The Most Unforgettable Kisses: Reliving the Magic of MTV Movie & TV Awards’ Best Kiss Moments

For decades, the MTV Movie & TV Awards (formerly known as the MTV Movie Awards) has been a unique staple in the entertainment landscape, celebrating cinematic and television achievements with an unconventional, fan-focused approach. Among its most beloved and iconic categories, the “Best Kiss” award stands out as a true testament to chemistry, passion, and the indelible moments that captivate audiences worldwide. Unlike traditional awards that often focus on dramatic performances or technical prowess, Best Kiss shines a spotlight on the raw, emotional connection between characters, making it a fan-favorite event year after year.

Since its inception, the Best Kiss award has not just acknowledged great on-screen smooches; it has often delivered unforgettable live moments, with winners frequently recreating their celebrated embraces on stage. These spontaneous and sometimes playful reenactments have become a highlight of the ceremony, offering viewers a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and a glimpse into the undeniable chemistry that often extends beyond the silver screen. From the steamy and dramatic to the sweet and tender, these award-winning kisses have etched themselves into pop culture history.

While countless kisses have graced the MTV stage over the years, some moments shine brighter than the rest, becoming instant classics that fans revisit time and again. These are the top kiss moments that transcend the awards ceremony itself, living on in collective memory as definitive examples of on-screen romance and fan adoration. Prepare to journey back through some of the most memorable embraces that have ever won the coveted golden popcorn trophy.

The Unparalleled Chemistry of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling (The Notebook)

There’s one Best Kiss moment from the MTV Movie Awards that consistently ranks above all others, a truly iconic event that has set the gold standard for all subsequent winners: Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling’s legendary kiss at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards. The two stars of the beloved romantic drama, The Notebook, had not only delivered an on-screen romance that tugged at every heartstring but were also famously dating in real life at the time, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement for fans.

The Notebook, released in 2004, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, revered for its epic love story, poignant dialogue, and, most notably, its breathtaking rain-soaked kiss. This particular scene, where Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) passionately reunite in the pouring rain, is often cited as one of the greatest kisses in cinematic history. The raw emotion, the undeniable chemistry, and the sheer cinematic beauty of that moment resonated deeply with audiences, making it a clear frontrunner for the Best Kiss award.

When their names were called as the winners, the energy in the auditorium was palpable. Fans knew what they wanted, and Rachel and Ryan were ready to deliver. As they made their way to the stage, Rachel, then 38, playfully removed her blazer, a knowing nod to the impending recreation. Ryan, 36, cemented his heartthrob status with a simple yet incredibly swoon-worthy gesture, motioning for Rachel to come to him. What followed was a moment of pure, unadulterated cinematic magic brought to life.

Rachel launched herself into Ryan’s arms, wrapping her legs around him in a passionate embrace that mirrored their iconic movie scene. They kissed with an intensity and genuine affection that sent waves through the audience and reverberated across the globe. It was more than just an on-stage peck; it was a full-blown, passionate reunion that perfectly encapsulated the magic of their on-screen romance and their real-life connection. Even after all these years, that kiss remains the benchmark for authenticity and passion, forever solidifying its place as the single best Best Kiss moment in MTV history.

See More Hottest Best Kiss Moments At MTV Movie Awards

The Playful Teases of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart (Twilight Saga)

While Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling set an impossibly high bar, Robert Pattinson, 30, and Kristen Stewart, 27, certainly gave them a run for their money with their series of unforgettable, and often playfully frustrating, “almost” kisses. As the stars of the wildly popular Twilight Saga, their on-screen romance as Edward Cullen and Bella Swan captivated a generation, and their real-life relationship (dubbed “Robsten” by fans) only intensified the public’s fascination.

The Twilight Saga, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels, became a global phenomenon, and the intense, supernatural romance between vampire Edward and human Bella was at its heart. The anticipation for any on-screen kiss between the two was immense, and their off-screen dynamic only fueled the frenzy. Their repeated wins for Best Kiss across multiple films in the franchise became a running gag and a highly anticipated segment of the MTV Movie Awards.

When the Twilight couple first won for Best Kiss in 2009 for the original movie, Robsten playfully teased the audience with an almost kiss that left everyone wanting more. Rob leaned in, Kristen hesitated, and they ultimately pulled away, much to the delight and collective groan of their adoring fans. This clever, self-aware approach set the tone for their subsequent wins. Even though they didn’t quite lock lips, their palpable chemistry and the playful suspense were undeniable, proving that sometimes, the build-up is just as thrilling as the climax.

The following year, after winning for The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the tease continued. Rob tried to go in for a kiss, but he was once again denied by KStew, who playfully shied away. This recurring motif became a signature of their Best Kiss acceptances, solidifying their status as masters of anticipation and fan engagement. Each year, viewers tuned in, wondering if this would be the year “Robsten” would finally deliver the full on-stage kiss they craved.

RPattz and KStew won again for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, but this time, Rob decided to switch things up entirely. In a moment of pure MTV-style unpredictability, he ran into the audience and planted a hot kiss on his co-star, Taylor Lautner, 25, who played the werewolf Jacob Black, Edward’s romantic rival. The unexpected bromance kiss sent shockwaves through the audience, adding another layer to the Robsten legacy and cementing their awards ceremony moments as truly iconic and unforgettable. This daring move showcased the lighthearted and often irreverent spirit of the MTV Movie Awards, proving that the Best Kiss could be much more than just a boy-meets-girl scenario.

Other Iconic Kisses That Made History

Over the years, the MTV Movie & TV Awards has celebrated many more on-screen kisses that transcended their films and became memorable moments in their own right, with several winners boldly locking lips on stage. These moments contribute to the rich tapestry of the award’s history, showcasing a diverse range of romantic and even comedic chemistry.

One of the earliest and most groundbreaking Best Kiss moments came in 2000, when Sarah Michelle Gellar, 40, and Selma Blair, 44, won for their steamy and culturally significant kiss in the film Cruel Intentions. Their on-stage recreation of the famous scene, where Kathryn Merteuil (Gellar) teaches Cecile Caldwell (Blair) how to kiss, was both iconic and daring. The original kiss in the film was praised for its bold portrayal of female sexuality and its subversion of traditional romantic tropes, making its on-stage reprise a powerful statement about its lasting impact.

Another unforgettable on-stage kiss occurred in 2008, when Step Up 2: The Streets co-stars Briana Evigan, 30, and Robert Hoffman, 36, shared a hot kiss after winning the award. Their film was celebrated for its high-energy dance sequences and the electric chemistry between its leads, which clearly translated to their acceptance speech. Their enthusiastic and passionate embrace on stage proved that their on-screen connection was just as strong in real life, much to the delight of their fans.

Beyond these, the Best Kiss category has honored a wide array of memorable moments. From Jason Biggs and Seann William Scott’s hilarious kiss in American Pie 2 to Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen’s outrageous and unscripted smooch for Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, the award has always embraced the full spectrum of what a “best kiss” can entail. It celebrates not just romantic love, but also comedic timing, unexpected connections, and boundary-pushing portrayals of intimacy. Each winner contributes to the award’s unique legacy, reflecting the changing landscape of pop culture and the enduring power of a truly great kiss.

The Enduring Appeal of the Best Kiss Award

The MTV Movie & TV Awards’ Best Kiss category is more than just an accolade; it’s a cultural barometer, reflecting the desires and fascinations of movie and TV audiences. It celebrates the moments that make us swoon, laugh, or even gasp, reminding us of the powerful role that intimacy plays in storytelling. Whether it’s the epic romance of Noah and Allie, the playful tension of Edward and Bella, or the groundbreaking moment between Kathryn and Cecile, these kisses resonate because they tap into universal human experiences of connection and desire.

The award’s unique approach, often encouraging winners to recreate their magic on stage, transforms a simple acceptance speech into a memorable performance. It’s a testament to the interactive nature of the MTV Awards, where fan engagement is paramount, and the lines between fiction and reality often delightfully blur. As new films and TV shows continue to deliver captivating romantic storylines, the Best Kiss award will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering new iconic moments for generations to come.

HollywoodLifers, which Best Kiss moment is your favorite? Which on-stage recreation left the biggest impression on you? Let us know and keep reliving the magic of these unforgettable cinematic embraces!