Written by Gunilla Hadden
Modified & Updated: 13 May 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
When Harry Met Sally… is a timeless romantic comedy that captured the hearts of audiences when it was released in 1989. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, this film follows the complex relationship between the two main characters, Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan). From their chance encounter to their journey through friendship, love, and everything in between, When Harry Met Sally… has become an iconic film that continues to be adored by audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore 49 fascinating facts about the making of this beloved movie, from behind-the-scenes anecdotes to interesting trivia. So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of When Harry Met Sally…
Key Takeaways:
- When Harry Met Sally… is a timeless romantic comedy released in 1989, featuring relatable characters, iconic scenes, and thought-provoking themes about love and friendship.
- The film’s success led to a resurgence in romantic comedies, solidified Meg Ryan’s rom-com queen status, and sparked cultural references and real-life “Harry and Sally” friendships.
The movie was released in 1989.
When Harry Met Sally… is a classic romantic comedy film that was released in It has become a beloved favorite among moviegoers.
The film was directed by Rob Reiner.
Rob Reiner, known for his work on movies like The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, and Misery, directed When Harry Met Sally…
The screenplay was written by Nora Ephron.
Nora Ephron, a talented writer known for her romantic comedies, wrote the screenplay for When Harry Met Sally…
The movie stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan deliver incredible performances as the lead characters, Harry and Sally, in the film.
The story follows the lives of Harry and Sally over a span of several years.
The movie chronicles the chance encounters and evolving friendship between Harry and Sally as they navigate their own romantic relationships.
The film explores themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of male-female relationships.
When Harry Met Sally… delves into the intricacies of male-female friendships and the question of whether men and women can truly be just friends.
The famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene was ad-libbed.
One of the most iconic moments in the film occurs when Sally (Meg Ryan) fakes an orgasm in a crowded deli. The line, “I’ll have what she’s having,” was ad-libbed by director Rob Reiner’s mother.
The movie was a critical and commercial success.
When Harry Met Sally… was both a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and realistic portrayal of relationships.
The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
The screenplay for When Harry Met Sally… written by Nora Ephron, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. It was recognized for its sharp and realistic dialogue.
When Harry Met Sally… popularized the idea of being “just friends.”
The movie popularized the notion that men and women could be friends without any romantic feelings involved. It sparked countless conversations and debates among viewers.
The movie soundtrack features the classic song “It Had to Be You.”
One of the standout songs in the film is “It Had to Be You” performed by Harry Connick Jr. The song perfectly captures the essence of the movie’s romantic themes.
The iconic New Year’s Eve scene was shot on a real New Year’s Eve.
The memorable New Year’s Eve scene where Harry professes his love to Sally was filmed on an actual New Year’s Eve in New York City. It adds an authentic touch to the scene’s atmosphere.
The movie’s famous line, “Men and women can’t be friends because the sex part always gets in the way,” is debated till this day.
Harry’s belief that men and women cannot be friends without romantic complications continues to be a topic of discussion among audiences and critics alike.
The film was influenced by director Rob Reiner’s own experiences.
Rob Reiner drew inspiration from his own life and relationships when crafting the story and characters of When Harry Met Sally… This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to the film.
The movie was named after a song by Harry Connick Jr.
The film’s title, When Harry Met Sally…, was inspired by a song of the same name performed by Harry Connick Jr., which is featured in the movie’s soundtrack.
When Harry Met Sally… explores the idea of fate and whether true love is predetermined.
The film poses the question of whether Harry and Sally’s eventual romantic connection was predetermined by fate or simply a result of their choices and experiences.
The movie features a memorable cross-country road trip.
Harry and Sally embark on a road trip together, which provides plenty of comedic moments and opportunities for them to grow closer.
When Harry Met Sally… was praised for its realistic and relatable dialogue.
The film’s natural and witty dialogue earned praise from both critics and viewers, making it a standout romantic comedy in terms of its writing.
When Harry Met Sally… was a box office success, grossing over $92 million worldwide.
The film’s box office success is a testament to its enduring popularity and the appeal of its relatable story and characters.
The movie features an iconic scene in Central Park.
Harry and Sally share a pivotal moment in Central Park, which has become ingrained in popular culture as a symbol of romance.
Billy Crystal was initially hesitant to take on the role of Harry.
Billy Crystal had reservations about playing the lead male role of Harry, but eventually agreed after meeting with director Rob Reiner and discussing the character.
Nora Ephron based some of Sally’s quirks on herself.
Writer Nora Ephron incorporated some of her own personal quirks and experiences into the character of Sally, making her more relatable and authentic.
When Harry Met Sally… features timeless themes and relatable characters.
The movie’s themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless classic.
The film was shot on location in New York City.
The movie captures the essence of New York City, with several iconic landmarks and locations appearing throughout the film.
When Harry Met Sally… sparked a renewed interest in romantic comedies.
The success of the film helped revitalize the romantic comedy genre, leading to a new wave of similar movies in the 1990s.
The movie’s poster features a memorable tagline.
The film’s poster features the tagline, “Can two friends sleep together and still love each other in the morning?” It perfectly encapsulates the central question of the story.
The movie’s screenplay went through several revisions before production began.
Nora Ephron worked on multiple drafts of the screenplay, refining the story and dialogue to ensure the film’s success.
When Harry Met Sally… showcases the evolution of Harry and Sally’s friendship over a period of 12 years.
The film explores the ups and downs of Harry and Sally’s relationship as they navigate their own romantic endeavors and personal growth.
The film is known for its realistic and relatable portrayal of romantic relationships.
When Harry Met Sally… offers a refreshing take on romance, presenting characters who are flawed yet endearing and capturing the complexities of love and relationships.
The movie’s soundtrack became popular, featuring jazz standards and romantic songs.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Harry Connick Jr., features a collection of jazz standards and romantic songs that complement the story’s themes.
The film explores the idea of timing and whether two people can be in the right place at the right time.
When Harry Met Sally… poses the notion that timing plays a significant role in relationships and that two people may need to meet at the right moment in their lives to truly connect.
The movie’s ending is open to interpretation.
The film’s ending leaves the fate of Harry and Sally’s relationship somewhat open-ended, allowing viewers to imagine their future together or draw their own conclusions.
When Harry Met Sally… was praised for its natural chemistry between the lead actors.
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan’s on-screen chemistry was widely praised, enhancing the believability of their characters’ friendship and eventual romance.
The film’s witty and humorous dialogue became a signature of Nora Ephron’s writing.
Nora Ephron’s talent for sharp and witty dialogue is evident throughout the film, further establishing her as a master of the romantic comedy genre.
When Harry Met Sally… explores the idea of destiny and whether two people are meant to be together.
The film suggests that Harry and Sally’s eventual union is not merely a result of chance but rather a predetermined destiny.
The movie’s characters have become iconic in romantic comedy history.
Harry and Sally have become iconic characters in the realm of romantic comedies, with their dynamic and relatable personalities leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
When Harry Met Sally… was nominated for several Golden Globe Awards.
The film received multiple nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Best Actor – Comedy or Musical for Billy Crystal, and Best Actress – Comedy or Musical for Meg Ryan.
The film’s success helped solidify Meg Ryan’s status as a rom-com queen.
Meg Ryan’s portrayal of Sally helped establish her as one of the leading actresses in romantic comedies during the 1990s.
When Harry Met Sally… has become a cultural touchstone.
Over the years, the film has become a cultural touchstone, spawning references, parodies, and even inspiring real-life “Harry and Sally” friendships.
The movie’s themes of friendship and love have resonated with audiences for decades.
The enduring popularity of When Harry Met Sally… can be attributed to the universal themes it explores, leaving a lasting impact on viewers of all generations.
The film’s iconic quotes have become part of popular culture.
When Harry Met Sally… is filled with memorable quotes that have been quoted and referenced in other movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations.
The film’s success led to the creation of similar romantic comedies in the 1990s.
The popularity of When Harry Met Sally… paved the way for a wave of romantic comedies in the 1990s, many of which sought to replicate its success.
When Harry Met Sally… explores the fluidity of gender roles in relationships.
The film challenges traditional gender roles by presenting Harry and Sally as complex individuals who defy societal expectations.
The movie’s humor and relatability has made it a favorite for repeat viewings.
When Harry Met Sally… is a film that can be enjoyed over and over again, thanks to its clever humor, memorable characters, and timeless story.
The film sparked a resurgence in interest for classic romantic comedies.
The success of When Harry Met Sally… rekindled public interest in classic romantic comedies, leading to a renewed appreciation for the genre.
The movie’s depiction of friendship slowly turning into love resonates with many viewers.
The gradual shift from friendship to love depicted in the film strikes a chord with audiences who have experienced similar situations in their own lives.
When Harry Met Sally… received positive reviews from critics.
The film received favorable reviews from critics, who praised its smart writing, memorable performances, and realistic portrayal of relationships.
The film’s title is a play on the phrase “When Harry Met Sally… it had to be fate.”
The title of the film suggests that Harry and Sally’s meeting was not mere chance but rather a fated encounter that would eventually lead to love.
When Harry Met Sally… is an enduring classic that continues to captivate audiences.
Decades after its release, When Harry Met Sally… remains a beloved and timeless romantic comedy that continues to entertain and resonate with viewers all over the world.
Conclusion
When Harry Met Sally… is truly a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. With its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heartfelt storyline, it continues to resonate with viewers today. The chemistry between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal is undeniable, and their performances bring an undeniable charm to the film.
From the iconic deli scene to the memorable New Year’s Eve party, When Harry Met Sally… remains a standout romantic comedy that explores the complexities of relationships and the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be just friends.
Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or simply looking for a feel-good movie, When Harry Met Sally… is a must-watch. Its relatable characters, clever writing, and timeless themes make it a film that can be enjoyed over and over again.
FAQs
Q: Who directed When Harry Met Sally…?
A: When Harry Met Sally… was directed by Rob Reiner.
Q: When was When Harry Met Sally… released?
A: The film was released on July 14, 1989.
Q: Who starred in When Harry Met Sally…?
A: The film starred Meg Ryan as Sally Albright and Billy Crystal as Harry Burns.
Q: Is When Harry Met Sally… based on a true story?
A: No, the film is not based on a true story. It is a fictional romantic comedy.
Q: What is the famous line from When Harry Met Sally…?
A: The most famous line from the film is “I’ll have what she’s having,” spoken by an older woman in the deli scene.
Q: Did When Harry Met Sally… receive any awards?
A: Yes, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
If you're a fan of "When Harry Met Sally..." and its witty, relatable dialogue, you might be interested in learning more about the brilliant mind behind the screenplay, Nora Ephron. Her writing style and unique perspective on relationships have made her a beloved figure in the rom-com genre. Speaking of romantic comedies, "It Happened One Night" is another classic that paved the way for films like "When Harry Met Sally..." And let's not forget about the charming Meg Ryan, whose performances in romantic comedies have captured hearts for decades. Explore these fascinating topics and discover more about the people and films that have shaped this beloved genre.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.