8 essential Rob Reiner films to watch to pay tribute: from This is Spinal Tap to When Harry Met Sally

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As a lifelong movie fan, I can honestly say Rob Reiner’s impact on American cinema is just incredible. The news of his passing at 78 feels like a real loss. He directed so many films I’ve loved over the years, and what always struck me was how effortlessly he moved between genres – he truly excelled at everything he touched. His legacy is going to be remembered for a long, long time.

Rob Reiner, son of comedy icon Carl Reiner, first gained fame playing Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the popular 1970s sitcom All in the Family. He later became a director, making his debut in 1984 with the beloved comedy This is Spinal Tap.

That film launched an amazing run of successful movies, proving his skill with a variety of genres. He excelled at coming-of-age stories like Stand By Me, fantasy adventures such as The Princess Bride, romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally…, thrillers like Misery, and courtroom dramas like A Few Good Men. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, almost everything he worked on became a hit.

While his biggest successes became less frequent after the late 1990s, he remained a respected and beloved figure in the film industry. Earlier this year, he completed what would be his last film – a fitting return to the themes of his debut movie. He also continued to act, with a memorable recurring role in the fourth season of the TV show, The Bear, being one of his final performances.

I was really shocked and saddened to hear the news. A family statement just came out announcing that Rob Reiner and his wife of over 35 years, Michele, have both passed away. It sounds incredibly sudden and heartbreaking, and they’re asking for privacy while they grieve, which is completely understandable. It’s just awful news.

It’s so sad to hear the news, and honestly, it’s no surprise to see Hollywood pouring out all the love and remembering him. I have a feeling a lot of us are going to be revisiting his films – and thank goodness for that! He left behind so many incredible movies, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate his amazing life and work.

Keeping that in mind, we’re sharing reviews of eight important films by Reiner, which you’ll find below.

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This is Spinal Tap (1984)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

This funny and insightful satire perfectly captures the world of rock music. Director Rob Reiner uses a fake documentary style to hilariously poke fun at every rock ‘n’ roll stereotype while following a made-up British heavy metal band on tour.

The performance inspired by Stonehenge is a real showstopper, but the movie also shines in its smaller moments, especially the hilariously rude song lyrics. Christopher Guest and Michael McKean are perfectly cast as the band’s incredibly dim-witted guitarist and singer, and director Rob Reiner’s brilliant parody consistently lands its jokes. This iconic pop music spoof has rightfully earned its status as a beloved cult classic. – Alan Jones

The Sure Thing (1985)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Rob Reiner’s comedy is a real treat and helped launch John Cusack’s career. He’s fantastic as a college freshman who loves beer and is focused on romance. He heads to California over the holidays hoping to meet a girl he thinks will be perfect, but things don’t go as planned. Instead, he finds himself on a road trip with the wholesome Daphne Zuniga, and that’s where the hilarious adventures begin.

The two main actors are delightful, and this film feels like an early draft of Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally…, but with a bit more sweetness. Keep an eye out for a young Tim Robbins playing a driver you definitely wouldn’t want to accept a ride from! – Joanna Berry

Stand By Me (1986)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

As a movie fan, I always say Rob Reiner’s film is one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever. It’s based on his novella, The Body – which is part of a collection of stories that aren’t really about the supernatural. It’s a really charming, old-fashioned adventure set in 1950s Oregon. What I love is how it mixes the excitement of a road trip with deeper stuff like growing up, dealing with your parents, and losing that childhood innocence – all through the eyes of these four friends on an unforgettable journey.

Wil Wheaton stars as the leader of a group of quirky friends – including Corey Feldman and River Phoenix – who embark on a camping trip in the countryside. They’re searching for the remains of a missing boy, and each member of the group is dealing with personal struggles at home. Their journey is filled with exciting adventures, like narrowly avoiding a train, navigating a swamp full of leeches, and facing off against a dangerous dog, all leading to a final confrontation with some bullies. – Andrew Collins

The Princess Bride (1987)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Rob Reiner has consistently worked to avoid being known for just one type of film. After the heartwarming success of Stand by Me, he chose to make this unusual but delightful story. The movie begins with Peter Falk telling the tale to his grandson, played by Fred Savage of The Wonder Years, and this clever separation between the storyteller and the story continues throughout.

This movie has everything kids want – monsters, giants, and sword fights – but it also includes plenty of humor for adults. A fantastic cast, featuring Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Mel Smith, and Peter Cook, really makes it work. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable film for the whole family. – John Ferguson

When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

This charming romantic comedy follows two college friends – a man and a woman – over ten years as they navigate life, love, and the complications of their connection. It playfully explores the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be just friends. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have fantastic chemistry, and the supporting cast, including Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby, bring a delightful spark to the film.

This movie, with its glamorous New York settings and classic music, feels like a stylish dive into the world of Woody Allen, and it’s wonderfully entertaining. While the now-famous fake orgasm scene in the deli launched Meg Ryan’s career, the film offers many other delights thanks to Nora Ephron’s brilliant script and Rob Reiner’s skillful direction. – Robyn Karney

Misery (1990)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Rob Reiner’s excellent film adaptation of Stephen King’s popular novel explores themes of fame, obsessive fandom, the struggles of artists, and whether popular fiction can also be valuable, all wrapped in a suspenseful psychological thriller.

Kathy Bates rightfully received an Oscar for her terrifying performance in ‘Misery,’ where she plays a devoted fan who becomes dangerously obsessive after her favorite character is killed off in a novel by James Caan. Though not a traditional horror film, director Rob Reiner masterfully creates a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere, filled with shocking moments – the particularly brutal scene involving a sledgehammer and an ankle is guaranteed to shock and disgust viewers. – Alan Jones

A Few Good Men (1992)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Jack Nicholson clearly enjoys playing against type in this classic courtroom drama, though his role is more of a memorable supporting performance. The film primarily follows Tom Cruise and Demi Moore as naval lawyers investigating the suspicious death of a young marine recruit.

Rob Reiner directs this film with a confident hand, proving his versatility as a filmmaker. While it occasionally relies heavily on dialogue, the intense final confrontation between Nicholson and Cruise is captivating. The movie also features strong performances from a talented supporting cast, including Kevin Bacon, Kevin Pollak, and JT Walsh, and a memorable, unsettling appearance by Kiefer Sutherland. – John Ferguson

The American President (1995)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Rob Reiner’s charming and funny romantic comedy feels reminiscent of classic films by Frank Capra. Released following Bill Clinton’s election, it’s one of several movies set in the White House at the time. The film, starring Michael Douglas as President Andrew Shepherd, was notably shot on a remarkably detailed, full-scale replica of the White House’s office and living areas.

Shepherd, a recent widower with a young daughter, needs someone to accompany him to public events. He finds a potential companion in Annette Bening, an environmental activist, and when they dance together publicly, the media immediately begins to speculate about a possible romance.

This film playfully highlights the president’s extreme isolation – he can barely make a personal call or even run a simple errand like buying flowers. Michael Douglas delivers a powerful performance, a significant departure from his roles in films like Fatal Attraction and Falling Down. Annette Bening is equally impressive, blending the sensibilities of the 1990s with the glamorous style of Lauren Bacall and the charming humor of Jean Arthur. Aside from a few predictable moments, the film is thoroughly enjoyable. – Adrian Turner

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time, he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all kinds.

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2025-12-15 19:06