Top 10 Most Underrated Movie Kisses of All Time
#10: True Love
“Amelie” (2001)
In this wonderful French romance from the turn of the millennium, Amelie has been hiding from her secret crush Nino for weeks, while leading him on a wild scavenger hunt to discover her identity. The magical-realism mystery is tense yet incredibly romantic and even relatable as Amelie’s nerves get in her way. Finally though, she finds the courage to reveal her feelings for Nino—all without saying a word. It’s similar to the equally subtle 2005 “Pride and Prejudice” finale. Amelie gently kisses Nino on the side of his mouth, on his neck, and on his eye, then leads him to do the same. As her cat watches sleepily, we only see them seal the deal through a silhouetted curtain. Sigh.
#9: Sam & Rose
“Hearts Beat Loud” (2018)
In this music-focused dramedy, the hysterical Nick Offerman plays Frank, record store owner and father to Kiersey Clemons’s Sam. While Frank wants her to pursue a music career with him, Sam would much rather go to medical school, and to spend time with her girlfriend, Rose. If this sweet moment is any indication, we don’t blame her at all! In this gentle scene, young teens Sam and Rose share their dreams and their support for each other. Beautifully staged, with their solid color shirts standing out among the wild patterns of the bedsheets, it’s a wonderful representation of teen queer women of color, and there aren’t enough of those.
#8: “You Were a Mouse!”
“Stardust” (2007)
When Tristan crosses into the fantasy world beyond his village wall in search of a fallen star he is surprised to discover the object of his quest is not what he imagined. Unfortunately, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star named Yvaine. They find themselves pursued by wicked princes and wickeder witches. It is when Tristan is temporarily transformed into a mouse during one of these encounters, that Yvaine is able to reveal the feelings she has developed for him. Naturally she assumes she can’t understand. Tristan surprises her when he reveals that he heard every word. In the midst of a fantastical tale, their love feels real. As they share their first kiss we can’t help but feel our hearts shining too.
#7: “A Quick Kiss”
“Bicentennial Man” (1999)
This nineties take on the robot-becomes-sentient trope is also based on an Isaac Asimov tale. Like “I, Robot,” but with a gentler ending. Robin Williams plays a high-tech robot—the nice kind, not the “take over the world” kind—who eventually develops emotions and sets out to become a real person. And what human experience would be complete without love? Though a critical flop, the pleasant film has true heart. This kiss scene is a good example of what helped win audiences over. If you overlook the now slightly problematic issues in this scene—“reading” her, badgering her for a kiss—you’ll find it’s really romantic and sweet, especially when he makes this enthusiastic confession.
#6: They Finally Meet
“Serendipity” (2001)
Sara believes Fate determines her life. Despite the instant chemistry when they first meet, she pitches a crazy scheme to Jonathan and decides to let Fate tell them if they’re meant to be. They spend years searching for one another, hoping that destiny will bring them back together. Finally, at the end of the movie, it works. While John Cusack’s Jonathan lies in the middle of an ice-skating rink watching the snow fall, Kate Beckinsale’s Sara walks slowly up to him, elated to have found him at last. After so long, their reunion is both understated and beautiful. And both of them are so glad to finally see each other that they don’t mind the freezing cold.
#5: Anna Kisses Will
“Notting Hill” (1999)
In this charming British romcom from “Love, Actually” scribe Richard Curtis, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts play William Thacker and Anna Scott, lovers from two different worlds. Anna Scott is a famous American movie star who happens upon Will’s tiny London bookshop, and an attraction begins. A collision with spilled coffee brings her to his apartment to change, and Will, ever the self-deprecating, vulnerable gentleman, is patient and kind. Anna, however, leans in and kisses him before leaving his flat. He’s so stunned it’s happening that he’s afraid to put his arms around her. Don’t pinch Will, because he doesn’t want to wake up.
#4: “I Wanna Ask You on a Date”
“Just Friends” (2005)
This classic Ryan Reynolds romcom culminates with Reynolds’s Chris Brander finally winning over his high school best friend, and long-time crush, Jamie Palamino. After ten years away, during which Brander changed his image and became a womanizing ladies man, he uses an unexpected return to his hometown to pursue Jamie with his love-em-and-leave-em techniques. It doesn’t work, and he’s embarrassed again and again as he reverts to his sad friendzone ways. Finally, after realizing how important Jamie is to him, Chris returns to tell her so. His first kiss doesn’t go quite as planned—in classic Chris Brander fashion—because of years of pent-up frustration, but the second one is much better.
#3: “A Wolf Without a Foot!”
“Moonstruck” (1987)
This is a classic, absolutely brilliant romcom that is perhaps forgotten now, but always worth a rewatch. Feisty Loretta doesn’t hold back telling Ronny exactly why he is the way he is. Infuriated, Ronny can only think to do one thing: grab Loretta and kiss her. Hard. It’s so sudden and unexpected, but not necessarily unwanted, as evidenced by her going right back in once he pulls away. Yes, the barrier of consent is a bit thin at this point, but it’s such a fun scene in an absolutely standout movie about love and family. Nicolas Cage has never been better, and Cher is always amazing. If you’re too young to know this movie, find it asap!
#2: The Practice Kiss
“Some Kind of Wonderful” (1987)
Oh, this isn’t a real kiss… it’s just for practice. Suuuure. This delightful, often overlooked romcom from the master of ‘80s teen flick, John Hughes, is overshadowed by his earlier “Pretty in Pink.” Yet it tells the same story, only better. We know from the start that tomboy Watts is in love with her best friend Keith, but Keith takes a lot longer to figure it out. Still, he seems pretty game to follow Watts’ lead. The music and the editing of this scene really help sell the impact of this kiss on the two friends. When it becomes too much, Watts just has to pull away, but it looks like Keith finally has a clue. Not to be forgotten.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Church Tongue,“The Wedding Singer” (1998)
Sandler & Barrymore’s First Collaboration, With Tons of Chemistry
Marcus & Angela, “Boomerang” (1992)
Because Bonding Over Star Trek Is Tight
Masquerade, “Penelope” (2007)
Even a Pig Mask Can’t Keep These Two Apart
Annie & Rhodes, “Bridesmaids” (2011)
Awkward Vulnerability & Irish Accents Are Hot
Skylar Kisses Will, “Good Will Hunting” (1997)
Kissing Makes the Perfect Study Break
#1: Diane & Lloyd
“Say Anything...” (1989)
John Cusack is the only romcom leading man to appear twice on this list, this time in the late-‘80s Cameron Crowe hit. Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler, a high school underachiever with the moderate aspirations of being a kickboxer, who falls in love with Ione Skye’s valedictorian “brain” Diane Court. It’s another “opposite sides of the track” story, which was so popular in the ‘80s. It has heart and romance—as long as you ignore the whole dad-embezzlement story and just focus on Cusack and his famous boombox. This penultimate scene happens after the couple have separated, but Diane comes back to Lloyd because she needs him. He doesn’t care why; he just wants to be with her.