The Best Meg Ryan Movies
Ranked By
4.4K votes
925 voters
5 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote for your favorite Meg Ryan movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.
1Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill PullmanIn Sleepless in Seattle, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widower, sparks nationwide interest when his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) calls into a radio talk show. Across the country, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a journalist, hears Sam's poignant story and becomes intrigued by him. As fate would have it, their paths cross in a climactic meeting atop the Empire State Building. This romantic drama, directed by Nora Ephron, garnered two Oscar nominations and is hailed for its charming blend of comedy and pathos. It's a testament to love transcending boundaries.More Sleepless in Seattle
- #399 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #396 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #155 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 2Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker PoseyIn the romantic comedy You've Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) is a charming bookstore owner in New York City. She finds herself enamored with an anonymous pen pal she meets online, unaware he is none other than her business rival, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), who owns a large bookselling chain. As their digital love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of the bustling Big Apple, their real-life animosity takes a surprising turn. This delightful film, directed by Nora Ephron, explores themes of modern romance and identity in the age of the internet.More You've Got Mail
- #426 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
- #17 of 98 onThe Best Movies Of 1998, Ranked
- 3Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie FisherIn the classic rom-com When Harry Met Sally..., Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) find their lives intertwined over a span of 12 years. Initially meeting during a shared car ride from Chicago to New York, their relationship transforms from strangers to friends, challenging the question - can men and women be just friends? Directed by Rob Reiner, this film offers a humorous and touching portrayal of friendship and love. Nora Ephron's witty screenplay, which won a BAFTA award for Best Original Screenplay, brilliantly captures the complexity of modern relationships.
- Dig Deeper...'When Harry Met Sally' Is All About Mansplaining, And It's Really Obvious
- #124 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #388 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
4Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, Timothy HuttonWhen Kate (Meg Ryan) learns that her fiance, Charlie (Timothy Hutton), has become smitten with a young Parisian woman, she boards a plane for France. She is seated next to Luc (Kevin Kline), a small-time crook who uses her to smuggle a stolen necklace, leading Luc to the hotel where she's staying to confront Charlie. As Kate and Luc get to know each other, their sarcastic rapport grows warmer, and Kate must decide where her heart truly lies as Charlie tries to win her back.More French Kiss- #160 of 168 onThe Best '90s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #356 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #431 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
5Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman, Liev SchreiberIn the romantic comedy, Kate & Leopold, Kate (Meg Ryan), a modern-day executive, finds her world turned upside down when she crosses paths with Leopold (Hugh Jackman), a dashing gentleman from the 19th century. The film explores their unlikely romance as they navigate the vast cultural differences between their respective eras. Directed by James Mangold, this movie cleverly blends elements of fantasy and period drama into its love story. For his performance, Hugh Jackman garnered a Golden Globe nomination, further enhancing the film's charm.More Kate & Leopold- #543 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #90 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #191 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
6Andy Garcia, Meg Ryan, Lauren TomA wife and mother of two daughters, Alice Green (Meg Ryan) has developed a severe drinking problem. While her husband, Michael (Andy Garcia), has been patient in dealing with this issue, it soon becomes clear that he has been enabling her alcoholism. When her addiction threatens her children's safety, Alice decides to enter a rehab clinic. Upon returning home, she finds that her new lifestyle causes an unexpected rift with Michael, leading to some soul-searching for the couple.- #330 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #339 of 449 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #126 of 193 onThe Best Movies For Women
7Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony EdwardsIn the high-octane film Top Gun, Pete Maverick Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is an audacious naval aviator with an insatiable need for speed. His reckless flying style lands him a spot at the prestigious Fighter Weapons School, known as Top Gun, where he competes against the best fighter pilots in the country. Here, Maverick meets his match in both the air and on ground - rival pilot Tom Iceman Kazansky (Val Kilmer) and astrophysics instructor Charlotte Charlie Blackwood (Kelly McGillis). This 1986 action drama directed by Tony Scott won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and is celebrated for its thrilling aerial sequences and iconic soundtrack.More Top Gun- Dig Deeper...Ranker Rundown: Flying High With 'Top Gun: Maverick'
- #107 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #17 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
8Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Andre BraugherCity of Angels, a romantic fantasy drama, unfolds the tale of Seth (Nicolas Cage), an angel who falls for a heart surgeon, Maggie (Meg Ryan). Intrigued by human emotions, Seth chooses to become mortal to experience love and life. Meanwhile, Maggie grapples with her belief system and the reality she's confronted with. Directed by Brad Silberling, this film delves into existential themes while offering viewers a unique blend of celestial romance and earthly realities. It won the BMI Film Music Award in 1999, underscoring its poignant narrative with a memorable soundtrack.More City of Angels- #36 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #49 of 98 onThe Best Movies Of 1998, Ranked
- #65 of 99 onThe Greatest Movie Soundtracks Of All Time
9Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond PhillipsDuring the 1991 Gulf War, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling (Denzel Washington) accidentally caused a friendly fire incident, a mistake that was hushed up by his superiors. Following the war, he is assigned to investigate the case of Army Captain Karen Walden (Meg Ryan), killed in action when her Medevac unit was attempting to rescue the crew of a downed helicopter. But, as Serling interviews the members of Walden's crew, he realizes their stories about the incident don't add up.More Courage Under Fire- #3 of 10 onThe Best Movies About the Gulf War
- #151 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #53 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
10Meg Ryan, Matthew Broderick, Kelly PrestonSmall-town astronomer Sam (Matthew Broderick) is devastated when his fiancée, Linda (Kelly Preston), leaves him for French chef Anton Depeaux (Tcheky Karyo) during an out-of-town vacation. Obsessed, Sam follows her to New York City and moves in across the street from Linda and Anton's apartment, where he spies on them and records their lives. One day he is joined by Maggie (Meg Ryan), Anton's equally vengeful ex-girlfriend, and the two plot to break up the new couple.More Addicted to Love- #77 of 95 onThe 100+ Best Movies Of 1997
- #36 of 36 onThe Best Movies Released Memorial Day Weekend
- #80 of 153 onThe Best Movies Named After Songs
11Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Lloyd BridgesJoe Banks (Tom Hanks) is dying, apparently. This is good news, since his life was not much worth living anyway. On the upside, a strange millionaire (Lloyd Bridges) offers Joe a way to die with meaning and dignity: by hurling himself into a volcano. With plenty of spending cash and an ensemble of new luggage, Joe embarks on an absurdist journey to his demise, guided by two very disparate sisters, and trying to puzzle out the meaning of existence.
12Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg RyanA scientifically miniaturized marine unexpectedly finds himself floating around the body of a hypochondriac, and trying to outwit saboteurs who want the device that shrank him. Attempts by his colleagues to retrieve the little man - protected inside a tiny submersible - are hampered by the would-be thieves.More Innerspace- #157 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #103 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #40 of 89 onThe Best Movies Of 1987, Ranked
13Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Walter MatthauCatherine Boyd (Meg Ryan) is a highly intelligent doctoral student at Princeton University and is engaged to stuffy Professor James Moreland (Stephen Fry). Ed Walters (Tim Robbins), a mechanic and all-around regular guy, falls for Catherine and searches for a way to impress her. Believing that the key to Catherine's heart is his IQ, Ed passes himself off as a physicist with the help of Catherine's uncle, who just happens to be Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau).More I.Q.- #65 of 85 onThe Best Movies Of 1994
- #8 of 14 on14 Times A Real Historical Figure Is A Character In An Extremely Fictional Movie
- #23 of 62 onThe Best Romantic Comedies Rated PG
14Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey GrammerAnastasia, a historical drama with a dash of fantasy, traces the story of an amnesiac orphan named Anya (voiced by Meg Ryan). Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia, she embarks on a quest to discover her true identity. Dmitri (John Cusack), a con artist seeking reward money, claims that Anya is the long-lost Russian princess Anastasia. As they journey to Paris, they encounter Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd), a sorcerer determined to end the Romanov line. The film won an Annie Award for its captivating voice acting and engaging musical score.More Anastasia- Dig Deeper...Every Song in Anastasia, Ranked by Singability
- And Deeper...It's Time To Admit The Cartoon 'Anastasia' Was Unspeakably Weird
- #347 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
15Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kevin DillonThe Doors, a biographical drama, chronicles the life of Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer), lead singer of the influential 60s rock band, The Doors. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film explores Morrison's rise to fame, his tumultuous relationships, including one with Pamela Courson (Meg Ryan), and his struggle with substance abuse. Set against the backdrop of an era marked by social unrest and countercultural movements, the movie provides a compelling glimpse into the life of an enigmatic rock icon. Despite its controversial depiction of Morrison's life, it won critical acclaim for Kilmer's electric performance.More The Doors- #82 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #22 of 86 onThe Best Movies Of 1991, Ranked
- #260 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
16Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, David MorseIn this romantic drama, Peter Bowman, an American engineer in a Latin American country is captured by anti-government forces. When the rebels learn his identity they demand $6 million for his safe return. However, his US employer is on the verge of insolvency and will not provide the ransom. Peter's wife Alice is forced to deal with the matter on her own. She retains the services of freelance professional hostage negotiator Terry Thorne.More Proof of Life- #6 of 17 on17 Movies That Totally Shattered Celebrity Marriages
- #32 of 94 onThe 90 Best Kidnapping Movies of All Time
- #50 of 75 onThe Best Castle Rock Entertainment Movies
17Sean Connery, Mark Harmon, Meg RyanEx-military policeman Jay Austin (Mark Harmon) is now a San Francisco detective. When his former MP partner is killed at a military base, he takes the case. But after arriving at the crime scene, he realizes he must look to his old rival, Lt. Col. Alan Caldwell (Sean Connery), for help. Austin then falls for Caldwell's daughter, Donna (Meg Ryan), further complicating matters. Still, the two men push on in their search, learning to respect one another as they pursue the killer.
18Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan, Kathy BatesPeter (Alec Baldwin) and Rita (Meg Ryan) immediately fall for each other and decide to get married. But during their wedding reception, a feeble old man (Sydney Walker) asks Rita for a kiss. While nothing seems wrong at first, Peter soon realizes that the kiss caused Rita and the man to switch bodies. As he searches for a way to switch them back, Peter must face the dilemma of loving Rita in the body of a terminally ill man or staying married to a stranger posing as his wife.
19Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva MendesClothing designer Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) appears to have it all: a beautiful home in Connecticut, a successful husband, a lovely daughter, and the support of a close circle of friends -- led by magazine editor Sylvie Fowler (Annette Bening). When Mary learns her husband is cheating, her pals rally around her. But his infidelity does not compare to the betrayal Mary feels when Sylvie spills the beans about the affair to a gossip columnist she wants to hire for her magazine.
20Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, Charlotte RamplingA professor (Dennis Quaid) and a coed (Meg Ryan) spend his final hours trying to find out who has slipped him luminous poison.More D.O.A.- #94 of 126 onThe 100+ Best Greatest Mystery Movies Of All Time
- #28 of 62 onThe 60+ Best Neo-Noirs
- #26 of 74 onDennis Quaid's Best Movies
21Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, James CaanHaunted by memories of his father murdering a family, Arlis Sweeney (Dennis Quaid) prefers to keep to himself, focusing his energy on his work. One day, the traumatic past that eats away at him returns when he meets Kay Davies (Meg Ryan), a woman connected to the bloody event. Against all odds, Arlis and Kay fall in love. However, when his father, Roy (James Caan), reappears in his life -- with the coldhearted Ginnie (Gwyneth Paltrow) in tow -- Arlis must deal with his past demons.
22Meg Ryan, Diane Keaton, Lisa KudrowHanging Up is a 2000 American comedy-drama film about a trio of sisters who bond over the approaching death of their curmudgeonly father, to whom none of them were particularly close. This film features Diane Keaton, Meg Ryan, and Lisa Kudrow as the three sisters, and Walter Matthau as the father. The film is based on 1995 Book of the same name by Delia Ephron.
23John Candy, Eugene Levy, Robert LoggiaA police officer who has been wrongly dismissed from his job, Frank Dooley (John Candy) finds work as a security guard, along with Norman Kane (Eugene Levy), an inept lawyer. Unfortunately, the company that employs Frank and Norman is involved in some shady dealings, and it's up to the bumbling guards to foil the plans of the corrupt leaders, most notably tough mobster Michael Carlino (Robert Loggia), who isn't happy to have his profitable scheme threatened.
24Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Kristen BellLouise (Meg Ryan), a successful lawyer, wants to jump-start her failing marriage to Ian (Timothy Hutton). She decides to surprise him at their country cottage, but quickly discovers she's the one who's surprised: Ian has decorated the cottage for a romantic weekend with his girlfriend, Sara (Kristen Bell). When Ian proposes getting a divorce, Louise rejects the idea and ties him up so they can talk things out. Things get out of hand when Sara shows up and a burglar (Justin Long) breaks in.
25Adam Brody, Meg Ryan, Kristen StewartAfter a bad breakup with his girlfriend leaves him heartbroken, Carter Webb (Adam Brody) moves to Michigan to take care of his ailing grandmother (Olympia Dukakis). Once there, he gets mixed up in the lives of the mother (Meg Ryan) and daughters who live across the street.
26Robert Downey, Sam Neill, David ThewlisIn order to keep one of his mistresses, Celia (Polly Walker), at arm's length, King Charles II (Sam Neill) asks the royal physician, Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.), to marry her under the proviso that they never become intimate. Merivel agrees, only to discover he can't resist Celia, and soon finds himself out of the king's favor. Destitute, he devotes himself to helping Londoners suffering from the plague, and in the process falls in love with an equally poor woman, Katherine (Meg Ryan).
27Meg Ryan, Omar Epps, Tony ShalhoubBoxing manager Jackie Kallen (Meg Ryan) believes she and a veteran trainer can turn a young man (Omar Epps) into a streamlined prizefighter.
28Antonio Banderas, Meg Ryan, Colin HanksAfter several years away, FBI agent Henry Durand (Colin Hanks) returns to find his mother, Marty (Meg Ryan), a much different person: Having long mourned for Henry's father, she is now embracing single life. One day, while Marty, Henry and his new fiancée, Emily (Selma Blair), are out for a walk, they meet Tommy (Antonio Banderas), a mysterious stranger, with whom Marty then becomes involved. However, through his FBI contacts, Henry learns that Tommy is suspected of being an art thief.
29Meg Ryan, Kiefer Sutherland, Tracy PollanThe Libra organization battles to ensure peace and order in Hellsalem's Lot.
30Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Chazz PalminteriEddie (Sean Penn) is a confused and reckless man with a group of equally problematic friends. His roommate, caustic and sleazy Mickey (Kevin Spacey), is sleeping with Eddie's love, Darlene (Robin Wright Penn), because he can. His buddy Phil (Chazz Palminteri) is prone to violent rages that worry Eddie. All of them ruminate on their lives while consuming drugs and alcohol. Another friend, Artie (Garry Shandling), eventually arrives with a young date (Anna Paquin) who is ready for a fun night.
