Top 10 Almost Kisses in Animated Movies

Top 10 Almost Kisses in Animated Movies

So close and yet so far… Welcome to MsMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Almost Kisses in Animated Movies.

For this list, we’re taking a look at scenes in feature-length animated films where two characters come close to smooching, but don’t quite lock lips. We’re talking all forms of animation here, by the way. Also be sure to check out our list for the Top 10 Almost Kisses in Live-Action Films.

#10: Princess Fiona & Shrek
“Shrek” (2001)

Although Shrek doesn’t set out to get the girl, he finds a kindred spirit in the gorgeous, yet gassy, Princess Fiona. The princess also develops an unlikely bond with the ogre of her dreams. As the sun sets, Shrek and Fiona partake in a lovely dinner of… um, weed rats. While one is headed for the castle and the other is bound for the swamp, these two know that they’re meant to be together deep down. As the romantic tension peaks, our seemingly mismatched lovers look into each other’s eyes and nearly lean in for a kiss. Since Donkey doesn’t know the meaning of boundaries, however, he hilariously pops up at the most inappropriate moment. What an ass.

#9: Anastasia & Dimitri
“Anastasia” (1997)

Planning to cheat the Empress of Russia out of 10 million rubles, Dmitri tricks an orphaned woman named Anya into posing as the lost princess Anastasia. While it seems like a foolproof scheme, the deceitful Dmitri didn’t count on falling in love. Dmitri comes to realize his true feelings as he dances with Anya on a boat to Paris. With a picturesque sunset and Kelsey Grammer’s singing chops setting the mood, he’s compelled to kiss the beautiful woman in front of him. Knowing that this will only end in heartbreak, the guilt-ridden conman pulls away. Matters only become more complicated when Dimitri later realizes that Anya is in fact the Grand Duchess, putting his affection for her to the test.

#8: Victoria Everglot & Victor Van Dort
“Corpse Bride” (2005)

Nobody mixes together comedy, romance, and horror better than director Tim Burton, especially in this scene. Despite having an arranged marriage, Victor and Victoria share instant chemistry. Their engagement hits a roadblock, though, when Victor accidentally proposes to the Corpse Bride. Fleeing from his deteriorating bride, Victor seeks out Victoria in order to profess his love. Victoria reciprocates her fiancé’s feelings and the two prepare to kiss. When the Corpse Bride comes a-knocking, however, she lets Victoria know that her husband is spoken for. While all three of these people deserve to find love, it would seem there’s no easy solution to this bizarre love triangle.

#7: Princess Jasmine & Aladdin
“Aladdin” (1992)

Like many of the other characters on this list, Aladdin and Jasmine come from two different worlds, but are cut from the same cloth. Aladdin is a peasant who wishes for more out of life. Jasmine is a princess who wishes for the freedom to make her own decisions. Feeling trapped in their lifestyles, these lovebirds make a strong connection upon meeting in Agrabah’s market place. This leads to a deep conversation and a classic almost kiss. As bad luck would have it, the guards show up and break up their union. With the help of a magical genie, though, this couple just might find their way back to each other.

#6: Tiana & Prince Naveen
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

Yet another inter-class romance, Tiana is a waitress who’s worked every day of her life while Naveen is a prince who’s never worked for anything. Social class is no longer a factor when both of these individuals are turned into frogs. Their leaping love story reaches a pivotal moment on a starry night, as the lovesick Ray serenades the Evening Star he calls Evangeline. Tiana and Naveen are thus influenced to dance under the moonlit sky, angelically hopping around the pond. Their waltz is nearly completed with a kiss until Tiana remembers Naveen needs to marry the wealthy Charlotte. Talk about getting tongue-tied.

#5: Megara & Hercules
“Hercules” (1997)

An assistant to Lord Hades, the cynical Megara is instructed to seduce Hercules. Upon getting to know Wonder Boy, though, she’s quickly won over by his charm, nobility, and optimism. After having her heart broken one too many times in the past, Meg begins to realize that maybe she doesn’t have to be alone. Likewise, the godlike Hercules finally finds a mortal he can open up to. Meg may be reluctant to fall in love, but simply can’t resist Herc’s affection. Their intimate moment in the garden is interrupted, however, as Phil comes storming in via the ancient Greece equivalent to a police helicopter. While their date is cut short, Meg can’t deny that she’s fallen head over heels for Herc.

#4: Rapunzel & Flynn Rider
“Tangled” (2010)

Cooped up in a tower her entire life, Rapunzel dreams of attending the annual release of the sky lanterns. In exchange for a crown that he has stolen, the sticky-fingered Flynn Rider agrees to escort her to the Kingdom. Throughout their journey, Flynn finds that there’s more to life than riches, while Rapunzel begins to dream bigger. As the lanterns are unleashed, they start to see one another in a new light. The breathtaking scenery and uplifting music motivates them to come in for a kiss, but Flynn has some unfinished business to attend to first. The two almostkiss again in the climax of “Tangled,” as Flynn saves Rapunzel and our heroine does the same for the man she loves, making each other’s dreams come true.

#3: Cinderella & Prince Charming
“Cinderella” (1950)

It’s nothing short of magical when Cinderella escapes from her evil stepmother’s house and arrives at the ball. Prince Charming is immediately drawn to the stunning stranger from across the ballroom, sweeping Cinderella off her feet. Alas, this enchanted evening flies by all too fast. Just as our lovers begin to pucker up, the clock strikes midnight, forcing Cinderella to flee from the castle before her fairy godmother’s spell breaks. There’s no time to give her prince a kiss goodbye. She doesn’t even give him her name. Luckily, Cinderella does accidentally leave behind a glass slipper, giving the audience hope that the prince will find his princess.

#2: Anna & Hans
“Frozen” (2013)

It might be a traditional fairytale at its core, but “Frozen” points out numerous Disney tropes that don’t exactly hold up in today’s world. For example, marrying someone you just met probably isn’t the best idea. When Anna is inadvertently cursed with an icy heart, only an act of true love can save her. A kiss from her fiancé seems like the ideal solution. Unfortunately, Prince Hans is no Prince Charming. Before their lips can touch, Hans informs Anna that their engagement was a ruse to seize Arendelle's throne. This revelation leaves Anna devastated, but she ultimately learns a valuable lesson. You can’t simply achieve true love in a heartbeat. It’s something you must earn over time through sacrifice and selflessness.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Mavis & Jonathan
“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

Samantha ‘Sam’ Sparks & Flint Lockwood
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (2009)

Linda Gunderson & Dr. Túlio Monteiro
“Rio” (2011)

María Posada & Manolo Sánchez
“The Book of Life” (2014)

Wyldstyle / Lucy & Emmet Brickowski
“The LEGO Movie” (2014)

#1: Princess Ariel & Prince Eric
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

This wonderful scene easily claims our top spot for its phenomenal buildup. In order to remain human permanently, the voiceless Ariel must kiss Prince Eric within three days. Scuttle leaps at the opportunity to create a romantic atmosphere, but he’s not exactly a heavenly singer. Fortunately, Sebastian is an expert composer and sets the mood with an alluring musical number. This captivating song is perfectly complemented by the glamorous environment, bringing Ariel and Eric closer together. As the song reaches its climax, it appears that Eric will kiss the girl at long last. Ursula’s minions flip their boat over, though, preventing Ariel’s happily ever after… for now at least.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite almost kiss in an animated movie? For more entertaining Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.