THE FILM: Never Been Kissed (1999)
THE PAIRING: Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan) and Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore)
THE MOMENT: Josie has a first kiss!
This month marks the 20th anniversary of Never Been Kissed, a beloved romantic comedy that still stirs up emotions. The movie follows Josie, an aspiring journalist who was a high school outcast. Now she has the chance to go back to high school undercover, hoping for a better experience the second time around. There’s a catch: she falls for a handsome teacher who thinks she’s only seventeen!
THE LEAD IN
Josie is a romantic who believes in waiting for the right guy. She doesn’t want to kiss just anyone; she wants it to be special. During her undercover stint in high school, Josie impresses her English teacher, Sam, with her deep understanding of Shakespeare. Sam only sees her as a 17-year-old student, but Josie starts to believe he might be the one.
They bond over literature, and Sam’s kindness makes Josie hopeful. However, after a perfect prom dance, Josie reveals her true identity, which shocks Sam and pushes him away.
Instead of writing the article she was assigned, Josie writes an honest piece about her high school experiences and the humiliating moments she endured. She bravely shares her story, saying, “Yes, it is embarrassing to share this with the world. But it would be hard to explain what I learned and how I learned it without sharing this humiliating history.”
She finishes by asking Sam to meet her at the school’s championship game on the pitcher’s mound.
THE CLASSIC ROMANTIC MOMENT: NEVER BEEN KISSED
For five minutes, Josie stands alone on the pitcher’s mound, waiting for Sam. The crowd cheers her on, chanting her name as the clock ticks down. When time runs out, Josie is heartbroken, thinking Sam won’t come.
But then the crowd erupts in cheers, and Josie sees Sam running towards her. He sweeps her into his arms, and they share her first real kiss—a perfect moment. Sam apologizes for being late, and Josie, understanding the journey they’ve both been on, replies, “I know what you mean.”
As they kiss again, they’re oblivious to the cheering crowd around them, ending the story on a high note. This film is a timeless romantic comedy that remains endearing. The slow-burn romance makes the eventual payoff even sweeter.
You can experience this magical moment and the entire movie by renting it on Amazon Video.
What’s your favorite part of Never Been Kissed? Have you seen it recently? Share your thoughts or favorite Drew Barrymore movies in the comments below. Let’s chat about this charming romantic comedy!
