Top 20 Perfect Rom-Com Kisses
#20: Jess Bhamra & Joe
“Bend It Like Beckham”
Forbidden by her parents to pursue her passion for football, teenager Jess discreetly joins the local football team. This leads to Jess falling for her coach, Joe, who feels the same way. Jess's pursuit of her ambitions is ultimately successful when her parents relent, but she's unwilling to complicate matters by entering a romance with Joe. However, right before Jess is set to leave for university in California, he arrives at the airport to confess his feelings. Realizing that she's gotten this far by challenging societal norms, Jess decides to embrace her feelings as the two finally seal their romance with a long-overdue kiss. It also leaves no doubt in Jess's mind that being with Joe is what completes her newfound happiness all the way.
#19: Alex Truelove & Elliot
“Alex Strangelove” (2018)
Alex and Elliot hit it off soon after they meet, although Alex tries to deny this attraction. Still, he can’t resist kissing Elliot when he has the chance, which isn’t as romantic as it could’ve been. It’s only when he sees Elliot again at prom that Alex faces his truth, as he accepts himself for who he’s supposed to be. Despite initial hesitation on his part, Alex plucks up the courage to kiss Elliot when he decides their connection is stronger than any fear he might have. This prolonged moment seems to exist just for Alex and Elliot, who cherish every second that comes with it, as even their fellow classmates celebrate in support of such a pure show of love.
#18: Dre Ellis & Sid Shaw
“Brown Sugar” (2002)
Despite being the perfect match, Dre and Sidney remain lifelong friends who don’t pursue a relationship. That is, until Sidney reconsiders their dynamic after Dre marries another woman. After learning of his wife’s infidelity, Dre also finds out about Sidney’s feelings and realizes he feels the same way. Knowing their attraction is reciprocated, Dre decides to make his move on Sidney, which clearly makes her weak in the knees. Their kiss is a mark of how long the pair kept their attraction for one another at bay, as they let their feelings overcome them for a passionate embrace. The lead-up to this moment is what brings the scene together, with no doubt left that this is what both characters truly want.
#17: Tim Lake & Mary
“About Time” (2013)
After learning he has the power to travel through time, Tim decides to use it to find his true love. After meeting Mary in a dark restaurant, Tim instantly falls in love with her. However, his time-traveling exploits end up erasing this perfect date, prompting Tim to find ways to meet Mary once again. This is easier said than done, as Tim goes through a painstaking journey through time to succeed in finding Mary where she's meant to be. With their undeniable chemistry felt even in an entirely different scenario, they finally reach the one moment in time where their kiss is supposed to be. More importantly, the kiss begins Tim and Mary's love story, which Tim knows will last through the rest of time.
#16: Charles & Carrie
“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)
Timing is always the issue with Charles and Carrie's romance, as they happen to meet whenever either is in a relationship with someone else. Their habit of running into each other at weddings only leads to disaster, and it doesn't get better with time. Eventually, Charles ruins his own wedding when he can't suppress his feelings for Carrie anymore, and the latter visits him to apologize. Seizing this moment, Charles goes through with a "non-proposal," asking Carrie if she'd like to be together with no chance of marriage. They then seal their feelings with a kiss that is as unconventionally romantic as their relationship, as it turns out that everything that happened so far was leading up to this perfect moment in the pouring rain.
#15: Megan Bloomfield & Graham Eaton
“But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999)
Megan and Graham meet at a conversion therapy camp where they’re sent by their prejudiced parents. However, sparks fly between the two, and the girls give into this attraction. While Megan accepts this, a nervous Graham goes through with the camp’s graduation. It’s here when Megan crashes the ceremony to let Graham know of her love by way of a cheerleading performance. Although she’s chased off, Megan successfully wins Graham over, as the latter abandons the ceremony to be with Megan. The two then share their first kiss as a couple liberated by their love, riding off in the sunset savoring their newfound happiness. The kiss serves as a perfect conclusion to this story of self-discovery, with Megan and Graham unapologetic to display their love.
#14: Harper Stewart & Jordan Armstrong
“The Best Man Holiday” (2013)
Former love interests Harper and Jordan meet once again after they are invited to spend the holidays with their friends Mia and Lance. However, they soon learn that Mia is suffering from a terminal condition, causing Jordan to feel guilty for not being there for her best friend. Despite their complicated history, and the fact that Harper is married to someone else by now, he and Mia have a tender moment where they console one another. Jordan also gives her a kiss on the head that brings her a sense of comfort, proving that their former romance has blossomed into a genuine care for one another. In this instance, that pure feeling of friendship through emotional support makes this small kiss all the sweeter.
#13: Buttercup & Westley
“The Princess Bride” (1987)
This fantasy rom-com sees young lovers Westley and Buttercup endure a long period of separation, as Westley has to prevent Buttercup from marrying the evil Prince Humperdinck. By the end of this tale, the two are finally able to put their struggles aside after escaping their enemies. Staying true to the epic story being told, the pair’s kiss reflects the long-held passion they’ve had for one another. Supposedly the greatest kiss to ever happen, according to the narrator, Westley and Buttercup’s embrace also signifies the end of their journey. It serves as the perfect parting shot for us as the lovers usher in the rest of their lives with this show of affection.
#12: Johnny Martin & Penelope Wilhern
“Penelope” (2006)
Cursed with a pig’s nose, Penelope’s parents unsuccessfully attempt to marry her off to a blue blood hoping to “fix” her. It’s after she experiences true acceptance from potential suitor Max Campion that Penelope accepts herself to break the curse. However, Max - whose real identity is Johnny Martin - leaves out of guilt for initially wanting to exploit Penelope’s condition. When he runs into Penelope at a Halloween party, Johnny professes his feelings through a most intense yet genuine kiss that she would never have seen coming. The fact that Johnny was unaware of the curse being lifted is proof that this kiss is a mark of his true love. Penelope happily reveals her new appearance, knowing he loves her no matter what she looks like.
#11: Robbie Hart & Julia Sullivan
“The Wedding Singer” (1998)
Despite clearly being smitten with each other the whole time, Robbie and Julia are never able to get together due to a combination of bad coincidences. In the film’s climax, though, when Julia’s on a flight to reluctantly marry her unfaithful fiance, Robbie shows up to serenade her with a song he’s written just for her. With the entire flight crew and passengers on Robbie’s side, he finally gets to lay his heart out and tell Julia how he feels, which she instantly reciprocates. The lead-up and execution to this kiss is a perfect blend of romance and comedy, as Robbie and Julia’s big moment is equal parts hilarious and moving to bring a fitting end to this quirky romance.
#10: Simon Spier & Bram Greenfeld
“Love, Simon” (2018)
After developing an online romance, Simon and Bram are unaware of each other’s true identities until the end. Having asked to finally meet, Simon waits at a Ferris wheel hoping his mysterious love interest will show up, something that just about everyone around him hopes as well. Just when it seems as if he’s been stood up, Simon learns Bram was the one all along. As the two realize they’re equally nervous about this turn of events, Simon reaches in for the kiss he’s wanted for the longest time. With all their peers cheering them on, Simon and Bram have their romantic moment being true to themselves. Riding the Ferris wheel also symbolizes that the kiss makes them feel right on top of the world.
#9: Andrew Paxton & Margaret Tate
“The Proposal” (2009)
Margaret and Andrew begin their story absolutely hating each other's guts. It's after entering a sham engagement to save Margaret from deportation that their sour attitude ebbs away as the two see the other's best qualities. Unfortunately, Margaret's reluctance to be hurt leads her to push Andrew away despite having fallen in love with him. Having accepted the possibility of deportation, Margaret is about to leave when Andrew makes it back to the office, revealing his love for her. To prove that their connection is real, he goes in for a kiss that even delights all of their onlooking coworkers. The passion behind this kiss is also a heartwarming contrast to the couple's early bickering as they confront their romantic tension to officially be together.
#8: Patrick Verona & Kat Stratford
“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
While Patrick’s interest in Kat starts out due to being paid, he sees the error of his ways when Kat genuinely falls for him. Despite learning of Patrick’s betrayal, Kat reads an impassioned poem in class revealing she still loves him, although she then receives a surprise of her own. In order to make up for what he did, Patrick reveals he’s bought Kat a gift with the money and hopes she’ll forgive him. Having once scoffed at the idea of romance, Kat happily returns Patrick’s kiss to embrace being vulnerable and free at the same time. As heartwarming as it is, the kiss is equally funny as it serves as a way to stop the couple from bickering and be in each other’s company.
#7: Josie Geller & Sam Coulson
“Never Been Kissed” (1999)
25-year-old journalist Josie Geller poses as a high school student to report about student behavior. However, she falls for English teacher Sam Coulson and is unable to act on her feelings due to her undercover persona. After coming out with the truth at the expense of Sam’s trust, Josie resolves to be honest by admitting she’s never been kissed and of her love for Sam. Hoping he’ll reciprocate, Josie waits in the school baseball field to reconcile with him, only for no one to show up. Of course, the film gets its grand conclusion when Sam arrives to give Josie her long-awaited moment to a raucous crowd response. The kiss simultaneously celebrates their bond and serves as Sam’s way of entrusting Josie with his love.
#6: Holly Golightly & Paul Varjak
“Breakfast at Tiffany's” (1961)
Holly relentlessly attempts to be a social climber hoping to marry a man of high status. Despite her obsession with the cafe society lifestyle, she falls in love with out-of-work writer Paul. In the climax, however, she rejects Paul's hopes of giving their relationship a chance and releases her cat in frustration. Soon after, though, Holly realizes her mistake and leaps out to save the cat out of remorse. This ends up uniting her with Paul, who sees Holly's genuine change for the better. The following kiss is a grand declaration of love on both their parts, and Holly's lack of care in kissing Paul in an alleyway signifies her choosing love over money.
#5: Joe Fox & Kathleen Kelly
“You've Got Mail” (1998)
Joe and Kathleen spend most of this movie competing as she tries to keep her bookshop running against Joe’s megastore. They remain unaware of their anonymous online identities as “Shopgirl” and “NY152,” until Joe figures it out. After Kathleen closes her shop, a guilt-ridden Joe attempts to befriend her, and the two fall for each other in both the real and digital world. Hoping to reconcile both these aspects, Joe arranges a meeting with Kathleen as her online suitor in the park, where she realizes that the two men she’s in love with are the same person. With their feelings for each other completely understood, Joe and Kathleen mark the beginning of their relationship with their first kiss, giving this rom-com a happy ending.
#4: Hannah Weaver & Jacob Palmer
“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)
Sometimes the funniest kisses can be the best way to bring couples together, with Hannah and Jacob’s romance blossoming after they have their first kiss in hilarious circumstances. After rejecting Jacob’s when they first meet, Hannah finds out her boyfriend has no interest in a serious relationship, prompting her to reconsider Jacob’s advances. Having already experienced embarrassment, Hannah has no qualms about making a big public display of her attraction to Jacob as she returns and instantly kisses him. Despite being momentarily shaken by this sudden turn of events, Jacob is quick to reciprocate as Hannah ushers him away much to everyone’s stunned silence. This becomes the defining moment for their relationship as the kiss indicates they’ve just entered a romance with the right person.
#3: Edward Lewis & Vivian Ward
“Pretty Woman” (1990)
Edward spends the entirety of the story cynical about the effect love has on someone, while Vivian dreams of the perfect moment she’ll be swept off her feet. The ending gives Vivian her deserved romantic moment, as Edward arrives in hopes of officially starting a relationship with her and finally giving himself over to love. After witnessing Edward overcoming his fear of heights to be with her, Vivian rushes down to meet him as the two complete their fairytale ending with a kiss. Making this moment so perfect is how both characters step out of their comfort zone to initiate it, with even a fire escape seeming like the best place to have this grand finale.
#2: Harry Burns & Sally Albright
“When Harry Met Sally...” (1989)
Spanning across 12 years of Harry and Sally’s lives, this rom-com sees the two go from enemies to lovers. However, their paths always seem to go in different directions and the two end up estranged after Harry fails to confront their feelings. However, at a New Year’s party, Sally is surprised to find him willing to give their relationship a chance. The lead-up to the kiss is what makes it so perfect, as Harry proves his love for Sally, pointing out everything that’s made him fall for her through the last decade. With nothing more to be said, the couple ushers in the new year with a heartfelt kiss that leaves no doubt that these two were always meant to be.
#1: Bridget Jones & Mark Darcy
“Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001)
Having once felt only disdain for one another, Bridget and Mark ultimately become romantic. By the climax, the two nearly make things official until Mark reads Bridget’s original unflattering opinions of him. Finding Mark gone, Bridget chases after him in a state of undress as her newfound feelings for Mark are far more important to her. As it turns out, Mark buys a new diary to symbolize their fresh start, before leaning in for a heartfelt kiss in the snowy street. With Bridget still clad in her nightwear, the kiss cements their beautifully unusual relationship, as things go right for them for once after so many mess-ups. It also indicates that there’s a lot more passion in store for Bridget than Mark initially let on.