It’s fine to be here for the plot — really! But so many of the greatest series, movies, and songs drive home a single message: Love makes life worth living. So no one could ever really blame you for being here exclusively for the romance, especially if you’re watching and waiting for your favorite characters to kiss.
If it were up to Harry Styles, the couples on this list would Kiss All the Time (and Disco, Occasionally). The global star, whose first live performance of his new album streams on Netflix March 8, sings a lot about love. It’s the thing that keeps us Together, Together and what has us hooked on our favorite romantic tales.
You can learn more about Harry Styles. One Night in Manchester. on Tudum. But if you’re looking to dive into a love story that will give you all the feels and leave you wanting more than a first kiss, think of this as a sort of cheat sheet to know exactly when that first toe-tingling smooch will make it to the screen.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best first kisses you can stream now. To save you some angst, we’ll let you know where you can skip to see them (you’re welcome), but also why they’re worth the wait. (Just tread carefully if you want to avoid spoilers.) Pucker up and press play.
The couple: Lee Su-hyeok and Choi Nam-ra
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 7
Why we burned for them: Tell us true love doesn’t exist after watching Su-hyeok tie himself to Nam-ra after she gets bitten by a zombie. We’ll wait. First, he saves her after she’s caught in the initial outbreak with her headphones on. Then, while the rest of the group is afraid that Nam-ra might turn into a zombie, Su-hyeok’s love for her is so strong that he’s willing to sacrifice his own life to be with her. When they’re sitting next to each other, wrists tied together, the kiss is the cherry on top. If Nam-ra were to turn into a zombie, then at least she knows she was loved by Su-hyeok.
The couple: Anne and Gilbert
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 3, Episode 10
Why we burned for them: When you think of Canada, you may think of maple leaves, hockey and Tim Hortons — but us? We think of Avonlea, home to the finest literary romance between the strong-willed Anne Shirley Cuthbert and level-headed Gilbert Blythe. Like peanut butter and jelly, Anne and Gilbert are meant for each other from the moment they meet. Anne’s outspoken nature often gets her into trouble around town, but Gilbert is always quick to come to her defense, even if he’s frustrated by some of her antics. Though the series deviates from the books in major ways (Gilbert leaves Anne behind to focus on his career! He gets engaged to someone else!), the suspense makes their first kiss that much more special when it finally does happen. It’s as sweet, playful and mischievous as their years-long friendship. Even Anne can’t believe it’s happening, pinching herself as she tells Gilbert, “I have a very good imagination, so I just had to be sure.” Us too, girl; us too.
The couple: Vi and Caitlyn
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 2, Episode 3
Why we burned for them: Arcane’s Vi and Caitlyn take the tactic of feigning lack of interest and annoyance when you’re actually attracted to someone and ramp it up to 100. Caitlyn works on the police force and is from one of the richest families around. She breaks Vi out of prison to help with a case, and Vi’s taunting, gruff nature propels a lot of their relationship. The two butt heads and it seems like they can’t stand each other, but their attraction is undeniable. That all comes to a head in Season 2 when, determined to stop Jinx once and for all, Caitlyn recruits Vi to help. Vi, seeming to accept that her sister is gone forever, acquiesces, and tearfully tells Caitlyn, “Everyone in my life has changed. Promise me you won’t change.” The dam breaks, and they finally kiss, much to everyone’s relief after their almost-kiss so long ago.
The couple: Casey and Izzie
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 3, Episode 7
Why we burned for them: Our sincerest apologies to Evan, but the second Casey nervously introduces herself on the Clayton Prep quad — only for Izzie to swiftly and coldly put her in her place — it’s obvious these two are meant to be. In more ways than one, Izzie’s the first person to challenge Casey, and as their rivalry slowly turns into a close friendship, Casey becomes the first person to really get to know Izzie, fears, flaws and all. The way Izzie holds her breath when Casey says that sometimes a thing feels, “like, so right” in the Season 2 finale? Emmy-worthy. Several episodes into Season 3, they finally seal the deal while Casey’s on a midnight run. Unfortunately, Casey and Evan are technically still together, but the characters in Atypical aren’t perfect — and sometimes a ship just feels, like, so right.
The couple: Yorkie and Kelly
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 3, “San Junipero”
Why we burned for them: When Yorkie, a shy girl who keeps to herself, meets Kelly, a vivacious partier who loves to dance, the sparks fly from the moment they spot each other. Like any Black Mirror episode, “San Junipero” is a big mind game with diverging twists that end up somehow clicking together. But the constant through line here is the pull these two have toward each other. Yorkie has never experienced physical affection, so the moment she and Kelly finally kiss feels really meaningful, even though they haven’t known each other long. And though their story only lasts for one episode, it’s compelling enough for viewers to really root for them to make it.
The couple: Daphne and Simon
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 4
Why we burned for them: How could we not feature the couple that basically invented the concept of burning for someone? The rakish Duke of Hastings and Diamond of the Season first come together to avoid the gossipmongers of the ton, but their “fake dating” relationship eventually develops into a passion that can no longer be denied. Just as Daphne is about to get engaged to a prince at a ball, she and Simon find themselves in the garden outside the party and can’t restrain their yearning anymore, giving just a hint of what’s to come later in their steamy honeymoon montage.
The couple: Sabrina and Nick
When they sealed it with a kiss: Part 2, Episode 2
Why we burned for them: Even though many fans probably expected they’d just be shipping Sabrina and Harvey, warlock Nicholas Scratch is the appealingly dark, bad boy sitting on the sidelines, waiting to swoop in. And while Sabrina feels loyal to her human friends, the draw that Nick has on her is hard to ignore. After more than a dozen episodes of flirting and pushing away her very obvious feelings for Nick, the two finally kiss in a play about Satan’s origins, with Nick as the ex-archangel Lucifer Morningstar and Sabrina as Lilith. Their kiss is very obviously one of those “this isn’t supposed to be real, but it clearly feels real” type of kisses, and it definitely shakes things up for Sabrina’s love life. Not only is there an enraptured audience, but Sabrina and Nick are stunned by how it feels as well.
The couple: Sam and Miguel
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 7
Why we burned for them: It’s hard not to want to root for an underdog like Miguel. He gets picked on by the bigger guys at school and just wants a role model to look up to. When Sam comes into his orbit, he’s completely thrown off, despite her being out of his league. You want Miguel to gain some confidence so he can win the girl and swing back at his bullies. As the two strike up a friendship, it’s no surprise which direction their relationship will take. Their first kiss at the fair is sweet and innocent — and you know Daniel and Johnny are going to lose it when they find out.
The couple: Sam and Robby
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 2, Episode 7
Why we burned for them: You’re either Team Miguel or Team Robby. Whichever heartthrob you’re rooting for, there’s no denying that Sam’s easily drawn to damaged boys. After breaking up with Miguel and training with Robby at Miyagi-Do, the two friends promise to keep their relationship platonic. After all, Robby is living with the LaRussos, and any inkling of romance would make things awkward. With forbidden love comes built-up tension, and when Sam and Robby finally kiss, it feels so wrong… but feels so right.
The couple: Son Ye-jin and Captain Ri
When they sealed it with a kiss: Episode 3
Why we burned for them: He’s a hunky North Korean army captain. She’s an uptight South Korean CEO who literally crashes into his lap and becomes his responsibility. The two seemingly have nothing in common, and let their stubbornness get in the way of forming a real connection. But then comes a dire situation: The two are about to be found hiding in the hull of a boat as he tries to smuggle her across the border. So Captain Ri decides on a very serious strategy. “In South Korean dramas, there’s a trick the protagonists use to hide their intentions,” he says, steeling himself as the guard opens the door. The kiss is swift and determined (squeal), but the rest of us know what this means. The story of these star-crossed lovers is finally taking flight, and we can’t wait to see where they land.
The couple: Nadia and Guzmán
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 2, Episode 3
Why we burned for them: What started out as a bet turns into a genuine love story between Nadia and Guzmán. Guzmán may have leaned on Lu after the death of his sister, but Nadia is always the one who sees into his soul. And at the Red Party hosted by the Las Encinas crowd’s favorite club, Nadia and Guzmán finally lose their inhibitions and give in to the blinding lights of their love. Their climactic kiss has been such a long time coming that Guzmán has to take a step back, in a state of disbelief that it’s really happening.
The couple: Gabriel and Emily
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 4
Why we burned for them: Emily’s enviable move to Paris isn’t quite la vie en rose that she expected. But a few things make up for it: stunning views, delicious food — and the even more delicious chef who lives downstairs. The sexual tension between them is palpable from the start, but Emily doesn’t want to make her life any more complicated. It isn’t until the Chicagoan’s boss, Sylvie, urges her to do so that Emily runs back (with a classic, “Did you forget something?” “Yes.”) and she and Gabriel finally kiss. Will there be mess? Yes. C’est la vie.
The couple: Bloom and Sky
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 5
Why we burned for them: Finding out that you’re a fire fairy and catching the eye of the hottest boy at Alfea? If you’re a fan of the original animated series, you already know that Bloom and Sky are an item. In Fate, the question is when the two will finally admit their feelings for each other. So when Sky follows Bloom into the stone circle one evening, we know what’s going to happen next. The flames are burning, and the waterfall is rustling in the background. Sky opens up about how broken he is, so, logically the next step is to seal the trauma with a smooch.
The couple: Joe and Georgia
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 3, Episode 8
Why we burned for them: From the beginning, these two had palpable sexual tension, but Joe and Georgia’s (inevitable) love story runs so much deeper than that. They met as teens and Joe, sensing Georgia’s anxiety and loneliness, offered her half a sandwich, a pair of Ray-Bans, and the kind of thoughtful, friendly conversation she so desperately needed. Fast-forward, and Georgia is facing a murder trial, grappling with her divorce from Paul, and trying to keep her daughter’s pregnancy a secret. Knowing that she’s having a hard time, Joe tracks her down to make sure she’s OK, and they kiss. When Joe apologizes, she refuses to accept, and tells him, “What I love about you is that you never judge me. Don’t start now.” So they kiss again — and again, and again … you get it.
The couple: Dani and Jamie
When they sealed it with a kiss: Episode 6
Why we burned for them: Set in the UK during the ’80s, The Haunting of Bly Manor tells the story of Dani, who accepts a job as an au pair for two kids living at an estate in the countryside. She’s still reeling from the sudden death of her fiancé, who she almost ended things with because she’s secretly queer. But as soon as she lays eyes on Jamie, the gardener with a tough attitude, Dani can’t help herself. They’re coy at first, really just trying to get to know each other despite the weird happenings at the manor. But Jamie is patient with Dani’s past and current fears. They do share a small kiss, only to be scared out of it by Dani’s ghostly ex, but that doesn’t really count. After Jamie shares how she opens up sparingly, Jamie and Dani share their first real kiss, marking the beginning of their romance.
The couple: Charlie and Nick
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 3
Why we burned for them: When Charlie, the only kid who’s out at his school, and Nick, a popular (and seemingly straight) rugby player, become friends, the latter begins to question his own sexuality. Despite their classmates’ intolerance, Nick invites Charlie to attend his buddy’s birthday party. While there, they’re separated, but Nick calls his friends out for being homophobic after they mock Charlie behind his back. And when Nick — bolstered by seeing two girls kiss on the dance floor — finally finds Charlie, he admits to his growing confusion over his own sexuality. Sitting side by side on the floor, they brush hands and lock lips, and — in keeping with the show's animated flourishes — sparks literally fly.
The couple: Bea and Leopold
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 4
Why we burned for them: Bea is a fiercely independent woman who doesn't need a man to solve crimes on the streets of London. Prince Leopold is shy but smart; he’s plagued by hemophilia, boredom, and riches, and looking for a bit of adventure outside the palace walls. The two meet accidentally while Bea is solving a dangerous crime, and Leopold, intrigued by her brashness, convinces Bea to join her crime-solving crew. The rest, as they say, is history. Though Bea doesn’t care about much outside of catching murderers, Leopold cares a lot about her well-being. Leopold boldly makes the first move after Bea decides that she won’t be the one to kiss him first. We love a couple who balance each other out.
The couple: Lucifer and Chloe
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 2, Episode 11
Why we burned for them: Ah, the beauty and the Devil. Fans had been dying for Chloe and Lucifer to kiss ever since Lucifer saved Chloe from dying in the pilot. When it finally arrives in Season 2, it’s a bittersweet miracle — sweet, because it marks the first time the tough detective lowers her walls to the (annoyingly) charismatic Lucifer; bitter, because they don’t officially start dating until Season 5. Is there anything sexier than a budding relationship between a Celestial and a human?
The couple: The Professor and Raquel
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 12
Why we burned for them: As an inspector for the police handling the heist of the Royal Mint of Spain, you’d think Raquel could read between the lines. But that doesn’t stop her from unknowingly falling for the Professor in charge of the robbery via his alias, Salva, whom she meets when he gallantly lends her a phone charger in her time of need. Their relationship is so wrong that when they kiss in the Professor’s makeshift cider warehouse, you can’t help but root for them to work it out. You know, legalities aside.
The couple: Devi and Paxton
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 8
Why we burned for them: The awkward girl falling for the popular boy isn’t a new trope, but Paxton is more than just a jock. It seems like every time Devi is in trouble, he’s there to rescue her. From helping her walk again to saving her from a coyote, Paxton is always at the right place at the right time. Perhaps that’s what makes their first kiss in the car so cinematic. The sexual tension as they sneak looks at each other is palpable, but when Paxton pulls her in for a kiss and the synth beat of “Fire for You” by Cannons drops? It’s almost too hot, but it’s only a taste of what’s to come.
The couple: Devi and Ben
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 10
Why we burned for them: No one expected these scholastic competition rivals to ever lock lips. Perhaps being frenemies masked any attraction they had for each other, or maybe Ben’s hurling insults toward Devi was his way of flirting. Regardless, there’s no denying that the slow buildup to their kiss is a highlight of Season 1. As Devi returns to the car after spreading her dad’s ashes, Ben is fast asleep in the driver’s seat. “You stayed,” Devi says, confused. “Yeah, I just wanted to make sure you were OK,” he replies. It’s this moment that Devi realizes, maybe Ben is hot and considerate? Sorry, Paxton, but this car makeout sesh might’ve one-upped yours.
The couple: Joanne and Noah
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 2
Why we burned for them: Joanne and Noah’s epic first kiss isn’t a long time coming, but it happens at the end of a date that was firmly not a date — at least, that’s what Joanne told herself. The instant chemistry they felt upon meeting at their friend Ashley’s dinner party quickly turns into something more, and after some misunderstandings, the Rabbi and the podcaster’s not-a-date turns flirty over a couple scoops of ice cream. When Joanne suggests they should kiss just to see what it’s like, Noah studies her, instructs her to put her bag down, and lays what Joanne later calls “the single greatest kiss of my entire existence” on her. Who could argue with that? (All of their friends and family, that’s who.)
The couple: John B and Sarah
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 4
Why we burned for them: Ah yes, the classic romance between the kid from the “other side of the tracks” and the rich girl. While Outer Banks is on the whole more of an action/mystery series, John B, the working-class Pogue in this scenario, and Sarah, a Kook who lives in a massive house and has a rich and powerful dad, have a really strong connection. Of course, that connection begins as mutual dislike, but once Sarah decides to help John B and his friends with their treasure hunt, she begins to earn the Pogues’ respect (and John B’s love). After a thrilling adventure together, John B professes his feelings to Sarah, explaining how rare it is to feel so strongly about someone. There’s really nothing quite like a kiss in the rain after a heartfelt speech. But what’s even better? A kiss in the rain that’s meant to shut up the other’s rambling in a lovingly playful and passionate way.
The couple: Andi and Emilia
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 3
Why we burned for them: Rebelde gives us the lay of the land pretty early on. Andi is a quietly edgy drummer; Emilia is Elite Way School’s high-strung queen bee. Both of these characters are constantly cool and confident, unless they’re within three feet of each other. Andi crushes first, but it doesn’t take long for Emilia to reveal her true feelings by interrupting a babbling Andi with a quick kiss (a move that becomes something of her M.O.). As sweet and shocking as the moment is, it has nothing on their most satisfying kiss: In the Season 1 finale, Emilia brings Andi on-stage and kisses her in front of the whole school, proving once and for all that she doesn’t care who knows they’re together. The members of Sin Nombre speak for all of us, basically, by erupting into applause.
The couple: Maeve and Otis
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 3, Episode 5
Why we burned for them: Can you even say “Will they or won’t they?” with these two? Moordale’s foremost sex clinic organizers have been evading actually talking about their feelings for each other for far too long when they are left behind on a school field trip to France. So with nowhere to run, Otis finally reveals what he said in a pivotal voicemail that was deleted before she got to hear it. He loves her, plain and simple. And yeah, Maeve, of course he meant it.
The couple: Cal and Jackson
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 3, Episode 5
Why we burned for them: Like so many great love stories, Cal and Jackson’s connection starts with a friendship — one in which they learn a lot about each other and, in turn, themselves. So when the teens finally share a sweet kiss on the school trip to France — high as kites, but still! — it feels like a giant exhale. More than anything, there’s exciting potential for them to grow even more with each other, and, well, you bloody love to see it.
The couple: The Darkling and Alina
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 5
Why we burned for them: Dark is literally in his name, so Alina knows she’s playing with fire or, rather, her light by getting involved with the Darkling. But he makes this Sun Summoner feel seen and belong like never before — like she’s part of something greater than herself. So you can’t help but applaud when she exerts her agency and steps up to kiss him, much to the Black General’s delight. “Not many people surprise me, Miss Starkov,” he tells her. And just wait until they step even further into the shadows in the Darkling’s war room after that evening’s winter fête.
The couple: Max and Lucas
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 2, Episode 9
Why we burned for them: From the moment Lucas and his friends laid eyes on Max Mayfield and her sick skateboarding moves, they were smitten. But Lucas’s charms win out in the end. After a hard-won battle against the Mind Flayer, the Party attends Hawkins Middle School’s Snow Ball, where Lucas takes a deep breath and gathers the courage to ask Max to dance. Bemused, Max accepts his fumbling invitation (much to Dustin’s disappointment), and they kiss while swaying to the tune of the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.”
The couple: Maggie and Cal
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 8
Why we burned for them: Things are getting heavy in Sullivan’s Crossing by the time these two connect, but before that, Cal invites Maggie on a picnic at his favorite spot to try and encourage her to let someone take care of her for once. Sitting on the rocks by a picturesque waterfall, they bond once again over their messy family situations: Maggie’s parents came from different worlds and Cal’s “nomad” family never understood why he wanted to go to law school. When they spot some people cliff jumping nearby, they join in on the fun, and when they land in the water, they get cozy and share a passionate kiss … up until Maggie gets scared and suggests they should head back. Cue more tension than ever before.
The couple: Sterling and April
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 7
Why we burned for them: For most of Teenage Bounty Hunters, April and Sterling are nemeses, but eventually, things come to a head when April reveals why she’s held a grudge against Sterling for years — and, not too long after, Sterling realizes she’s attracted to April. It all culminates in Sterling spontaneously kissing April in an empty room, panicking and apologizing as April walks toward the door... then locks it and turns back around. It’s a perfect reveal, a perfect kiss, and a perfect Peaches needle drop.
The couple: Lara Jean and Peter
When they sealed it with a kiss: 1:05:40
Why we burned for them: Lara Jean Song Covey and Peter Kavinsky might be the queen and king of the fake dating trope. After weeks of holding hands and flirting in the cafeteria to make Peter’s ex jealous and throw Lara Jean’s other crush off the scent, these two finally admit their feelings for each other while on their school’s annual ski trip. After their vacay gets off on the wrong foot (ski boot?), she joins him in the hot tub, where things get a bit steamy.
The couple: Victor and Valeria
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 4
Why we burned for them: Valeria, feeling trapped in her marriage, uses writing as an outlet to express her greatest and raunchiest desires. But when it seems like her fantasy could become a reality — when she and the object of her daydreams, Victor, get dangerously close to getting together — no novel could capture the electric anticipation pulsing between them. When they kiss for the first time, their insane chemistry transforms into unbridled passion and — lo siento, is it hot in here?
The couple: Mel and Jack
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 8
Why we burned for them: It’s a tale as old as time: A woman (Mel) moves from the big city (Los Angeles) to a small town (Virgin River) and meets a handsome local (bar owner Jack). They’re instantly drawn to each other, but Mel’s still working through the heartbreak of losing her husband, Mark, and Jack is battling his own demons. When a storm rolls through, the townies gather at the bar to stay safe and warm. But after a surprisingly rough day, Jack takes Mel back to the cabin he renovated for her, which he sheepishly admits he did because he knows “how hard it can be to make a fresh start.” Tucked away in Mel’s new “place to call home,” the pair can’t deny their chemistry any longer, and officially start the beginning of their love story.
The couple: Wilhelm and Simon
When they sealed it with a kiss: Season 1, Episode 2
Why we burned for them: Watching any interaction between Wilhelm and Simon feels like falling into a warm hug. Nothing about Wilhelm’s life as a Swedish royal is normal, but around Simon, he gets to be a regular teenager with a crush (complete with hopeful banter, Instagram stalking, and lingering looks). Their first kiss happens just two episodes into Season 1, when Simon follows Wilhelm out of a movie to make sure he’s OK. He gives him a peck of a kiss, and after Wilhelm hesitates, there’s a split-second fear that this could be an angsty moment... before he pulls Simon back and kisses him again. Like many of their moments together, that first kiss is a little awkward — but oh-so-tender.
