11 Best Kisses in Disney History, Ranked

Disney is known as much for its adventurous storytelling as it is for its love stories. These are the top Disney kisses, ranked!

When it comes to romantic pieces of animation, no other studio has quite a grasp on the concept like Disney. For whether rendered in CGI or hand-drawn to perfect, these sequences can range from the most simplistic acts of affection to the truest symbols of love.

But which of these animated kisses from Walt Disney Animation make our heart's race the most? Which has left the biggest pop culture impact? Well, grab your most whimsical lip balm and let's examine a ranking of the 10 best kisses in Disney Animation's history.

11 Anna and Kristoff's First Kiss (Frozen)

Up until this point, Anna and Kristoff have been dancing around their feelings for one another. But when Kristoff tells Anna he "could kiss" her after receiving a wonderful present from the princess, the sparks between them finally begin to sync in the most adorable of ways.

Anna and Kristoff are easily one of the most modern of Disney couples and share one of the similarly most modern of animated smooches. This scene perfectly showcases the cute yet awkward energy between them, while also representing how caring and respectful of a partner Kristoff can be.

10 Aurora and Philip's Spell Breaking Kiss (Sleeping Beauty)

Having just defeated the terrifying Maleficent, Prince Philip has one more task to check off of his list - awake Princess Aurora from her sleeping curse. And though climbing the staircase and giving a kiss might sound simple on paper, it is the elegance featured in this scene that makes such an act utterly beautiful.

Though many of the first Disney animated features have memorable kisses, none of them are as enchanting as this spell breaking one. For not only is it a crucial plot point, it produced one of the most iconic images in all of Disney's animated history - one that even inspired an adorable marriage proposal!

9 Aladdin and Jasmine's First Kiss (Aladdin)

Right from the beginning, Aladdin and Jasmine had a chemistry that was off the charts - a fact that clearly needed help from a magic carpet to fully flourish their romantic possibilities. And with that simple push, audiences got one of the sweetest animated smooches in Disney's legacy.

But what really makes this kiss so precious are the reactions between the lovebirds. Up until this point, most Disney on-screen kisses had been towards the end of the story. But in this sequence, we get to witness the progression of Aladdin and Jasmine's relationship, including the twinkle in their eye's post-kiss.

8 Esmeralda and Phoebus' First Kiss (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Though maybe they aren't the most iconic of couples, Esmeralda and Phoebus certainly have some of the best animated chemistry in any Disney movie. And when they finally get to share their first kiss, the sparks between them were flying crazier than the flames in Frollo's fireplace.

Yet what puts this sequence on the list isn't because of the kiss itself, but rather Quasimodo's relatable reaction to the act. Romantic jealousy is a common emotion in Disney film's prior to Hunchback, but none of them have had quite as much earnest heartbreak like this scene features - hitting audiences right in the most vulnerable of cinematic spots.

7 Rapunzel and Flynn's First Kiss (Tangled)

When you have the kind of chemistry shared by Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (aka Eugene), it can be impossible not to kiss each other. Yet after a near-death situation, these two finally sealed the romantic deal with one of the most tender kisses.

What makes this particular scene so enchanting is not just the kiss, but these two connect during it. The glances they give speak volumes to their affections towards each other. And when Rapunzel pulls Eugene in for the smooch, its the perfect symbol of their quirky relationship.

6 Tiana and Naveen's Transformative Kiss (Princess and the Frog)

Love can come out of various scenarios, and in Tiana and Naveen's case, it took them going through a transformative frog journey to develop their romance. But when they finally realize their feelings for each other, and cement it with a kiss/magical marriage, their love breaks their amphibian spell in the most enchanting of ways.

This particular scene is everything a Disney kiss should be - it resolves the conflict, has all of the sparkles one could ask for, and features absolutely stunning animation from beginning to end. And when you combine that with the genuine love felt between these two individuals, it makes it all the better.

5 Pocahontas and John Smith's Dramatic Kiss (Pocahontas)

If there was one Disney kiss that sparks the most drama, it would easily be the first one shared between Pocahontas and John Smith. Why? Because it leads to death, tears, and most importantly, one of the greatest screams in animation history (thanks to Kocoum.)

But when pushing the results of this kiss to the side, what really sells the scene is the music by Alan Menken. Shifting the love theme of Pocahontas and John Smith together into one of the most intense scores heard in a Disney film, you feel the emotions through all of the characters - the love, the jealousy, and the anger - all rolled into one insane sequence.

4 Hercules and Megara's First Kiss (Hercules)

From the moment they met, Hercules and Megara had a connection straight out of a 40's screwball comedy. But it is the vulnerability they share with each other that makes them one of the greatest Disney couples of all time, and produces a kiss for the ages.

From Hercules declaration of love to Megara pulling him in (showing his weakness towards her charms), you can feel the affection between these two radiating off the screen. And when the score kicks in and they pull each other close, it makes for one beautiful bit of cinematic romance.

3 Tarzan and Jane's Finale Kiss (Tarzan)

When looking through the collection of passionate Disney moments, it is hard to dismiss Tarzan and Jane's. For not only was the romantic tension between irresistible, but they're one of the few Disney relationships to blossom at a believable pace - resulting in one of the best animated kisses.

But the best element is Jane's reaction. It's easy to relate to wanting to kiss someone so bad that you just go for it. So when you finally do, it feels like you're floating on a cloud. And when you're pulled in by a handsome gent like Tarzan (even if his family is watching), its hard to resist a continuation of said smooch.

2 Lady and Tramp's Pasta Kiss (Lady and the Tramp)

When audiences talk about the greatest kisses in pop culture, this one is easily towards the top. But what makes it so enchanting? Well, like many other entries on this list, its all about the combination of emotional storytelling and wonderful animation producing absolute cinematic magic.

Up until this point, Lady and Tramp have had quite the bumpy road. But in this moment, this unlikely duo realize the spark between over a bowl of pasta. And whether you're a dog or not, its impossible to deny the romantic energy of a beautiful moon, some delicious food, and the one you love.

1 Belle and Beast's Post-Transformation Kiss (Beauty and the Beast)

In the past, Disney kisses had been simple - a small peck or at best a gentle smooch. But when you have a story as romantic as Beauty and the Beast, you can't have just a basic kiss as the representation of the titular couple's relationship.  It has to be as grand as their tale is - and Disney delivered on that, big time.

But what makes this the greatest of them all is the passion between Belle and (the now human) Beast. From the soft glances to the gentle touches of their hair, you believe in the warmth between these two. And when Belle looks into the familiar eyes of the man who stands before her, its easy to fall under the spell of their love.

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