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!- Photo:
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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.Was this adorable?- Photo:
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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.Was this adorable?- 1Meg Ryan45 Votes
- 2Lisa Jane Persky33 Votes
- 3Billy Crystal31 Votes
- 4Carrie Fisher28 Votes
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Audiences wait the entire duration of the movie for Sam (Tom Hanks) and Annie (Meg Ryan) to finally meet-cute at the Empire State Building a la An Affair to Remember.Was this adorable?- 1Tom Hanks32 Votes
- 2Bill Pullman23 Votes
- 3Rob Reiner20 Votes
- 4Rita Wilson37 Votes
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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.Was this adorable?- Photo:
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Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is the most famous movie star in the world. While visiting London, she goes into a small book store, where the owner, William Thacker (Hugh Grant), recognizes her. He nervously talks way too much to the annoyed celebrity, who just wants to remain anonymous. In a later scene, Williams bumps into Anna and spills orange juice all over the front of her white shirt. The happy accident brings Anna to William's apartment, where that Hugh Grant charm begins to work its magic.Was this adorable?- 1Julia Roberts22 Votes
- 2Hugh Grant22 Votes
- 3Rhys Ifans17 Votes
- 4Hugh Bonneville17 Votes
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Imagine you're shopping at Bloomingdale's. You spy the perfect pair of black cashmere gloves. As you reach for them, the man or woman of your dreams is also going after the same pair of gloves. Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) share a fleeting moment of romance, but they're both involved with other people. They decide to tempt fate to see if they will meet up again in the future.Was this adorable?- 1Eugene Levy9 Votes
- 2Kate Beckinsale30 Votes
- 3John Corbett22 Votes
- 4Molly Shannon17 Votes
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