Hear Me Out, When Harry Met Sally… Is Definitely A New Year’s Eve Movie

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Everyone agrees that When Harry Met Sally… is one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. Written by the late Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, the film, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, resonates with audiences in many ways. It’s a beloved story about friends falling in love, a defining movie of the 1980s filled with memorable quotes, and a perfect film to watch in the fall. But I also think it deserves to be recognized as a truly iconic New Year’s Eve movie.

Okay, I get it – When Harry Met Sally… covers all seasons and spans ten years, but trust me, it’s the perfect New Year’s Eve movie. Let me explain why…

The Movie’s Climatic Moment Takes Place At A New Year’s Eve Party

From their initial encounter to the iconic diner scene and the sweet interviews with long-married couples, When Harry Met Sally… is full of memorable moments. While the story unfolds over a year (or more), the most pivotal scene – when Harry and Sally finally confess their feelings and share a kiss – takes place on New Year’s Eve.

The last few minutes of the movie are flawless. It begins with a somber scene of Harry walking through Washington Square Park – the same place where he and the other character parted ways when they first arrived in New York City. This leads to a powerful confrontation and what might be the greatest dialogue exchange in the entire film.

  • Sally Albright: I’m sorry, Harry. I know it’s New Year’s Eve. I know you’re feeling lonely, but you just can’t show up here, tell me you love me and expect that to make everything all right. It doesn’t work this way.
  • Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes, and I love that you are the last person I wanna talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

However, When Harry Met Sally… isn’t a great NYE movie simply because of its final scene…

New Year’s Eve Is About Remembering The Past While Looking Toward The Future

This movie isn’t just about a big New Year’s Eve moment; it’s about reflecting on the past and hoping for the future – which is exactly what the characters do. Over the ten years we’ve seen them together, they’ve had their share of ups and downs and embarrassing moments, but they’re unable to move on. They use those experiences to build a better future, one where they can finally be together. Even so, they still disagree about what the song “Auld Lang Syne” really means.

Just one more thing – the local cinema is showing When Harry Met Sally during the holidays! It’s playing on New Year’s Eve, if you were wondering.

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2025-12-29 15:11