Meg Ryan And Tom Hanks Movies That Define Romance

- by Michael Davis
October 27, 2023 05:16 AM
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The timeless on-screen pairing of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks resulted in some of the most beloved, iconic romantic comedies ever made. Their natural rapport, humor, and warmth lit up the screen in multiple classic films over three decades.

Ryan and Hanks' collaborative movies encompassed sweeping love stories, meet-cutes, witty banter, and plenty of heart. Both talents pushed each other while showcasing their strengths. Their memorable chemistry made moviegoers root for their destined on-screen romance every time.

In this piece, we revisit the magical filmography of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' team-ups which redefined romantic comedies through unforgettable stories, characters, and moments.

Sr. No.	Movie Name	IMDb Rating
1	Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)	6.1
2	Sleepless in Seattle (1993)	6.8
3	You've Got Mail (1998)	6.7
4	Ithaca (2015)	5.5

1 - Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

[Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) - Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks Movies (Credits: TV Insider)]

All Cast: Tom Hanks (Joe Banks), Meg Ryan (DeDe/Angelica Graynamore/Patricia Graynamore), Lloyd Bridges (Samuel Harvey Graynamore), Abe Vigoda (Chief of the Waponis), Dan Hedaya (Frank Waturi), Barry McGovern (Luggage Salesman), Ossie Davis (Marshall), Amanda Plummer (Dagmar)
Director: John Patrick Shanley
IMDb Rating: 6.1
Release Date: March 9, 1990
Run Time: 102 minutes
Release Platform: Theatrical
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Click to Watch: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) Trailer

Joe Versus the Volcano is a 1990 American romantic comedy film written and directed by John Patrick Shanley and starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. When humble Joe learns he is dying, he accepts an offer to jump into a volcano on a tropical island in exchange for money that will care for his friends. Along the way he meets and connects with three versions of Meg Ryan's character.

Though considered a financial disappointment, Joe Versus the Volcano later became a cult classic appreciated for its quirkiness. Ryan and Hanks displayed wonderful comedic chemistry in their first pairing as Ryan played dual roles. Their rapport elevated the film's whimsical love story at its core.

2 - Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

[Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks Movies (Credits: The Cinema Archives)]

All Cast: Tom Hanks (Sam Baldwin), Meg Ryan (Annie Reed), Bill Pullman (Walter), Rosie O'Donnell (Becky), Gaby Hoffmann (Jessica Baldwin), Victor Garber (Greg), Rita Wilson (Suzy), Barbara Garrick (Victoria), Carey Lowell (Maggie Baldwin), David Hyde Pierce (Dennis Reed)
Director: Nora Ephron
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Release Date: June 25, 1993
Run Time: 105 minutes
Release Platform: Theatrical
Where to Watch: Freevee
Click to Watch: Sleepless in Seattle (1993) Trailer

Sleepless in Seattle is a 1993 American romantic comedy directed by Nora Ephron based on a story by Jeff Arch. Tom Hanks stars as Sam, a widowed father whose son calls a radio show trying to find him a new partner, which captures the interest of reporter Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) across the country.

The most successful of Hanks and Ryan's collaborations, Sleepless became a pop culture touchstone for its fairy tale love story. Their effortless rapport and likability made audiences root for their predestined yet unlikely romance across state lines. Sleepless cemented them as one of the great cinematic romantic pairings.

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3 - You've Got Mail (1998)

[You've Got Mail (1998) - Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks Movies (Credits: YouTube)]

All Cast: Tom Hanks (Joe Fox), Meg Ryan (Kathleen Kelly), Parker Posey (Patricia Eden), Jean Stapleton (Birdie Conrad), Greg Kinnear (Frank Navasky), Steve Zahn (George Pappas), Heather Burns (Christina Plutzker), Hallee Hirsh (Annabel Fox), Jeffrey Scaperrotta (Matt Fox), Dave Chappelle (Kevin Jackson)
Director: Nora Ephron
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Release Date: December 18, 1998
Run Time: 119 minutes
Release Platform: Theatrical
Where to Watch: Peacock
Click to Watch: You've Got Mail (1998) Trailer

You've Got Mail is a 1998 romantic comedy directed by Nora Ephron, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as online pen pals who are unaware they are business rivals in real life. When Joe's mega bookstore threatens to put Kate's quaint shop out of business, their cyber-flirtation gets complicated.

Reuniting Ryan and Hanks as bickering soulmates, You've Got Mail updated their winning formula for the internet age. Their breezy rapport and Ryan's infectious laugh earned enormous viewer affection. With its 184 million dollar box office gross, the film cemented Ryan and Hanks as the ultimate romantic comedy dream team.

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4 - Ithaca (2015)

[Ithaca (2015) - Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks Movies (Credits: The Movie Database (TMDB))]

All Cast: Meg Ryan (Kate Morrow), Sam Shepard (Homer Macauley), Alex Neustaedter (Homer Macauley (young)), Tom Hanks (Macauley 'Mac' Macauley (voice)), Hamish Linklater (Marcus Macauley), Jack Quaid (William 'Ulysses' Macauley), Spencer Howell (Tobey Macauley), Eric Ian Rose (Rob Pentecost), Christine Nelson (Louise Pentecost), Scott Shepherd (Matthew Pentecost)
Director: Meg Ryan
IMDb Rating: 5.5
Release Date: October 9, 2015 (USA)
Run Time: 96 minutes
Release Platform: Netflix
Where to Watch: Tubi
Click to Watch: Ithaca (2015) Trailer

Ithaca is a 2015 coming-of-age drama film directed by Meg Ryan based on William Saroyan's novel The Human Comedy. During WWII, 14-year-old Homer Macauley is determined to be the fastest bicycle telegraph messenger in Ithaca. The adult Homer is voiced by Tom Hanks.

Though it received a limited release, Ithaca marked Ryan's feature directorial debut. Hanks signed on to provide voice work so they could reunite decades after their iconic rom-coms. While more subdued than past team-ups, their easy rapport could be felt in this earnest drama.

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Final Verdict

Across four memorable films, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks cemented themselves as one of the romantic comedy genre's legendary on-screen pairs. Their natural, effortless chemistry brought authenticity and humor that made their characters' slow-burn love stories utterly irresistible. Millions fell in love watching Ryan and Hanks banter, bicker, and ultimately find their way together in these definitive romantic films.

FAQs

Q: What is a romantic movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan?

Some of the most popular romantic movies starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan together include Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, and Joe Versus the Volcano.

Q: How many movies have Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan done together?

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have starred together in 4 movies: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You've Got Mail (1998), and Ithaca (2015).

Q: When did Hanks and Ryan first work together?

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan first appeared together on screen in the 1990 comedy Joe Versus the Volcano, which marked the beginning of their iconic movie partnerships.