Meg Ryan has long been considered America’s sweetheart, endearing herself to audiences around the world with her captivating performances in a string of romantic comedies that defined a genre throughout the 80s and 90s. Her on-screen charm and relatable personas have cemented her place as a beloved rom-com queen. As fans anticipate the release of “What Happens Later,” many are looking back at the movies that captured our hearts and spotlighted Ryan’s incredible talent and magnetic screen presence.

One cannot discuss Meg Ryan’s romantic filmography without mentioning “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. The film revolved around the eponymous characters’ decade-spanning relationship, examining whether men and women could ever truly be just friends. Ryan’s portrayal of Sally Albright, with her idiosyncrasies and quest for love, struck a chord with audiences worldwide, especially in the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen scene where she famously fakes an orgasm. The movie’s blend of humor, heart, and Ryan’s undeniable chemistry with co-star Billy Crystal has made it a timeless classic.

Following the success of “When Harry Met Sally,” Ryan starred in “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993), once again under Nora Ephron’s direction. Paired with Tom Hanks, the duo enchanted viewers even though their characters spend most of the film apart – their poignant connections mainly forged over radio waves and a shared sense of longing. Playing Annie Reed, a journalist charmed by the story of a widowed father, Ryan showcased her ability to pull at heartstrings while remaining effervescently charming.

Another memorable entry is “You’ve Got Mail” (1998), which reunited Ryan with Hanks under Ephron’s direction for a tale about rival bookshop owners who unknowingly fall in love over email. Amidst the backdrop of New York City and the rising age of internet communication, Ryan’s Kathleen Kelly navigates love and business with warmth and conviction. The film updated a classic story for the digital age, further cementing Ryan’s role as a romantic lead for contemporary audiences.

Additionally, “French Kiss” (1995) deserves mention as it took Meg Ryan outside her usual American settings to bring us Kate – an anxious woman chasing down her straying fiancé in France only to find herself entangled with a charming crook played by Kevin Kline. Although not as critically acclaimed as some of her other films, “French Kiss” allowed Ryan to explore a slightly more slapstick vein of romance while showcasing dazzling European landscapes.

While these films represent some highlights from Meg Ryan’s illustrious career in romantic cinema, they offer just a glimpse into her ability to capture love’s various shades on screen. As viewers eagerly wait for “What Happens Later,” they do so knowing it stands on the shoulders of these cherished classics – movies that will continue to be celebrated for capturing the complexities of love through Meg Ryan’s endearing performances.