The Best Movies Directed by the Star

Ranker Film
Updated September 15, 2023 38.0K votes 2.8K voters 105.3K views
Over 2.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Directed by the Star
Voting Rules
Movies must have been directed by the person starring in it.
Latest additions: A Haunting in Venice
Most divisive: A Perfect World

The best movies directed by the star include some of the greatest films ever made. Many of the films listed here are considered some of the best movies of all time. From Orson Welles' eternal classic 'Citizen Kane' to Billy Bob Thornton's 'Sling Blade,' this list represents some of the finest examples of movies directed by the actor, or actress, who also starred in the film. Vote for the movies you think deserve the highest ranking, vote down any you don't like and be sure to rerank this list anyway you like - your reranks will affect the final tally.

Have any actors also won Academy Awards for directing a best picture they starred in? Yes, a handful have, and they are undoubtedly among some of the greatest directors in movie history: Clint Eastwood won for 'Unforgiven' and 'Million Dollar Baby,' Woody Allen won for 'Annie Hall' and was nominated for several other movies he also starred in ('Hannah and Her Sisters' and 'Broadway Danny Rose' come to mind immediately), and Warren Beatty won for 'Reds' in 1982. It can be done, but it's rare that it actually happens. Ask Ben Affleck. His film, 'Argo,' won Best Picture at the Oscars in 2013, but he failed to garner a Best Director nomination -- a truly egregious snub.

Several Academy Award winners for Best Picture are listed here, so hats off to the actor/directors who prove without a doubt that they are equally as talented behind, or in front of, the cameras.
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  • Unforgiven
    1

    Unforgiven

    Clint Eastwood
    1,394 votes
    • Actors: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett
    • Released: 1992
    Unforgiven, a multi-Oscar winning Western drama, showcases the final days of aging outlaw William Munny (Clint Eastwood). Once a notorious killer and robber, Munny is now a widowed pig farmer, living quietly with his two children. Persuaded by young gunslinger The Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett) to claim a bounty on two cowboys who disfigured a prostitute, he teams up with his old partner Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman). As they embark on their mission, Munny grapples with the violence of his past and the harsh realities of frontier justice. This film explores themes of morality, redemption, and the brutal nature of violence.

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  • Braveheart
    2

    Braveheart

    Mel Gibson
    1,981 votes
    • Actors: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack, Brendan Gleeson
    • Released: 1995
    Braveheart is a historical war drama directed by Mel Gibson, who also stars as the film's protagonist, William Wallace. Set in late 13th century Scotland, the narrative follows Wallace's life from his childhood to his role in leading the Scottish against their English oppressors. The movie features an ensemble cast with notable performances from Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle and Patrick McGoohan as King Edward I. Braveheart won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, distinguishing itself for its epic battle scenes and compelling storytelling.

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  • Gran Torino
    3

    Gran Torino

    Clint Eastwood
    1,499 votes
    • Actors: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Brian Haley
    • Released: 2008
    In the gritty drama Gran Torino, Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a cantankerous, retired auto worker and Korean War veteran. His life takes an unexpected turn when his young Hmong neighbor, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal his cherished car: a 1972 Gran Torino. Amidst neighborhood gang tensions and cultural clashes in the Detroit suburbs, Walt forms an unlikely bond with Thao. The film oscillates between moments of tension, humor, and unexpected camaraderie. A thought-provoking exploration of prejudice, redemption, and community, Gran Torino was directed by Eastwood himself, adding another notable credit to his illustrious career.

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  • Dances with Wolves
    4

    Dances with Wolves

    Kevin Costner
    1,446 votes
    • Actors: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant, Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman
    • Released: 1990
    In the sweeping epic Dances with Wolves, Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) finds himself reassigned to a remote western Civil War outpost. There, he befriends a tribe of Lakota Indians, including Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell). As Dunbar immerses himself in their culture, he becomes deeply entwined in the community and their struggle for survival. This film, lauded for its authentic portrayal of Native American life, won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its stunning cinematography captures the raw beauty of the American frontier, while its narrative explores themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and personal transformation.

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  • The Outlaw Josey Wales
    5

    The Outlaw Josey Wales

    Clint Eastwood
    1,067 votes
    • Actors: Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke, Bill McKinney, John Vernon
    • Released: 1976
    Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) watches helplessly as his wife and child are murdered, by Union men led by Capt. Terrill (Bill McKinney). Seeking revenge, Wales joins the Confederate Army. He refuses to surrender when the war ends, but his fellow soldiers go to hand over their weapons -- and are massacred by Terrill. Wales guns down some of Terrill's men and flees to Texas, where he tries to make a new life for himself, but the bounty on his head endangers him and his new surrogate family.

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  • Million Dollar Baby
    6

    Million Dollar Baby

    Clint Eastwood
    1,214 votes
    • Actors: Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Mackie, Jay Baruchel
    • Released: 2004
    Million Dollar Baby is a riveting drama, skillfully directed by Clint Eastwood. The film revolves around the life of Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), an amateur boxer who is determined to rise above her hardscrabble beginnings. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), a grizzled boxing trainer, reluctantly takes her under his wing after initial resistance. Morgan Freeman delivers a compelling performance as Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris, an ex-boxer and Frankie's long-time friend. As Maggie's career takes off, unforeseen circumstances test their bond in profound ways. This critically acclaimed movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Eastwood.

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