Decades Later, ‘Cruel Intentions’ Still Has The Hottest Kiss Scene
I think we can kick off this story by discussing sex scenes, and then get into the idea that oftentimes, steamy kiss scenes are actually even hotter. Let’s provide some examples, and after a 250-word intro, we can get into the listicle of kisses!
Please add a YouTube link and a brief blurb for each kiss. The blurbs can be as short as just one or two sentences—see Cosmo’s story for inspo. And feel free to crowd-source some favorites from other WH eds, too! I’m sure people have opinions on this topic, haha.
When it comes to on-screen romances, sex scenes always tend to cause a lot of buzz. And not that the buzz isn't valid (hey, we all have our favorite sex scene), but sometimes, there's nothing hotter than the moment two characters finally lock lips. Of course, a lot goes on behind the scenes to make those kisses so perfect, but that doesn't change the magic of watching two insanely attractive actors share a passionate smooch.
While rom-coms often feature amazing kissing scenes, some of the hottest ones out there aren't even in romantic movies, per se. There are horror films like Jennifer's Body, with that heated kiss between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried; you'll also find some steam in action films like Divergent and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, or superhero films like Spiderman. The list goes on and on.
Regardless of the kind of movies you're into, there's sure to be a sexy-as-hell kiss scene in pretty much every genre. And just in case you needed some extra inspo for your next date night or solo movie marathon, check out this list of 43 must-watch films with kiss scenes that definitely deserve their spot in the history books. And because searching for each movie can be a total pain, you'll also be able to watch the exact scenes right here.
Brokeback Mountain
You won't be able to tear your eyes away from the passion between Jake Gyllenhaal and the late, inimitable Heath Ledger in this award-winning movie.
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Cruel Intentions
This seminal smooch between Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair (in which Gellar's character teaches Blair's how to kiss) won awards after the film premiered in 1999. Decades later, it's still iconic.
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Ghost
Consider this the "It Girl" of kiss scenes. The steamy pottery make-out sesh still gets referenced and recreated in films and TV shows today.
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Atonement
Kiss aside, everything about this scene is aesthetically gorgeous. The library, the green dress, the lighting—need I say more?
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Harry Potter And the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you know how divisive the Ron and Hermione kiss was. But it's safe to say Romione shippers were on the edge of their seats.
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The Notebook
This rainy, romantic moment between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is just another one of those on-screen kisses that just has to be on the list. I don't make the rules!
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Titanic
Nothing screams romantic like kissing each other while standing on the railings of a very large cruise ship.
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Ram-Leela
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone created serious on-screen tension in this clip that ended with a super steamy kiss (literally).
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Creed
A Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson plug seemed necessary. Enter: the Creed kiss.
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Silver Linings Playbook
Something about J. Law and Bradley Cooper co-staring just feels so right. And their characters' chemistry in this romantic dramedy was off the charts.
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To All The Boys I've Loved Before
After fake dating and fighting their true feelings, Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky took things to the next level in this steamy yet sweet scene from To All The Boys I've Loved Before.
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What to Expect When You're Expecting
This duo is adorable. Shout out to the writers for having Chace Crawford's character ask for consent before going in for the kiss, too. Absolutely love to see it!
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Crazy Rich Asians
You may shed some tears while watching Crazy Rich Asians, but the wedding scene kiss is truly heartwarming.
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Casablanca
Do the words "Kiss me as if it were the last time" ring a bell? Casablanca is an oldie but a goodie.
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Love, Simon
The humor at the very beginning of this scene followed by Simon's realization that Blue actually showed up for him is peak rom-com. The kiss on the ferris wheel is the cherry on top.
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Spider-Man
Marvel characters just do it better. Sorry, DC!
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Fifty Shades of Grey
Even if you find it cringe, this list would not be complete without a 50 Shades mention.
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She Hate Me
Some three-way kisses in film are super lusty, but this one in She Hate Me was praised for its tenderness.
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Never Been Kissed
There's a couple, er...iffy aspects to the storyline here, but Drew Barrymore is forever a rom-com queen.
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Divergent
It's been eight years (!!) since Theo James and Shailene Woodley first graced movie theater screens together, but this kiss never gets old.
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Dear John
Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum had everyone swooning over their chemistry in Dear John.
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(500) Days of Summer
Before New Girl's Jess and Nick, there was Summer, Tom, and a copy room. Cue the Smiths.
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The Choice
Subtle flirtation led to major sparks in this 2016 romance.
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Work It
In 2021, Jordan Fisher and Sabrina Carpenter turned up the heat during (and after) their dance number in Work It.
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Crazy Stupid Love
Emma Stone reminds everyone that confidence is key during her hot kiss with Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love.
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Mr. & Mrs. Smith
After trying to kill each other for several minutes, the Smiths somehow find a new kind of edge to lean into. Although, you can definitely feel the lingering differences throughout this steamy scene.
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Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Throughout the chaos of a love triangle that is Vicky Cristina Barcelona, these two characters (played by Penelope Cruz and Scarlet Johansson) find a pretty hot silver lining.
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Brown Sugar
If you're a friends-to-lovers kind of person, you'll love this kiss in Brown Sugar.
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Moonlight
Simple, yet effective. And the cinematography? Chef's kiss.
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Step Up 2
The dance scene leading up to this kiss is arguably hotter than the kiss itself. Still, here's further evidence that dance-related movies often lend themselves to the sexiest kissing scenes.
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The Longest Ride
Photo booth kisses never get old.
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The Princess Diaries 2
Leaving this here as a reminder that Chris Pine and Anne Hathaway once made the perfect enemies-to-lovers duo.
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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I can still hear the Katniss and Peeta shippers rejoicing.
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Out of Time
In this scene, Matthias, played by Denzel Washington, and Ann, played by Sanaa Lathan, role-play an investigator fantasy. It ends with a kiss that definitely caught viewers' attention.
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The First Time
Dylan O'Brien and Britt Robertson may no longer be together IRL, but their chemistry in this fun, romantic film will prompt you to take a trip down memory lane.
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Pride and Prejudice
It's not the kiss you might be expecting. But in this 19th century drama, it means everything.
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Twilight
This isn't a personal favorite, but there's no denying that this kiss left Twilight fans in shambles (in a good way).
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Jennifer's Body
Even horror movies have their steamy scenes, like this one in Jennifer's Body.
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How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson brought all the vulnerability (and a hint of laughter) to their sweet kiss in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.
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Pretty Woman
While there are many sexy scenes in this classic, there's something especially wholesome about watching Julia Roberts and Richard Gere finally share a simple kiss on the fire escape.
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Breakfast at Tiffany's
This kiss is adorable, but I can't get over the cat being squished between them. Still iconic, though.
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How Stella Got Her Groove Back
Ah, the "Ever considered Stanford?" line. Gotta love a dramatic airport kiss, am I right?
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Drive
If you want to feel 50 different emotions from a kiss scene, you'll want to watch Drive. The kiss is the epitome of sweet-to-sour but still stellar nonetheless.
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