Meg Ryan's Best Movies: A Filmography

Hey movie buffs! Let's dive into the dazzling world of Meg Ryan, an actress who practically defined the rom-com genre. From her charming smile to her undeniable on-screen presence, Meg Ryan has given us some seriously unforgettable movie moments. So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and let's explore some of her best films. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her work, there's bound to be a gem in here for you.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Alright, guys, we have to start with the classic, When Harry Met Sally.... This isn't just one of Meg Ryan's best films; it's one of the best romantic comedies ever made. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, this movie explores the age-old question: Can men and women truly be just friends? Meg Ryan plays Sally Albright, a meticulous and somewhat uptight woman who clashes with Billy Crystal's character, Harry Burns, a cynical and opinionated guy. Their journey spans years, filled with witty banter, hilarious situations, and undeniable chemistry. What makes this movie so special is its realistic portrayal of relationships and its ability to capture those awkward, funny, and heartwarming moments that we all experience in life. The screenplay is incredibly sharp, and the performances are top-notch. Meg Ryan's portrayal of Sally is both endearing and relatable, making her one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. And let’s not forget that scene in Katz's Delicatessen! It's one of the most iconic moments in movie history, and it perfectly encapsulates the humor and charm of the film. Seriously, if you haven't seen When Harry Met Sally..., drop everything and watch it now. It's a timeless masterpiece that will leave you laughing, crying, and pondering the mysteries of love and friendship. This is the film that cemented Meg Ryan's status as a rom-com queen, and for good reason. It's a perfect blend of wit, heart, and undeniable chemistry between the leads. The supporting cast is also fantastic, adding layers of humor and depth to the story. It's a film that gets better with each viewing, and it's a testament to the power of great writing, directing, and acting.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Next up, we have Sleepless in Seattle, a movie that proves the power of fate and destiny. In this heartwarming tale, Meg Ryan plays Annie Reed, a journalist who lives in Baltimore and is engaged to Walter, played by Bill Pullman. One night, she hears Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widower in Seattle, talking about his late wife on a radio show. Annie is inexplicably drawn to Sam's story and becomes convinced that they are meant to be together. What follows is a charming and whimsical journey as Annie grapples with her feelings and contemplates whether to follow her heart or stick with the safe and predictable path she's already on. Sleepless in Seattle is a classic for a reason. It's a beautifully written and directed film that captures the magic of love and the hope that anything is possible. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks have incredible chemistry, even though they don't share much screen time together until the end of the movie. The film's setting in Seattle adds to its charm, and the soundtrack is filled with timeless love songs that perfectly complement the story. One of the most memorable scenes is when Annie travels to New York to meet Sam at the top of the Empire State Building, echoing the iconic ending of An Affair to Remember. It's a moment that's both romantic and suspenseful, and it perfectly encapsulates the film's themes of fate and destiny. Sleepless in Seattle is a feel-good movie that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones we least expect. The movie is a perfect example of how a romantic comedy can be both entertaining and emotionally resonant. It's a film that celebrates the power of hope, the importance of following your heart, and the magic of believing in true love.

You've Got Mail (1998)

Another Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks classic, You've Got Mail, takes place in the charming world of New York City's Upper West Side. Meg Ryan plays Kathleen Kelly, the owner of a small independent bookstore called The Shop Around the Corner, which is threatened by the arrival of a corporate bookstore chain owned by Joe Fox (Tom Hanks). What Kathleen and Joe don't realize is that they are also anonymously falling in love online through email. This movie is a delightful exploration of modern romance in the age of technology. It beautifully captures the excitement and vulnerability of online communication, as well as the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives. Meg Ryan shines as Kathleen, a passionate and independent woman who is fiercely protective of her bookstore and her community. Tom Hanks is equally charming as Joe, a shrewd businessman who is also capable of great tenderness and empathy. The chemistry between Ryan and Hanks is palpable, even when they are only communicating through email. You've Got Mail is a movie that celebrates the power of connection, both online and offline. It's a reminder that sometimes, the people we least expect can be the ones who change our lives the most. The film's setting in New York City adds to its charm, and the soundtrack is filled with catchy and romantic songs that perfectly complement the story. One of the most memorable scenes is when Kathleen and Joe finally meet in person, and they realize that they are the same people they have been communicating with online. It's a moment that's both awkward and heartwarming, and it perfectly encapsulates the film's themes of identity and connection. You've Got Mail is a feel-good movie that will leave you with a smile on your face. It's a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the greatest connections are the ones we make online.

French Kiss (1995)

Okay, so French Kiss might not be as universally beloved as some of Meg Ryan's other films, but it's still a fun and underrated rom-com. Meg Ryan plays Kate, a woman who is deathly afraid of flying but overcomes her phobia to travel to Paris and win back her fiancé, who has fallen in love with a French woman. Along the way, she gets entangled with Luc (Kevin Kline), a charming but mischievous French thief. What follows is a series of hilarious and chaotic adventures as Kate tries to navigate the unfamiliar world of France and win back her man. French Kiss is a lighthearted and entertaining film that showcases Meg Ryan's comedic talents. She's great at playing the fish-out-of-water character, and her chemistry with Kevin Kline is undeniable. The film's setting in France adds to its charm, and the soundtrack is filled with catchy French songs that perfectly complement the story. While the plot may be a bit predictable, the film is still enjoyable thanks to its witty writing and the performances of its leads. One of the most memorable scenes is when Kate and Luc are forced to travel together through the French countryside, and they slowly begin to fall in love with each other. It's a classic rom-com trope, but it's executed well in French Kiss. The film is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones we never planned, and that love can be found in the most unexpected places. French Kiss is a fun and charming movie that will leave you with a smile on your face. It's a perfect example of how a romantic comedy can be both entertaining and heartwarming.

City of Angels (1998)

Switching gears a bit, City of Angels is a more dramatic and ethereal film starring Meg Ryan alongside Nicolas Cage. Cage plays Seth, an angel who watches over the city of Los Angeles. Meg Ryan plays Maggie Rice, a heart surgeon who becomes disillusioned after losing a patient. Seth is drawn to Maggie's compassion and begins to fall in love with her. He eventually makes the decision to give up his immortality and become human so that he can be with her. City of Angels is a beautiful and poignant film that explores themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life. Meg Ryan delivers a nuanced and emotional performance as Maggie, a woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. Nicolas Cage is equally compelling as Seth, an angel who is torn between his duty and his desire to experience human love. The film's setting in Los Angeles adds to its ethereal quality, and the soundtrack is filled with hauntingly beautiful songs that perfectly complement the story. One of the most memorable scenes is when Seth and Maggie finally touch for the first time, and they experience the full range of human emotions. It's a moment that's both romantic and heartbreaking, and it perfectly encapsulates the film's themes of love and loss. City of Angels is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. It's a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment we have with the people we love. The movie is a perfect example of how a romantic drama can be both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a glimpse into some of Meg Ryan's best and most memorable films. From the classic rom-coms to the more dramatic roles, Meg Ryan has proven herself to be a versatile and talented actress. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh, a cry, or just a feel-good movie, there's a Meg Ryan film out there for you. So go ahead, explore her filmography and discover your own favorites. Happy watching, guys!