With each generation new idols in sports, arts, and music are born. This of course means the most influential actors, writers, and directors in the entire history of humankind, who made the greatest contribution to the craft of film-making, are among those prodigal sons and daughters. Today, their cinematic masterpieces remain beloved by millions, because at one point they were able to sway the hearts and minds of people, demonstrating new possibilities, and storytelling methods of the modern movie industry.
Here’s the list of top 9 best modern Hollywood directors. Enjoy!
1. Christopher Nolan
In just 15 years in the business Nolan has gone from low-budget indie films to becoming one of the most bankable directors and producers of all time. You’re probably familiar with some of his gems, too: Memento, The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Prestige, Interstellar, Inception, and the list goes on!
2. J.J. Abrams
Some would call him the “torchbearer”, and they would be correct. What JJ (Jeffrey Jacob) Abrams has done cannot be understated. With the brilliant films like Super 8, the legendary LOST series, or the new Star Trek movies, he’s definitely earned a Star on the Broadway.
3. James Cameron
Old-school directors usually know what they’re doing and James Cameron is definitely one of the best candidates for this list. I mean, just look at his baggage! First and second Terminators, Aliens, Avatar, the Titanic, as well as the Abyss? Sign me up!
4. Steven Spielberg
Speaking of oldies but goodies, Spielberg is one of the most influential directors in Hollywood. I can’t say for sure, but Steven Spielberg might be Hollywood’s #1 director and it’s all thanks to his amazing work with Indiana Jones, ET, Jaws, War of the Worlds, Jurassic Park, Catch Me if You Can, and dozens more.
5. Guy Ritchie
A British fella, eh? At a very early age, being a kid, Guy Ritchie realized he wanted to make movies, after watching “Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid” for the first time. If you’ve seen one Richie’s film, you’ll recognize his works among the hundreds of others. Hits like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, King Arthur, Rock N Rolla, and Snatch will forever be some of the best movies in my mind.
6. Joss Whedon
I love Joss. He’s the bloody best at making characters feel alive. We’re talking about movies and TV shows that wave gathered almost unanimous praise from both critics and fans: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Firefly, The Avengers, Serenity, Cabin in the Woods… I could go on.
7. Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro is one of the most prominent modern visionaries when it comes to the visual parts of the movies, and apparently, he has been interested in film-making since his teenage years. Later he found out about the magic of makeup and practical effects, and at that point there was no stopping him. Shape of Water, Pan’s Labrynth, Hellboy, Pacific Rim, Blade 2 – all these and many other of his masterpieces have earned him a royal spot on my list.
8. Peter Jackson
Even if Peter Jackson’s movie roster was limited to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, he’d still be on this list, because those 6 movies are a godsent on their own! Just to mention a few others, we got King King, The Frighteners, and the upcoming Mortal Engines, which I’m quite sure will be a smashing box office hit.
9. M. Night Shyamalan
Last but not least in any capacity – M. Night Shyamalan also known as the King of Twists. The public, as well as the critics have been raving about his upcoming movie Glass, but he’s already proven himself with the success of Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense, Signs, Lady in the Water, and The Village. But of course, where there are good movie, there’s also crap like The Last Airbender and The Happening that everyone pretty much hates. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.
