The greatest romance anime shows and movies have everything from well-crafted characters to thrilling and emotional stories, as well as the most romantic kisses in anime. These iconic anime kisses are some of the most beloved anime moments of all time that fans have been waiting for a long time, in some cases even for many years.

Anime fans can go on epic adventures while getting fully immersed in some of the most beautiful anime romance stories and even enjoy some of the most thrilling forbidden love romances in anime that made viewers' hearts beat faster. However, what made these kisses truly unforgettable and soul-stirring is that these characters didn't only express their affection towards each other but also confessed their unconditional love and acceptance of each other.

Updated April 7, 2024, by Sarah Prado: No matter what the genre is, a little romance doesn’t hurt. After all, most protagonists benefit from having a supportive partner there to help them. Fans see their favorite characters falling in love, and wait for the day they become a couple. Watching the buildup of feelings can be overwhelming and nail-biting, even aggravating at times. But it’s worth the wait once a kiss happens and the characters become a couple. Watching that first happen is satisfactory and leaves fans swooning from seeing the love the characters have for each other.

15 Yusuke Urameshi & Keiko Yukimura

They Didn't Have Much Time Together, But Made The Moments Count

From episode one, fans knew it was only a matter of time before Yusuke and Keiko became a couple. They’ve been friends since childhood and have remained close since then. Keiko is the classic good girl who gets great grades and is very popular among students, while Yusuke is a delinquent who slacks in school but has a heart of gold. After Yusuke’s death, Keiko was heartbroken and fans saw that their relationship was special to both of them.

Their first kiss was pretty romantic even though it wasn’t in a romantic setting, since Keiko had to rush to save Yusuke. Yet, it still had a lot of emotion behind it. Their second kiss was a little more romantic since they’d been apart for three years. They might not get a lot of romantic moments in the show, but there’s no doubt that Keiko and Yusuke love each other very much.

14 Takeo Goda & Rinko Yamato

Their Kisses Sealed The Deal On Their Relationship

Takeo has never had luck when it comes to love, but all that changes when he meets Rinko. Being complete visual opposites, one would think Rinko would find Takeo intimidating, but she doesn’t. It was love at first sight for both of them, but it wasn’t going to be an easy road ahead. Between Takeo’s insecurities and Rinko defending their relationship to her friends, it was tough for both of them, but they persevered.

After 18 episodes, the two of them finally kiss on Takeo’s birthday. Rinko worked up the courage and kissed him while his eyes were closed and making his birthday wish. Takeo didn’t realize it at first, but quickly rushed to see Rinko after she left, and they shared their second kiss.

13 Gene Starwind & Melfina

A Bumpy Road, But Worth The Wait

It took some time, but it was clear that Gene and Melfina had some special between them. But they had to resolve some issues before even thinking about a relationship. Melfina wanted to learn more about herself and find out why she existed. Gene wanted to find out more information about the Galactic Leyline and constantly fighting off space pirates who want Melfina.

Once they reach the Leyline, Melfina is taken away and Gene dies in his fight against Hazanko, but is revived in the heart of the Leyline. Melfina, being a part of the Leyline, offers to grant Gene any wish he wants, but Gene says he just wants to be with her and they share their first kiss. It was worth the wait and fans felt their love for each other when it finally happened.

12 Kirito & Asuna

A Power Couple Is Born

If there’s one thing that’s remained consistent in Sword Art Online, it's the strength of Kirito and Asuna’s relationship. The two of them started off as partners and fought together in the game. It’s clear that there’s something between the two of them, but they were focused on advancing further in the game to find a way out. They made a great pair and many people in the game knew about them.

Their first kiss happened after their guildmate, Kuradeel, betrayed and tried to kill them. Fans rejoiced, and a power couple was born. Their relationship moves quickly after this, but they have remained strong and loyal to each other since then.

11 Holo & Lawrence

A Slow-Burn Romance Creates The Perfect Buildup

Spice and Wolf II is a great choice for anime fans who enjoy fantasy and supernatural anime series with a sweet love story. Holo and Lawrence's kiss was special for many reasons, and it is one that's still debated by fans. What made Holo and Lawrence's romance story special is that their love was based on trust and companionship that they worked on together for a long time.

While their love wasn't a whirlwind one it was still exciting for fans to see these two characters finally kiss and further deepen the bond between them. Thanks to the show's charming medieval setting and the slow-burn romance between the two main characters this moment immediately became one of anime's most romantic and touching kiss scenes of all time.

10 Sailor Moon & Tuxedo Mask

Sailor Moon Makes Time To Show Her Love While Fighting Evil

The first kiss between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask is still the most romantic and memorable kissing scene in Sailor Moon's history. While this beloved magical girl anime series features some of the most unique and self-reliant female characters, romance also always paid an important part in the girls' life.

Naturally, the budding romance between Usagi and the Tuxedo Mask was the one fans were the most excited about. Their first kiss was actually initiated by Usagi herself who was trying to profess her love while also protecting innocents as well as Tuxedo Mask from powerful evil forces, which made their first kiss even more special.

9 Kagome Higurashi & Inuyasha

This Kiss Tided Fans Over Until The End

Inuyasha is one of the best manga by Rumiko Takahashi with a magical romance story that stole anime fans' hearts all over the world. Kagome and Inuyasha's love story was unique for many reasons since the two started out as friends and fell in love with each other thanks to the countless adventures they went on together.

Theirs was another slow-burn romance story and the creators kept fans waiting for a long time. However, Inuyasha and Kaagome's kiss ended up becoming one of the most magical kissing scenes in anime that was both emotional and visually special.

8 Kaguya Shinomiya & Miyuki Shirogane

A Long-Awaited Kiss Was Worth It

Kaguya-sama: Love is War is one of the most successful new romance anime shows of recent years, thanks to the uniquely hilarious and deeply touching romance story between Kaguya and Miyuki. Even though it's a comedy anime, it still featured one of the most special and romantic kisses in anime history.

While fans had to wait for this scene for many years, it was well worth the wait. The creators surprised fans with an epic episode that was building up to the long-awaited confession and kiss scene between Kaguya and Miyuki.

7 Yuji & Shana

A Heart-Warming And Visual Masterpiece For Fans

The iconic kiss between Yuji and Shana is one of the most visually beautiful and romantic kisses in anime. It's one of the most well-crafted action anime kisses during which the two lovebirds are soaring through the sky thanks to Shana's stunning wings.

However, what makes the kiss special are not only the visuals but because of the deep love they feel towards each other that helps them overcome all difficulties. Shakugan no Shana is one of the most interesting action anime shows about a young school boy Yuji who one day meets a powerful sword-wielding girl who fights monsters.

6 Naruto Uzumaki & Hinata Hyuga

A Kiss That Was A Long Time Coming

Naruto is one of the most powerful iconic kitsune in anime of all time who had to live through plenty of heartbreaking moments. That's why the ending of his story was so satisfying for all fans. Naruto didn't only get the girl but also the loving and peaceful family life he always wanted.

His romantic kiss with Hinata surrounded by their kids and a beautiful snow-covered landscape was the perfect ending to his motivational and challenging story. Naruto is one of the most iconic action-adventure anime of all time. Its story follows the young ninja, called Naruto who embarks on some of the most unforgettable adventures to earn the respect of his peers and eventually become the Hokage of his beloved village.

5 Taiga Aisaka & Ryuuji Takasu

From An Awkward Meeting Came A Loving Relationship

Taiga and Ryuuji's kiss in Toradora is one of the cutest and most romantic anime kisses of all time. They kiss after they decide that they shouldn't elope but instead take the hard road, stand together as equals, and celebrate their love and happiness together with their loved ones once everyone gets on board with their marriage.

Ryuuji and Taiga's kiss is one of the most iconic kisses in anime that proves true love isn't always easy, but it's something that's worth fighting for. Toradora is one of the funniest slice-of-life anime shows and one of the best J.C. Staff anime ever. The story follows the hilarious friendship between Ryuji and Taiga that eventually transforms into romantic love.

4 Takumi Usui & Misaki Ayuzawa

Hilarious, Awkward Moments Lead Up To A Romantic Kiss

Even though Takumi and Ayuzawa had plenty of awkward and hilarious moments their kiss was truly romantic. It's the moment when finally Ayuzawa and Takumi confess their love for each other and share one of the most epic anime kisses of all time. It's a simple but wholesome scene with one of the cutest anime love confessions and actual fireworks.

Maid Sama! is one of the best comedy romance anime with one of the cutest iconic anime maids and a charming story. It's about a young high school girl named Ayuzawa who is the student council president at her school but secretly works at a Maid Cafe. However, one day her secret gets discovered by one of her schoolmates, Usui Takumi.

3 Kyo Sohma & Tohru Honda

Broke The Zodiac Curse And Freed The Sohma Family

Kyo and Tohru's kiss was probably the one most fans had to wait for the longest. Since Kyo had to struggle with the curse for many years both mentally, and physically it was satisfying and joyous for fans to finally see him be able to get physically close to Tohru and even kiss her without turning into a cat.

However, Kyo didn't only have to overcome his curse but many other emotional challenges before he could finally be together with Tohru which made their long-awaited kiss one of the most romantic anime kisses of all time. Fruits Basket is one of the most wholesome comedy anime shows about Tohru and her life with the cursed Soma family.

2 Sophie & Howl

Sophie's Love And Support Helps Howl Get His Heart Back

Howl's Moving Castle

• Studio: Studio Ghibli
• Release Year: 2004
• Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
• Runtime: 119 minutes

Sophie and Howl's kiss in Howl's Moving Castle is one of the most romantic and emotionally impactful anime kisses of all time. It's right after Sophie finally finds out that Howl made a deal with Calcifer and Sophie figures out where Howl's heart is just in time to save his life.

After the kiss, they go to Calcifer together and after many years, Howl finally gets his heart back. Howl's Moving Castle is an iconic romance anime movie with some of the best Ghibli songs and an unforgettable anime romance story. It's about a young girl named Sophie who gets turned into an old witch and decides to become the cleaning lady of the infamous wizard Howl.

1 Yuuri Katsuki & Victor Nikiforov

An Unexpected Yet Romantic Kiss That Spoke Volumes

Yuuri and Victor had not only one of the most romantic LGBTQ+ kisses in anime, but the most surprising and euphoric anime kisses of all time. The two skaters have worked hard side by side and lived through so many hardships together while also improving each other as people and professionals.

The Yuuri and Victor shippers have been waiting for a long time for a kiss and Yurii's passionate free skate performance about his love and a big finish with Victor’s signature move was the perfect way to lead up to their iconic and perhaps a bit painful kiss. Yuri!!! On Ice is one of the most beautiful and emotional anime that handle fan service well. The story follows a young ice skater who wants to quit skating but just before he would, he meets two top skaters who help him fall in love with ice skating once more.