Remembering Rob Reiner - his best films

Ash Walker • 16 Dec 2025 Features

Looking back at a legendary filmography

Put simply, Rob Reiner has made some of the most beloved films of all time. His signature blend of heart, humour and humanity shines through in all of his work, whether it’s iconic, genre-defining comedy, nail-biting horror or coming-of-age nostalgia.

To celebrate Reiner’s life and career, we’re looking back at his best films. And there are some absolute bangers in there.

A Few Good Men (1992)

Credit: A FEW GOOD MEN [1992] - Official Trailer (HD) (Sony Pictures Entertainment, YouTube)

“You can’t handle the truth!”

So barks villainous Col. Jessup (Jack Nicholson) at the climax of this legendary courtroom drama. It’s probably one of the most quoted lines in movie history, so it’s easy to forget that it’s only a small part of a brilliant, barnstorming film.

Propelled by a whip-smart Aaron Sorkin script, this follows a young, inexperienced Navy lawyer who is tasked with defending two marines charged with murdering a fellow soldier. Along the way he discovers that there might be more to the case than first appears.

Misery (1990)

Credit: MISERY (1990) | Official Trailer | MGM Studios (Amazon MGM Studios, YouTube)

Widely considered one of the best Stephen King adaptations of all time, Misery is a psychological thriller that’ll have you on the edge of your seat for the whole runtime.

Bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) has an accident on a snowy stretch of road and wakes up tied to the bed of Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a psychotic, obsessive fan. When he tries to escape - and refuses to write a new novel for her - things escalate to bone-crunching, wince-inducing heights.

A genuinely nail-biting experience, bolstered by a pair of powerhouse performances, in particular the utterly terrifying, Oscar-winning turn by Bates.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Credit: When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Official Trailer (HD) (Shout! Studios, YouTube)

With When Harry Met Sally, Reiner practically invented the modern romantic comedy - and made an all-time classic at the same time.

The plot is classic will-they-won’t-they stuff. We check in with Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) over the years as their relationship transforms from hatred to friendship to, eventually, something much more.

The couple’s chemistry is great, the rat-a-tat dialogue is witty and clever, and the ups-and-downs are heartbreakingly believable. But the film’s real masterstroke is the interviews with ‘real’ couples peppered throughout - they’re sweet, charming and pretty much guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Credit: The Princess Bride - 30th Anniversary Trailer (LionsgateFilmsUK, YouTube)

“Inconceivable!”

“As you wish.”

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

Is The Princess Bride the most quotable fantasy movie ever made? Quite possibly. It’s also one of the funniest.

Adapted by William Goldman from his own hyper-meta source novel, the movie takes the form of a bedtime story told by a grandfather to his bedridden grandson. And what a story it is - full of romance, swashbuckling action, lovable heroes and hissable villains.

It’s also got a wealth of great performances from the likes of Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes and Andre the Giant, and - as you might expect with the comedic talent involved - some brilliant jokes.

Stand By Me (1986)

Credit: Stand by Me (1986) Trailer #1 | Movieclilps Classic Trailers (Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers, YouTube)

Another top-tier Stephen King adaptation, and easily one of the greatest coming-of-age films of all time. There are precious few movies that can so perfectly capture that feeling of endless childhood summers, hanging out with your friends, but Stand By Me does it beautifully.

Based on King’s novella The Body, this is the story of four mates who travel down the train tracks and into the woods in search of a rumoured dead body. On paper the subject matter might sound quite dark, but Reiner (and the excellent young cast) keep things light and fun, only occasionally letting the more serious issues seep through.

A brilliant, hilarious, heartbreaking adventure that will leave you longing for days gone by.

This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Credit: This is Spinal Tap (1984) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers (Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers, YouTube)

The film that popularised the mockumentary format and - you guessed it - one of the best comedies ever made.

Reiner himself plays documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi, following the exploits of the titular heavy metal group - one of England’s loudest bands - as they embark upon a fateful tour of the US. The jokes come thick and fast, and so many of them have lodged in the cultural consciousness.

Spinal Tap is beloved, influential, endlessly rewatchable and, most importantly, still absolutely hilarious. Turn your TV up to eleven and give it a watch immediately.