Hollywood was deeply shaken and devastated by the sudden, tragic passing of director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. They were found dead at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. From Elijah Wood to Kathy Bates, Reiner’s friends and colleagues quickly jumped in to pay their tribute to the legendary filmmaker and actor.

While Josh Gad hailed him as one of the “greatest directors,” Paul Walter Hauser credited Reiner’s A Few Good Men as “the reason” he became an actor.

Reiner was a phenomenal director who made massive contributions to the industry before his untimely dem. Be it as an actor or a director, his work made an incredible impact that many still talk about today. 

As Hollywood continues to mourn the passing of the legend, here are 10 of his best movies to watch.

This Is Spinal Tap was Rob Reiner’s debut as a feature film director. This American mockumentary comedy film was praised for its clever and understated humor.

While Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer play members of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap, Reiner played the role of documentary filmmaker, Martin "Marty" Di Bergi. The movie’s popularity grew after its VHS release, which helped it reach a wider audience.

This year, Reiner reunited with Guest, McKean, and Shearer to reprise their roles in the 2025 sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

Released in 1985, The Sure Thing is one of Rob Reiner’s early directorial gems. Starring John Cusack as Gib, the film follows a college student who starts a cross-country road trip. Along the way, he is stuck traveling with Alison (Daphne Zuniga). 

What makes The Sure Thing still enjoyable today is its fresh story. Reiner balanced comedy with heart, which received good reviews from film critics.

Stand by Me, directed by Rob Reiner, is a heartfelt coming-of-age film based on Stephen King’s novella The Body. Set in the small fictional town of Castle Rock in 1959, it follows four boys, played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, who head out on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. 

The film was warmly received, earning an Oscar nomination and Golden Globe nods. It remains a timeless piece.

When Harry Met Sally is Rob Reiner’s second romantic comedy, but it went on to become the rom-com that others are still measured against. This film was written by Nora Ephron, who was massively praised for her work. 

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have effortless chemistry as Harry and Sally. What makes the film so memorable is how real and relatable it feels, even decades later. 

Misery is Rob Reiner at his most intense, turning Stephen King’s novel into a chilling psychological thriller. It follows the story of Paul Sheldon, a famous novelist who finds himself trapped by his fan, the terrifyingly devoted Annie Wilkes. 

The roles of Sheldon and Annie were offered to several actors before James Caan and Kathy Bates were decided as cast. Bates showed a powerhouse performance, earning an Academy Award.

Ghosts of Mississippi, directed by Rob Reiner, is a courtroom drama. It is based on the true story of Byron De La Beckwith’s 1994 trial for the 1963 assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. 

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The film stars Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, and James Woods. It is a tense and emotional story. While it struggled at the box office, the movie earned recognition at the 69th Academy Awards, with Woods receiving a Best Supporting Actor nomination 

A Few Good Men, directed by Rob Reiner, has a gripping story with a powerhouse cast. With Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore, the story follows the court-martial of two Marines accused of mu----.

A Few Good Men earned a massive $243 million. It also racked up four Oscar nominations and remains one of the best legal drama films of the 90’s.

The American President is Rob Reiner’s charming merger of politics and romance, brought to life by Aaron Sorkin’s sharp writing. Michael Douglas stars as President Andrew Shepherd, a widower who finds himself falling for environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade, played by Annette Bening. 

It performed well at the box office, earning $108 million, and critics praised the performances and clever script. This is a feel-good political romcom that still holds up today.

North, directed by Rob Reiner, is a quirky adventure-comedy. The story follows a 9-year-old boy, played by Elijah Wood, on his unusual quest to find the perfect parents. Based on Alan Zweibel’s novel, the story is filled with whimsical characters and wild situations.

A 9-year-old Scarlett Johansson also makes a brief appearance in the movie. While it did not make a huge splash at the box office, the movie is a mix of perfect adventure and comedy.

Not just a director, but Rob Reiner was a truly talented actor, best known for his iconic role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom All in the Family (1971–1979). His performance earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards and made him a household name.

Be it on the small screen or the big screen, he brought energy, humor, and depth to every role. He was truly an incredible talent, with versatility and unforgettable storytelling, both as a director and an actor. 

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Have you watched any of these movies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.