Top 10 Best First Kisses in Movies
#10: The Foot Pop “The Princess Diaries” (2001)
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While protagonist Mia Thermopolis reckons with her royal responsibilities in this coming-of-age comedy, she’s also looking for love. One iconic scene perfectly sums up her teenage idealism around matters of the heart. Mia explains to her mom that she wants a movie-worthy first kiss that makes her foot pop. Although the beach party with her love interest Josh goes totally haywire, she gets a much better smooch at the end of the film. At the Genovian Independence Day Ball, Mia kisses much better boyfriend material in the form of her best friend’s older brother, Michael. To make the moment even more epic, her popping foot hits a light switch, illuminating the garden behind them.
#9: Mask Off “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
Both Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak have other romantic interests in this light rom-com, but they aren’t exactly in love with them. While she is ostensibly married, he is kept company by an older woman who also pays his bills. But after they spend a fun-filled day together, the chemistry between Holly and Paul is undeniable. After removing one of the masks he and Holly stole from a store, Paul moves in for a swoon-worthy smooch. The fluttering score creates the perfect build-up to this moment. But the music cuts out as the pair meet, allowing us to focus on the touching kiss itself.
#8: The Hot Tub “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)
Okay, technically, Lara Jean and Peter’s first kiss is much less romantic than this film’s memorable hot tub scene. It takes place on the high school track, with Lara Jean jumping on Peter to avoid an awkward conversation with her former crush Josh. But the couple’s first romantically loaded — and consensual — lip-lock happens later in the film. Although their relationship is staged to make Peter’s ex jealous, their true feelings are obvious by the time of the school ski trip. This culminates in a hot tub smooch that is steamy in more ways than one.
#7: The Beach “Moonlight” (2016)
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While some first kisses are frivolous and fun, others have far-reaching narrative significance. That would be the case in this coming-of-age drama from director Barry Jenkins. The film follows Chiron, whom we see grow up around Miami and endure a difficult home and school life before reaching adulthood. As it turns out, one of his most formative experiences is a nighttime kiss shared with his childhood friend Kevin on the beach. The smooch is tentative and passionate all at once, but it takes on even more meaning at the end of the film. As a grown man reconnecting with Kevin, Chiron reveals this is the only moment of intimacy he’s ever experienced.
#6: Solo No More “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
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No, we’re not talking about THAT kiss between Princess Leia and… her brother. This film’s most romantic smooch takes place between haters-turned-lovers Leia and Han Solo. While she works on the ship, Han approaches and offers some undesired assistance. In the banter that ensues, Leia admits that despite appearances, she can sometimes tolerate her reluctant ally. All the talk of “scoundrels” and “nice men” that follows is, of course, a distraction from the fiery chemistry building between the pair. Their kiss is one of this blockbuster’s most epic moments — even though it’s unfortunately interrupted by C-3PO.
#5: Paintball “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona’s relationship isn’t all smooth sailing in this teen rom-com that adapts Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” That’s not altogether surprising, considering that it begins with Patrick being paid to woo the surly Kat as part of a school dating scheme. However, the film’s paintball scene more than makes up for some of their low moments, like their awkward almost-first kiss. After chucking colorful projectiles at one another and getting filthy in the process, the pair collapse into a pile of hay. The smooch itself is downright butterfly-inducing, and it caps off a truly perfect date.
#4: Going Up “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
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It’s not exactly surprising that these legendary star-crossed lovers enjoy a heart-melting first kiss. But director Baz Luhrmann adds several touches to the memorable Capulet costume party that make this moment stand out. For one, the lead-up is incredible, with Romeo and Juliet first meeting eyes through a colorful aquarium. He then pursues her into the crowd, and the pair exchanges flirty dialogue before retreating to the elevator. The tension couldn’t be higher, as we’re unsure whether the couple’s smooch will be observed by Juliet’s mother. Fortunately, the elevator door closes in time for the kiss to be truly extraordinary. The original and instrumental versions of Des’ree’s “Kissing You” soundtrack the entire sequence, lending an epic quality to the burgeoning romance.
#3: Hanging by a Thread “Spider-Man” (2002)
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Has any kiss in the “Spider-Man” franchise even come close to this one? Sam Raimi’s depiction of the iconic superhero is full of action and fantastic special effects, but it’s anchored by the friendship-turned-romance between Mary Jane and Peter. Their steamiest moment comes after a suited-up Peter saves MJ from a group of attackers. In the aftermath, he hangs upside down in the pouring rain while she expresses her gratitude. Then, removing just the bottom portion of his mask, she locks lips with her rescuer. Even right-side up, this kiss would be absolutely unforgettable.
#2: “I’m Flying!” “Titanic” (1997)
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In an epic film filled to the brim with memorable moments, this one just might come out on top. In the year 1912, Jack and Rose are passengers from different class backgrounds on the titular ill-fated cruiser. Although there’s clearly something between them, Rose is reluctant to explore this connection due to her engagement to the very hateable Cal. However, she later finds Jack on the deck of the ship, and they enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience together. Stepping onto the railing at the front of the boat, their fingers entwine and they kiss with the wind whipping through their hair. Rose may be flying, but our hearts are soaring. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. It’s a Date, “Pretty in Pink” (1986) Suffice It to Say, Andie Is Overjoyed When Blane Asks Her to the Prom Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001) Bridget Chases Down Mark on the Snowy London Street In the Library, “Atonement” (2007) After Some Serious Flirtation, Robbie & Cecilia Share a Secret Kiss A Passionate Embrace, “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) They Couldn’t Put Down That Phone Fast Enough The Train Station, “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) Jamal & Latika Finally Reunite, & We Couldn’t Be Happier
#1: Fade to Black “Never Been Kissed” (1999)
In this rom-com, a reporter in her 20s moonlights as a high school student for a story. While reliving the cliquiness and feelings of insecurity that made her original student experience so miserable, she develops a crush on English teacher Sam Coulson. In the end, after revealing her true identity and angering Sam in the process, Josie tells all in the paper. Having admitted in writing that she’s never been kissed, everything is on the line as she waits to see if Sam will show up at her stated meeting place. The film’s climactic smooch, then, is incredibly satisfying. But it’s also beautifully shot, with everything but the lovers’ embrace fading away.
