It’s been a couple of days since the death of director/actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The investigation into their deaths is still ongoing, and their son has been taken into custody in relation to the case. The details surrounding Rob and Michele’s deaths are too gruesome and frankly unsettling to even mention in this article. Rob Reiner is an esteemed director and actor who has left his mark on this world with beautifully memorable films, and it should be that legacy that’s remembered—rather than the horrific way he and his wife left this world.
We at Geek Vibes Nation wish to remember Reiner and the films he left behind—many that not only carry cultural significance, but are also some of the best movies in modern cinema. While Reiner also acted in many projects worth noting, this article focuses on the top films created by the Hollywood legend.
This Is Spinal Tap
Admittedly, I didn’t even realize Rob Reiner had given us This Is Spinal Tap until his unfortunate death. The 1984 mockumentary follows a heavy metal band and became a defining part of Gen X pop culture. While younger generations may not be as familiar with this cult classic, chances are you’ve heard the phrase “up to 11” before.
Misery
While Reiner was mostly known for comedies, Misery remains one of the strongest Stephen King adaptations ever made. The psychological thriller stars Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, who takes novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) hostage. It’s an intense, claustrophobic film that stands as one of the greatest horror thrillers in cinema history.
Stand By Me
One of Reiner’s most beloved films, Stand By Me is another Stephen King adaptation that has only grown in reputation over time. The coming-of-age drama follows a group of boys on a journey to find the body of a missing child, ultimately becoming a meditation on friendship, loss, and growing up too fast.
The Princess Bride
Few comedies hit the perfect balance of humor and heart like The Princess Bride. Written and produced by Reiner, the film feels like a Mel Brooks comedy in the best way possible. Packed with iconic performances and endlessly quotable moments, it remains just as charming decades after its 1987 release. As you wish!
A Few Good Men
Speaking of Reiner’s non-comedic work, A Few Good Men stands as one of the finest legal dramas ever made. Starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore, the film showcases powerhouse performances and razor-sharp dialogue. Released in 1992, it remains a benchmark for courtroom dramas and cinematic tension.
When Harry Met Sally…
Now it’s time to talk about one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time. While films like Moonstruck, Pretty Woman, and Sleepless in Seattle are classics in their own right, none quite match When Harry Met Sally…. Perfectly paced and deeply human, the film explores friendship, timing, and emotional vulnerability in a way few rom-coms ever have.
Ultimately, the film world is a little dimmer now without Rob Reiner in it. Since his passing, countless tributes have poured in from those who worked with him and admired his work. Regardless of politics, he is remembered as a passionate artist and a genuinely good person. One can only hope that his films—and the joy they’ve brought audiences—remain his lasting legacy.
What are some of your favorite Rob Reiner films?
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
