Overview
A charming exploration of friendship and love that asks if men and women can truly be just friends.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- sincere
- date night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a funny, touching romantic comedy elevated by Nora Ephron's sharp screenplay and the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Harry and Sally repeatedly reconnect over the years, building a close friendship before confronting their attraction.
The film foregrounds long, witty discussions about dating, sex, relationships, and compatibility.
New York diners, apartments, walks, holidays, and chance encounters structure Harry and Sally's evolving bond.
Sally's famous diner demonstration challenges Harry's assumptions about whether women can convincingly fake sexual pleasure.
Films like When Harry Met Sally..., and why
Before Sunrise
romantic comedy built around witty dialogue, friendship, and the gradual transformation of emotional intimacy into love
Annie Hall
warm, talkative romantic comedy about neurotic urban adults negotiating attraction, compatibility, and commitment
The Holiday
ensemble romantic comedy using friendship, miscommunication, and seasonal milestones to explore modern relationships
The Big Sick
sharp, emotionally grounded romantic comedy centered on friendship, dating frustrations, and eventual commitment
Movie Details
- Director
- Rob Reiner
- Release Date
- 1989-07-12
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (4757)
Cast
- Billy Crystal
- Meg Ryan
- Carrie Fisher
- Bruno Kirby
- Steven Ford
- Lisa Jane Persky
- Michelle Nicastro
- Gretchen Palmer
- Robert Alan Beuth
- David Burdick
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is When Harry Met Sally... about?
- Two longtime friends in New York test whether emotional closeness can survive the complications of romantic attraction.
- What is When Harry Met Sally... like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of When Harry Met Sally... as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is When Harry Met Sally... violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in When Harry Met Sally....
- What did critics think of When Harry Met Sally...?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a funny, touching romantic comedy elevated by Nora Ephron's sharp screenplay and the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
- Which films are like When Harry Met Sally...?
- Films with a similar feel include Before Sunrise, Annie Hall, The Holiday, and The Big Sick.
- How long is When Harry Met Sally...?
- When Harry Met Sally... runs 96 minutes.
- Where can I watch When Harry Met Sally...?
- In United States, When Harry Met Sally... is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
