Rob Reiner’s 10 best films as a director

by

Rob Reiner comes from a comedic background – his father was the legendary Carl Reiner – and he started his career as an actor, even winning an Emmy for his role on “All in the Family.” While humor often appears in his films, Reiner is truly known for his ability to direct in many different styles. From his first feature film, 1984’s “This Is Spinal Tap,” to classics like “Stand by Me,” “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” “Misery,” “A Few Good Men,” and “The American President,” his work showcases an impressive range and skill within mainstream Hollywood filmmaking.

Movies

Rob Reiner, the acclaimed director of films like ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘The Princess Bride,’ passed away Sunday at his home in Brentwood. He was 78 years old, and his wife was with him.

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984)

Rob Reiner didn’t invent the mockumentary, but his first film as director, This Is Spinal Tap, really popularized the style. The movie presented itself as a documentary about a fictional rock band, and Reiner even starred in it as the director of the film-within-the-film, making a smooth transition from actor to director. While the recent sequel didn’t fare well, the original Spinal Tap remains a hugely influential and endlessly quotable comedy.

‘The Sure Thing’ (1985)

As a total movie buff, I’ve always loved how Say Anything… stood out even amongst all the teen comedies of the ’80s. Rob Reiner’s second film, about a road trip between two college students, really worked because of the genuine chemistry and sweetness John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga brought to their roles. It could have easily become a cynical story, but they kept it heartfelt. Actually, looking back, it was the first time I really noticed Reiner’s knack for bringing out that emotional honesty in his films – it elevated what could have been a pretty standard movie into something really special.

‘Stand by Me’ (1986)

The movie “Stand by Me,” based on a story by Stephen King, follows four friends – Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and River Phoenix – as they navigate a memorable Labor Day weekend in 1959 and strengthen their bond. Director Rob Reiner’s blend of heartwarming nostalgia and honest storytelling earned him his first nomination from the Directors Guild of America. — M.O.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

No discussion of director Rob Reiner’s best work would be complete without “The Princess Bride.” This fun and imaginative fantasy-romance captures a spirit of anything being possible. The story unfolds as an older man reads a tale to his grandson, about a farm boy and a princess destined for each other – if they can survive the many obstacles in their path. The film has charmed audiences of all ages for generations. — M.O.

‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)

“When Harry Met Sally…,” written by Nora Ephron, is often considered the quintessential modern romantic comedy. The film follows the story of two friends, Harry and Sally, and explores whether their relationship could become something more. With delightful performances from Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, and a memorable supporting cast featuring Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby, the movie has a uniquely warm and inviting feel. A particularly iconic moment – the line “I’ll have what she’s having” – was famously delivered by director Rob Reiner’s mother, Estelle. — M.O.

‘Misery’ (1990)

Rob Reiner, a big fan of Stephen King, started his production company, Castle Rock Entertainment, as a tribute to the author. After the success of “Stand by Me,” he naturally wanted to tackle a horror project—a subtle clue to this can even be found in his film “When Harry Met Sally,” in the book Crystal is reading. The result was a sophisticated take on King’s story of a writer held captive, featuring incredible performances from Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of an obsessed fan, and James Caan, playing the writer himself. Caan, who needed a career boost, found it with this role, thanks to Reiner’s direction. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)

Director Rob Reiner proved his versatility once again with this gripping military courtroom drama, earning his sole Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. The film also received recognition from the Directors Guild, Producers Guild, and Golden Globes. Featuring a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and starring Tom Cruise and Demi Moore, it’s best remembered for Jack Nicholson’s powerful delivery of the iconic line, “You can’t handle the truth!” — M.O.

‘The American President’ (1995)

You know, seeing a president as a romantic lead felt surprisingly normal back during the Clinton years, and this movie really captures that vibe. Rob Reiner took Aaron Sorkin’s already quick, witty script – all that fast-paced dialogue and people walking while talking – and added a really warm, believable touch. But what really makes this movie special is Michael Douglas as the widowed president and Annette Bening as this incredibly persuasive environmental advocate. Their chemistry is fantastic. It’s a gentle comedy that feels almost… hopeful, which is pretty different from a lot of what we see in movies today. Considering how active Rob Reiner became later on with his political views, it’s cool to see that optimism was always a part of his work.

‘Rumor Has It’ (2005)

It takes courage to revisit a classic like “The Graduate,” but director Reiner approached the story with a light touch. The film centers on a woman, played by Jennifer Aniston, who suspects her mother and grandmother were the models for the characters in the original novel. While critics weren’t kind when it was first released, the movie now feels like the kind of confident, funny studio comedy audiences enjoy, largely thanks to Shirley MacLaine’s wonderfully over-the-top performance as a possible real-life Mrs. Robinson. — M.O.

‘Albert Brooks: Defending My Life’ (2023)

This documentary is a heartfelt tribute to comedian Albert Brooks, created by his longtime friend Rob Reiner. They met as teenagers at Beverly Hills High and now share a candid conversation over a meal. The film not only showcases Brooks’ life and career, but also reveals Reiner’s deep understanding of the entertainment industry and its challenges, gained through years of personal experience. — M.O.

Read More

2025-12-15 14:31