Top 20 Love At First Sight Scenes in Movies
#20: A Leading Lady “The Truman Show” (1998)
Top 10 Love at First Sight Scenes in Movies
Even though Truman is an unwitting reality star living in a thoroughly fake world, it doesn’t mean he’s resigned to fate. This becomes clear in one scene where he first lays eyes on Sylvia. She’s only an extra in the production, but she captures his attention in a way that his predestined love interest Meryl is unable to. The film is a psychological comedy-drama, but it also has a strong romantic element that’s established in this scene. With the duo locking eyes across their college campus, the connection between them is obvious. And even though they don’t immediately get together, the moment seems to push Sylvia to join the movement to free Truman.
#19: The Thunderbolt “The Godfather” (1972)
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This epic crime flick is a classic for a reason, and this scene has one of its most beautiful moments. For one, it’s visually stunning: Michael Corleone, son of mafia boss Vito, is in the gorgeous Sicilian countryside when he meets Apollonia. The young woman emerges from a pastoral scene in a wine-colored dress that makes her stand out. Michael is a deer in headlights when he sees her, and it’s immediately clear that the couple has some sort of future together. Unfortunately, being involved in a complex crime syndicate isn’t exactly conducive to a peaceful relationship. And indeed, fans of the series know that the duo doesn’t have a happy ending.
#18: Birdsong “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)
Tim Burton directed this adaptation of the stage musical, and it contains his signature blend of darkness and romanticism. It focuses on the demon barber and his relationships, but the film’s most heartwarming moment doesn’t actually involve him. Rather, it’s his old friend Anthony’s first encounter with Todd’s daughter Johanna. Now the ward of the corrupt Judge Turpin, Johanna sits in front of a window singing one day. She catches Anthony’s attention, who looks up to her from the street. The longing in their faces is palpable and marks a moment of hope in an otherwise macabre story.
#17: Counting Sheep “The Quiet Man” (1952)
Leading man John Wayne might be known for his work in Westerns, but he’s just as good in this romantic comedy-drama set in Ireland. Sean Thornton, an Irish immigrant in America, returns home to deal with family business. Although he’s there for work, he’s not exactly immune from distractions. One day, not long after his arrival, he strolls into a roadside grove for a cigarette. To his surprise, he sees a ravishing redhead herding a group of sheep. She wordlessly looks back at him not one, but five times. The actors’ stares are intense, but the scene’s true accomplishment is visual. As Mary Kate Danaher recedes into a meadow, the moment takes on an unforgettable, dreamlike quality.
#16: Trapeze if You Please “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
It’s not unusual for love at first sight scenes to take place between a performer and a spectator. But in this musical drama, the love connection occurs between colleagues working in P. T. Barnum’s namesake circus. Zac Efron plays Phillip Carlyle, a young man in charge of publicizing the show, while Zendaya plays a talented acrobat in the company’s employ. During one performance, their eyes meet ever so briefly while she swings on a trapeze. The way the scene is shot is part of what makes it so special. In slow motion, we see Anne Wheeler’s grace and strength on display. But the effect also extends the characters’ eye contact, conveying the intense emotions they’re feeling.
#15: The Sparkling Diamond “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
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This movie focuses on a love triangle between cabaret performer Satine and her two romantic interests. Interestingly, they both stare at her intently during her performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” But while one has affection in his eyes, the other isn’t exactly the loving type. Ewan McGregor’s Christian is a bright-eyed writer fascinated with the Parisian underground, and he’s the perfect foil for the conniving Duke. It might not be obvious, but this stunning moment captures the stakes of the entire film. And if that weren’t enough, Satine’s captivating act has our eyes glued to the screen, too.
#14: There Goes the Bride “Imagine Me & You” (2005)
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If there’s a classic trajectory in romance movies, you might say it begins with love at first sight and ends with a wedding. But this film totally flips that script. Rachel is a bride walking down the aisle in her own nuptials when she spots Luce. She’s clearly taken with the florist, but when she does a double-take, the latter has disappeared. Little does she realize, Luce is now behind her, reciprocating her longing stare. In the blink of an eye, the poetic moment establishes the film’s central conflict. It’s no wonder this flick focuses on love at first sight: its original title “Click” was based on the French expression for this concept.
#13: The Support Group “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
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This movie is definitely heartbreaking, but it has its fair share of utterly romantic moments as well. One of these is Hazel Grace Lancaster’s first encounter with Augustus Waters, a fellow cancer patient who will profoundly change her life. After literally bumping into one another, they meet at a support group — not most people’s idea of a swoon-worthy first date. But considering Hazel’s difficult circumstances, it’s heartening that she runs into someone special on her very first therapy visit. When two star-crossed lovers meet, they don’t always make an immediate connection. But from the way this pair’s eyes linger ever so slightly, it’s clear there’s something going on. And Gus certainly isn’t shy when it comes to eye contact during the meeting itself.
#12: The Carnival “The Notebook” (2004)
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Sure, Noah’s way of asking Allie out at the carnival makes for an incredibly iconic movie scene. However, his first glimpse of his true love is also extremely romantic. As the lumber mill worker is informed of Allie’s presence in town, he watches her driving a bumper car. Her laughter and free spirit are infectious, and a smile creeps across his face. It’d be hard to guess the dramatic events that transpire from here on out, beginning with Noah’s way of proposing a date. But it’s already obvious from this moment that his relationship with Allie is going to be one for the ages.
#11: This One Girl… “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)
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Witty, mysterious, and drop dead gorgeous, Ramona Flowers is the definition of a dream girl. We can’t blame Scott Pilgrim for falling head over heels from the minute he lays eyes on her, which he actually does on three separate occasions before ever exchanging words. Crushing his plastic cup at a party, Scott finally approaches the ninja delivery girl and strikes up a conversation about – what else? – Pac-Man. Unsurprisingly, Ramona isn’t immediately won over by the timid Scott. Although he gets rejected, Scott isn’t willing to give up on the girl he met once upon a dream. This scene wonderfully establishes their relationship with just the right balance of comedy, awkward charm, and pop culture trivia.
#10: Everything Becomes Clear “Back to the Future Part III” (1990)
Being a man of science, Doc Brown doesn’t believe in love at first sight. As a matter of fact, romance is the furthest thing from his mind. However, this all changes when he meets Clara Clayton. Stuck in 1885, Doc and Marty stumble upon a runaway wagon with a damsel inside. Doc pulls off a daring rescue just in the nick of time, altering history. When Clara lifts her hat and reveals her face, Doc feels as if he’s been stricken with a bolt of lightning. Likewise, Clara is equally smitten with her rescuer. Cute and corny while also being exciting and humorous, this first encounter perfectly demonstrates the power of love.
#9: A Heart Full of Love “Les Misérables” (2012)
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Love at first sight isn’t exactly an everyday occurrence. Then again, neither is sporadically breaking out into song. Thus, the suspension of disbelief is required in a musical like “Les Misérables.” Since the music and romance here hit just the right note, we’re more than willing to go along for the ride. The first exchange between Cosette and Marius is brief, but it still manages to be poignant, uplifting, and utterly romantic. With an instrumental version of “One Day More” playing in the background, these two lock eyes and are sent into a dreamlike state. Marius becomes overwhelmed with a heart full of love, which sadly leaves poor Éponine heartbroken.
#8: Boy Meets Girl “500 Days of Summer” (2009)
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In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice can occur anytime between June 20 and June 22. For Tom Hansen, however, summer begins on January 8. Why? Because this is the day he meets Summer Finn. Tom is quickly enticed by his boss’s new assistant, although he doesn’t even speak to her. Nevertheless, he can see that Summer isn’t just another girl. Tom has a feeling that fate will bring him and Summer together, marking the beginning of a beautiful love story – cue: their encounter in the elevator a few days later. Of course, Tom also believes that “The Graduate” ends on a happy note. In other words, he doesn’t understand women or romance.
#7: A Christmas Carol “Carol” (2015)
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Set in the 1950s, “Carol” takes place during an era when homosexuality was widely considered taboo. Because of this, Carol and Therese rarely discuss the nature of their relationship. Through subtle body language, though, we can always tell what these two are thinking. From the moment Carol and Therese meet in a department store, the audience senses a strong bond. Seeking a Christmas present for her daughter, the stylish Carol approaches the modest store clerk. Thus ensues a friendly conversation full of understated sexual tension. Carol then departs, but forgets to pick up her gloves. We can’t help but wonder if she subconsciously left the gloves behind on purpose in hopes of seeing Therese again.
#6: The Sweetest Voice in the Wide World “Forrest Gump” (1994)
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Forrest Gump’s incredible story wouldn’t be complete without a touch of romance. Our titular hero meets the love of his life on his first day of school. Boarding the bus, Forrest is deemed an outcast for being different. The only classmate that offers him a place to sit is Jenny, who wins Forrest over with her kindness, beauty, and sweet voice. While Forrest isn’t the brightest bulb, Jenny can see that he’s a sincere human being in need of a friend. These two simply exemplify young love in the purest sense, with the memory sticking with Forrest well into his adult years. Even when they’re separated for extended periods, his love for Jenny never dwindles.
#5: A Meeting to Remember “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)
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Although they’re on completely separate paths, Annie feels a powerful connection to Sam upon hearing him bare his soul on the radio. Likewise, Sam is drawn to Annie after seeing her get off an airplane. While they have a couple close encounters throughout this romantic comedy, Sam and Annie don’t officially meet until the final scene. With some help from Sam’s son, the two wind up atop the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. Both know that it’s crazy and unrealistic to fall in love with someone you barely know. Looking into each other’s eyes, however, neither can deny their true feelings. After waiting so long to see these two come together, this ending delivers everything the audience had hoped for.
#4: A Rose By Any Other Name “Titanic” (1997)
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Described as the Ship of Dreams, the R.M.S. Titanic provides the backdrop for Jack and Rose’s epic love story in this movie. A penniless artist, Jack is immediately drawn to the aristocratic redhead. Staring off into the ocean, Rose longs to break free from her confined lifestyle and loveless engagement. Although his friends insist that he doesn’t have a shot with her, Jack is too captivated to simply let social barriers separate them. From that moment forward, our hero carries a torch for the lovely Rose. No matter what forces drive them apart, nothing can put out the flame that ignites their eternal love. The result is a romance for the ages.
#3: Time Stops “Big Fish” (2003)
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Director Tim Burton has given us some of the most beautiful and strangest romances of the past couple decades. In “Big Fish,” Burton once again captures the sensation of falling in love through astounding visuals. At the Calloway Circus, a gorgeous stranger captivates the wide-eyed Edward Bloom. He’s so entranced that time seemingly stands still. Pushing through the lively crowd, Edward comes face-to-face with his destiny. As the elderly narrator points out, however, when time starts up again, it goes twice as fast to catch up. In the blink of an eye, his dream girl is gone, but Edward won’t rest until he finds her. Inventive and romantic, it’s like something right out of a tall tale.
#2: West Side Dance “West Side Story” (1961)
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While not a direct adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story” was inspired by Shakespeare’s most famous work right down to the love at first sight trope. In this classic musical, our lovers are a young Caucasian American man named Tony and a Puerto Rican beauty named Maria. These two are instantly attracted to one another, despite the animosity between their rival gangs. As they exchange looks at a dance, everyone else in the gym fades away. Coming together in perfect harmony, the two fall into a hypnotic state and share an intimate dance. As far as Tony and Maria are concerned, nothing will come between them from this moment on.
#1: The Aquarium “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
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To be sure, the 1968 film version of this Shakespeare classic also deserves a shout-out. With Juliet looking absolutely striking in a red dress, it’s no wonder Romeo can’t take his eyes off her. But arguably, Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 retelling of the tragedy captures the feeling of love at first sight like no other. Having snuck into the Capulet costume party, Leonardo DiCaprio’s Romeo becomes captivated by a vibrant aquarium. But he doesn’t only see fish. Juliet’s eye catches his attention, and the duo stare curiously at each other through the glass. The camerawork is simply stunning, with the aquarium’s distortions creating some truly memorable shots. With the film’s love theme playing in the background, the moment couldn’t be any more romantic.
