Top 10 Actors Turned Directors

Script written by Tiffany Ezuma.

Top 10 Actors Turned Directors

They’re as good in front of the camera as they are behind it. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Actors Turned Directors.
For this list, we’re chosen our actors-turned-directors based on the strength of their debuts, their popularity as an actor, and the acclaim of their movies.

#10: Kenneth Branagh

While he did some TV work early on, Kenneth Branagh first gained attention thanks to his time as an actor on the British stage. After making a name for himself through Shakespeare’s work in the theater, he soon became known for adapting the Bard to the big screen, starting off with 1989’s “Henry V,” which he directed and starred in. While he has acted in non-Shakespearean films, Branagh’s directing talent truly comes to life when he’s tackling the legendary playwright - as evidenced by the critical acclaim and multiple accolades and award nominations he’s since accumulated.

#9: Jon Favreau

After dropping out of college to pursue acting, Jon Favreau had his first big screen and small screen roles during the early ‘90s – a period in which he’d also met and act alongside Vince Vaughn and Jeremy Piven. He also branched out into screenwriting, most notably with “Swingers,” and had his film directorial debut in 2001 with the crime comedy “Made.” Commercial success due to his directing began with 2003’s “Elf,” and though he continued to act, it was by directing the first two “Iron Movies” that Favreau really shined, as these films showcased his knack for storytelling, creativity and balance.

#8: Rob Reiner

After portraying “Meathead” on “All in the Family,” Rob Reiner knew that he’d have to do something big to get out of that shadow. He did just that with his big screen directorial debut, “This is Spinal Tap.” Since then, Reiner has been behind some of the most iconic movies in American cinema, scoring hits with films like “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “A Few Good Men.” His choices have demonstrated his talent for mixing the heartfelt with the funny, without venturing into sappy.

#7: Ben Affleck

While finding himself a regular of Hollywood’s tabloid fodder, many thought Ben Affleck was past the earlier promise he had exhibited with “Good Will Hunting.” But after some time away from the spotlight, Affleck returned to the cinema with “Gone Baby Gone,” a directorial debut that demonstrated he understood the grittier side of life. Since then, he’s gravitated towards directing darker projects that offer social and political commentary, that contrasted greatly with his former playboy image. His efforts have certainly paid off: “Argo” won 3 Oscars, including one for Best Picture.

#6: Robert Redford

Known for his good looks and for playing legendary characters like The Sundance Kid, Robert Redford was a major staple in Hollywood long before he tried his hand at directing. Eighteen years after his big-screen debut, Redford stepped behind the camera with “Ordinary People.” Winning 4 Oscars, the drama proved his talent as an actor was beneficial as a director, and that he knew how to produce unparalleled performances from other thespians. As the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, he’s also responsible for the launch of several indie filmmakers’ careers.

#5: Sean Penn

It was in the ‘70s that Sean Penn’s father Leo let his son be an extra on the TV drama “Little House on the Prairie.” Sean quickly caught the acting bug and made his big screen debut several years later in “Taps.” He’s since played a wide variety of roles, with his acting earning him 5 Best Oscar Actor nods, 2 of which brought home the gold. During this time, he also began directing music videos and films, such as “The Crossing Guard” and “Into the Wild.” As a director, Penn has been praised for his confident style, willingness to take risks and his ability to get great performances from his actors.

#4: George Clooney

Sometimes called the Cary Grant of modern times, George Clooney has shown he’s more than just a leading man by branching out. As a director, he’s created films that serve as political and social commentary while maintaining aspects of humor. Clooney also had a hand in writing his several of the features he’s directed with his screenwriting partner, Grant Heslov. He even produced “Argo” with Ben Affleck and thus shares the Best Picture Oscar with him.

#3: Mel Gibson

After many years of flirting with the idea, Mel Gibson started directing at the height of his career in 1993. Two years later, his second film “Braveheart” didn’t only give him one of the most iconic roles of his career, but also displayed his talents as a director. Not one to shy away from controversial stories, Gibson then depicted the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life in “The Passion of the Christ.” Despite the mixed reviews and extreme violence, or perhaps because of it, the movie holds the record as the highest grossing rated R film of all time in American cinema.

#2: Ron Howard

Ron Howard will always be little Opie Taylor or the teenaged Richie Cunningham to us, but he’s also given us proof that he’s more than just a boy wonder. Howard has bounced back and forth between light romps like “Splash” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to more serious films like “A Beautiful Mind” and “Cinderella Man.” He’s even dominated the small screen with his film “Parenthood” becoming the source material for the NBC show he executive produces.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

- Sydney Pollack
- Christopher Guest
- Richard Attenborough
- Jodie Foster

#1: Clint Eastwood

Though he’ll probably always be most associated with being the Man with No Name and/or Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood is the modern ideal of a successful actor-turned-director. Starting with 1971’s “Play Misty for Me,” Eastwood has directed more than 30 films in various genres and has made a name for himself as a well-organized and resourceful director. Even in his 80s, he’s still at the top of his game, churning out films that are both critically and commercially successful. He’s also won Best Director and Best Picture Oscars - twice!

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite actor-turned-director? For more can’t miss Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.