Watchworthy

The Best Meet-Cutes in Film History 

Ann Casano
Updated June 14, 2019 7k votes 1k voters 53.4k views 25 items

List Rules Vote up the cutest movie moments where a couple meets for the first time in a fun and quirky way.

Legendary film critic Roger Ebert described the meet-cute quite simply as “when boy meets girl in a cute way.” A meet-cute is a convention, mostly used in movies, that sets up a situation where two potential lovers have a memorable first meeting. The situation is usually awkward, funny, ironic, and/or embarrassing. They are often the most romantic moments in movies. The first scene in which the couple meets always puts the romance in motion. These are the best meet-cutes in film history.

The meet-cute appears in many different genres, however, it’s mostly found in romantic comedies. Often times, the future lovebirds in question are polar opposites. Vivian (Julia Roberts) is a hooker with a heart of gold in Pretty Woman. Edward (Richard Gere) is a wealthy and uptight businessman who basically chops-up companies in the name of the mighty dollar.

Of course, in most circumstances, Edward would not consort with the likes of Vivian. But he’s lost in Los Angeles, in a car he doesn’t know how to drive. The pair meet-cute on the streets of Hollywood, and Vivian is able to safely bring the big-time businessman back to his hotel. It’s an awkward and uncomfortable situation, but it successfully launches the pair’s unforgettable relationship.

There are many different ways for a couple to meet-cute in movies. Maybe the pair doesn't instantly connect. Maybe they start out hating each other. Maybe there’s some sort of accident. Maybe someone needs to be saved. The meet-cute is a Hollywood standard and many of the best relationships in film have featured the trope.

Be sure to vote up the meet-cute scenes - that kicked off some of the cutest movie romances - you think are the best below!
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1
When Harry Met Sally... ... is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list The Best Meet-Cutes in Film History
Photo: flickr/CC0
Some of the best meet-cutes in film center around a couple not liking each other the first time they meet. That's the case in When Harry Met Sally. The title characters share a ride to New York City after college. They spend the hours disagreeing on virtually everything. Years pass until they run into each other again, and finally become friends.
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2
50 First Dates is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list The Best Meet-Cutes in Film History
Photo: Metaweb/GNU Free Documentation License
Henry (Adam Sandler) spots Lucy (Drew Barrymore) at a diner, as she builds a house out of waffles. Henry asks if he can fix the door of the house (it's a great line). Unfortunately for them, Lucy has short term memory loss and will totally forget meeting Henry by the next morning. So, in a lot of ways, 50 First Dates is a collection of meet-cutes.
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3
Singin' in the Rain is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list The Best Meet-Cutes in Film History
Photo: Metaweb/CC-BY
Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is a huge movie star racing through the city streets attempting to outrun his crazed fans. He hops into a convertible with Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) behind the wheel. Instead of showering Don with the adoration that he is used to, Kathy calls him a talentless hack.
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4
Titanic is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list The Best Meet-Cutes in Film History
Photo:  Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Rose (Kate Winslet) is a wealthy first-class passenger aboard the Titanic. Her family insists that she marry Cal (Billy Zane) in order to get them out of financial ruin. Rose is distraught; she doesn't love Cal. She climbs to the ship's stern with the idea of jumping off and committing suicide. She is saved when Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), a penniless dreamer, talks her from the ledge. Saving someone's life is not a bad way to make a good first impression.
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