The 12 Most Romantic Movie Scenes of All Time

Rose and Jack's embrace on the prow of the Titanic has become an iconic image. At the very least, it's inspired countless boat-side smooches and bad renditions of "My Heart Will Go On." But, all cheesiness aside, the lovers' passionate kiss is heart-wrenchingly romantic – all the more so because we know their time together is so short.

Will they ever realize that they're perfect for each other?! When Harry finally declares his true love for Sally (in a hilariously self-deprecating speech in which he mentions the crinkle above her nose, among other things) at the end of this classic rom-com, their long history and crazy cuteness is enough to make even the most cynical and un-romantic among us tear up.

You may have never thought a fish tank could be romantic, but doomed couple Romeo and Juliet's flirtatious first meeting through the glass makes it happen. Maybe it's the sexy soundtrack by Des'ree (or is it young Leo's irresistible grin?) but, suddenly, we want an aquarium of our own.

From Noah scaling the side of a Ferris wheel in an effort to get Allie's attention to watching the two characters recognize the strength of their love generations later, this movie is packed with heart-flutteringly incredible loves scenes — so many that it's impossible to choose just one.

Glamorous courtesan Satine never dreamed she would fall in love with a poor, lowly writer — that is, until Christian wins her over with the most epic love-song melody ever. Take a bit of Elton John and U2, add in fireworks and the Paris skyline, and you're practically guaranteed romance.

In all its over-the-top, campy glory, the story of Buttercup and Wesley is undeniably romantic: Two lovers are torn apart, and he must fight against all odds to win her back. We particularly cherish the moment when Buttercup realizes that her long-lost love — whom she believed to be dead — is actually alive, well, and holding her in his arms ... all with the words, "As you wish."

Sure, the morality of the scene is questionable — she's a newlywed, and he's her husband's best friend — but Mark's declaration of love via posterboard at Juliet's front door during a snowy night is undeniably romantic, even if we — and they — know they'll never end up together.

Although we would never put shoplifting on our list of first-date suggestions, somehow Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard make it seem adorable. Watching the elegant duo sneak around a toy store wearing matching animal masks, then burst into laughter once they've made off with their loot, it's nearly impossible not to yell at the screen: "Holly, get over yourself! He's the one!"

Seeing bad boy Heath Ledger ham it up with a goofy rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" could melt anyone's heart. The fact that he artfully dodges school security while doing so makes it all the more sweet.

The ultimate single girl, the title character's wacky escapades and propensity for hilarious misunderstandings remind us a lot of … well, ourselves. When Mark Darcy crosses the Atlantic just to tell Bridget that he's come back because he's "forgotten to kiss her goodbye," it's impossible not to believe that there's a man out there who loves us, just the way we are.