Written and directed by Nora Ephron, the 1993 romantic comedy Sleepless In Seattle is a beloved classic with smart dialogue, memorable moments, and a charming plot. While it's been over two decades since the movie was first released, there are still so many reasons to love it, and it doesn't feel as dated as it could.
From the main characters Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed to Sam's sweet son Jonah and his plot to find his dad a serious relationship, there are several ways that Sleepless In Seattle has aged well, making it a great movie to watch anytime.
The Heartwarming Story
There are countless romantic comedy meet cutes and yet the way that Sam and Annie meet is still fresh, original, and unique. It's sweet that Sam's son Jonah calls a radio show, and it's interesting that Sam and Annie don't even live in the same place and yet are still able to find each other.
While some '90s movies are dated and have jokes or pieces of dialogue that are offensive now, Sleepless In Seattle remains just as heartwarming as ever, with a story that tugs at the heartstrings no matter when someone is watching it.
Searching For Love
While several popular romantic comedies are about makeovers or a case of mistaken identity, this movie is all about looking for love. It might seem like a simple concept, but it's a universal and relatable one that has aged really well.
Both Sam and Annie expected to have someone special in their lives at this point, as Sam is devastated at losing his wife and Annie isn't so sure about the person who she's engaged to. They're each lonely and hope that they can find someone who makes them feel that all the hard times have been worth it, which is why it's so satisfying when they do finally meet.
Nora Ephron's Brilliant Script
Sleepless In Seattle is one of Nora Ephron's best movies, and her screenplay is one good reason. The characters all speak in intelligent and compelling ways, whether joking around or talking about fate, which seems to be the theme of the movie.
When Annie says, "Destiny is something that we've invented because we can't stand that fact that everything that happens is accidental," audiences can likely relate while also hoping that she and Sam are meant to be together. Nora Ephron's characters always sound a certain way, as they're more perceptive than characters in many movies in this genre.
Jonah's Love Of Radio
Jonah loves a talk radio show and he wants his dad to talk on the air about his grief over his wife. While this is a little dated as radio isn't quite as popular in 2021 as it was back in the '90s, many still tune into favorite radio shows. It's comforting to listen to the same hosts over and over again, one reason why podcasts have become so beloved recently.
It's easy to imagine that if this movie was made in 2021, Jonah would find either a local radio show or a podcast about relationships and message them on Instagram.
A Child Wanting Their Parent To Be Happy
There are several movies that feature kids wanting to set their single parent up with the perfect partner, and yet it works well in this '90s rom-com because wanting to find true, real love never gets old.
When Jonah is determined to make Sam happy, it's incredibly moving. Jonah is so young and yet he knows how much sadness and loneliness his dad carries around and he doesn't want him to be alone anymore.
Grieving A Terrible Loss
While some '90s rom coms are corny, the emotions at the core of Sleepless In Seattle help it stand out.
Sam and Jonah are doing their best to love and support each other about losing their wife and mother, and losing a loved one to cancer or for any other reason is never going to be an easy path. It's heartbreaking watching these characters feel so alone and beaten down, and fans hope that Jonah's desire to find his dad a partner will be successful as Sam seems so out of sorts.
The Universal Experience Of Celebrating The Holidays
Near the start of the movie, Annie tells her parents that she's engaged to Walter, and it seems like a big deal that she waited until Christmas to tell them this big life news.
Annie begins to think that she's making a mistake, which is relatable, but this scene also still works today because it's all about the importance of celebrating the holidays with family. Christmas scenes are always joyous, cozy, and comforting, and this time of year often makes people more reflective. Annie definitely begins her journey of self-discovery in this moment.
The Cultural Significance Of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is still a huge deal, with many single and coupled up people alike wishing that they'll have a great time, and Sleepless In Seattle's focus on this day has definitely aged well.
Annie seems to love the idea of having a romantic February 14th, and the movie's biggest and most memorable scene even happens on this day, which suggests that it plays a huge role here. While Annie and Sam might not expect to meet the person who they're going to end up with on Valentine's Day, that's exactly what happens, and it's both dramatic and perfect.
The Romantic Empire State Building Scene
It's true that many romantic movies can be over-the-top, and perhaps it would be impossible for Sam and Annie to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in real life.
But the movie is so convincing and makes it seem like these characters really would be able to meet this way, with young Jonah pulling off an incredible feat, and this ending still works today. Jonah proves himself to be kind, caring, smart, and resourceful, and he's determined to make this happen for his dad. Romantic comedy fans love this movie's conclusion as it feels sweet and hopeful.
Becky's Comments About Movies
The best romantic comedies are totally self-aware, and Annie's good friend Becky delivers a classic line that lands flawlessly even now. When the two pals watch a movie that makes Annie cry because it's so romantic, Becky says, "A movie! That's your problem. You don't want to be in love, you want to be in love in a movie."
This is not only hilarious but also still true now, as many people love romance and watch movies and TV shows and listen to pop songs, hoping that a grand, epic love will happen to them. And like Annie, they likely have people in their lives who tell them that they're being cheesy and unrealistic, yet they hold out hope.