The Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time

Over 1.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
Voting Rules
Only feature-length films.
Latest additions: Fool's Paradise
Most divisive: Ted

Believe it or not, some of the greatest films of all time were also some of the greatest directorial debuts to date. It's not too often a director's first go at overseeing an entire production ends up on a list of the best movies, but it does happen. Considering this, we've probably all seen an awesome movie and thought, "What a great job by the director" without even realizing it was the director's first movie. Regardless of what thoughts you might have had, below you'll find a list of who are now famous directors' first movies. Just consider that next time you watch one of these top flicks of the past.

From hilarious comedies to full-on thrillers, these debut films from top directors would be impressive even if they weren't the directors first. Just take a look at some of the great movies on the list. Does the classic Reservoir Dogs ring a bell? Yep, that was Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut. How about the 2018 hit Get Out? Sure enough, Jordan Peele of Key & Peele nailed it on his first crack at directing. And that's only the start of a long list of incredible debuts. 

While you may find many of them surprising, check out the list of directorial debuts below and vote up the films you find most impressive. 

Ranked by
  • Citizen Kane
    1
    Orson Welles
    346 votes
    • Actors: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Ruth Warrick, Everett Sloane, Agnes Moorehead
    • Released: 1941
    Citizen Kane is a riveting drama, directed by Orson Welles. The film delves into the life of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles), a wealthy newspaper magnate. Told through the memories of those who knew him, the narrative unfolds like a jigsaw puzzle. It's a tale of ambition, power, and the quest for love. Kane's life is revealed in fragments from his humble beginnings to his opulent adulthood. The film, notable for its innovative techniques and narrative structure, won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Its distinctive storytelling style keeps audiences engrossed till the end.

    Available On:

  • The Shawshank Redemption
    2
    439 votes
    • Actors: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown
    • Released: 1994
    The Shawshank Redemption, a captivating drama directed by Frank Darabont, hinges on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative unfolds in the grim confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) lands after being wrongfully convicted for murder. Alongside Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), a long-term inmate, Andy battles despair and corruption. In this struggle, they form an unshakeable bond that transcends the prison walls. A seven-time Oscar nominee, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a testament to friendship's power and hope's endurance amid adversity.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Terminator
    3
    James Cameron
    190 votes
    • Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen
    • Released: 1984
    In the heart of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator, a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. His mission? To execute Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the same post-apocalyptic future, is also hurled back in time with an assignment to protect Sarah. It's a race against time, technology, and destiny itself. This James Cameron-directed film won several awards for its groundbreaking special effects and gripping narrative.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Reservoir Dogs
    4
    Quentin Tarantino
    414 votes
    • Actors: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi
    • Released: 1992
    In the gritty world of Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, a group of seasoned criminals, including Mr. White (Harvey Keitel) and Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes diamond heist gone awry. Directed with Tarantino's signature blend of dark humor and visceral violence, the movie unfolds primarily in a warehouse, where the men grapple with trust issues and the looming threat of police capture. The film weaves a complex narrative web through flashbacks, revealing more about each character's backstory while keeping audiences on edge. A critical success, it helped establish Tarantino as a force to be reckoned with in cinema.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Toy Story
    5
    John Lasseter
    206 votes
    • Actors: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn
    • Released: 1995
    In the animated adventure Toy Story, Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll, reigns supreme in the room of his young owner, Andy. Life takes an unexpected turn when spaceman action figure Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) becomes Andy's new favorite toy. Woody, consumed by jealousy, pushes Buzz out a window, sparking a thrilling journey of redemption and self-discovery. This Pixar masterpiece, winner of a Special Achievement Academy Award for its groundbreaking computer animation, weaves together comedy and drama to captivate audiences with its narrative on friendship and rivalry among toys.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Night of the Living Dead
    6
    George A. Romero
    199 votes
    • Actors: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley
    • Released: 1968
    In the chilling film, Night of the Living Dead, an unexpected menace threatens the safety of rural Pennsylvania. Directed by George A. Romero, this horror classic brings together a motley crew of strangers in a farmhouse. Among them, Ben (Duane Jones) emerges as a leader, attempting to strategize their survival against an onslaught of reanimated corpses, known as zombies. As the night wears on, tensions within the group escalate almost as horrifyingly as the relentless external threat. This black-and-white masterpiece is not only a pioneering film in the zombie genre but also a stark commentary on societal norms and prejudices of its time.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free