10 essential Rob Reiner films
The tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, has reminded me of the joy of his body of work. He’s one of our great directors for a reason and there are so many movies fans can turn to to remember Reiner!
Reiner and Singer Reiner were killed in their home over the weekend of December 14. Fans were devastated to hear of his passing and for many, they’re looking for something to watch to remember him. Known for shows like All in the Family and his impressive body of work as a director and writer, there is a lot to choose from.
So here are 10 of Reiner’s films that are essential viewings for fans of the director and actor.
Misery
Stephen King adaptations are, as we all know, a dime a dozen. Everyone wants their hand at the famed author’s body of work. But no one quite knew how to bring the heart necessary into these stories like Reiner. Even with his adaptation of Misery, you can understand the situation in a way that isn’t just another story of a crazy woman, even if Annie (Kathy Bates) is that way on paper.
The film is centered around Annie Wilkes meeting and kidnapping her favorite author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan) after he is in a car crash. And the rest is nailed to the bed history.
A Few Good Men
You have probably heard quotes from this movie. Particularly “You can’t handle the truth” and that’s enough to get many sat and watching Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise square off. The Aaron Sorkin play turned film focuses on a military lawyer (Cruise) in court trying to unpack a murder case. It also stars Demi Moore and is just one of those iconic films that people cannot get enough of.
When Harry Met Sally
Tis the season. I feels both poignant and sad that When Harry Met Sally season is happening alongside the tragic death of Reiner and Singer Reiner. The romantic comedy focuses on Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), two friends who are trying to prove to the world that men and women can be friends with each other (and failing miserably at it).
It is the film where Reiner met Michele Singer and their love story altered the film’s ending. It is beautiful and perfect and we are almost to New Year’s Eve!
This Is Spinal Tap
Reiner helped to create the best kind of genre: The Mockumentary. Shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for movies like This Is Spinal Tap. The mockumentary focuses on the band Spinal Tap and taking a look into the fictional band. It is praised for its genius, Reiner’s performance alongside comedy legends, and even had a sequel release earlier this year.
The Story of Us
If you’re a fan of the interview style of film that Reiner became known for, then you’ll like The Story of Us. The story follows Ben (Bruce Willis) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) as their marriage is in a bad place. Through flashbacks and remembering when they were happy, the two continue to talk to each other about their family and try to work out their issues to keep up their love for their kids.
Stand By Me
One of the first short story adaptations from Stephen King’s work was Reiner’s Stand By Me. Based on “The Body,” the story follows a group of young men who find a body. Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Vern Tessio (Jerry O’Connell), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) and Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) all embark on a journey together to see the dead man and it is a coming of age story that has meant the world to so many for years.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Reiner starred in the film The Wolf of Wall Street with Leonardo DiCaprio. The Martin Scorsese film told the true story of Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio), a man who plead guilty to fraud and more in relation to the stock market. Reiner played Jordan’s father, Max, and his back and forth with DiCaprio is some of the lighter and more humorous parts of the film.
Sleepless in Seattle
When Reiner wasn’t directing some of the best romantic stories of all time, he was starring in them. Which includes his role as Jay in Sleepless in Seattle. The Nora Ephron film is, much like When Harry Met Sally, a classic of the genre and while Reiner isn’t the main character, his presence in the film is still an important one.
The American President
If you have ever wanted to see Michael Douglas and Annette Bening falling in love with the White House being thrown in? Then The American President is the perfect fit for you. There is love, ratings, and a lot of beautiful shots of two people who maybe shouldn’t be together dancing.
The American President is described as follows: “With the end of his first term in sight, widowed U.S. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) knows that overwhelming public support will guarantee his re-election. But when he falls in love with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), Shepherd’s supporters question the relationship, and his approval ratings drop. As a rival presidential candidate goes on the attack, Shepherd must choose between his political career and his love for Sydney.”
The Princess Bride
The Rob Reiner film that was probably your introduction to him as a director is The Princess Bride. Adapted from William Goldman book, the love story of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Westley (Cary Elwes) has stayed with fans for years. It is a sick day movie passed on through generations and the story of love, revenge, and fantasy is captivating to this day.
It is Reiner’s most beloved films and for good reason: It is perfect. There’s a shortage of perfect movies in this world. It would be a pity to damage this one.
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What is your favorite Rob Reiner film? Let us know in the comments below!
(featured image: John Lamparski/Getty Images)
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