12 Best Meg Ryan Movies, Ranked (2024)

Although Meg Ryan began her acting career in 1981, starring in minor roles before joining the cast of the CBS soap opera As the World Turns in 1982, the actress ultimately rose to fame after starring in a series of hit romantic comedies in the 1990s, including When Harry Met Sally... which earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical. Ryan has become one of the biggest and most bankable stars in Hollywood ever since.

While the talented star also won great acclaim for her roles in romantic comedies Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, Ryan has certainly proven herself to be an effective actress in other genres throughout her 40-year-long career, ranging from animation to action. Below are the best Meg Ryan movies to date, from In the Cut to Courage Under Fire.

12 'In the Cut' (2003)

Director: Jane Campion

In the Cut is a provocative psychological thriller that centers around Professor Frannie Avery (Ryan), who has an affair with an NYPD Detective (Mark Ruffalo) investigating the murder of a young woman in her neighborhood. Part of the girl's body was found in the garden of Frannie's apartment, which induces Malloy into believing that there is a serial killer on the run.

With some engaging twists and an engrossing narrative on top of graphic crime scenes, Jane Campion's 2003 movie is among Ryan's most memorable, though it isn't the filmmaker's best. The solid acting performances are possibly the strongest aspect of In the Cut.

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11 'Joe Versus the Volcano' (1990)

Director: John Patrick Shanley

John Patrick Shanley's black comedy film starring dynamic duo Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in their first team-up, Joe Versus the Volcano, reflects on the meaning of life by depicting the compelling story of a hypochondriac who strives to hurl himself into a volcano after realizing that he is dying.

Making for an amusing screwball comedy for those who enjoy the genre, Joe Versus the Volcano showcases Meg Ryan's acting range as she steps into the shoes of all three female leads (and the voice of a flight attendant on the Los Angeles flight). On top of shedding light on Ryan's talents, Shanley's movie is undoubtedly a goofy, worthwhile watch that will keep boredom at bay.

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10 'The Doors' (1991)

Director: Oliver Stone

When it comes to movies with Meg Ryan, The Doors is a slightly overlooked one. As the title suggests, it tells the story of the famous and highly influential 1960s rock band and its lead singer, Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer), shedding light on his days as a UCLA film student and, ultimately, his death.

Ryan brings Pamela Courson to life in this entertaining and informative music biopic. Although the psychedelic elements stand out, The Doors held the potential to be so much better. Nevertheless, the movie mostly benefits from Kilmer's remarkable central performance, as well as his undeniable resemblance to the rock star. Ryan also delivers a compelling performance.

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9 'Top Gun' (1986)

Director: Tony Scott

Although the recent second installment of the franchise, Top Gun: Maverick, was a major success, we must not forget about the 1986 blueprint, where the talented Ryan plays the wife of Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards). The Tom Cruise-led action film centers around the students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school as they attempt to be the best in the class.

Even though hardly a masterpiece, Top Gun features some action-packed scenes, an interesting star-studded cast, and great visuals, which is partly why it has managed to capture the attention of many — proof of that is the fact that its classic legacy endures an undeniably treasured one all these years later. A fun fact about the movie? Anthony Edwards, who plays Goose, was reportedly the only one of the Top Gun actors not to vomit when flying.

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8 'Innerspace' (1987)

Director: Joe Dante

Joe Dante's Innerspace combines adventure, comedy, and fantasy while depicting the story of a marine scientist (Dennis Quaid) who finds himself miniaturized and inside a hypochondriac's body, pursued by saboteurs. A 24-year-old Ryan steps into the shoes of a determined and fiery journalist named Lydia Maxwell in the film.

Often regarded as an inventive and enthralling 1980s version of the 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage, this often overlooked but hilarious Academy Award-winning film by Joe Dante features great special effects for the time it was released, on top of an original narrative that will keep audiences invested. It was the only film by the director to win an Academy Award (it took home the Best Visual Effects award).

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7 'City of Angels' (1998)

Director: Brad Silberling

City of Angels is an intriguing BradSilberling romance fantasy drama starring an over-the-top Nicolas Cage and Ryan that tells the enticing love story of an angel who falls for a surgeon woman human, which ultimately leads him to contemplate becoming mortal, too.

Even if slightly flawed with mixed reviews, the divisive City of Angels still makes for an entertaining time spent in front of the screen. Although it is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, Silberling's film is stylish, original, well-written, and features quite decent acting (though Cage and Ryan are far from being the most compatible co-stars chemistry-wise).

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6 'Anastasia' (1997)

Directors: Gary Goldman, Don Bluth

With a highly enjoyable plot and memorable characters, Anastasia is assuredly one of the best — if not the best — non-Disney animated films. Inspired by the legend of Grand duch*ess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, the 1997 movie is set in an alternate version of 1926, depicting the quest of amnesiac Anastasia Romanov to find a trace of her deceased family.

In Anastasia, Ryan brings the intriguing lead character to life, proving that her amazing skills extend to voice-acting. Overall, it is a sharp, delightfully animated film featuring impressive world-building that reflects Europe's 20th-century culture. Because of the universal themes it tackles and the bewitching, well-written romance, it is suited for all ages.

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5 'When a Man Loves a Woman' (1994)

Director: Luis Mandoki

Based on ten pages of notes written by iconic filmmaker Orson Welles and directed by Luis Mandoki, When a Man Loves a Woman explores how complex and testing relationships can be, highlighting the consequences of addiction. It illustrates the struggles of a seemingly perfect couple (Ryan and Andy Garcia in a stand-out performance) whose strong relationship starts to crumble when the wife falls victim to alcoholism.

Featuring consistent and strong performances from both leads, this Mandoki 1994 drama is thought-provoking and touching, offering audiences a captivating plot that reflects on a timeless issue and perfectly depicts deception and agony. Additionally, it also includes an impeccable child performance by 9-year-old Tina Majorino.

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4 'You've Got Mail' (1998)

Director: Nora Ephron

The third film starring Ryan and Hanks, You've Got Mail, is assuredly one of the actress's best feature films. Directed by Nora Ephron, the American romantic comedy tells the creative story of two people who fall in love online, unaware that they own competing bookshops.

Even if predictable at times, You've Got Mail is an undeniably sweet and feel-good watch that deserves the attention of anyone who enjoys the genre and will certainly provide audiences with a great time. Overall, it is a thoroughly enjoyable film with likable main characters to match. Additionally, Ryan and Hanks' chemistry is top-notch once again. An interesting trivial fact about the film's marketing is that all of Joe and Kathleen's e-mails were put on the movie's official website, which Warner Bros. kept active until 10 May 2018.

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3 'Sleepless in Seattle' (1993)

Director: Nora Ephron

Sleepless in Seattle is yet another entertaining Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks romantic comedy. This time around, Ryan and Hanks' partnership results in an enchanting story of a widowed man who finds love again thanks to his son, who calls a radio talk show in an attempt to find his insomniac father a romantic partner.

With great performances from Ryan and Hanks — who delight viewers once more with their electric chemistry — this rule-breaking rom-com makes for a highly engaging and well-spent time in front of the screen. It is the perfect lighthearted pick to watch on a rainy afternoon, featuring three-dimensional characters and a creative storyline that elevates the film. Rita Wilson, who plays Hanks' sister in the film, is his long-term real-life wife, and they had been married for five years at the time of the release of this movie.

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2 'Courage Under Fire' (1996)

Director: Edward Zwick

Starring the talented Denzel Washington in the lead role, Courage Under Fire is an R-rated action drama set during the 1991 Gulf War. The film follows a U.S. Army officer who, in the aftermath of a deadly mistake he made, looks into Capt. Karen Walden's (Ryan) — killed after her rescue helicopter was shot down — worthiness for the Medal of Honor.

A gripping mystery with a wonderful cast to match, Courage Under Fire features one of Denzel Washington's best performances to dateand clearly showcases Ryan's undeniable talents. It is an underappreciated war drama that combines action with suspense to impressive results.

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1 'When Harry Met Sally...' (1989)

Director: Rob Reiner

Regarded as one of the best romantic films ever created, When Harry Met Sally... is undoubtedly an unforgettable, hilarious, and touching romantic comedy that tells the story of two college graduates (Ryan and BillyCrystal) who share a car ride while sharing their takes on whether a man and woman can be platonic friends. Ten years later, the two cross paths again after meeting at a bookstore. What's more, they attempt to stay friends with benefits without letting feelings get in the way.

Rob Reiner's critical success remains a beloved flick in the genre and unarguably Ryan's superior movie to date (and the one that got the actress the most accolades). It analyzes love and friendship in a unique way, enduring an endearing classic all these years later.

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NEXT: The Best Romantic Movies of All Time, Ranked