Common Sense Media Review
Wit- and charm-filled romantic-comedy classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
When Harry Met Sally
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a beloved romantic comedy that masterfully explores the dynamics of friendship and love, showcasing great chemistry between the lead actors. While it contains discussions about sex, it balances humor and relatable themes, making it suitable for older teens, especially if parents are willing to skip a few scenes for younger viewers.
- great chemistry
- relatable themes
- humor and romance
- appropriate for teens
- parent discretion advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) meet for the first time while sharing a ride from Chicago to New York City. Sally is an uptight, optimistic, and intelligent person, while Harry is a thoughtful, sex-crazed chauvinist. Over a period of 10 years, they bicker, become best friends, and eventually fall in love, answering the age-old question, "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"
Is It Any Good?
Producer Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner make delightful, timeless romantic classics, and this is their best-known work. Many have tried, but none has succeeded in capturing the charm, wit, and chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan shown onscreen in this classic romantic comedy. Every element of this film possesses strength, including the script (supposedly based on Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron's true-to-life on again/off again relationship).
Who can forget such memorable lines as, "Oh, but 'baby fish mouth' is sweeping the nation?" and of course Rob Reiner's mother's declaration of, "I'll have what she's having." This film has a timeless quality that transcends decades, meaning that teenagers may not automatically write it off as an "old movie." As relevant and entertaining today as it was in 1989 and probably still in 2039, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY is one movie not to be missed. Suitable for older teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendships and how people can change over time, premarital sex, and the role sex plays in adult relationships, both marriage and otherwise.
Is Harry correct in his theory that men and women can't be friends?
How realistic is the outcome of their relationship?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 12, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : January 9, 2001
- Cast : Billy Crystal , Carrie Fisher , Meg Ryan
- Director : Rob Reiner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual themes and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate