Top 10 Best Animated Movie Kisses of All Time
#10: Aurora & Phillip’s Curse-Breaking Kiss
“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Disney brings a fairy tale staple to life in its 1959 animated feature, inspired by the classic story. With beautiful animation and a sweeping score, the adaptation does the iconic moment justice. Of course, the stage was set earlier in the film, when Aurora and Phillip first met. It didn’t take long for these two to fall head over heels. Then at the climax of the movie, Phillip breaks the spell cast by Maleficent and awakens his beloved, Aurora. The shifting colors make this moment seem like actual magic. And when Aurora smiles at Phillip? We can’t help but smile as well.
#9: Roxanne & Max’s Sweet Peck
“A Goofy Movie” (1995)
He may be a goof, but Max has some moves! Standing on her front porch with his dad waiting by the car, he comes clean to his crush, Roxanne, about why he called off their date. Honesty seems to be the best policy here, because things turn out for the better. The two teens make plans to hang out later and Max leans in for a quick peck on the lips. Roxanne seems delighted by the kiss and the two burst out into nervous laughter. The whole thing is sweet in a high-school, first-love kind of way. The romantic moment comes to an abrupt but comedic end thanks to none other than Goofy, but we were aww-ing while it lasted!
#8: Megara & Hercules’ Meaningful Lip-Lock
“Hercules” (1997)
Death isn’t enough to keep Hercules from Meg, and immortality isn’t enough to draw him away. Throughout the movie Hercules has wanted nothing more than to reclaim his god-hood and return to Mount Olympus. But when it looks like all his dreams have come true, suddenly he realizes they don’t fulfill him anymore. In front of the golden gates to Olympus, Hercules and Meg share a kiss. Swept up in the moment, she can’t help but pop her leg – which is how you know the smooch is good. Following all the strife that occurs throughout the movie, it’s a well-deserved celebratory moment.
#7: Anna & Kristoff’s Heartwarming Kiss
“Frozen” (2013)
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A couple this endearing deserves a first kiss to match, and that’s just what they get. After, you know, saving a kingdom together, just typical ice breaking stuff…in more ways than one. And when Anna surprises Kristoff with a thoughtful gift, he’s overcome with joy. Charmed by his adorable fumbling, Anna pecks him on the cheek and gives him permission before the two finally lock lips. The whole thing unfolds so naturally, and you can tell they really like each other. This interaction is proof that asking for consent can be cute.
#6: Shrek & Fiona’s Curse-Breaking Smooch
“Shrek” (2001)
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The “Shrek” franchise often subverts typical fairy tale conventions, and the first film’s climax is no exception. Princess Fiona has spent her life waiting for Prince Charming to free her from her curse, only to find herself falling for Shrek instead. In classic Hollywood fashion he interrupts her wedding to Lord Farquaad to confess his feelings in return. Per the card, the crowd aww-s, and so do we. Shrek and Fiona’s kiss is so magical, it triggers the end of her curse. But of course there’s a twist. With her ogre form made permanent, Fiona is free to spend her life with her true love, Shrek. It’s a dramatic and romantic moment that we can’t help but adore.
#5: Valka & Stoick’s Reunion Embrace
“How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014)
Even though this moment takes place in an ice nest, it makes us melt. It comes during the long-overdue reunion of Valka and Stoick. Hiccup’s long-lost mother does most of the talking during the interaction, clearly demonstrating her nerves and guilt. Meanwhile, Stoick’s single line is swoonworthy. There’s no guarantee how the chieftain might have reacted upon realizing his wife is alive, so the fact that one of the first things he does is kiss her says so much. Clearly, Stoick never stopped loving Valka, not even after twenty years. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
#4: Belle & Adam’s Romantic Kiss
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Some say a good kiss feels like fireworks. Well, this one has fireworks. A fantastical transformation sees the Beast returned to his human form as an astounded Belle looks on. Needless to say she’s a little apprehensive at first, but Adam soon puts her doubts to rest. The way he looks at her as he goes in for the kiss would make any heart skip a beat. Serendipitously, the rain has stopped falling just in time to make the moment perfect. Magic swirls around the couple and lights up the sky as the last of the curse is reversed thanks to Belle’s love for the Beast. It’s so romantic!
#3: Tiana & Naveen’s Royal Smooch
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
This couple’s first kiss is magical in all the wrong ways. In agreeing to help Naveen out of his sticky situation, Tiana winds up sharing his curse. Though this puts them at odds, the two team up to find a solution to their predicament, and along the way fall in love. Ultimately, they decide they can sacrifice their human lives if it means they can remain together. Luckily, this romantic act is also just the thing to break the curse. You’ve gotta love a good use of a technicality. It’s a spectacular moment in every regard. The kiss itself is so good that Naveen can’t resist going in for another one soon after. Needless to say, we don’t blame him!
#2: Rapunzel & Eugene’s Celebratory Lip-Lock
“Tangled” (2010)
“Tangled”’s narrative climax is an intense moment during which both romantic leads prove their love for the other by making a huge sacrifice. Though all seems lost, the power of Rapunzel’s feelings for Eugene are enough to bring him back from the brink. And in that moment there is finally nothing holding them back. In her typical, eager fashion, Rapunzel basically throws herself at Eugene. And for his part, the thief is surprised at first, but he doesn’t seem to mind. This moment represents their relationship perfectly, and we can’t get enough of it.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Jasmine & Aladdin’s Lovely Embrace, “Aladdin” (1992)
The Pretend Prince Scores a Kiss With the Help of His Magic Carpet
Jane & Tarzan’s Adorable Smooch, “Tarzan” (1999)
The Englishwoman Teaches Tarzan Another Human Custom
Horse & Madame Jacqueline Longrée’s Cute Peck, “A Town Called Panic” (2009)
The Heroic Horse Gets a Surprise That’s Extra-Sweet
Cinderella & Prince Charming’s Carriage Lip-Lock, “Cinderella” (1950)
The Beginning of Happily Ever After for the Newlywed Couple
Hiccup & Astrid’s Playful Kiss, “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
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#1: Lady & Tramp’s Spaghetti Smooch
“Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
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Who knew that a kiss between two animated dogs involving spaghetti would become so iconic? Disney made something eternal when they depicted two pups from opposite sides of the white picket fence on a date of sorts behind an Italian eatery. They’re served and serenaded by the restaurant's owner and staff, and it’s the perfect setting for a romantic kiss. Notably, the peck seems like an accident, which makes it even more cute. Neither Tramp nor Lady realize they’re eating the same noodle until it’s too late. In the decades since, the moment has been referenced and recreated countless times, and it never gets old.
