Romance in film brings us some of the most iconic and memorable scenes in cinema history. Whether forbidden, passionate, awkward, or sweet, a great script brought to life by actors with undeniable chemistry creates movie magic. Let’s countdown 10 of our favorite romantic pairings and the scenes that made us swoon.
10. Betty Elms & Diane Selwyn/Rita – Mulholland Drive
In David Lynch’s surrealist masterpiece “Mulholland Drive,” aspiring actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) takes in a mysterious amnesiac woman named Rita (Laura Harring) and tries to help solve the mystery of her identity. As the two grow closer, they share a beautifully shot and superbly acted love scene that perfectly encapsulates the “love story in the city of dreams” tagline.
“I have a tattoo. Would you like to see?”
9. Carol Aird & Therese Belivet – Carol
The 2015 film “Carol” depicts a forbidden affair between two women – Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) and Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) – in 1950s New York. When the pair stop at a motel during a road trip, the intense yearning finally gives way to a tender, passionate encounter. Blanchett and Mara’s sublime performances capture the excitement and anguish of such dangerous liaisons in the era.
8. Corky & Violet – Bound
The Wachowskis made their directorial debut with 1996’s stylish neo-noir “Bound,” which features Corky (Gina Gershon), an ex-con who gets involved with her neighbor Violet (Jennifer Tilly), who is mobster Caesar’s girlfriend. Violet makes her move on Corky in a campy yet white-hot scene by showing off a provocative tattoo.
“I’m trying to seduce you.”
7. Louisa Cortez, Tenoch Iturbide & Julio Zapata – Y Tu Mamá También
In Alfonso Cuarón’s coming-of-age road trip movie “Y Tu Mamá También,” best friends Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael García Bernal) embark on a wild adventure across Mexico with an older woman named Louisa (Maribel Verdú), who seduces them both. Their mutual attraction bubbles to the surface in an intimate, languid three-way encounter that blurs the lines between friendship and romance.
6. Ennis Del Mar & Jack Twist – Brokeback Mountain
Ang Lee’s 2005 Oscar-winning drama “Brokeback Mountain” depicts the secret 20-year love affair between cowboys Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). When Jack first makes a move on Ennis while in their tent, the passion ignites with lightning speed in a moment that shocks yet feels inevitable given the pair’s simmering connection.
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
5. Monica Wright & Quincy McCall – Love & Basketball
In Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2000 film “Love & Basketball,” next door neighbors Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) have undeniable chemistry on and off the basketball courts ever since childhood. When they finally act on their feelings in high school, their first encounter eschews raunchiness for a stirring tenderness befitting young love.
4. Noah Calhoun & Allie Hamilton – The Notebook
In the 2004 romantic drama “The Notebook” adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ novel, Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) find their way back to each other years after a summer love affair. When Noah confronts Allie about why she never wrote him back and the truth comes out, they share an emotionally overflowing kiss in the rain representing years of passion and regret finally uncorked.
“It wasn’t over… still isn’t over.”
3. Robbie Turner & Cecilia Tallis – Atonement
In Joe Wright’s 2007 WWII drama “Atonement,” based on Ian McEwan’s novel, forbidden love threatens to tear apart the Tallis family. When Cecilia (Keira Knightley) first consummates her romance with housekeeper Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) in the family library, the long-simmering attraction between the pair boils over with lusty urgency.
2. Sam Wheat & Molly Jensen – Ghost
The iconic love scene in the 1990 romantic fantasy film “Ghost” makes memorable use of a pottery wheel. After finally reconnecting with his grieving partner Molly (Demi Moore), murdered banker Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze), now a ghost stuck between worlds, gets Molly worked up at her pottery station, leading to some paranormal passion, with The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” setting the mood.
“I love you. Ditto.”
1. Jack Dawson & Rose DeWitt Bukater – Titanic
James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster film “Titanic” depicts the ill-fated vessel sinking through the eyes of working class artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and upper crust socialite Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet). After escaping Rose’s arrogant fiancé, the pair steam up a car window in passionate coitus as “My Heart Will Go On” swells. This scene steams and drips with lust, launching “King of the World ‘ Jack and Rose into cinema immortality.
There you have it – 10 movie couples whose on-screen love and desire leaps off the screen in memorable fashion, captivating our hearts through the ages. What other romantic scenes stand out in your mind as all-time greats? Let me know in the comments,