When Harry Met Sally...

When Harry Met Sally...

Year: 1989

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

DramaComedyRomance

Harry and Sally, two independent individuals, first meet and debate whether men and women can ever truly be just friends. Their journey from Chicago to New York marks the beginning of an eleven-year friendship filled with witty banter and underlying romantic tension. As they navigate life and relationships separately, they repeatedly cross paths, each time further complicating their feelings for one another and the question of whether their connection can evolve into something more.

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Timeline – When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Trace every key event in When Harry Met Sally... (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Graduation Road Trip

In 1977, Harry Burns and Sally Albright embark on a road trip from the University of Chicago to New York City after completing their degrees. During the journey, they engage in a deep discussion regarding the complexities of platonic friendships between men and women, ultimately concluding that it's nearly impossible for these relationships to exist without romantic complications.

1977 On the road to New York City
2

Unexpected Reunion on a Flight

Five years later, in 1982, Harry and Sally's paths cross again unexpectedly during a plane trip. At this point, Sally is dating Joe and Harry is about to marry Helen, yet they revisit their previous debate about friendships between men and women, despite being in other relationships.

1982 On a flight
3

Life Changes and Breakups

By 1987, both Harry and Sally are experiencing significant life changes. Sally confides her feelings of heartbreak to her friends Marie and Alice, as she navigates the aftermath of her breakup with Joe, while Harry reveals to Jess that his engagement with Helen has also ended.

1987 Sally's apartment
4

Meeting at the Bookstore

Harry and Sally's chance meeting at a bookstore reignites their acquaintance. This event leads to a dinner where they catch up, share their personal stories, and bond over their mutual frustrations and experiences since their last encounter.

1987 Bookstore
5

Late-Night Conversations

As Harry and Sally re-establish their friendship, they begin having late-night phone calls where they engage in passionate debates about classic films like Casablanca. These conversations deepen their connection, allowing them to explore each other's lives and opinions.

6

Erroneous Attempts at Coupling

In an effort to help each other find romance, Harry tries to set Sally up with his friend Jesse while Sally seeks to match Harry with Marie. This comical endeavor unexpectedly results in a romance blossoming between Jesse and Marie instead.

7

Dinner with a Twist

During a memorable dinner, Sally humorously fakes an orgasm, which results in a classic moment when an onlooker, played by Estelle Reiner, famously remarks that she wants 'what she's having.' This light-hearted incident brings Harry and Sally closer.

A restaurant
8

Run-In with an Ex

While shopping for wedding gifts for Jesse and Marie, Harry and Sally happen upon Harry's ex-wife. This encounter complicates things further as Sally is now dating Julian and Harry is seeing Emily, amplifying the tensions between them.

Gift shop
9

Late-Night Comfort

After learning about her ex-boyfriend Joe's engagement, Sally reaches out to Harry for emotional support late one night. This meeting shifts from offering consolation to a steamy moment that lays the groundwork for their evolving relationship.

Harry's apartment
10

Growing Apart

As their relationship matures, Harry and Sally begin to feel the strain from their complex emotions. They become distant following their intimate encounter, struggling with their feelings and the challenges of navigating love amidst other relationships.

11

Wedding Arguments

Their differing emotions come to a head during Jesse and Marie's wedding, culminating in a heated argument that leaves both feeling conflicted about their relationship. The pressure of their feelings threatens to pull them apart.

Wedding venue
12

New Year's Revelations

On New Year's Eve, Harry confronts his feelings for Sally and declares his love for her. This heartfelt confession leads to a passionate kiss, signaling a pivotal shift in their relationship and their decision to pursue a future together.

New Year's Eve
13

Decision to Marry

Following their emotional New Year’s Eve moment, Harry and Sally make the profound decision to get married. This choice solidifies their commitment to one another and marks the culmination of their long journey navigating love and friendship.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 13:57

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When Harry Met Sally... Summary

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When Harry Met Sally... Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in When Harry Met Sally...

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