By Susan Granger
With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, let’s recall some of Hollywood’s most memorable smooching scenes.
A recent study reported that “Iconic movie kiss scenes have captured public interest far beyond their original release, with Google data showing how these moments continue to resonate with audiences. Even years later, the emotional power of these kisses often outshines a movie’s box-office success or critical reception. These unforgettable kisses have become cultural touchpoints, proving that a single scene can keep a film relevant and beloved long after it leaves theaters.”
- Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” (2002) ranks first with the highest Google search volume, IMDB rating and box-office success – as Kirsten Dunst shares a rainy upside-down kiss with Tobey McGuire
- “La La Land” (2016) comes in second, as Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling sing and dance during the planetarium sequence.
- “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) places third, recalling the tender kiss between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal – one of the most defining cinematic portrayals of homosexuality.
- “500 Days of Summer” (2009) celebrates the bittersweet kiss between Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel.
- “Titanic” (1997) is best known for the classic kiss between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet at the doomed ship’s bow.
- “Call Me By Your Name” (2017) features a passionate kiss between Timothee Chalamet and Arnie Hammer.
- “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) pairs Keira Knightley with Matthew Mcfadyen in the screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel.
- “Pretty Woman” (1990) with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere scores as a classic romantic comedy.
- “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015) makes the simple kiss saucier as Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan explore sexuality even further.
My favorite is “From Here to Eternity” which caused a scandal back in 1953 as Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster locked lips on the beach in Hawaii.
Of course, one cannot forget canine kissing in Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (1955) as the lovable dogs share a string of spaghetti before locking lips. And in “The Godfather, Part II” (1974), Al Pacino delivers the ominous “kiss of death” after he realizes his brother’s betrayal.
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Susan Granger
Westport resident Susan Granger grew up in Hollywood, studied journalism with Pierre Salinger at Mills College and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with highest honors in Journalism. In addition to writing for newspapers and magazines, she has appeared on radio and television as an anchorwoman and movie critic for many years. Read all her reviews at susangranger.com.
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