Great Rob Reiner Movies to Watch on Streaming

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The entertainment industry is deeply saddened by the unexpected deaths of actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. Details surrounding the tragedy are disturbing and still emerging.

Look, I don’t know what the future holds with the investigation surrounding Rob Reiner and his family, but one thing is certain: the first ten years of his directing career are legendary. Seriously, it’s one of the strongest starts for any filmmaker in Hollywood. And the great news is, a lot of those fantastic 80s and 90s movies are available to stream right now. Though, fair warning, if you’re craving The Sure Thing, you might have to dig out a DVD or VHS!

I’m a huge fan of Rob Reiner, and I was so excited to discover six of his best films are currently available to stream! It’s a perfect way to celebrate a director who consistently delivered fantastic movies, especially during the 80s and 90s. His newest comedy even just landed on streaming recently, which is a great bonus!

This Is Spinal Tap

Rob Reiner quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood, and his first feature film as a director practically created a new style of comedy. Though mockumentaries existed before This Is Spinal Tap, few were as believable in their portrayal of real life. Reiner also starred in the film as Marty Di Bergi, a somewhat clueless documentarian who follows the hilariously unlucky British band Spinal Tap (played by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) on a chaotic American tour. While not a blockbuster when it first came out, Spinal Tap became a beloved cult classic of the 1980s and is widely considered one of the funniest movies ever made.

This Is Spinal Tap is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Stand By Me

Rob Reiner chose the name Castle Rock Entertainment in honor of the town featured in his famous coming-of-age film, which was based on Stephen King’s short story “The Body.” The movie follows four young friends – Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell – on a journey to find a missing boy’s body. A key strength of Reiner’s films, no matter the genre, is his ability to draw great performances from actors, a skill developed from his own acting experience. In Stand By Me, he guided his four young stars to deliver some of the most memorable child performances ever filmed, and he completed the strong cast with talented actors like Kiefer Sutherland, John Cusack, and Richard Dreyfuss, who narrated the story and played the adult version of Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton).

Stand By Me is currently streaming on Netflix.

The Princess Bride

Similar to This Is Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride wasn’t a huge success when it first came out in theaters. However, over time and thanks to frequent showings on TV, it became one of the most popular children’s movies of the 1990s. The story centers on a grandfather (Peter Falk) reading a fairy tale to his sick grandson (Fred Savage) about Westley (Cary Elwes) and his quest to save his true love, Buttercup (Robin Wright), from a group of villains, including the cunning Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and the skilled swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin). While aimed at children, the film is clever, romantic, and thrilling enough for adults to enjoy too.

The Princess Bride is currently streaming on Disney+.

When Harry Met Sally…

I think one of the reasons Rob Reiner didn’t get the recognition he deserved for so long is that he refused to stick to one specific style or theme. A lot of directors build a brand by revisiting similar ideas, but Reiner consistently surprised us. He could jump from a twisted fairytale to a genuinely scary horror movie, and then, completely out of left field, deliver what I consider the quintessential romantic comedy of the late 20th century: When Harry Met Sally. The film, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, follows their years of friendship as they slowly consider if there could be something more. It’s become hugely influential – you still see bits and pieces of it pop up in movies today – and honestly, if it’s been a while, it’s absolutely worth another watch.

When Harry Met Sally… is currently streaming on Starz.

Albert Brooks: Defending My Life

Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks became friends in high school – when Brooks was still known as Albert Einstein! – and stayed close for over fifty years. When Brooks decided to create a documentary about his career, he asked Reiner to direct it. The resulting film is a warm and detailed look at Brooks’ life and groundbreaking comedy, filled with both old footage and new conversations between the two friends. Watching them playfully tease each other and discuss Brooks’ work is incredibly enjoyable, and you’ll likely wish the movie didn’t have to end.

Albert Brooks: Defending My Life is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Rob Reiner’s last movie came out recently, and it felt like a warm return to his first film, bringing back the cast of This Is Spinal Tap. Now, with Reiner’s passing, the movie feels even more poignant. In Spinal Tap II, he again played Marty Di Bergi, a documentarian following the reunited members of the band as they prepare for a required concert. While it’s quite different from the original, the film is a charming and enjoyable celebration of a truly deserving director.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is currently streaming on HBO Max.

The Best Box Office Bombs of 2025

Thunderbolts*

With a domestic box office of $190.2 million, Thunderbolts stands out from many recent Marvel projects. Unlike some films and shows that feel like patchwork creations, Thunderbolts delivers a cohesive and engaging story. Florence Pugh shines as the new Black Widow, a character who’s disillusioned with her life and work, and finds meaning when joining a team of equally troubled mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost. The film offers exciting action sequences and a compelling message about overcoming negativity through purpose and camaraderie, serving as a strong example of what Marvel can achieve when at its best.

Tron: Ares

The film has earned $73.1 million domestically. While Jared Leto stars as a self-aware app trying to grasp humanity, the real highlights of this new Tron film are its stunning visuals and incredible soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails. The music adds a dramatic, almost epic feel to the somewhat outlandish story – which involves the digital world of “The Grid” spilling into our own through 3D printers! It’s not high art, but if you’re looking for exciting lightcycles, futuristic ships, and a cool, action-packed experience with a fantastic soundtrack, and Jodie Turner-Smith kicking butt as a digital warrior, this movie delivers.

Elio

Despite earning $72.9 million domestically, the film Elio didn’t perform as well as expected at the box office. Some reports suggest creative changes and internal issues during production contributed to this. While the original idea might have been stronger and potentially more profitable, the film itself felt like a charming and heartwarming story about a boy who finds his purpose. Pixar’s animation and character design were, as always, excellent, and the humor worked well. Though it might not be a classic Pixar film, Elio is enjoyable as it is.

Ballerina

The film Ballerina earned $58.0 million domestically. While the title might suggest a lot of ballet, this John Wick spinoff focuses more on action – and it delivers! Despite rumors of extensive reshoots and a slightly disjointed plot, the film is packed with incredible action sequences, including a truly unique and intense shootout. The movie’s setting – a quirky European ski village – also brings to mind the cult classic Gymkata, which is a definite plus.

Mickey 17

The film earned $46.0 million domestically. Director Bong Joon-ho enjoys subverting the images of popular superhero actors by casting them in unusual sci-fi roles. After portraying Captain America as a villain, he turned his attention to Robert Pattinson, known for playing Batman. In Mickey 17, Pattinson plays a character who lives multiple lives as part of a dangerous mission to help colonize space. Each time he dies, a new clone is created, and he’s currently on his 17th iteration. A mishap leads to an 18th clone existing simultaneously. While Mickey 17 might not be as consistently strong as Bong’s award-winning Parasite, that inconsistency actually fits the story – a film about nearly identical people should feel a little uneven itself.

Roofman

The movie Roofman earned $22.7 million at the domestic box office. It’s frustrating that a unique film like this, based on the true story of a man who escaped prison and hid in a Toys”R”Us, didn’t find a larger audience. Unlike typical blockbusters, it’s a grounded story about an ordinary man trying to escape a life of crime, offering something different for adult moviegoers. It’s disappointing that audiences didn’t respond to this refreshing change of pace.

Black Bag

The film Black Bag earned $21.4 million domestically. I wasn’t expecting the movie to be a steamy, suspenseful mystery in the style of Agatha Christie, but I quickly found that I really enjoyed it. Starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as a married couple of spies, the story follows what happens when Fassbender is asked to investigate his own wife, suspecting she might be a double agent. With a strong supporting cast including Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, and Pierce Brosnan, the film’s biggest strength is its unpredictability – you genuinely don’t know what’s going to happen next, which makes it a really engaging watch.

Caught Stealing

With a domestic box office of $19.0 million, Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing was a surprisingly enjoyable film. Released in late August – a time when studios often release their weaker movies – it was a fun and gritty thriller with a great feel for old New York City. The story is reminiscent of After Hours, and keeps delivering unexpected turns. What stood out most was the nostalgia – seeing Shea Stadium and the old Kim’s Video, or simply the fact that a major studio released a smart, adult drama like Caught Stealing.

Good Fortune

The movie Good Fortune earned $16.5 million at the domestic box office. A few years ago, a comedy with stars like Seth Rogen, Keanu Reeves, and Keke Palmer, directed by and featuring Aziz Ansari, would have easily made much more. However, comedies are struggling in theaters right now, even enjoyable ones like this, which features a standout performance from Keanu Reeves.

The film centers around a gig worker and a tech entrepreneur (played by Ansari and Rogen) who accidentally switch lives thanks to a mishap involving Reeves’ character – a somewhat clumsy guardian angel. Reeves is particularly good in roles with a supernatural element, and it’s fun to watch him experience simple pleasures like eating a cheeseburger for the very first time.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Okay, so Spinal Tap II earned $5.8 million at the domestic box office. But honestly, the numbers don’t really matter. As a long-time fan, seeing this sequel felt like catching the Rolling Stones – they’re not hitting the heights of their youth, but it’s still a blast! The band, and Rob Reiner as Marty Di Bergi, are all legends, and it’s just genuinely heartwarming to see them back together. The cameos alone – Paul McCartney and Elton John jamming with Spinal Tap? Come on! I couldn’t resist that, and I don’t think anyone could.

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2025-12-15 20:29