Ah, the kiss. That curious ritual of pressing lips together, exchanging breath, and sharing a moment of intimate connection—complete with the subtle exchange of saliva and the delicate dance of teeth and tongues. It may sound a bit unappealing when described so clinically, yet it remains one of the most cherished and timeless acts of romance. In fact, the average person spends approximately two weeks of their life engaged in this tender gesture.
But which kisses have transcended the ordinary and etched themselves into history as truly iconic? Let’s delve into the top ten most famous kisses that have captured hearts and imaginations across the ages. Get ready to explore these unforgettable moments of love and passion.
1. Spider-man Upside-Down Kiss
How many young boys (and men) have lived out their fantasies watching Spider-Man swing through the streets of New York City? Adding to those fantasies was the iconic upside-down kiss between Spider-Man and Mary Jane, portrayed by Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. This kiss was particularly memorable because it involved a superhero and the charmingly quirky Mary Jane, played by Dunst, who, despite her unconventional beauty, looked stunning in that scene. The rain and a wet t-shirt only added to the allure, making it a truly original and thrilling cinematic kiss.
2. The Betrayal Kiss of Judas
Judas Iscariot infamously used a kiss to betray Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Paid by the high priest Caiaphas with 30 pieces of silver, Judas identified Jesus to the authorities, leading to his arrest, condemnation, and eventual crucifixion. In Christian belief, Jesus’s death served as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of humanity, marking the foundation of Christianity.
3. Sleeping Beauty, the Kiss of Awakening
The iconic kiss in the timeless fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty” first appeared in Charles Perrault’s 1697 version, “La Belle au Bois Dormant.” Previous renditions of the story depicted a less heroic prince who, in some versions, committed a violent act before leaving the scene. Thankfully, later adaptations transformed the narrative into the more familiar and romantic tale we know today.
In Perrault’s version, benevolent fairies intervene to change the curse on Princess Aurora from death to a deep sleep, from which she can only be awakened by true love’s kiss. This climactic and romantic moment has since become a symbol of love’s power to overcome adversity and awaken new beginnings.
4. Sexual Harassment Kiss
In 1996, a six-year-old named Johnathan Prevette, a first-grade student in North Carolina, innocently kissed a classmate on the cheek. His teacher reported the incident to Principal Lisa Horne, who inexplicably ordered him to spend the day in detention. While this response was widely criticized as excessive, it wasn’t what made this kiss famous.
The incident gained notoriety after Johnathan’s mother shared their story on a local radio show. The public outcry was swift, leading to widespread media coverage and even prompting the U.S. Department of Education to revise its guidelines on sexual harassment to exclude innocent kisses among young children. This revision was seen by many as an overreach of bureaucratic authority.
In defense of Johnathan, he clarified that the kiss was initiated at the girl’s request, adding a layer of innocence to the controversy.
5. Life Magazine VJ-Day Kiss
One of the most renowned kisses captured on film is believed by many to be the iconic V-J Day kiss in New York City’s Times Square. Taken on V-J Day, the photo swiftly adorned newspapers worldwide, symbolizing a dawn of peace, love, and hope for a new era. However, the reality behind the image is less romantic: the sailor in the photo was actually kissing multiple women in the square, and the nurse dental assistant slapped him for his inappropriate behavior.
Photographed by Alfred Eisenstaedt, this moment has since become ingrained in cultural memory. Commemorating this historic kiss, sculptures can be found in both Sarasota, Florida, and Times Square itself.
6. Museum Kiss valued at $1,260
In 1977, Ruth van Herpen visited an art museum in Oxford, England, where she committed an unusual act—she kissed a white monochrome painting by Jo Baer. Unfortunately, her gesture left a noticeable lipstick smear, prompting the museum to demand she pay $1,260 for restoration costs. Ruth defended her action, describing it as an attempt to “cheer up” the “cold” artwork. However, many viewed her act as nothing short of art vandalism.
7. The Kiss – Sculpture by Francois Auguste Rodin
Rodin’s sculpture “The Kiss” draws inspiration from the passionate love story of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta. Originally conceived as part of Rodin’s monumental work, “The Gates of Hell,” which adorned a bronze portal commissioned for a Parisian art museum, the embracing couple was eventually removed. Rodin felt they did not quite fit the chaotic and somber narrative of “The Gates of Hell,” and thus singled them out to create a standalone masterpiece.
Describing his sculpture, Rodin emphasized its completeness and its deliberate separation from its original context: “The Kiss” exists independently, yet still evokes the intense emotions and themes of love and passion that permeate the broader narrative of “The Gates of Hell.”
8. First Homosexual Kiss on Screen
Peter Finch and Murray Head made history with the first homosexual kiss on the silver screen in the 1971 film “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” directed by John Schlesinger. Initially, the scene was intended to be just an embrace, but during a director’s screening, someone—an unexpected critic—screamed in protest, much to Schlesinger’s surprise. It turned out to be Finch’s wife. When asked about the kiss later, Finch famously quipped, “I did it for England.”
9. First Kiss on Film
In 1896, Thomas Edison captured the first on-screen kiss in cinematic history. The film, appropriately titled “The Kiss,” featured actors John C. Rice and May Irwin. Lasting less than 30 seconds, this landmark moment was originally filmed for exhibition in nickelodeons, marking a significant milestone in the early days of motion pictures.
10. MTV Kiss
At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Madonna electrified audiences with their performance of “Like a Virgin.” The climax of the act saw Britney and Madonna sharing a French kiss, while Madonna also exchanged a less provocative kiss with Christina. It was a bold moment that certainly overshadowed the rest of the awards show, creating a lasting spectacle that their children are bound to hear about for years to come.
