AlthoughMeg Ryanbegan her acting career in 1981, starring in minor roles before joining the cast of the CBS soap operaAs the World Turnsin 1982, the actress ultimatelyrose to fame after starring in a series of hit romantic comedies in the 1990s, includingWhen 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 comediesSleepless in SeattleandYou’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, fromIn the CuttoCourage Under Fire.
12’In the Cut' (2003)
Director: Jane Campion
In the Cutis 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 movieis among Ryan’s most memorable, though it isn’t the filmmaker’s best. The solid acting performances are possibly the strongest aspect ofIn the Cut.
In the Cut
Rent on Amazon
11’Joe Versus the Volcano' (1990)
Director: John Patrick Shanley
John Patrick Shanley’s black comedy filmstarring dynamic duoTom HanksandMeg Ryanin 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 Volcanoshowcases 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 movieis undoubtedly a goofy, worthwhile watch that will keep boredom at bay.
Watch on Roku
10’The Doors' (1991)
Director: Oliver Stone
When it comes to movies with Meg Ryan,The Doorsis 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 bringsPamela Coursonto life in this entertaining and informative music biopic. Although the psychedelic elements stand out,The Doorsheld 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.
Watch on Amazon Prime
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). TheTom 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 Gunfeatures 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 theTop Gunactors not to vomitwhen flying.
8’Innerspace' (1987)
Director: Joe Dante
Joe Dante’sInnerspacecombines 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 filmFantastic Voyage, this often overlooked buthilarious 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).
7’City of Angels' (1998)
City of Angelsis an intriguingBradSilberlingromance fantasy dramastarring an over-the-topNicolas Cageand 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 divisiveCity of Angelsstill 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).
6’Anastasia' (1997)
Directors: Gary Goldman, Don Bluth
With a highly enjoyable plot and memorable characters,Anastasiais assuredly one of the best — if not the best —non-Disney animated films. Inspired by the legend of Grand Duchess 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.
InAnastasia, Ryan brings the intriguing lead character to life, proving that her amazing skills extend to voice-acting. Overall, itis 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.
Watch on Disney+
5’When a Man Loves a Woman' (1994)
Director: Luis Mandoki
Based on ten pages of notes written by iconic filmmakerOrson Wellesand directed byLuis Mandoki,When a Man Loves a Womanexplores how complexand testing relationships can be, highlighting the consequences of addiction. It illustrates the struggles of a seemingly perfect couple (Ryan andAndy Garciain 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-oldTina Majorino.
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 byNora 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 Mailis an undeniably sweet and feel-good watchthat 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 24 June 2025.
You’ve Got Mail
Rent on Apple TV
3’Sleepless in Seattle' (1993)
Sleepless in Seattleis yet another entertainingMeg 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.
