Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
It makes a lot of sense.
But which actors have taken seamlessly to filmmaking?
Below, we rank the 18 best directorial debuts from actors.
18.That Thing You Do!
It made sense that he would leverage that goodwill to try his hand at directing.
Plus, it goes without saying that the Wonders titular song isstill ridiculously catchy25 years after the films release.
(Available to rent on Amazon.)
17.Shadows(1959) John Cassavetes
It didnt take long for John Cassavetes to turn to directing.
Cassavetess probing and unfiltered look at sex and race meantShadowswasnt able to secure American distribution.
Until it won the Critics Award at the 1960 Venice Film Festival, that is.
(Available on HBO Max.)
(Available on Amazon Prime.)
(Available onAmazon PrimeandHulu.)
(Available on Cinemax.)
(Available on Blu-ray at Amazon.)
Obviously it wasnt a surprise when their apocalyptic comedyThis Is the Endproved to be hilarious.
What did stand out, though, was just how ambitious and personal the film was.
(Available to rent on Amazon.)
Sadly, Huston has only directed one other movie, 1999sAgnes Browne.
(Available on DVD at Amazon.)
(Available to rent on Amazon.)
Oliviers own review of the film went even further, though, as he later said, Looking back.
(Available on HBO Max.)
(Available on Showtime.)
Polley would later go on to prove her mastery of narrative with her deeply personal 2012 documentaryStories We Tell.
(Available to rent on Amazon.)
(Available to rent on Amazon.)
Bradley Coopers 2018 film marked the fourth incarnation of the romantic drama.
Lady Gaga had never acted in a leading role before.
Cooper had never directed.
It starred Andrew Dice Clay!
Every emotional beat lands youre immediately enchanted by Jackson and Ally, both as individuals and a couple.
(Available on HBO Max.)
(Available to rent on Amazon.)
No other filmmaker can merge humor and humanity quite like him.
(Available on HBO Max.)
(Available on HBO Max.)
1.The Night of the Hunter(1955) Charles Laughton
Everything aboutThe Night of the Hunterjust works.
(Available on Criterion Channel.)
