Rob Reiner was renowned for directing some of the biggest films in American history. During the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, he delivered a plethora of critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies, including the fantasy adventure The Princess Bride and the coming-of-age classic Stand By Me.
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Following the tragic death of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, on December 14, 2025, Newsweek is celebrating Reiner’s iconic career by picking out some of his best, most popular movies.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
This Is Spinal Tap was Reiner’s debut film. It’s a mockumentary chronicling the fictional British rock band—Spinal Tap—on a U.S. tour. It features performances by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer—alongside Reiner himself as the hapless documentarian Marty Di Bergi. Its deadpan humor is widely credited with helping define the modern mockumentary genre. IMDb scores it 7.9/10 from 157,000 votes.
The Sure Thing (1985)
Reiner followed This Is Spinal Tap with The Sure Thing, a romantic road comedy starring John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga. The plot follows two college students on a cross-country trip, creating a blend of romance and coming-of-age humor. The film was well-received for its clever script and relatable performances. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film