Top 10 Best Emma Swan & Captain Hook Once Upon a Time Moments

“Firebird”
In order to open a magical door to escape from Hades, Emma has to place her heart on a scale to measure her true love for Killian Jones, aka Hook. It turns out that’s just the first part of the test though, as after she does this, she starts experiencing a magical heart attack while the captain bursts into flames. Faced with the chance to save herself by reinserting her heart, Emma instead uses what could have been her dying moments to save her beloved – passing the test and allowing them both to escape. If our choices in times of crisis define us, then this one proved the depth of Ms. Swan’s devotion to Jones.

“Firebird”
Shortly after our previous entry, Emma and Hook discover a portal that leads from the Underworld to Storybrooke. However, Jones reveals that he’d only come with Emma this far to save her, and that he can’t return with her. He implores that she go on without him. This feels impossible for Emma, who has already grieved every other man she’s ever loved. Understanding this, Hook’s devastating request that she remain open to future happiness shows that he values her well-being more than his ego. Their emotional kiss through the gate drives their pain home even more. His death doesn’t last long, as he’s soon revived by Zeus as a thanks for helping to stop Hades, but this scene proves the depth of their love.

“In the Name of the Brother”
Hook wakes up in a hospital bed after failing to kill his archenemy, Mr. Gold, and being hit by a car, only to be questioned by Emma, who in addition to being the town’s Saviour, happens to be the Sheriff of Storybrooke. While they’re not yet an item at this point in the series, Jones maintains his characteristic swagger, even when he’s suffering immense amounts of pain, and also manages to show off his more human side. His flirtatiousness clashing with Sheriff Swan’s no-nonsense interrogation perfectly represents the pair’s early relationship dynamic.

“Rocky Road”
Emma avoids Hook for much of the show’s Snow Queen saga, and he’s had enough of the cold shoulder in this scene. Confronting her about her chilly attitude towards him, Jones learns the true reason for Swan being distant: his own safety. Emma tearfully confesses that she’s been keeping him at bay because every man she’s ever loved has died. His response is the perfect blend of his trademark machismo and a tender reassurance that, while her feelings are valid, he won’t be going anywhere.

“The Song in Your Heart”
Of course their wedding was going to make the list! After five seasons of flirting, separation, adventure, and mischief, Emma and Hook finally tie the knot in front of all their family and friends in this sixth season musical episode. Jones choking back tears as he gets his first look at his beloved coming down the aisle tells us he recognizes how unbelievably lucky he is. Their vows are heartfelt, reflecting their personal journeys and what they mean to one another. Sure, the ceremony gets interrupted by a curse from the Black Fairy, but that doesn’t make the celebration of their love less magical.

“Going Home”
A curse is enveloping all of Storybrooke, and the only way to save everyone is for former Evil Queen Regina to send the residents back where they came from. For most, that means returning to the fairy tale land of the Enchanted Forest. Since Emma and her son Henry will have to return home to New York instead, they’ll be separated from her parents, her friends, and even Hook. What makes it even worse is that by crossing Storybrooke’s magic town line, the two will lose all memory of them, as well. Hook’s tender reassurance is romantic, but her simple reply shows us that, after a life of pushing people away, she finally believes she’s worthy of love.

“Good Form”
While our heroes are on a quest to Neverland to rescue Henry from an evil Peter Pan (long story), Hook takes Emma’s father, David (aka Prince Charming), on a little sidequest to find a magical sextant. Turns out this former pirate still has some trickery up his sleeve, as Hook actually leads David to a cure for the poison that’s about to kill him. Realizing what Hook has done for her family, Emma plants a big one on him. The first kiss is a major moment in any relationship, and the heartwarming circumstances around Emma and Hook’s first locking of the lips show that their relationship is built on positivity and mutual support.

“Poor Unfortunate Soul”
‘Happily ever after’ is a fairy tale staple… but it’s usually only afforded to the heroes. In this bittersweet scene, Hook confides to Emma that he’s afraid of losing his happy ending since they’ve recently discovered that villains - even former ones - don’t get them. Of course, Hook’s concern is somewhat surprising to Emma. This rare show of vulnerability on Killian Jones’ part, and the passionate kiss that follows, cements just how important she is to him. Maybe bad guys deserve good things once in a while, after all.

“Dark Hollow”
During the search for Henry, Hook discovers that Neal, Emma’s former lover, is alive, and being held captive by Peter Pan. He could have been a dastardly pirate about it, but after they rescue Neal, he explains why he instead shared the information - even though it puts him at a certain disadvantage. The reason? He wants to earn Emma’s love instead of falling back into his old habits and getting what he wants by cunning and deceit. His respect for Emma’s personal autonomy and decision-making, even if he may not like the outcome, makes this moment worthy of love.

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

What Fairy Tale Is Complete Without a Big Party and a Dance?

High Romance Is One Thing, But Goofy Breakfast Shenanigans Are the Real Sign of True Love

Hook Shows His Tender Side on Their First Adventure Together

Hook Promises to Stand by Emma Wherever Her Turbulent Life Takes Her

After Emma Seduces Young Hook to Get back Home, Modern Hook Decks Him for Mistreating Her

“Snow Drifts/There’s No Place Like Home”
What’s the most important thing to a pirate? Their ship, right? Well, not anymore for Captain Hook. When Emma questions how Jones came to find her in New York after they were separated, he tells her he was able to evade the curse. Once he got far enough away, it was just a matter of trading his beloved Jolly Roger for a magic bean to travel back to her world. The fact that he gave up his most prized possession–which he’s sailed for hundreds of years–to be reunited with Emma means he’s finally found a greater love.

Did we miss any romantic or adventurous moments between the pirate and the savior that you think should have made this list? Then set sail for the comments below!