Top 10 Improvised Movie Kisses

#10: Feyd-Rautha & Vladimir

“Dune: Part Two” (2024)

It’s no secret that Austin Butler dives headfirst into his roles. Whether he’s playing Elvis or a Manson Family member, he always goes all in. His role in “Dune: Part Two” was no exception, where we saw him play the dark, manipulative, and power hungry Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. In this scene, he is kissed by Vladimir, but in an improvised moment, Butler as Harkonnen pulls in Vladimir for a second kiss, showing who’s in charge in the dynamic. Most of the entries on this list are kisses that are either romantic or at least friendly, but this one had a completely different feel. Butler’s improvisation was strategic and proved his character’s unpredictable and manipulative nature, and it’s a haunting moment.

#9: Peter & Gwen

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014)

The “Spider-Man” franchise has seen countless iconic kisses, particularly ones shared between Peter Parker and his love interest. Who could forget the upside-down kiss from Tobey Maguire’s first “Spider-Man” movie? That one, however, was planned. But, when Andrew Garfield planted one on an unsuspecting Emma Stone in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” that was not. Garfield claims it was his character’s way of making up for missing Gwen’s valedictory speech, and it sounds like he was genuinely swept up in the moment. Considering Garfield and Stone’s real-life romance at the time, it’s no wonder this moment feels so authentic. We think that with that kiss, all was probably forgiven between Peter and Gwen.

#8: William & Rita

“Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

Tom Cruise is no stranger to improvised kisses on the big screen. He pulled off an unscripted one in “Top Gun” when he forgot his lines and instead planted one on Kelly McGillis. (xref) But Emily Blunt is the one that surprises Tom Cruise by returning the favor and kissing him in “Edge of Tomorrow.” The story goes that the filmmakers were struggling to find the right moment for the kiss to be shared between the two, so Blunt took the lead. She chose the goodbye scene, and we think her creative choice elevated their character's relationship and the film as a whole.

#7: Charlie & His Sons

“Me, Myself & Irene” (2000)

You never really know what Jim Carrey is going to try and pull off next, so if you’re working on-screen alongside him, you have to be ready for anything. His costars learned this lesson the hard and hilarious way when Carrey as Charlie decided on the spot to kiss his three adult sons. You can see that the actors are taken off guard, but they go with it anyway, and it makes for a funny bit. We’re not really sure how they were able to keep it together through this impromptu kiss-fest, but we know that we sure can’t keep our giggles in anytime we see this scene.

#6: Will & Ronnie

“The Last Song” (2010)

We’re not entirely shocked that Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus really ended up together for years after their performance in “The Last Song.” You can basically feel their chemistry bursting through the screen. The scene in which Will kisses Ronnie as they reconcile with one another is romantic, impactful, and more intense than was originally scripted. While the actors were instructed to share a romantic moment while making up on the beach, they decided to let the moment unfold naturally. This decision led to a much more passionate kiss than the filmmakers originally envisioned, and we think they nailed it.

#5: Bob & Charlotte

“Lost in Translation” (2003)

Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray are an unlikely but loveable duo in this existential flick from the early aughts. We love watching them navigate Tokyo as lost souls throughout the film, but they really seal the deal for us with that final goodbye scene. As Bob and Charlotte part ways, he whispers something in her ear that is audible only to her, and they share a surprisingly loving kiss. All of this was improvised by Bill Murray. To this day no one but Johansson knows what he said to her. We love this tender moment shared between the two so much that we can’t imagine the film ending any other way.

#4: Rosalyn & Sydney

“American Hustle” (2013)

Whenever we have an unpredictable actor playing an unpredictable character, we are on the edge of our seats, and they usually shock us at just the right moment. This is exactly the case with Jennifer Lawrence as Rosalyn, and in this scene, she plays brilliantly off of Amy Adams as Sydney. Rosalyn is chaotic and uninhibited, whereas Sydney is sly and cunning. So, to assert her dominance after discovering Sydney is having an affair with her husband, Rosalyn shocks Sydney and us with a kiss. It’s a brilliant moment, and it highlights Lawrence and Adams’ amazing acting chops perfectly.

#3: Ben & Andie

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003)

When you watch this film, you can really tell that Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey had a lot of fun in their respective roles. In this scene in particular, Hudson as Andie is going over-the-top to be lovey-dovey. She’s all over Ben, and Hudson clearly took some creative license here. It’s obvious that McConaughey is taken aback by all of the kisses she’s smothering him in, and we even see him on the brink of breaking as he giggles throughout the scene. It’s flirty, it’s fun, and it’s a perfect addition to this timeless rom-com.

#2: Haymitch & Effie

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part Two” (2015)

We did not see this one coming. For the first three movies in the “Hunger Games” franchise, Effie and Haymitch have a complicated relationship. Haymitch is a mess who is unwilling to do his part in the games and Effie is unnecessarily chipper about following the rules. Since they are always involved in representing district twelve in The Hunger Games, they have quite a history. So, it’s a surprisingly sweet moment when they share a kiss as they part ways in the fourth and final film. As sudden as it is, it’s also a perfect ending for them, as this kiss represents how close they’ve gotten after everything they’ve gone through together.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

George & Lucy, “A Room With a View” (1985)

Julian Sands Caught a Young Helena Bonham Carter Off-Guard

Owen & Claire, “Jurassic World” (2015)

Bryce Dallas Howard’s Squeak Says it All

Nick & Nicky, “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (2022)

Only Nicolas Cage Could Surprise Himself with a Kiss

Doug & Claire, “Déjà Vu” (2006)

Denzel Washington Chooses Spontaneity

Willie & Marty, “Beautiful Girls” (1996)

That Kiss on the Cheek Surprised an Adorable Natalie Portman

#1: Luke & Leia

“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” (2017)

No, not the kiss they shared before they knew that they were twins. We’re talking about the tender forehead kiss in Carrie Fisher’s final “Star Wars” film before her passing. This was a moment four decades in the making, so it’s safe to say that the emotion is palpable. This is also the first time we’ve seen them on-screen together since the original trilogy, so we’re already in our feels about that. Compound that with the impromptu kiss as they part ways, unknowingly for good in real life, and we’re unable to hold back our tears.

Which unscripted kiss caught you off-guard? Let us know in the comments!