Few romantic comedies stand the test of time quite like When Harry Met Sally (1989). Directed by Rob Reiner and written by the queen of witty dialogue, Nora Ephron, this film isn’t just about romance—it’s about neuroticism, impeccable comedic timing, and the age-old question: Can men and women really just be friends? Spoiler alert: Probably not, but watching Harry and Sally try is nothing short of cinematic magic.
The Storyline: A Love Story That Takes Its Sweet Time
The movie kicks off in 1977, when Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) embark on a cross-country car ride from Chicago to New York after college. They immediately prove to be opposites: Harry is a cynic who believes men and women can’t be friends because “the sex part always gets in the way,” while Sally is an optimistic, detail-obsessed woman who orders food with the precision of a NASA engineer. Naturally, they part ways, convinced they’ll never see each other again.
But fate—and New York City’s surprisingly small dating pool—has other plans. Over the next twelve years, Harry and Sally keep bumping into each other, forming a genuine friendship along the way. They talk about relationships, share heartbreaks, and engage in philosophical debates over the proper way to eat a sandwich. As their friendship deepens, so does the undeniable chemistry between them, but admitting feelings is complicated. Because, well, what if Harry was right all along?
Key Time Markers: Moments That Define Harry and Sally’s Journey
- 1977: The Road Trip From Hell (or Maybe Destiny) Harry and Sally’s first encounter is essentially a 24-hour argument about love, relationships, and whether or not Sally is too picky about food. By the time they reach New York, it’s clear they’re destined for something—though at this point, it’s mostly mutual irritation.
- 1982: The Airport Reunion (Awkward? Very.) Five years later, they randomly meet at an airport. Sally is dating a guy named Joe, and Harry is about to marry someone else. They have a polite-but-awkward conversation, proving they still disagree on everything. Clearly, love is not yet in the air.
- 1987: Friendship, With a Side of Denial After another chance encounter, Harry and Sally finally become friends. Real friends. They console each other through breakups, have deep late-night talks, and share a thousand meals—none of which Sally orders in under five minutes. Their dynamic is hilarious and genuine, but everyone except them can see where this is heading.
- The Iconic Deli Scene: “I’ll Have What She’s Having” No When Harry Met Sally review is complete without mentioning the scene. In the middle of Katz’s Deli, Sally decides to prove a point by faking a very enthusiastic moment of pleasure. The entire restaurant stares, Harry is left speechless (a rare event), and an old woman delivers one of the most famous lines in movie history: “I’ll have what she’s having.”
- New Year’s Eve: The Love Confession (At Last) After an emotional rollercoaster involving mixed signals, a regrettable one-night stand, and months of denial, Harry finally realizes the obvious: He loves Sally. He makes a dramatic New Year’s Eve dash across New York City and delivers a speech so perfect that it belongs in a romance textbook. Sally, naturally, responds with the only reasonable reaction: “You make it impossible for me to hate you.”
My Take: Why This Movie Still Works Decades Later
When Harry Met Sally is the rom-com blueprint that so many films try (and fail) to replicate. It’s not just about romance; it’s about timing, friendship, and the messy, wonderful unpredictability of human relationships.
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have undeniable chemistry, turning Harry and Sally’s constant bickering into an art form. Crystal’s dry humor and Ryan’s impeccable comedic timing make every scene feel natural, even when they’re discussing life’s biggest questions over a slice of cake. Their conversations aren’t just funny—they feel real. These are the kinds of talks you’ve probably had with friends over coffee, except much wittier.
What makes this film stand out is its willingness to take its time. Unlike most rom-coms, where love is rushed into a neat 90-minute package, Harry and Sally’s relationship evolves over twelve years. They grow, change, and make terrible dating decisions before finally landing where they were always meant to be. The movie doesn’t just show love at first sight; it shows love at the right time.
The supporting characters—particularly Carrie Fisher as Sally’s best friend Marie—add layers of humor and wisdom, proving that no great rom-com is complete without solid best-friend banter. And let’s not forget the elderly couples who share their real-life love stories in between scenes. Their stories ground the film, reminding us that love comes in many forms and at many different stages in life.
Final Verdict: A Movie That Ages Like Fine Wine
Decades after its release, When Harry Met Sally remains one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. It’s witty, heartfelt, and filled with moments that are both hilarious and deeply touching. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a hardened cynic, this movie has something for you.
So, can men and women really be just friends? Watch When Harry Met Sally and decide for yourself. But fair warning: By the end of the movie, you’ll probably be rooting for love to win. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be a little pickier about how you order your food too.