We all love a good movie night. Maybe a new horror movie, or a comfort movie from your childhood. However, it is important to keep in mind that the movie is nothing without it’s director. Some directors have such distinct styles that are so distinguishable within their movies. There are so many directors who create such classics that live on for years. Here are some of my favorite directors who I believe deserve extra recognition. 

Steven Spielberg     

Spielberg is the creator of  an array of incredible films including, Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan. He also created the film Catch Me if You Can, which was our school musical in 2023. 

At 78 years old, Spielberg is widely known as one of the greatest film directors of all time. Spielberg’s style is described as ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. 

Throughout his career, Spielberg has won three academy awards, two BAFTA awards, four Golden Globes, and four Directors Guild of America awards. Additionally he won the AFI Life Achievement award, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Cecil B. Demille award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Spielberg has had seven of his films inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

His work is undoubtedly some of the greatest across the film industry and is widely respected by some of the great directors of today.

Greta Gerwig 

Greta Gerwig has made numerous accomplishments as a female director, most recently on directing and co-writing Barbie. Barbie was such a monumental part of Gerwig’s career due to the movie exceeding the $1 billion gross mark across the world. This made her the first woman with sole director credit to have a movie make over $1 billion at the global box office.

Gerwig has explained that her movies typically start with something in her own life, then they get out of control and spin. Additionally, she thinks actors are a huge part of the movie. Her auditioning process is long and thorough, to make sure she has the perfect fit for each character. She also allows for improv because she wants the actor’s personality to shine. Gerwig’s nomination for best director in 2018 made her one of five female directors to ever be nominated, and the first in eight years. Her movie, Lady Bird, was nominated for a grand total of sixteen awards.

Greta Gerwig has become a huge role model for female directors on the rise in the film industry and continues to make history. 

Quentin Tarantino   

Quentin Tarantino made his first mark on the industry when he released his first movie in 1992 titled, Reservoir Dogs. The movie grossed incredibly well given its time and the low budget used to make it. 

The success of the film encouraged him to make his second in 1994, and third in 1997. He did not release again until 2003 and 2004 (Kill Bill vol 1 + vol 2). Tarantino’s most recent film came out in 2019 and he has not made one since. 

Throughout the 34 years Tarantino has been directing, he has created a total of nine films, yet his movies have done incredible numbers and made him a big name in the industry.

His movies are always flooded with actors who are huge in the industry. A list of them being Leonardo Dicaprio in two, Brad Pitt in two, Samuel L Jackson working in six, Uma Thurman, Jamie Foxx, and so many more.

Tarantino’s style is something so special. He chooses rather dark topics for his movies, yet incorporates humor and such  incredible dialogue which is part of what makes his movies so amazing.

Though Tarantino has had many nominations, many critics believe he has been robbed of directing and writing Oscar’s throughout the years, as well as his actors. 

He has previously said that he will make 10 movies. This means that his next film will most likely be a cap off to his career, which explains the now five years without a movie. However, the industry is eager to see what Quentin has been planning for movie #10 and await the announcement. 

Tim Burton   

Tim Burton has had such an impact on the film industry with his distinguishable, eerie, fantastical style in his movies.

In Burton movies including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and Corpse Bride, his style is clear, and continues to shine through in all of his films. He also directed the movie Big Fish which is this year’s spring musical. 

Burton got his start after a short he did in college caught the eyes of Walt Disney Studios. Burton then worked at Disney as an animator, storyboard artist, graphic designer, art director and concept artist. From making shorts at Disney, he grew to make movies, and his popularity skyrocketed.

Burton’s style made him so unique compared to many directors, and helped his career bloom. Although Burton does mainly movies, in 2021 he announced that he was directing and producing a Netflix show, Wednesday, based on Wednesday Addams, once again following his classic Tim Burton style of work. 

Burton has won an Emmy, been nominated for two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and three BAFTA Awards. As far as honorary awards, he has the VIFF Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, and by the Culture Minister of France, the Order of the Arts and Letters. 

Tim Burton is such an amazing addition to the film industry and is reportedly currently working on new projects.

John Hughes   

John Hughes was the creator of so many hilarious, heartfelt movies. He unfortunately passed back in 2009, but his movies left such a mark on the industry that will never fade. 

His film, The Breakfast Club, is shown in health class every year. It is not only funny, but portrays such an important message about life and people in general, this is a pattern throughout all of Hughes’ movies which makes him such a special director. 

Hughes got his start as an author for the National Lampoon Magazine to write humorous stories. His colleagues reported that he wrote so well and so fast that the monthly magazine couldn’t keep up with him.

His first movies were based around the teenage world, with films like, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Sixteen Candles, with very relatable characters. Further into his career he branched out with movies like, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and Uncle  Buck. 

Later in his career he focused less on directing and more on writing. He went on to write Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, (a nod to his start). 

Unfortunately, in 2009, Hughes suffered from a heart attack after reportedly being in good health. The world was in shock and many tributes were held. Today John Hughes’ impact on the world lives on, as many directors are still inspired by his work. His movies are works of art and will continue to be watched by the world and bring them joy, just like John did to those around him.