Some movie moments stay with us long after the credits roll—and more often than not, it’s the kiss that seals the deal.
Whether it’s in the rain, under the stars, or after a long build-up of tension, these scenes have become more than just romantic, they’ve become cinematic landmarks.
In time for International Kissing Day this July 6, here are five unforgettable onscreen kisses that made audiences hold their breath, cheer, or hit rewind.
The Notebook (2004)
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams gave us one of the most passionate reunions in movie history. That rain-soaked kiss by the lake, years after their heartbreaking breakup, became an instant pop culture reference and a gold standard for love story climaxes.
Spider-Man (2002)
Tobey Maguire’s web-slinging hero kissing Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane upside-down in the rain is one of the most unique kisses ever shot. Director Sam Raimi said it was so physically uncomfortable for Maguire that he could barely breathe, but the visual paid off—it became a poster moment for superhero romance.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann’s modern take on William Shakespeare’s tragedy delivers a memorable kiss between Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, first witnessed at a masked party just before they learn each other’s identities. The dramatic visuals and stylized setting gave new energy to a centuries-old love story.
Titanic (1997)
Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose’s (Kate Winslet) kiss at the bow of the ship, set against a blazing sunset and James Horner’s soaring score, capturing the dizzying feeling of first love—and the calm before the storm. The scene became one of the most replayed and parodied in film history, but the emotion behind it still holds up.
La La Land (2016)
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s kiss during the Griffith Observatory scene took flight—literally. As they floated among the stars, the film blended old Hollywood magic with modern melancholy, showing that not all great love stories end the way we hope.
From superhero blockbusters to modern-day Shakespeare, these kissing scenes remind us why romance in cinema never goes out of style.