- The passing of actor and director Rob Reiner leaves an enduring legacy in Hollywood cinema.
- His top five highest-rated films include the fantasy adventure The Princess Bride and the horror classic Misery.
- Stand by Me is Reiner’s highest-rated film, a beloved coming-of-age drama based on Stephen King.
- The director found success across genres, masterfully helming mockumentaries, thrillers, and dramas.
The cinematic world is in shock following the tragic passing of actor and celebrated filmmaker Rob Reiner. While many first knew him from the iconic sitcom All in the Family, Reiner cemented his legacy by transitioning successfully behind the camera, directing a string of Hollywood classics that remain beloved today. As cinephiles process the news, it’s the perfect time to look back at the enduring films that showcased his versatile and powerful storytelling.
Reiner’s directorial career was defined by an ability to navigate vastly different genres, achieving both critical acclaim and mass audience appeal in each one. This list curates his five highest-rated movies, based on IMDb scores, showing the impressive range of his work, from cozy fantasy to sharp courtroom drama.
1. Stand by Me (1986)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Reiner’s highest-rated film remains a cultural touchstone. Set in the 1950s, this coming-of-age drama, based on a Stephen King short story, captures the universal experience of childhood friendship, adventure, and loss. It follows four young friends on a quest to find the body of a missing boy, creating a narrative that is both deeply nostalgic and emotionally resonant.
2. The Princess Bride (1987)
IMDb Rating: 8/10
This beloved fantasy adventure film demonstrates Reiner’s ability to handle highly stylized material. It tells the classic story of a farmhand-turned-hero who sets out to rescue his true love, navigating various fantastical obstacles. The film’s blend of romance, wit, and genuinely funny dialogue has secured its place as an all-time classic.
3. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Before most knew the genre, Reiner delivered one of the greatest mockumentaries ever made. The film follows a fictional British rock band on a chaotic US tour, brilliantly poking fun at rock stars, their inflated egos, and life on the road. The humor is timeless and often cited as foundational to modern comedy.
4. Misery (1990)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
A stark departure into psychological horror, Misery is arguably Reiner’s most tense film. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the film pits famous novelist Paul Sheldon against his number one fan, the dangerously obsessed nurse Annie Wilkes. It’s a masterful study in terror and confinement, securing an Oscar win for actress Kathy Bates.
5. A Few Good Men (1992)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The courtroom drama centers on a young military lawyer, played by Tom Cruise, defending two Marines accused of murder. As the trial unfolds, the lawyer uncovers a dangerous cover-up. The film is a masterclass in tension, delivering a powerful narrative on truth, duty, and responsibility within the military system.
Reiner’s filmmaking legacy is an extraordinary one, marked by versatility and a commitment to compelling storytelling. These five films offer a testament to his wide-ranging skill and the joy he brought to cinema audiences worldwide.
Stream Rob Reiner’s classics, including Stand by Me on Netflix, to celebrate his iconic film career!
