How Many Movies Have Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan Done Together?
If you automatically think of Tom Hanks when you think of Meg Ryan movies, you’re not alone. The pair co-starred in some of the most iconic romantic movies of the 90s. In fact, there are quite a few similarities between the projects in question, which might confuse some viewers wondering how many films Hanks and Ryan have been in together.
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan dominated ’90s movie screens
Hanks and Ryan were staples in the 1990s movie scene. Both had blockbusters under their wings before working on their first movie together: Joe Versus the Volcano. In it, Hanks plays a dying man who travels to a South Pacific island to sacrifice himself for the good of the people there. Ryan actually plays three parts: Hanks’ co-worker at his dead-end job who he takes on a date, and the wealthy daughter of the man who convinces him to go on his mission, and her half-sister, who he falls for.
A few years after Hanks and Ryan first fell in love on a movie screen, they returned to star in Sleepless in Seattle together. Ryan played Annie, a reporter who hears Hanks’ character Sam call into a late-night radio show to discuss being a widower. After several missed connections, the pair finally get together at the end of the sweet film, to the delight of Sam’s young son.
By the time You’ve Got Mail came out in 1998, the pair were well known for their on-screen chemistry. This time, the couple portrays business rivals who connect online, unaware of the other’s identity. It’s among the first movies to depict online dating.
What recent movies have Hanks and Ryan done together?
While viewers might be more familiar with the pair’s romantic comedies movies from the ’90s, Hanks and Ryan have actually worked together more recently. They collaborated on Ryan’s directorial debut, a film called Ithaca about a boy who wants to become the fastest bike messenger in a small California town. Once more, they played a couple with Hanks portraying the boy’s recently deceased father and Ryan playing the widowed mother.
Although Hanks played a much smaller role in what some people called the pair’s reunion, Ryan was quick to praise him, Entertainment Weekly writes. The actress-turned-director noted how her friend so graciously joined the movie. She also recalled how Hanks addressed the cast and crew after filming to thank them for “being there for” his friend Meg.
What makes their friendship work after two decades?
When Sleepless in Seattle turned 25 in 2018, the movie returned to theaters with a new introduction featuring Ryan and produced Gary Foster. Today highlights how the actress spoke warmly about her co-star and friend, describing him as a good listener who is easy to work with. Hanks’ kindness shines through when he posts on social media.
Ryan went further to explain how Hanks “doesn’t like there to be drama. I feel the same way. We’re just really there to have fun, this is supposed to be a creative experience, and there’s no reason to get heavy.” Hanks’ love for fun was certainly apparent when he made a cameo in a Carly Rae Jepsen music video. It’s no wonder that the actors enjoy working and spending time together!
As for Ryan, she’s well aware of her on-screen chemistry with frequent co-star Hanks. According to EW, the actress thinks it’s better not to dissect their chemistry because “it might go away.”
