10 of Meg Ryan’s best romcom films ever: What Happens Later releases in November, so here are her top 90s and Y2K flicks to rewatch, from When Harry Met Sally to Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks
Starring Ryan and Californication and X-Files alum David Duchovny, What Happens Later tells the story of two ex-lovers who realise that they’re still attracted to each other after being snowed in at an airport overnight, states IMDB.
The American actress hasn’t appeared on screen for years since her directorial debut Ithaca in 2015, per People, so many long-time fans have been counting down the days to this momentous occasion.
As we wait for the production’s release, let’s look back on Ryan’s best romcoms to date.
1. When Harry Met Sally … (1989)
Widely considered one of the most popular romcoms out there, When Harry Met Sally is a classic that helped catapult Ryan’s acting career into the spotlight for decades to come. The plot surrounds Harry and Sally, who start off as pals before falling in love. Director Rob Reiner is credited for establishing the friends-to-lovers trope for the romcom genre.
2. Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
3. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
This critically acclaimed film earned Ryan the Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) prize at the American Comedy Awards in 1994. A fan favourite, this narrative featuring Tom Hanks is about how a widowed man’s son calls a radio talk-show to try and find his dad a partner.
4. I.Q. (1994)
Walter Matthau plays the role of Albert Einstein, and Tim Robbins portrays Ryan’s romantic interest. This heartwarming romantic comedy further solidified Ryan’s reputation as the reigning queen of the genre.
5. French Kiss (1995)
Ryan takes on the role of Kate in French Kiss. The story follows the character’s trip to Paris after her fiancé falls in love with a woman in the French capital – but then she herself meets a mysterious Frenchman on the plane going over.
6. Addicted to Love (1997)
With Matthew Broderick and Kelly Preston as co-stars, Addicted to Love focuses on two people unable to get over the loss of their respective lovers. As the story unfolds, they embark on a journey of unexpected connections and emotional growth, revealing the transformative power of love and human resilience.
7. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Ryan and Hanks reunited in this romantic comedy about bookstore tycoon Joe Fox and independent bookshop owner Kathleen Kelly, who unknowingly discover love through exchanging anonymous online messages, all the while oblivious to the fact that he’s secretly working to shut down her store.
8. Kate & Leopold (2001)
Ryan is joined by Hugh Jackman for 2001’s Kate & Leopold. In the film, a 19th-century English duke finds himself accidentally transported to modern-day New York, where he falls for a spirited advertising executive.
9. The Deal (2008)
This 2008 satirical flick stars Ryan and William H. Macy. It follows the narrative of an actor being kidnapped, before the producer (Macy) devises a plan in collaboration with a creative executive (Ryan) to rescue both the lead – and the movie.
10. Serious Moonlight (2009)
Ryan acted in this film with Kristen Bell, Timothy Hutton and Justin Long. The story revolves around a high-powered lawyer who, in a bizarre twist, duct tapes her unfaithful husband to the toilet just as their home is unexpectedly invaded by robbers.
- What Happens Later is set to release on November 3, after being delayed from its original October debut due to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour concert movie coming out in the same month
- Meg Ryan is a long-time romcom queen and this film, co-starring X-Files’ David Duchovny, marks her return to the big screen since her 2015 directorial debut in Ithaca