The 14 Movies and Shows That Defined Rob Reiner

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News of the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, at their Hollywood home shocked fans on Sunday night. Immediately, people began sharing their favorite moments and quotes from his films. Reiner was a hugely successful director in the 80s and 90s, and his movies were incredibly influential in American pop culture. Beyond directing, he also had a busy acting career that first brought him widespread recognition. If you’d like to enjoy his work, here’s where you can stream seven of his directed films and seven of his acting roles.

Most of these titles are also available on demand through various video services, in addition to the streaming platforms listed. If a title is simply marked “On VOD,” it means you’ll need to rent or buy it individually, rather than accessing it with a subscription.

7 Movies Directed by Rob Reiner

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HsFm6Yk_HkE

Rob Reiner quietly made one of the greatest comedy directing debuts ever with this hilarious fake documentary, which playfully poked fun at rockumentaries like The Last Waltz. The film follows the hilariously clashing personalities and ridiculous behavior of the fictional band Spinal Tap. Reiner both directed and played the filmmaker within the movie, Marty DiBergi. Surprisingly, it wasn’t initially a big success, though it’s still endlessly quoted today, four decades later. (For those interested, the sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, is now available on HBO Max.)

On HBO Max

Stand by Me (1986)

Even though it had been over a decade since I last saw him, I know I’ll always feel his loss. Director Rob Reiner beautifully adapted Stephen King’s short story “The Body” into the unforgettable film Stand by Me. It’s a touching coming-of-age story about friendship, featuring a remarkably talented young cast, including a particularly memorable performance by River Phoenix.

On VOD

The Princess Bride (1987)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=O3CIXEAjcc8

Comedian Carl Reiner sparked movie magic by giving his son, Rob, the book that inspired this classic fairy tale. The resulting film, about Westley and Princess Buttercup, quickly became a fan favorite and remains beloved by millions. While official numbers aren’t public, it’s likely still one of the most-watched movies on Disney+, appealing to viewers of all ages.

On Hulu and Disney+

When Harry Met Sally … (1989)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=-E10AcydCuk

This popular romantic comedy is said to be based on the real-life divorce of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Penny Marshall. Nora Ephron created Billy Crystal’s character with Reiner in mind, and even used the genuine friendship between Crystal and Reiner to write much of the movie’s dialogue. It was a huge success when it came out and remains a beloved film, exploring the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be just friends.

On Starz and Paramount+

Misery (1990)

The film ‘Misery,’ the only Stephen King adaptation to win an Academy Award, profoundly impacted how we understand obsessive fandom. Kathy Bates delivers a stunning performance as Annie Wilkes, a devoted but terrifying fan who holds her favorite author, Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan), captive. Bates’ powerful portrayal is so captivating that it overshadowed the excellent direction by Rob Reiner, arguably the best work of his career, which skillfully builds suspense in a way reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock.

On VOD

A Few Good Men (1992)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=cXMNGokxbQA

This film was a huge success when it came out, earning over $240 million and becoming a cultural phenomenon thanks to its famous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” But it’s more than just a catchy quote. Starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, and Kevin Bacon, the movie also clearly shows the director’s political beliefs – the idea that those in positions of power have a duty to act ethically. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

On VOD

The American President (1995)

Rob Reiner’s best film, arguably, was this charming 1995 romantic comedy starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. Douglas plays the President of the United States who begins a relationship with a lobbyist, portrayed by Bening. Reiner had a classic approach to filmmaking, and his skillful storytelling in this movie encouraged Aaron Sorkin to develop a television show called The West Wing.

On VOD

7 Movies and Shows Starring Rob Reiner

All in the Family (1971)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=S4KGFFxjyhw

It’s tough for today’s viewers, who grew up with streaming, to understand just how popular All in the Family was in the 1970s. For five years straight, it was the most-watched show on American television. The show’s broad appeal was key – viewers from all sides could relate to the characters. While Archie Bunker resonated with conservatives, Rob Reiner’s character, “Meathead,” often represented the show’s actual political views, and helped launch Reiner to stardom.

On Apple TV for $1.99 per episode

Throw Momma From the Train (1987)

Director Rob Reiner and actor Billy Crystal were close friends, and that’s likely why Reiner took on the role of the agent for Crystal’s character in this 1987 comedy. The film also starred and was directed by Danny DeVito. Inspired by the movie Strangers on a Train, it showcases one of Crystal’s strongest performances from the 1980s, and having his good friend Reiner on set probably made things easier.

On MGM+

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

It says a lot that so many people wanted to work with Rob Reiner repeatedly. For example, Nora Ephron, the writer of When Harry Met Sally, called him when she was casting her big hit movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. And here’s a fun fact: Rob Reiner is often credited with making tiramisu popular in the US because of a few lines about it in that same film.

On Starz

The First Wives Club (1996)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=qx1Rua92Zno

While his role is small, it’s delightful to see Rob Reiner working alongside a comedy icon like Goldie Hawn – he even plays her doctor in the film! Reiner wasn’t acting much at this point in his career, making this appearance especially enjoyable, as it showcases his support for the great female comedians of his time, such as Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Bette Midler.

On Paramount+

Primary Colors (1998)

Director Rob Reiner has always been open about his liberal views, so it’s fitting he appears in Mike Nichols’ documentary about Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign. While his role as Izzy Rosenblatt is brief, revisiting the film highlights Reiner’s broader political activism, particularly in California, where he championed both marriage equality and child safety initiatives.

On VOD

New Girl (2011)

Many TV fans first got to know Rob Reiner through this show. It was a treat to see him return as Jess’s dad, Bob (known as Meathead!), in season two, showcasing his excellent comedic skills. Though he only appeared in 11 episodes – starting with ‘Parents’ – he made a huge impression in each one.

On Hulu and Peacock

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=icMm7sRUl1A

Rob Reiner is excellent at portraying understated disappointment. He perfectly embodies this in his role as Max Belfort, the father of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in a darkly comedic film. He shines as the only normal person amidst a group of wildly outlandish and unethical individuals.

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2025-12-15 21:56