Every Adam Sandler Movie Ranked Worst To Best

In his first purely dramatic role, Adam Sandler shines as a man haunted by the loss of his wife and daughters during 9/11. So haunted, in fact, that he becomes a mere shell of his former self, and slips in suicidal ideation.

Though Reign Over Me wins no points for subtly, it's by no means manipulative. Instead, its devastation is actually quite thoughtful, following Sandler as he refuses to open up, simmering in his grief, before an encounter with an old friend (a great Don Cheadle) kickstarts a slow return to some kind of peace.

It's not smooth sailing -- moments of profound grace are often followed by a twist that can't reach its level -- but Reign Over Me will still leave you shaken...and maybe wondering why Sandler waited so long to do another drama.