Top 10 Love at First Sight Scenes in Movies

#10: This One Girl… “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)

Also in:

Top 20 Love At First Sight Scenes in Movies

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, as she stands out from the rest of the crowd with her ever-changing hair color and unique wardrobe. Crushing his plastic cup, Scott uncomfortably 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.

#9: Everything Becomes Clear “Back to the Future Part III” (1990)

Also in:

Top 20 I Love You Scenes in Movies

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.

#8: A Heart Full of Love “Les Misérables” (2012)

Also in:

Top 10 Most Cringeworthy Love Scenes

Let’s be honest, people typically don’t fall in love at first sight in real life. Then again, people don’t sporadically break out into song either. 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.

#7: Boy Meets Girl “(500) Days of Summer” (2009)

Also in:

Top 20 Most Rewatched Scenes in Romance Movies

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 met Summer Finn. Tom is quickly enticed by his boss’ 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” ended on a happy note. In other words, he doesn’t understand women or romance.

#6: A Christmas Carol “Carol” (2015)

Also in:

Top 10 Most Rewatched Scenes in Christmas Movies

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.

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.

#4: A Meeting to Remember “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)

Also in:

Top 10 Saddest Scenes in Romance Movies

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. 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 delivered everything the audience had hoped for.

#3: A Rose by Any Other Name "Titanic” (1997)

Also in:

Top 10 Sexiest Scenes in PG-13 Movies

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 by her 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.

#2: Time Stops “Big Fish” (2003)

Also in:

Top 10 Funniest Rom-Com Scenes of All Time

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. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Elevator Love “Scarface” (1983) Cindy Meets Dean “Blue Valentine” (2010) A-Sub-N Equals N Plus One Over Four “Mean Girls” (2004)

#1: West Side Dance “West Side Story” (1961)

Also in:

The Story of West Side Story: From Stage to Screen

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… Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite love at first sight scene? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.