Top 10 Movie Kisses That Only Happen in the Final Scene

#10: “Speed” (1994)
Talk about a wild way to meet somebody. After surviving a bus bomb and a runaway subway car, Jack and Annie show their feelings for each other. They’ve developed an unlikely bond that culminates with their safe landing at the conclusion. Thanks to movie logic, this duo kiss instead of going to the hospital. We can’t argue with it too much because the chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock is off the charts. “Speed” finds a satisfying way to end the action-packed film, giving the two heroes a chance to share an intimate moment together.
#9: “Wedding Crashers” (2005)
At the end of this comedy, John Beckwith decides to put his womanizing past behind him. He crashes one more wedding in a romantic gesture to win back Claire Cleary. After proclaiming his love and apologizing, Beckwith kisses Cleary. The profound moment marks the end of the hero’s selfishness. While he might be interrupting his friend’s ceremony, he’s also proving that he’s ready to settle down. Owen Wilson brings out all of his charms for the scene as he woos back his love interest. Even in a hilarious movie, the ending finds a way to remind everyone of the heartwarming romance underneath it all.
#8: “You’ve Got Mail” (1998)
Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox are rivals in real life, but online, they’re falling in love. The latter finds out first and sets up the elaborate meeting where he reveals the truth. Kelly is both surprised and grateful that it’s Fox, kissing him in a hugely satisfying scene. You’ve been wanting them to get together for so long that this sequence can’t come soon enough. Their embrace feels like a huge relief for both the characters and the audience, with the anticipation almost becoming too much. Thankfully, we’re able to watch these two charismatic performers show why they’re beloved.
#7: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
In one of John Hughes’ most iconic films, he assembles a group of five different teenagers for detention. Two potential couples emerge from this life-changing day including Andrew Clark and Allison Reynolds. As they leave, these two share a meaningful kiss before parting ways. The opposites prove to have more in common than anyone could have imagined. This passionate goodbye shows that they could likely become partners in the coming week. John Bender and Claire Standish also share a kiss, but the latter already pecked the bad boy while they were inside. It’s unclear if any of them will remain friends or more, but Hughes allows them a romantic exit that gives the audience hope.
#6: “Never Been Kissed” (1999)
Josie waits for Sam on the baseball diamond at the end of “Never Been Kissed.” As the clock counts down, it’s unclear if the heroine’s dream will come true. That all changes when her prince charming runs in at the last minute. With everyone cheering them on, the two get their moment to shine. Drew Barrymore’s character also sets the bar high with her first kiss ever. After all the buildup, this movie pays off with a home run for Josie. The beauty of this scene is that it feels larger-than-life while also capturing the emotional experience in intimate detail.
#5: “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
When he’s mortally wounded by Gaston, the Beast looks as if he’ll be gone forever. Belle then watches him rise and transform into a human. Through the power of love, the prince returns to his original form and kisses his partner. It’s a miraculous turn of events that ends with the two happily ever after. With this moment, “Beauty and the Beast” makes you believe in love once again. The incredible animation only works to emphasize that important point. As sparks fly and fireworks go off, you can’t help but smile at this happy reunion.
#4: “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
Sam Baker goes through an embarrassing adventure in “Sixteen Candles,” but it isn’t complete without a wish-fulfilling end. Her crush Jake shows up outside her sister’s wedding to surprise her. Baker is shocked to see him at all, let alone spend a birthday with him. They both share a romantic scene over a cake. This also prompts a memorable conclusion where the two kiss. The mood, the lighting, and the candles all contribute to this iconic moment. While she starts the movie unsure of her teenage troubles, the heroine manages to finish the film in a dreamlike sequence.
#3: “Lost in Translation” (2003)
What does Bill Murray say to Scarlett Johansson at the end of this film? It’s best left up to the imagination, but it’s only one element of this final exchange. Murray’s character Bob kisses Charlotte in a bittersweet scene. We know that they can’t be together, but we love that they’re able to share one more moment together. Sofia Coppola’s romantic film throws out cliches in order to explore a deeper human connection between two people. The couple part ways with the knowledge that they’ve enriched each other’s lives. With their kiss, the duo say “farewell” in an unforgettable finale.
#2: “Shrek” (2001)
While they start off as opposites, Shrek and Princess Fiona end up having much more in common. The hero falls for the royal, tracks her down, and pledges himself to her. While their kiss doesn’t break Fiona’s curse, it does prove the two truly love each other, no matter what. The film couches a powerful lesson into this moment. Showing that love isn’t all about looks, this couple embrace their true selves. The magical scene also brings this fairytale to a close in style. Even though the movie makes fun of fantasy stories, it also embraces a classic heartfelt ending.
#1: “Pride & Prejudice” (2005)
Despite being rivals early on in the story, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are destined to be with each other. Darcy returns to meet with her and propose, but that’s just setting up their last moment together. Their final scene features them kissing on a perfect evening. Even for fans of the Jane Austen book, this plot still reaches its end in a moving way. Both characters find true love and choose to celebrate in the best way possible. With Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen giving fantastic performances, this romantic finale comes together because of their believable onscreen bond.
Did we forget another climactic kiss? Let us know in the comments below.
