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Top 20 Hollywood Directors of all time

54 items ranked

This is a list of the best directors Hollywood has ever seen.

Rated 50 points - posted 2 years ago by kris in category Movies.
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1.

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Quentin Tarantino Report Abuse
217 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 5 comments
Comments:
I dont believe he is the greatest director of all time,there are a quite a few directors on this list that are better.But Pulp Fiction is probably one of the greatest well directed movies of all time and really opened up the door and gave attention to alot of indipendant film directors.
Added 5 months ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think he is the best.Pulp Fiction is a classic.
Added 6 months ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Do not like much of his films i like Robert Rodriguz much more but he is not even on here and where is Micheal Bay he may not be good at drama but he is the go to guy for real action.
Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You have got to be kidding. Tarantino is by far one of, if not the, most overrated Director of all time. Why are people so infatuated with his films, which are nothing but glorified, gratuitous violence. Clint Eastwood and many others blow him out of the water. Wake up people
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This man is unpredictable when it comes to the genre of movies. He went from Pulp Fiction to Kill Bill to Indglorious Basterds. The man is genius when it come to directing. Great Director
Added 1 year ago by eaglesrock14, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

2.

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Cameron Crowe Report Abuse
Crowe's debut screenwriting effort, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, grew out of a book he wrote while posing for one year undercover as a student at Clairemont High School in San Diego, California, USA. Later, he wrote and directed one more high school saga, Say Anything, and then Singles, a story of Seattle twentysomethings that was woven together by a soundtrack centering on that city's burgeoning grunge music scene. Crowe landed his biggest hit, though, with Jerry Maguire. After this, he was given a green light to go ahead with a pet project, the autobiographical effort Almost Famous. Centering on a teenage music journalist on tour with an up-and-coming band, it gave insight to his life as a 15-year-old writer for Rolling Stone.
198 points - added 10 months ago by hrebollo -

3.

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Martin Scorsese Report Abuse
This guy needs no introduction. He is hands down one of the best, if not the absolute best. His movies include Goodfellas, Gangs of New York, The Departed, The Aviator and Taxi Driver, amongst others. He has picked up awards regularly since the ‘70s.
195 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 2 comments
Comments:
I think this director deserves the #1 spot!!
Added 5 months ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Eh, good movies but not great. would put him at number 7
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4.

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Steven Spielberg Report Abuse
155 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 4 comments
Comments:
The man made jaws, et, indiana jones, shhindlers list for christ sake. hes the best... PERIOD!
Added 7 months ago by ianpope, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
OH YES... SCHINDLER'S LIST, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.... GREAT MOVIES BY A GREAT MAN
Added 11 months ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
truely versatile director..........from...blockbusters like jurassic park to classics like SCHLINDLER'S LIST.. there are few who can match this genius...
Added 11 months ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
also my mail is sqcdebdas@yahoo.com
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5.

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clint eastwood Report Abuse
152 points - added 2 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
I agree...well except for Bridges of Madison County..lol..but you are forgetting his 2 masterpieces...Mystic River and Unforgiven.
Added 5 months ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
THE PERSON WITH A REAL INSPIRATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF ALL ASPECTS OF SILVER SCREEN AND HUMAN SENSES BEYOND SENSES. BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, MILLION DOLLARS BABY, GRAN TORINO N HEREAFTER ARE THE INCREDIBLE FILMS DIRECTED ... PRODUCED.... ACTED IN TO .. MUSIC ....... AND MUCH MORE A REAL LEGEND
Added 11 months ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

6.

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Christopher Nolan Report Abuse
5 of his last 6 movies are in IMDB's top 250 movies of all time.
85 points - added 1 year ago by guest - 8 comments
Comments:
his movies are really brain melting..he is best... I'm eagerly waiting for his next movie
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you are the best..... after seeing inception i thought that your the einstein of this generation... what a genius you are....
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SIR YOUR MOVIES ARE AWESOME AND INTELLIGENT. I AM ONE OF YOUR GREATEST FAN-ARAVIND SPIELBERG
Added 8 months ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
making, dialogues, everything is awesome
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Director of the century . . . . .nolan rocksssssssssssssssssssssssss
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AWSMMM DIRECTOR
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This Guy will make the top of this list, soon.. :) NOLAN IS THE BEST!!
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Christopher Nolan is best right now...I Agree..His all Movies are Fascianting..
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7.

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Alfred Hitchcock Report Abuse
The master of suspense himself, Sir Alfred Hitchcock is no stranger to movie fans all over the world. People who have seen his movies walk away speechless. Some of the smash hits include Psycho, Rear Window and Vertigo. There has been no one else as good as this guy.
73 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

8.

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Francis Ford Cappola Report Abuse
The director of Godfather, Francis Ford is arguable deserving of the top five spot. This guy is pretty much the best you can ask for in the business and someone you can rely on. He is also known to be one of the best writers in Hollywood.
55 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 1 comment
Comments:
GOD FATHER SERIES BY THIS GREAT MAN IS STILL MATCHLESS........... AWESOME CHARACTER
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9.

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James Cameron Report Abuse
49 points - added 2 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Titantic was a bit over the top, enjoyed Avatar extremely. His others ain't too bad-Average. Number 5
Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
my fav director
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10.

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Stanley Kubrick Report Abuse
45 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 1 comment
Comments:
He is perhaps the most visually spectacular, and every single film leaves wanting more along with leaving you with so many questions not just about the film but about life.
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11.

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Ridley Scott Report Abuse
Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Hannibal
41 points - added 1 year ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
alien
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12.

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David Fincher Report Abuse
Completely original look and feel to his movies. He's going to be one of the greats: Se7en. Fight Club. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Panic Room. Aliens3. Zodiac. The Game.
33 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

13.

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Tim Burton Report Abuse
32 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

14.

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John Ford Report Abuse
28 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

15.

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Peter Jackson Report Abuse
24 points - added 1 year ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
he is the best of all
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16.

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Ron Howard Report Abuse
21 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 2 comments
Comments:
awesome director
Added 6 months ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jesus Christ... Hope none of them have seen the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.. 2 movies which speak time. Which will help you to make out the difference between good and bad.. Love you Ron...!!
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17.

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Akira Kurosawa Report Abuse
One of the most influential directors. Admired by such a directors as G.Lucas and S.Spielberg. Movies that made history and change movies forever.
20 points - added 11 months ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
He is the man who inspired the directors in the top10.They reached t0p 10 partially because of him.
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My god,,who is this guy?? how he came in front..
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18.

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Orson Wells Report Abuse
17 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

19.

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The Coen Brothers Report Abuse
Top Ten at least! - Raising Arizona. Fargo. The Big Lebowski. Barton Fink. O Brother, Where Are Thou? The Hudsucker Proxy. Miller's Crossing. Burn After Reading. The Lady Killers.
17 points - added 2 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
top 10 for sure, these guys along with Nolan make some of the most interesting movies ever made.
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20.

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Oliver Stone Report Abuse
A director's list without Mr. Conspiracy? No brainer top 5? Wall Street. Platoon. JFK. The Doors. Nixon. Natural Born Killers. World Trade Center.
17 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

21.

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Hayao Miyazaki Report Abuse
He undoubtedly the greatest animator alive and possibly the greatest to ever live. His movies are breathtaking and have received more American recognition than any other foreign animation films.
15 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

22.

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Robert Zemeckis Report Abuse
14 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 1 comment
Comments:
He pioneered Motion Capture animation with The Polar Express. He made Dr Pepper famous with Forrest Gump. He also pioneered the IMAX 3D we know as today with Beowulf.
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23.

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M. Knight. shyamalan Report Abuse
13 points - added 2 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
The sixth sense no one can break his record
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Same kind o boring movies
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his movies are slow paced but with an unpredictable twist..sixth sense,unbreakable & signs.
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24.

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Steven Soderbergh Report Abuse
Erin Brockovich. Traffic. Ocean's 11, 12 & 13. Gray's Anatomy. The Informant! Sex, Lies, and Videotape. Out of Sight. Full Frontal. Bubble. The Good German. Kafka. Solaris.
12 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

25.

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Guy Ritchie Report Abuse
He has exceptional directing skills.....made movies like lock,stock and two smoking barels...snatch..and rock'n'nrolla !!
10 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

26.

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Takeshi Kitano Report Abuse
46 award wins & 29 nominations. Film included: The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi, Kikujiro, Brother, Fireworks, etc
9 points - added 2 months ago by guest -

27.

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milos formman Report Abuse
he touch's human sensible parts!!!!!!!!!111
9 points - added 3 months ago by guest -

28.

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Sam Peckinpah Report Abuse
Best director!
9 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

29.

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Jon Hughes Report Abuse
top 15? Home Alone. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. National Lampoon's Vacation. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The Breakfast Club. Mr. Mom. Sixteen Candles. Wierd Science. Some Kind of Wonderful. She's Having a Baby. The Great Outdoors. Uncle Buck. Dutch. Only the Lonely. Beethoven (series). Baby's Day Out. Pretty In Pink. Curley Sue. - Wow. Who's made more, consistantly good movies more than Hughes? R.I.P.
8 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

30.

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Billy Wilder Report Abuse
8 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

31.

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George Lucas Report Abuse
made starwars
7 points - added 1 year ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
woah..the Star Wars maker is on the 35th spot??
Added 22 days ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

32.

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Terry Gilliam Report Abuse
Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Fisher King. Time Bandits. Monty Python - The Meaning of Life. Twelve Monkey's. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Monty Python - The Life of Brian. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Tideland. Jabberwocky. Brazil.
6 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

33.

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Woody Allen Report Abuse
Annie Hall (1977) Manhattan The Purple Rose of Cairo Hannah and Her Sisters Zelig Stardust Memories Match Point Midnight in Paris Vicky Cristina Barcelona Bullets Over Broadway Broadway Danny Rose Manhattan Murder Mystery Radio Days Crimes and Misdemeanors Sweet and Lowdown Husbands and Wives Interiors Deconstructing Harry Take the Money and Run Sleeper Bananas Mighty Aphrodite Whatever Works
3 points - added 5 days ago by guest -

34.

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Federico Fellini Report Abuse
3 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

35.

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Anthony Minghella Report Abuse
Cold Mountain. The Talented Mr. Ripley. The English Patient. Mr. Wonderful. Michael Clayton. Truly Madly Deeply. Play. Breaking and Entering. "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." A Little Like Drowning.
1 point - added 2 years ago by guest -

36.

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Michael Mann Report Abuse
Last of the Mohicans. The Insider. Heat. Ali. Colateral. Miami Vice. Man On Fire. The original "Hannibal" movie.
1 point - added 2 years ago by guest -

37.

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Jon Favreau Report Abuse
The Iron Man director eho also acts.. and he acts good.
0 points - added 22 days ago by guest -

38.

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Gus Van Sant Report Abuse
Drugstore Cowboy. Good Will Hunting. Milk. My Own Private Idaho. To Die For. Five Ways to Kill Yourself. Finding Forrester. Gerry. Paranoid Park.
0 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

39.

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Mel Brooks Report Abuse
Young Frankenstein. Blazzing Saddles. Silent Movie. History of the World I & II. Spaceballs. Life Stinks.
-2 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

40.

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Blake Edwards Report Abuse
This Oklahoma born director is most famous for his epic movie “Breakfst at Tiffany’s”. This aside, he is also responsible for the “Pink Panther” series and other great movies like “Days of wines and roses” and “10” which have gotten him several accolades.
-2 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

41.

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John Carpenter Report Abuse
The BEST workhorse director of all time. Someone who can take a small budget and make an innovational and creative movie. Old school filmmaking at it's finest, and one of the best directors in modern history. They Live Halloween The Thing Assault on Precinct 13 Star Man Christine The Fog Big Trouble in Little China Prince of Darkness Escape from New York
-3 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

42.

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Spike Jonez Report Abuse
-4 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

43.

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Sydney Pollack Report Abuse
-4 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

44.

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Ang Lee Report Abuse
-4 points - added 2 years ago by kris - 1 comment
Comments:
In 2003, Lee returned to Hollywood to direct Hulk, his first big-budget movie. The film received mixed reviews and became a moderate success, grossing over $245 million at the box office. After the setback, Lee considered retiring early, but his father encouraged him to continue making movies.
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45.

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Frank Capra Report Abuse
This is the legendary director of “It’s a wonderful life”. That pretty much explains why he deserves the #3 spot. His movies were just mind blowing and the critics were with the audience with him – 10 actors were Oscar nominated by the end of Frank’s career through his movies.
-5 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

46.

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George Cukor Report Abuse
-5 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

47.

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George Roy Hill Report Abuse
-5 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

48.

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Wes Anderson Report Abuse
-6 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

49.

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David Lynch Report Abuse
Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Lost Highway etc...
-8 points - added 1 year ago by guest -

50.

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Victor Fleming Report Abuse
-8 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

51.

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Curtis Hanson Report Abuse
L.A. Confidential. The Wonder Boys. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. Bad Influence. The Ricer Wild. 8 Mile. Lucky You.
-9 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

52.

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Nancy Meyers Report Abuse
-9 points - added 2 years ago by kris -

53.

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Barbra Streisand Report Abuse
Only directed three movies, but they garnered 14 Oscar nominations
-39 points - added 2 years ago by guest -

54.

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Michael Moore Report Abuse
-42 points - added 2 years ago by kris -
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