Top 10 Best LGBTQ+ Movie Kisses
#10: Cheryl & Diana “The Watermelon Woman” (1996)
This romantic comedy-drama was the first feature directed by a Black lesbian. Cheryl Dunye also wrote, edited, and starred in the film, which centers on a video store employee’s quest to research a little-known Black actress from the 1930s. Cheryl begins dating Diana, a customer who assists with her investigation but clashes with her best friend. On the pair’s first date, Diana openly admits her attraction before saucily borrowing a cigarette. With their faces inching closer together, the tension grows until Diana finally plants a sensual kiss on Cheryl. While this movie’s exploration of representation and film history drew praise, this hot-and-heavy scene also makes it one of queer cinema’s sexiest viewing experiences.
#9: Therese Belivet & Carol Aird “Carol” (2015)
This romantic drama is a new classic of LGBTQ+ cinema, and for good reason. From their first time locking eyes across a department store counter, the period film’s central couple seems destined for a bittersweet romance. Sure enough, when aspiring photographer Therese and older housewife Carol celebrate New Year’s Eve together, their undeniable chemistry comes to a head. After a few moments of intense eye contact in the mirror, Carol undoes what she’s wearing and gives Therese a passionate kiss. Given the illicit nature of their affair due to systemic homophobia, it’s a sheer thrill to see the star-crossed pair finally consummate their love.
#8: Corky & Violet “Bound” (1996)
This neo-noir crime thriller directed by the Wachowkis boasts one of the most torrid lesbian romances in film history. Stuck in an unfulfilling relationship with a violent Mafia member, Violet pursues a maintenance worker in her apartment building who has her own dark past. After the women’s impromptu lovemaking is interrupted, Violet follows Corky back to her car, where this steamy smooch takes place. Even before the pair devises their get-rich scheme to liberate Violet, their lasting connection is obvious. This twisty film is pure excitement, and this extended kiss captures the electric chemistry at its core.
#7: Megan Bloomfield & Graham Eaton “But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999)
This campy rom-com takes a satirical look at gay teenager Megan’s stay at a conversion therapy camp. In spite of her repressive environment, Megan strikes up a romance with the comfortably out Graham. The pair’s budding relationship takes a turn after a secret field trip to a gay bar, leading to this intimate scene. Under soft moonlight, the girls exchange tender kisses and Megan confesses her love. It’s not only one of the sweetest love scenes of its kind, but also one of the most meaningful given its downright terrifying context. During their stay at True Directions, Megan and Graham do indeed come into their truest selves, and this moment is a catalyst in that transformation.
#6: Omar Ali & Johnny Burfoot “My Beautiful Laundrette” (1985)
This comedy-drama combines irresistible romance with social commentary on the experiences of Pakistani communities in the U.K. of the 1980s. After Omar Ali’s father and uncle Nasser conspire to get him a job, he takes it upon himself to refurbish a neglected laundrette. He enlists the help of his childhood friend Johnny, who has fallen in with fascist punks, and the two soon rekindle a seemingly long-buried affair. In this beautifully shot moment, Nasser celebrates the laundrette’s transformation with his mistress while Omar and Johnny heat up the back room. The pair passionately locks lips between swigs of wine, perfectly capturing the reckless spirit of young love. The fact that they’re nearly caught by Nasser only heightens the sexual tension in this timeless scene.
#5: Nicky & Joe “The Old Guard” (2020)
This adaptation of the comic book of the same name was acclaimed for its matter-of-fact portrayal of LGBTQ+ superheroes. Nicky and Joe are part of a group of immortal warriors led by Charlize Theron’s Andy, and they’ve enjoyed a passionate romance since time immemorial. When a powerful pharmaceutical executive orders their capture to study their powers of regeneration, it brings about an impassioned speech from Joe. The kiss that follows between him and Nicky is a testament to their devotion even in the face of adversity. Besides being a rare example of queer love in the superhero genre, it’s a touching moment that lends some serious heart to the adrenaline-fuelled story.
#4: Ronit Krushka & Esti Kuperman “Disobedience” (2017)
This movie drew rave reviews for the unbridled passion between co-stars Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams. After the death of her father, a Rav in a North London Orthodox Jewish community, New Yorker Ronit returns to pick up the pieces. Although she isn’t accepted by the congregation, she finds refuge with her now-married childhood friends Dovid and Esti. During an emotional visit to Ronit’s family home, Esti plucks up the courage to kiss her friend. Although it’s an overwhelming moment for Ronit especially, it’s incredible to see the women act on a lifetime’s worth of unspoken feelings. The scene is even more powerful for the courage it demonstrates in a context where same-sex attraction is met with stigma.
#3: Simon Spier & Abraham "Bram" Greenfeld “Love, Simon” (2018)
There are precious few teen films that focus on LGBTQ+ love stories, but this romantic comedy-drama is one of the best. Closeted high schooler Simon strikes up a pen-pal relationship with a gay student known as Blue and struggles to discover the latter’s identity. After ruling out numerous options and being outed on his school’s gossip website, Simon finally dares his crush to meet him at the school’s carnival. When Bram joins Simon on the Ferris wheel, it comes as a huge relief for both characters and leads to a memorable kiss atop the carnival ride. This scene is a beautiful metaphor for the bravery of coming out, and an all-too rare instance of queer love being publicly celebrated.
#2: Chiron & Kevin “Moonlight” (2016)
This beloved Best Picture-winner presents three distinct stages in the life of Chiron, a gay Black man growing up around Miami. While navigating economic hardship and difficult social dynamics at home and school, Chiron bonds with his childhood pal Kevin. On a fateful night at the beach, the friends open up to one another and engage in playful banter before sharing a tentative kiss. It’s one of the coming-of-age drama’s most memorable moments, and for good reason. Not only does it mark one of Chiron’s most formative experiences; it’s also downright butterfly-inducing. Knowing the lifelong impact this brief encounter will carry for both characters makes it all the more impactful. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Adèle & Emma, “Blue Is the Warmest Colour” (2013) The Turbulent Couple at the Heart of This French Film Can’t Keep Their Hands Off Each Other Kena & Ziki, “Rafiki” (2018) The Pair Share Their First Kiss Amidst a Joyful & Colorful Montage Amy Antsler & Hope, “Booksmart” (2019) The Angsty Protagonist Shockingly Hooks Up with a “Basic Hot Girl” Ellie Chu & Aster Flores, “The Half of It” (2020) The Main Characters of This Coming-of-Age Dramedy Fall in Love by Writing Letters, But They Get an Epic IRL Kiss
#1: Jack Twist & Ennis Del Mar “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
This heartbreaking romantic drama from director Ang Lee takes a sweeping look at the relationship between two cowboys in the mid-20th century. The pair first meet while spending a summer herding sheep in Wyoming, but their tumultuous romantic connection lasts two decades. One of the film’s many emotional high points comes when Jack and Ennis reunite at the latter’s house after four years apart. The moment is legendary for its intensity, and the men’s initial bear hug morphs into an all-out makeout session. Ennis’s wife is shocked to witness the altercation, but even that doesn’t detract from the scene’s joyful energy. With the characters clinging desperate to one another, the longing between them is beautifully on display.