Legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner has passed away at the age of 79. He and his wife, Michele, were found dead at their home in Brentwood in an apparent homicide. An investigation is currently ongoing surrounding their deaths.
In his illustrious career, he directed some of the best and most influential films in American cinema that were celebrated by audiences and critics. Not only that, they were box office hits at that time, and they are still rewatched by many people to this day.
To celebrate his career and legacy, here is our list of his must-watch movies that you can watch.
This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap follows Spinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, who were chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.
Aside from gaining a cult following throughout the years, it also revolutionized the mockumentary genre in cinema, and it remains one of the most influential comedy films of all time. A sequel was released this year, which Reiner also directed and marked his last film.
Where You Can Stream: HBO Max
Stand by Me
Based on the Stephen King novel, Stand by Me follows a writer who recounts a childhood journey with his friends where they found the body of a missing boy.
This has made a mark in American pop culture as one of the best coming-of-age films of the '80s. It is also notably one of the very few films based on a Stephen King novel that is not in the horror genre or has any scary elements.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
The Princess Bride
Based on the William Goldman novel, The Princess Bride follows a bedridden boy's grandfather who reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies, and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.
This is one of the most iconic films from the '80s due to the sweeping romance of the main characters, the iconic dialogues, memorable characters played by well-known comedians, and paving the way for the modern romantic fantasy genre that is still influential to many to this day.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+, Hulu
When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally explores the love story of Harry and Sally, who have known each other for years, and are very good friends, but they fear that sex would ruin their friendship.
This film is credited as the one that paved the way to the modern romantic comedy genre. It has become a cinematic classic that is still being rewatched by many to this day and has influenced many movies in the genre.
Where You Can Stream: Paramount+, Starz
Misery
Based on the Stephen King novel, Misery follows a famous author, after being rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, who comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.
This is the film that introduced Kathy Bates to the mainstream audience, thanks to her exceptional performance as Annie Wilkes. She won an Oscar for Best Actress, one of the rare moments that a horror performance was awarded.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men follows a military lawyer who intends to prove that two US Marines charged with murdering a fellow Marine were only following their base commander's orders.
Since its release, it has become a courtroom drama classic due to its sharp dialogue, performances of the cast, and Reiner's terrific direction. This is the only film that he directed that received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
The American President
The American President follows a widowed U.S. President running for reelection who falls in love with an environmental lobbyist.
The film has become a romantic-comedy classic not just because of Michael Douglas and Annette Bening's chemistry, but also its White House setting and how it paved the way for writer Aaron Sorkin to create The West Wing years later.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Ghosts of Mississippi
Ghosts of Mississippi follows a Mississippi district attorney and the widow of Medgar Evers, who struggle to finally bring a white supremacist to justice for the 1963 murder of the civil rights leader.
The film featured an exceptional performance from James Woods, who received an Oscar nomination for his role. While this has a modest reception, it still contains Reiner's distinct style and voice that someone of his caliber can pull off.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
The Bucket List
The Bucket List follows two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.
The film was beloved by audiences due to Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman's exceptional chemistry as best friends. While this doesn't have the same reputation as Reiner's other films, it still resonated with some audiences.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
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