Summary

• Meg Ryan's rom-com movies are known for their romantic atmospheres and her relatable, girl-next-door quality, making even her worst films bursting with fun.
• "What Happens Later" will mark Meg Ryan's 14th rom-com movie, evoking delight and nostalgia for her past roles.
• From classics like "When Harry Met Sally" to underrated favorites like "Addicted to Love," Meg Ryan's filmography is filled with entertaining rom-coms that showcase her talent and chemistry with co-stars.

When it comes to rom-coms, Meg Ryan is an all too familiar face, and as a result of the many, many romantic comedy movies she has starred in, there are more than enough to rank them all from worst to best. Since 1989, Ryan has dominated the rom-com space with a variety of adorable and swoonworthy films. But, it isn't just the romantic atmospheres that make these movies special. Meg Ryan herself brings a relatable, girl-next-door quality that makes her perfect as a female romantic lead. In this way, even her worst movies are bursting with fun.

Over the course of her career, Meg Ryan has appeared in 13 romantic comedy movies, and now in 2023, she will be starring in her 14th. The movie, called What Happens Later, stars Meg Ryan and David Duchovny as ex-lovers who are reunited when they become stranded in an airport together. Though it has been some time since Ryan has been in front of the camera, there is no doubt that Meg Ryan's rom-com return will evoke the same delight typical of her performances, along with nostalgia surrounding her roles of the past. In the face of Meg Ryan's newest rom-com, here are each of her rom-com movies, ranked.

13 The Deal

A romantic comedy that leans more heavily into its comedy side than its romantic side is 2008's The Deal. The film stars William H. Macy as a struggling film producer who receives a promising screenplay from his nephew that he promptly turns into an action-adventure espionage film. With a big name actor as his star and Meg Ryan's no-nonsense film developer roped into the deal, they all travel to South Africa where chaos and minor romance ensues. While this is far from being Meg Ryan's most romantic movie, The Deal is plentiful in its comedy. Plus, Ryan and Macy as co-stars is a unique and interesting pairing to behold.

12 Serious Moonlight

Made in 2009, Serious Moonlight is a Meg Ryan film that verges on the absurd. It follows Meg Ryan as a successful lawyer looking to reinvigorate her marriage, however, when she surprises her husband at his country cottage, she discovers his secret girlfriend, played by Kristen Bell. In a strange twist, Ryan's character ties her husband to a chair, and things get even weirder when a burglar arrives, played by Justin Long. Though Serious Moonlight wasn't very well received, it is certainly an entertaining watch, with a cast of likable and familiar faces. It is a rom-com that definitely flips romance on its head.

11 My Mom's New Boyfriend

In 2008's My Mom's New Boyfriend, Colin Hanks plays an FBI agent who returns home to find his once depressed mother, Meg Ryan, exceptionally changed. She has begun dating again, and in fact, is involved with men half her age. However, the biggest problem is her boyfriend Tommy, played by Antonio Banderas, who may actually be an art thief. This film sees Meg Ryan in a role that is a bit out of the ordinary for her, and whether it pays off is subjective. However, this movie is definitely full of laughs and a Meg Ryan performance that breaks her usual girl-next-door mold.

10 In The Land of Women

2007's In the Land of Women is a Meg Ryan film with a classic rom-com set-up. Adam Brody is a man who has just had his heart broken, and as a result, moves away to care for his ailing grandmother. While there, he becomes entangled in the lives of a mother, Meg Ryan, and her daughters living across the street. For those seeking a rom-com with more dramatic threads, this is definitely a strong candidate. In the Land of Women makes no promises of a happy ending, which for some, is a good thing. While this film lacks the more comedic aspects of a rom-com, its romantic themes are plenty.

9 Addicted To Love

Meg Ryan has been part of many fun romantic pairings throughout her career, and 1997's Addicted to Love is no different. The film stars Matthew Broderick as a man who travels to New York City to spy on his ex-fiancee, who left him for a French chef. Soon, he crosses paths with the chef's equally jealous ex-girlfriend, played by Meg Ryan, and the two bond over their shared pain. Though some dislike the overtly vengeful tones of Addicted to Love, this Meg Ryan film is an underrated favorite for others. It may be silly at times, but it is certainly never boring.

8 French Kiss

Another Meg Ryan movie with a more traditional rom-com premise is 1995's French Kiss. Ryan plays a woman traveling to to follow her cheating husband, only to get caught up in the charms of a Kevin Klein's French crook. Despite earning mixed reviews, French Kiss has plenty to offer rom-com fans. Ryan and Klein have undeniable chemistry that translates into the film's strong romance, and Ryan proves that she still excels at playing an uptight protagonist that is softened by love. With a Parisian setting as the cherry on top, French Kiss is a strong example of a lesser-known but classic Meg Ryan rom-com.

7 IQ

1994's IQ is a rom-com with a supremely unique logline. Tim Robbins plays a mechanic who falls in love at first sight with Princeton doctoral candidate Meg Ryan, however, she is not only engaged to an exceedingly smart man, but also, is the niece of Albert Einstein himself. As a result, Robbins character must figure out how to appear smarter to pique her interest. This is a film that doesn't pull punches when it comes to silliness, especially in its use of Albert Einstein, however, that almost makes it more enticing to watch. IQ is pure fun and pure romance.

6 Prelude to A Kiss

In 1992, Meg Ryan's romantic comedies went from classic love stories to unique fantasy tales. In Prelude to a Kiss, Meg Ryan is just about to marry her fiancé, Alec Baldwin, when an old man approaches asking for a kiss. Thinking it's nothing more than a fun joke, she agrees, however, the kiss switches their souls, leaving Ryan's character in the old man's body and vice versa. While some critics felt that Prelude to a Kiss missed the mark, others enjoyed its gentle tones. The film stands out for its open discussions about love and happiness, despite the threat of death. Furthermore, the film's cast gives romantic and likable performances.

5 Kate & Leopold

Another fantastical Meg Ryan rom-com is 2001's Kate & Leopold. Ryan plays Kate, an ambitious 21st century woman with the desire to succeed in the working world, while Hugh Jackman plays Leopold, a charming 19th century lord. Though separated by centuries, the two come together through a strange rip in time, and also, through their shared bitterness towards love. Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman are standouts in this film, even as the surrounding plot becomes distracting and hard to follow. More than that, the heartwarming movie is perfect for those who have lost faith in love and want to believe in it again.

4 Joe Versus The Volcano

The lesser known of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' movies is 1990's Joe Versus the Volcano. Tom Hanks is a man who discovers he is dying, and as a result, volunteers to throw himself into a volcano to appease local superstitions. On the way, he falls in love with the woman leading him to the volcano, Meg Ryan, making him rethink his life choices. While this film may seem too silly to be taken seriously, Ryan and Hanks never question the world they're inhabiting, and in this way, make it real for audiences. If audiences suspend their disbelief just enough, they can find the treasure within this romantic comedy.