The best rom-com of all time, according to Vanity Fair, is now available on Amazon Prime. When Harry Met Sally… was released in 1989 and it continues to make the top spot of various best romantic movie lists and rankings. The movie follows Harry and Sally through their lives from university to finding the one they want to settle down with.
The film’s synopsis reads: “In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns and Sally Albright share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore, and in the company of their respective best friends, Jess and Marie, attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them.”
Written by Nora Ephron and directed Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally… became the gold standard that Hollywood tried to emulate for the next decade. It delves deep into the debate as old as time of whether or not men and women can actually just be friends. While there are elements, including those stark gender lines, and Sally’s obsession with marriage, that feel dated in nowadays, the film is still a near perfect execution of the romantic genre.
The film stars Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.
When Harry Met Sally… picked up the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1989.
When Harry Met Sally gets an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
An audience reviewer wrote: “When Harry Met Sally is a classic romantic comedy that has aged remarkably well, remaining a beloved favorite among audiences to this day.”
Another wrote: “Best rom-com ever!”
The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw said: “There is a great dialogue about sex and dating, including of course the famous fake-orgasm scene over lunch, effectively breaking the unwritten omertà rule – the keeping of gender secrets. Still a treat.”
When Harry Met Sally is now streaming on Amazon Prime.