When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
During their travel from Chicago to New York, Harry and Sally debate whether or not sex ruins a friendship between a man and a woman. Eleven years later, and they're still no closer to finding the answer.
Details
Budget
$16,000,000
Rating
7/10 (4173 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Entertainment
About When Harry Met Sally...
Set over more than a decade, "When Harry Met Sally..." explores the complicated relationship between two individuals who meet by chance and continually cross paths. The film uses its extended timeline to show the evolving dynamic between Harry and Sally, from initial antagonism to a deep friendship complicated by the question of whether sex inherently changes male-female platonic bonds. This romantic comedy-drama is anchored by performances that navigate both comedic and more introspective moments, often focusing on the characters' witty dialogue.
The narrative addresses themes of companionship, the nature of friendship, and the often-circuitous route to romance. It includes observations on relationships through recurring interview segments with older couples. The production received critical recognition, holding a "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a generally favorable score on Metacritic.
Why you might be searching for When Harry Met Sally...
People are often searching for memorable scenes or quotes from "When Harry Met Sally...", particularly the iconic diner scene. The film's depiction of friendship, and the ongoing debate between Harry and Sally about whether men and women can truly be just friends, are also frequently recalled. Specific searches reference the film's blend of humor and insights into relationships, as well as its popular cast.
What reviewers are saying
A commentator noted the film's use of time jumps as a positive element and praised the performances of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, alongside supporting actors Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer suggested that without the famous diner scene and its follow-up, the movie would be a more typical romantic comedy, highlighting the extensive dialogue and predictable romance, despite acknowledging some witty writing.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film monotonous and outmoded in its portrayal of relationships, describing the humor as ineffective and the characters' journey to happiness uninteresting.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "When Harry Met Sally..." on Netflix. It is also available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Additionally, you can find it on DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
The film's ideas were developed from discussions between director Rob Reiner, producer Andrew Scheinman, and writer Nora Ephron. Harry's character was based on interviews Ephron conducted with Reiner and Scheinman about their experiences as single men, while Sally's character was inspired by Ephron herself and some of her friends.
At the film's conclusion, Harry crashes a New Year's Eve party where Sally is present. He declares his love for her, listing specific reasons why he cares for her, despite Sally's initial skepticism that he is only there out of loneliness. They marry three months later, twelve years after their first meeting.
"When Harry Met Sally..." is generally well-regarded by critics, holding a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a critics consensus that praises Rob Reiner's direction and the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Metacritic scores it 76 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Many consider it a timeless romantic comedy.