People's opinions about film directors vary with their personal values, education, religious leaning, and social attitudes, but several directors can be singled out for their excellence in creating drama on the screen. Some have contributed "firsts" to the industry, some have broken box office records, but all are captivating story tellers.
1. D.W. Griffith
Griffith is considered by many to be the Father of Film, created powerful movies that addressed social issues. His masterpiece, "Birth of a Nation," is a landmark film, focusing on the stark hardships of war and tender, emotional impact that war has on families However, the film is also noted for its racist content, which was highly accurate for the time period. This chronicle of the Civil War premiered in 1915, raised the bar in technical achievement and was a commercial success. The Director's Guild of America named its most coveted award after him – the D.W. Griffith Award for lifetime achievement in directing.
2. Orson Welles
Welles is another director of historical importance. He was a successful actor and writer as well as one of the most respected movie directors of all times. His "Citizen Kane," produced in 1941, ranks as one of the greatest films of all time. The movie, which was based on the life of billionaire William Randolph Hearst, was met with political resistance, affecting box office sales. In time the film and its director have been acknowledged among the best ever seen.
Vote Now: Who Is Your Favorite Actor of All Time?
3. Mike Nichols
Nichols created characters that made moviegoers both laugh and cry at the same time. His films include the Academy-Award winning "The Graduate," as well as "Silkwood," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," "Working Girl," "The Birdcage," and "Catch-22." He also directed the highly acclaimed television miniseries, "Angels in America," and several Broadway plays.
4. Billy Wilder
Wilder exposed disturbing hypocrisy in a witty, entertaining style. He directed more than 60 films in 50 years, including "Sunset Boulevard" and "Some Like it Hot." He was awarded the American Film Institute's Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1986, and received the National Medal of Arts in 1998.
5. Frank Capra
Capra directed emotion-filled movies about personal growth in films like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "It's a Wonderful Life." Capra won five Academy Awards during his career, and he served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America.
Vote Now: Which of These Actors Stands the Test of Time?
6. John Ford
He is best known for western-movie classics, "Stagecoach" and "The Searchers," and his portrayals of American classic novels, including "The Grapes of Wrath." He won four Best Director Academy Awards.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.