
* Allen/Tyki in ''Manga/DGrayMan''.
** Don't forget Road/anyone, although Allen is the main target of her warped affection.
** The Earl tends to play mind games with a lot of people especially Allen.
* ''Anime/CodeGeass'': Lelouch with a good number of people, especially Rolo and Suzaku. And to a lesser extent, there's also Mao/Lelouch.
** Some fans like Mao/Shirley as well (make of ''that'' what you will....)
** Not to mention Lelouch/C.C., which persists for the very same reason WordOfGod gave when they tried to [[ShipSinking sink]] it: they see each other as intellectual equals.
* Melfina/Harry in ''Manga/OutlawStar''. Thank ''God'' his MindRape hacking attempts failed. [[spoiler:She still expressed pity for him when he died.]]
** [[spoiler:He died heroically charging the BigBad in a vain attempt to save her. Or out of righteous anger that the BigBad would dare to treat her like a thing. AlternateCharacterInterpretation and all that.]]

** Shoot, if you paired Light OR L with different people, it could exhibit this trope.
** Also, Beyond Birthday/anyone.

* ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'': Spider-Man with the Venom symbiote, of course.

* ''ComicBook/TheMightyThor'': ComicBook/{{Loki}} and Thor. Them being brothers does nothing to detract from this.

* Dean and Jimmy Novak/Castiel in ''Angelface'' and its sequels.
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'':
** Some Tom Riddle or Voldemort/Harry, Draco/Harry, and Snape/Harry fics have this dynamic.
** ''Fanfic/TheVerySecretDiary'' takes the Tom Riddle/Ginny Weasley "relationship" as far as it can go without it actually being an explicit pedophile rapist/victim scenario. The whole thing reads like an internet predator "grooming" their newest victim, played for all the horror it's worth.

* Mr. Incredible/Syndrome from ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' and Syndrome/Violet.
** [[WesternAnimation/{{Incredibles2}} The Sequel]] gives us an even more promenant example with Elastigirl/Helen Parr, and Evelyn Deavor.

* ''Film/TheWatcher'': David/Joel. Full fucking stop.
* Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling from ''Film/TheSilenceOfTheLambs'' are often portrayed like this. Including [[spoiler:in the novels]].
* O.W. Grant from ''Interstate 60'' does this with EVERYBODY. Other characters in this movie also prove to be able to do that.
* ''Film/RedEye'' anybody? The Jackson/Lisa relationship is ''built'' on this.
* Creator/HeathLedger's portrayal of the Joker from ''Film/TheDarkKnight'' has shades of this with everyone he comes into contact with, especially with Batman, Harvey, and Rachel.
* The Green Goblin and Film/SpiderMan1 in the first movie.
* Lili and [[strike:Tim Curry]] Satan from ''Film/{{Legend 1985}}''.
* ''Film/{{Inception}}'': At times, Cobb and Mal can become this. ''Especially'' on Mal's part.
** ''Especially'' when you realize the "normal" Mal is never shown, only the Mal after Cobb's first inception and the Mal Cobb created in his mind. [[MindScrew Mind games]] indeed.
** Since everyone Robert Fischer interacts with in the movie is messing with his head in one way or another, {{Shipping}} featuring him tends to end up this way.
* ''Film/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'': The White Witch and Edmund.
* ''Film/NineAndAHalfWeeks'': ''Everything'' about the relationship on John's part is a MindGameShip -- emotionally, intellectually, sexually.
* ''Film/PeterPan'': Wendy and Captain Hook, as well as Peter Pan and Captain Hook.
** Tinkerbell to Wendy as well.
* ''The Stunt Man''.
* ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'': The Wicked Witch and Dorothy.
* Marissa's obsession with ''Film/{{Hanna}}''.

* ''Film/StarWarsTheForceAwakens'' hints at this dynamic between Kylo Ren and Rey. Especially with the interrogation scene.
** This was later completely debunked by ''Film/StarWarsTheLastJedi''.

* ''Literature/HarryPotter'':
** Harry with Voldemort, and Snape to a lesser extent.
** Tom Riddle with Ginny in the [[Literature/HarryPotterAndTheChamberOfSecrets second book]].
** Dumbledore, in a benign sort of way, to Voldemort.

* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' Watch books
** Vetinari with ''anyone''. Namely Vetinari and Vimes, and also Vetinari and Moist, although they get less screen time together.
** This is usually how Susan/Teatime is played in FanFic.
* The relation between Valmont and Merteuil in ''[[Literature/DangerousLiaisons Les Liaisons Dangereuses]]'' can be interpreted as this.
* ''Literature/WarriorCats'': Presumably the basis of pretty much any shipping with [[ManipulativeBastard Sol]].

* Patty and Ellen from ''{{Series/Damages}}'' are the definition of this, except now Ellen is also showing her ''ManipulativeBastard'' skills too.

* Series/{{Sherlock}} gives us Sherlock/Irene and Sherlock/Moriarty.
** As does ''Series/{{Elementary}},'' especially since [[spoiler: that is in fact the same 'ship.]]

* ''Series/RizzoliAndIsles'': In canon, Hoyt has this kind of relationship with Jane. Jane wants no part of it.

* ''Series/{{Hannibal}}''
** Hannibal Lecter/Will Graham [[spoiler: and confirmed canon season 3]].
** Lecter/Abigail is the het version, with a bonus mentor angle.
** Hannibal and Bedelia Du Maurier as well.
** It's safe to say that any ship involving Hannibal Lecter will involve this.

[[folder:Theater]]
* ''Theatre/{{Othello}}'': There are interpretations of Iago and Othello like this.
[[/folder]]

* ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'': Galadriel and Sauron. Sauron by his very nature is very deceiving and manipulative. He asks Galadriel to be his Consort Queen and co-rule Middle-earth after playing mind games with her in a MindRape he trapped her in.

[[folder:Films —- Live Action]]

[[folder:Films -- Animation]]

* ''Westernanimation/TheLegendOfKorra'': [[ManipulativeBastard Tarrlok]] takes an interest in Korra and frequently pesters her to join his task force, even sending her very expensive gifts over and over "until you give in", and compliments her appearance at a dance. [[spoiler:Then he kidnaps her, and while there is a legitimate reason given, there are certainly [[CrazyJealousGuy many]] [[StalkerWithACrush other]] [[{{Yandere}} implications]]]]. In episode 9 he makes a comment about how Korra [[spoiler: ruined his plans and how now he's going to start a new life with Korra as his hostage]].

* WesternAnimation/{{Coraline}}/The Other Mother. ''Very'' disturbingly {{squick}}-inducing that is.
* Scar and Simba in ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}''.
* Ratigan/Basil in ''WesternAnimation/TheGreatMouseDetective.''

* ''Westernanimation/TheLegendofKorra'': [[ManipulativeBastard Tarrlok]] takes an interest in Korra and frequently pesters her to join his task force, even sending her very expensive gifts over and over "until you give in", and compliments her appearance at a dance. [[spoiler:Then he kidnaps her, and while there is a legitimate reason given, there are certainly [[CrazyJealousGuy many]] [[StalkerWithACrush other]] [[{{Yandere}} implications]]]]. In episode 9 he makes a comment about how Korra [[spoiler: ruined his plans and how now he's going to start a new life with Korra as his hostage]].

* ''Series/OrangeIsTheNewBlack'': [[LesYay Alex and Piper]] are described by reviewers as being in an epic, if psychotic, love affair. Initially, Alex manipulates Piper into joining an international drug ring after beginning a relationship with her, naming Piper in her indictment and lying about it, and ultimately cutting a separate deal with the prosecutor for release for her testimony after convincing Piper to lie under oath. The last one burns back though, as Alex's testimony is not enough to convict the ringleader, and she is forced to live in fear of retribution. Piper then betrays her back, revealing her plan to skip parole and gets Alex arrested again. There's also season 3 which includes a scene where Piper mocks Alex in a cruel KickTheDog moment for being fearful for her life and she seems insistent on making Alex mad so that they can engage in "hate sex". Their relationship becomes more stable and healthy as the series goes on.

** Envy/Ed is a [[FoeYayShipping much more straightforward version]] of this trope. They're especially popular in popular in fics based on the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime]], where Envy's hatred of Ed is much more personal.

* ''Webcomic/{{Unsounded}}'': Amusingly encouraged by Ashley Cope herself as when a reader asked after a potential for Bastion x Lemuel hatesex she replied with a snippet of Bastion messing with Lemuel and groping him.