The Worst Movie Directors of All Time

Over 5.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Worst Movie Directors of All Time

Welcome to our list of the worst directors in film history who have made some of the worst movies ever. Prepare to be astonished as we delve into the bewildering realm of history's most abysmal film directors, responsible for crafting some of the most appalling cinematic disasters ever witnessed. Despite their glaring lack of artistic aptitude, these notorious auteurs have curiously managed to sustain extensive, profitable careers in the film industry. 

Even more confusing and frustrating than the fact that studios continue offering these famous directors work is that audiences keep paying to see them. Some of the more notable films from the Hollywood directors on this list include Rush Hour 2, Con Air, Batman and Robin, and Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace - all blockbusters, all totally abysmal. These bad directors continue to churn out some of the worst films ever, ignoring basic conventions of storytelling, abusing special effects, and insulting the intelligence of critics and fans alike.

How many minutes of excessive car chase scenes could we count in the combined works of those listed below? Let us count the ways. These Hollywood hacks have ruined screen adaptations and sequels alike, not to mention their own original works (which we assume mu must have been greenlit by family friends, frat brothers, or studios execs who were blackmailed into submission). The bad directors on this list of drawn the ire and hate mail from critics and fans alike as they've made movie history for their terrible releases.

Vote up those you think deserve to be listed among the absolute worst directors, and vote down those you think aren't so bad. If your least favorite director (or director you love to hate) isn't yet on the list, feel free to add the name at the bottom of the page. Feel free to re-rank this list as you sit fit by clicking the button to the right.

Who are the worst movie directors of all time? That's up to you to decide.

For more infamous Hollywood history, check out this user ranked list of the Worst Movies of All Time and this list of the worst actors who tried music careers.

Most divisive: Zack Snyder
Ranked by
  • Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer
    1
    1,384 votes

    Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer

    Disaster Movie, Epic Movie, Date Movie

    Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer are a notorious directorial duo known for their lackluster parody films like Disaster Movie, Epic Movie, and Date Movie. Their formulaic, uninspired humor has consistently left audiences unimpressed.

  • Uwe Boll
    2
    1,686 votes
    The Storm, Rampage, Darfur

    Uwe Boll, a German director with a penchant for creating underwhelming video game adaptations, has an extensive list of critical flops to his name, including The Storm, Rampage, and Darfur. Critics often lament his lack of attention to storytelling and character development.

  • Steven Seagal
    3
    508 votes
    On Deadly Ground

    Steven Seagal, primarily known as an action star, ventured into directing with On Deadly Ground. His uninspired and cliché-ridden directorial debut proved that his talents were better suited to acting.

  • Aaron Seltzer
    4
    419 votes
    Meet the Spartans, Disaster Movie, Vampires Suck

    Aaron Seltzer, half of the infamous Friedberg-Seltzer duo, has continued to churn out poorly received parody films, such as Meet the Spartans, Disaster Movie, and Vampires Suck. His work is often criticized for its lazy humor and derivative content.

  • Madonna
    5
    360 votes
    W.E, Filth and Wisdom

    Madonna, the pop icon, tried her hand at directing with W.E. and Filth and Wisdom. Unfortunately, her inexperience behind the camera resulted in disjointed storytelling and lackluster execution, leaving critics and audiences underwhelmed.

  • Michael Bay
    6
    2,577 votes
    The Island, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Pain & Gain

    Michael Bay, known for his explosive action sequences, has been met with criticism for movies like The Island, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and Pain & Gain. Critics argue that his films often prioritize spectacle over substance.