Top 10 Meet Cutes in Cartoons
#10: Mako & Asami “The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)
Sometimes romance just hits you. In this case almost literally. Mako is understandably annoyed when Asami broadsides him with her scooter, that is until he gets a look at her. Suddenly Mako is inclined to be understanding. He’s even a little pleased when Asami recognizes him from the pro-bending circuit. Beautiful and bold, Asami is quick to take the reins of the situation. Though Mako protests that he doesn’t have clothes for a fancy restaurant, Asami won’t let that get in the way. With her casual take charge style and cool girl energy, it’s easy to see why Mako is smitten with Asami. And though their relationship didn’t ultimately work out, it did open the door to a much more significant one.
#9: Homer & Marge “The Simpsons” (1989-)
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Though they’re one of TV’s longest running couples, sometimes it’s hard to understand what Marge sees in Homer. We get an idea in, “The Way We Was,” when the pair tell their kids about how they met. Homer was a detention regular when Marge walked in for the first time. For Homer at least, there was never any doubt that they were meant to be. As soon as he gets a chance, he asks her out even though it gets him into more trouble. Homer’s antics often make him a chore to live with, so it’s sweet and unexpected to see this romantic side of him. Even if he doesn’t always show it, Homer truly is head over heels for Marge.
#8: Fry & Leela “Futurama (1999-2013)
Top 10 TV Meet Cutes
A lot of stories treat love as something guided by fate, and “Futurama” definitely played with this idea the first time Fry met his Fate Assignment Officer, Leela. Of course, Fry isn’t necessarily excited about the idea of being controlled by the future’s algorithm determined ideas about destiny. Despite the fact that Leela spends most of the episode hunting Fry and trying to implant a career chip against his will, the two still manage to bond. In fact, by the end, Fry has inspired Leela to remove her own chip and decide her fate for herself. Ironically, it’s this very thing that will cement Fry and Leela’s meant to be status. Even if they do take their time realizing it.
#7: Robin & Starfire “Teen Titans” (2003-06)
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Starfire’s bubbly nature makes it easy to forget that she can do a lot of damage when she’s pushed to it. On the run from her Gordanian captors, her desperation causes her to wreak some serious havoc and brings Robin swooping to stop here. When Raven suggests that Starfire might not be an intentional threat though, Robin changes tactics. Whatever outcome he was expecting, it probably wasn’t the one he got. Eventually Starfire recognizes the good intentions behind Robin’s actions, and we see the first sparks fly. It would take a long time for them to work up to another kiss, but we could see from the beginning that this pair would change each others’ lives.
#6: Marco & Star “Star vs. the Forces of Evil” (2015-19)
This is a couple that balance each other perfectly, but it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. Marco was not initially enthusiastic about being assigned to guide Star at her new school, or about his reputation as a “Safe Kid.” Though he reflexively begins to look out for her, he is even less eager to hang around once he gets his first taste of Star’s chaotic world. As the first episode goes on though, Marco warms up to Star quite a bit, and in the process gains a taste for adventure that will definitely get him out of his Safe Kid box. Maybe not entirely. But their ride or die dynamic is forged all the same. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
#5: Doug & Patti “Doug” (1991-99)
With his tendency to be overly dramatic, it’s not surprising that Doug would fall hard for his ultimate crush after just one glance. He may not even know her name to begin with, but by the time he does it’s clear that he’s already a total gonner. When he is too nervous to go talk to her, however, chance, and a stray packet of ketchup, step in to bring these two together in adorable rom-com fashion. As he panics that he might have ruined his chances forever, Patti reveals that even by accident Doug can give her exactly what she needs. It’s a wholesome, old-fashioned kind of moment that takes us all back to the feeling of our first love.
#4: Ron & Kim “Kim Possible” (2002-07)
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It was well established that Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable were lifelong friends, but it wasn’t until Kim’s nemeses banded together to mess with the timeline that we saw a meet-cute worthy of this eventual couple. As the youthful versions of the villains try to bully the self-confidence out of preschool Kim, young Ron has his own moment to step up as a gallant rescuer. Once he stands up for her, Kim rediscovers her courage and shows us a glimpse of the KP we all love. As many times as she has saved Ron over the years, it’s cute to see the tables turned at the start of their friendship. No amount of time travel could keep these two apart.
#3: Sokka & Suki “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
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Though Sokka grew a lot as a character over the course of the series, he started out with some unfortunate misconceptions, especially about gender roles. When the gAang are captured by the Kyoshi Warriors, Sokka doesn’t waste any time embarrassing himself when he insults their leader, Suki. He’s not done though. He’ll go on to put his foot in his mouth- or behind his back, really- again. But eventually Sokka realizes how much he could learn from Suki. His willingness to admit his ignorance and his dedication to training impresses her, laying the groundwork for the mutual admiration their relationship will be built on. Is there anything sweeter than seeing two people fall in respect with each other?
#2: Arnold & Helga “Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)
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Helga’s burning passion for Arnold is well-known to the audience, but she’d die before she let anyone else in on the secret. In the story of how they met, we see that her feelings go deeper than just an adolescent fixation. Having grown up in a household where her parents openly neglect Helga in favor of her sister, she can’t even expect her most basic needs to be acknowledged. After having to walk herself to preschool in the rain, Helga’s day is only improved when she meets Arnold. He even shares a snack with her later on. When Helga was at her lowest, Arnold offered her kindness. Even if she wasn’t emotionally able to return it, it’s eye opening to realize where her feelings from him originate. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Cat Noir & Ladybug, “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir” (2015-) This Scene Gives New Meaning to the Phrase “Hung Up on Each Other” Jake & Rose, “American Dragon: Jake Long” (2005-07) A Classic Meet Cute For a Non-Traditional Pair of Star Crossed Lovers Aang & Katara, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08) One Moment That Set the Stage for Their Whole Future Relationship
#1: Ruby & Sapphire “Steven Universe” (2013-19)
It’s not a surprise that one of the best romances of twenty-first century animation had an appropriately epic beginning. Ruby seems instantly intrigued by Sapphire when she is assigned to guard her. Sapphire though, is so used to knowing how everything will turn out that she can’t pay much attention in return. Until, of course, Ruby saves her and changes both their lives. Unfortunately, the other gems aren’t accepting of their new state. After Sapphire takes her turn to rescue Ruby, the two begin to explore their new reality, both discovering freedom in the uncertainty. It’s not long before they establish a bond that goes beyond their ability to fuse. In a show filled with magic, the love of Ruby and Sapphire feels completely real.
