Top 10 Actors Turned Directors

[@ppetrnosek]

I've heard of some guy called Charlie Chaplin...

[@Fools_Requiem]

Chaplin wasn't really a noted actor until after he started directing the films he starred in.

[@martinpitts3861]

Victim of Lag Perhaps he wasn't noted as an actor yet, but his tramp character was gaining in popularity with audiences before he started directing himself. Following a train of thought, where's Buster Keaton on this list?

[@rybrentmannftw]

Without watching, Clint Eastwood is number one.

[@rybrentmannftw]

Yep, I was right. And he definitely deserved it.

[@turbowarrior23]

Unforgiven is my favorite.

[@turbowarrior23]

442hoeky Yeah it's an amazing film. Really puts other Westerns in perspective after watching it.

[@superlex611]

where is Sly Stallone, George Clooney and Kevin Costner ?

[@michaelmonthey5974]

He is about to turn 94, and he is currently in production on his 40th movie as a director.

[@joshjhutton]

You missed Kevin Costner. He did win an Oscar for directing.

[@KBMadhouse]

I would have said Tommy Wiseau, but I believe he was both at the same time.

[@MightyBl00d]

Yes, he is the greatest. Kubrick ain't got shit on him.

[@Gameflyer001]

That didn't stop most of these people from being on the list; as they were oftentimes both.

[@andreass7937]

Oh, hi Mark.

[@akevomsahungyo9299]

Your tearing me apart Lisa

[@redbaron5127]

My only issue with this list is that you included Mel Gibson's directing abilities without even mentioning Apocalypto. Its an amazing movie. And you need one hell of a director to create a beautifully-shot, 2 hour action film that takes place in thick central American jungle and spoken entirely in the now dead Mayan Yucaton language. The cinematography, the stunts, the truly epic story.... Gibson deserves more praise for it than he deserves. I'd say it even on par with Braveheart, or even better.

[@hussambu]

My favorite adrenaline-rush movie. For me it's definitely better than Braveheart.

[@toursiveu]

Ever heard of a little known actor turned director named WOODY ALLEN??? Also, Kevin Costner deserves a mention. Not for The Postman, obviously, but for Dances With Wolves and Open Range!

[@muertinix]

Tommy Wiseau for #1 LOL!

[@MinimiMax]

This is a list of actors turned directors, not list of people who think they can be a director and actor.

[@muertinix]

I knew someone wouldn't resist the urge to correcting me. I know that. I know what Tommy Wiseau is. It was only a joke, and apparently not that funny.

[@redactedredacted6656]

I thought the joke was funny.

[@MinimiMax]

Martin Leon ... Ok. Thanks for telling me that an obvious joke was a joke.

[@muertinix]

MinimiMax Any time, brother ;)

[@jackmarston927]

No love for Ben Stiller? Zoolander and Tropic Thunder were hilarious.

[@tanner1ie]

Check out The Cable Guy too, if you haven't seen it :) .

[@nomansland312]

and personally, I know its an unpopular opinion, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty I thought was great.

[@gutz1981]

Clint Eastwood was the first thought in my mind when I read the title of this list. What a great all-round talent of a man. Still inspires me.

[@TheMontageFellow]

Ben Stiller should have been in the list as well. I mean look at his lineup: Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty; the last 3 are one of my favorite movies. In my personal list, Stiller would be one of the Top 10. Still, a good list :)

[@alexmeyer5260]

I think they're focusing on actors and directors whose movies have gotten awards recognition.

[@thedoorsforever256]

Agreed!!! Tropic Thunder is my favorite comedy ever, right up there with The Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and a few other classics. Tropic Thunder is just... every line is gold. Every. Line. And it avoids what I hate about modern Judd Apatow-ish comedies: it never has the dramatic twist 3/4ths of the way through to give the characters more heart. It's just ridiculous fun from start to finish. And The Secret Life of Walter Mitty legitimately changed my life. I saw it at a bad time of life, and now I'm living on the road. I went to Italy for a month, then southern california, now I'm in China (using a VPN to get to KZbin).

[@TheCharnstar]

He was a director first.

[@batgurrl]

good point _I really like Reality Bites and Tropic Thunder was a laugh riot - haven't seen Walter Mitty yet, but the other 2, well, they are not for everyone. No offense intended.

[@dianaoosterhart8376]

+batgurrl Love me some Zoolander! Can't wait for Zoolander 2! Tropic Thunder was funny, too, though the majority of the reason it was was because of Robert Downey Jr. That 'commercial' of his character and Tobey MacGuire playing monks...oh, my God! I laughed so hard I thought I'd spit,. especially at the title!

[@MasterVideoStudios]

Ben Affleck is one of my movie idols, The Town kicked ass, Argo is a masterpiece. I think he gets to much hate for films like Daredevil. Overall, great actor and director.

[@eribertomedrano1579]

Yeah, hopefully, he'll also play an awesome Bruce Wayne/Batman.

[@MasterVideoStudios]

Eriberto Medrano We'll see dude.

[@Sly88Frye]

Eriberto Medrano I really like that outlook on him. I get tired of people just being outraged by the fact that he will be the next Batman, but let's just wait and see first. I heard that people were outraged when Heath Ledger was going to play the Joker, but look how awesome he was. R.I.P Heath Ledger

[@SexyButCurious]

I'm going to lie I don't like Ben Affleck at all. Just something about him that annoys me. I've never seen The Town and somewhat watch Argo, which I heard were good, but just like him.

[@Sly88Frye]

***** His movies "The Town", "Argo", and "Gone Girl" are incredible and you are missing out.

[@lyconxero457]

You forgot to mention that Clint Eastwood is also the most BADASS actor/director on the list.

[@zeadsi]

Clint Eastwood is legend

[@Ziel0nyy]

Clint Eastwood has to be #1

[@MassimoVas]

In fact he’s the first

[@nazeres1]

I'm guessing #1 to be Clint Eastwood ... ... ... OOOH YEEAAA!!! I'm not surprised. The dude is awesome

[@WatchMojo]

After you've watch this video be sure to check out these other director related clips! Top 10 Modern Film Directors Top 10 Worst Hollywood Directors Top 10 Alfred Hitchcock Movies Top 10 Classic Directors

[@Louthsk8er]

These lists are so good, keep it up guys!

[@theincompetentgnome6668]

No

[@myroastisruined7119]

Clint Eastwood is the best! Thank you a LOT!

[@ImJustWatchingSorry]

IncompotentGnome 2.0 yes

[@AsianFly007]

What about orson wells?

[@doodskie999]

we need to find the immortal drug, clint eastwood is 80+, we dont want another legend be leaving us.

[@Flashback007]

It's good to see Eastwood is #1. He's on my list at least. Good actor (a lot of good roles) and a good director. I especially like his two-fold 'Flag of Our Fathers' and 'Letters From Iwo Jima'. Especially the last one is such an unrated movie. :)

[@alis5581]

I say Clint Eastwood is number 1.

[@alis5581]

Told ya

[@Pratyksh]

Clint Eastwood is the Best, Bestest, Bestesttt infinity times. He is greater than the Beatles. Greater than Chuck Norris. Greater then Bruce Lee. Greater than Taj Mahal. Greater than Statue of Liberty. Greater than Blue Whale. Greater than Bill O'Reilly. Greater than Kim Jong Il. Greater than the Easter Bunny and the Santa Claus. Last but not the least, Greater than Kung Fu. Also Greater than WWE.

[@mikeyflaherty6628]

It was Clint who build the Pyramids

[@Pratyksh]

Mikey F He is the Sphinx! -_-

[@mikeyflaherty6628]

My mind is totally blown!!! With comments that good I'm starting to think your Clint himself -_-

[@Sly88Frye]

Good comparisons. Well, I think a lot of people are greater than Bill O'Reilly. lol! And especially a lot of people greater than Kim Jong Il over his craziness. I imagine his son who has been in charge for a while now won't be much better.

[@Pratyksh]

Sly88Frye So let me put this way. Clint Eastwood is bigger than politicians. He serves instance justice.

[@hnhenrique2984]

I just came here to see if Clint Eastwood was in the first place. He was. I am happy. Thank you.

[@mistermcclain]

Jesus Christ Is this your first time watching a KZbin video? Why would you ever read the comments before watching the video? That's just silly. Thought you were Jesus! He would have known better. And come up with a much more original cut-down

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

You forgot Rob Reiner's "Misery," with Kathy Bates in her Oscar winning role as Annie Wilkes.

[@alexmeyer5260]

They also forgot to mention Stand By Me.

[@rahjeel]

Unforgiven is one of my favorite movies of all time. The way Clint Eastwood portayed redemption and vengeance is so epic. The most ruthless man in the west becomes a humble, lowly pig farmer and tries to lead a life of peace but reverts back into his former self in order to keep his peaceful way of living.

[@WatchMojo]

In case you were wondering how the Mojoholics voted in our poll, see the votes and entries here: watchmojo.com/suggest/Top+10+Actors+Turned+Directors Note, of course, that viewer votes are just one of the hundreds of data points and variables that we consider and look at when we create our lists. Make sure to sign up and participate on future lists at www.WatchMojo.com/suggest

[@snipaxthebulldog]

Trevor Philips He is first a director. Acting is secondary for him.

[@filippom.prandi5439]

WatchMojo.com Don't you guys feel like you've left somebody out of the list? I don't know.... Warren Beatty, maybe? Charlie Chaplin? Orson Welles? Warren Beatty and Orson Welles are THE ONLY TWO PEOPLE WHO GOT OSCAR NOMINATIONS FOR BEST PICTURE (being the producers), BEST DIRECTING, BEST ACTING AND BEST SCREENWRITING FOR THE SAME PICTURE!!!! Orson Welles achieved that only once, for "Citizen Kane". Warren Beatty achieved that twice! For "Heaven Can Wait" and "Reds"!!! Plus he's been nominated for Best Directing for "Dick Tracy" as well and for best Writing for "Shampoo" and "Bulworth". Seriously: how can you mention Jodie Foster (proud director of crappy movies like "The Beaver"), Christopher - I can only direct silly comedies - Guest and not Warren - I won the Oscar for Best Directing - Beatty? DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CINEMA HISTORY, GUYS?!?!?!?!

[@Susiruhtinas]

Clint Eastwood became better with age and when he moved behind the camera. He also did his best works later on. Ben Affleck really does better behind the camera, than in front of it, but he still has his moments as actor. With George Clooney, situation is opposite. Mel Gibson does fine in both. Ron Howard never should have been actor since that he can't do.

[@bibleanddisneyfan]

Totally agree with Eastwood for #1! He has made so many great movies as a director, Million Dollar Baby being my favorite!

[@gkeeper555]

TOP 10 LONG (ONE0SHOT) TAKES!!! PLEASE (goodfellas, gravity,children of men, munich, x-files, true detective pleaseeeeeee)

[@MicrowaveBackground]

It's been done, dipshit

[@chadmurray8230]

It has been done

[@iApollo722]

They already did top 10 long takes in movies but it'd be kind of cool if they did a list for tv long takes, I'm not sure how many there are to choose from though

[@WreeckCreational]

The one from Children of Men is probably the best I've ever seen.

[@connerspencern]

"Balance" is hardly the word I'd use to describe Iron Man 2. But I think Elf is one excellent Christmas movie.

[@alexmeyer5260]

Favreau also did a brilliant job directing the indie movie Chef that came out earlier this year. And I can't wait to see what he'll do with Disney's live-action remake of The Jungle Book.

[@tastebudswithtariq2330]

This should become a top 20 list. You didn't mention Orson Welles, Denzel Washington, Sofia Coppola, Kevin Costner, Danny Devito, Jordan Peele, Greta Gerwig, Taika Watiti and Ben Stiller.

[@lexkanyima2195]

Sly Stallone

[@BRINGTHED00M]

Sofia Coppola? I mean, I feel like she deserves to be in this list. Started off poorly in acting now she's a top director.

[@samkresil6011]

Ben Stiller,Joseph Gordon-Levitt,Alan Rickman,Clint Eastwood,Mel Gibson,Elizabeth Banks and Angelina Jolie.

[@papapeeps85]

Im glad y'all put Clint at #1. By far my favorite actor/director

[@samkresil6011]

I thought Ben Affleck would be at Number 1.

[@christophermartinez8438]

I'm happy to see Clint Eastwood at the top.

[@houston1293]

OOOOHHHHHH that was Ben Affleck on the thumbnail. I thought that was Taco.

[@Cisco_24]

Stallone should've at least gotten an honorable mention here

[@nicholasburt4420]

0:40 doesn't he look and sound like Joffery

[@koolkoala]

Holy Mother of Lannister.

[@ironpunch22]

i was thinking the exact same thing

[@Groovymagee]

indeed

[@mjgillespie91]

what about harold ramis, bless him; stripes, ghostbusters, groundhog day?

[@Fools_Requiem]

this is a list of actors who became directors later in their careers. If anything, Ramis was a screenwriter turned, actor/director.

[@joehughey3213]

Gibson is a spectacular director. I wish Hollywood would give him a break so he can make another movie.

[@Gamarama8]

1) Clint Eastwood 2) Charlie Chaplin 3) Orson Welles 4) Woody Allen 5) Rob Reiner 6) Ron Howard 7) Elia Kazan 8) Laurence Olivier 9) George Clooney 10) Ben Affleck Honorable Mentions: Jon Favreau Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones Robert Redford

[@RikuVA]

I agree in Clint being the best but i feel Jon Favreau could've been a bit higher up.

[@JayLimos]

You gotta give credit to Gibson's Apocalypto! One of his best movies in my opinion!

[@samkresil6011]

Angelina Jolie, Tom Hanks, Ben Stiller, Johnny Depp, Charlie Chaplin, Kevin Costner, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Alan Rickman, Shia LaBeouf, Frank Oz, Elizabeth Banks, Denzel Washington, Leonard Nimoy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Edward Norton, Danny DeVito and Sofia Coppola.

[@tinotse2007]

Other notable Directors. Warren Beatty. Penny Marshall. Woody Allen. Orson Welles. & Sylvester Stallone

[@Sly88Frye]

Awesome list here. Once I saw who #1 was, there was no denying it. He has done so well since directing films.

[@djthimo]

My top three choices are easy: Ben Affleck, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson And the best for me of this 3 is Mel Gibson :)

[@Fitzwilliamdarcy1000]

When mentioning Rob Reiner, how could you NOT mention Stand By Me

[@bobbydoerner4566]

This was great and you got the top 2 right. Eastwood and Howard are the top 2 directors today along with Scorsese and Tarantino. It doesn't get any better than these 4.

[@gutz1981]

BACHI BALLS! Lol what a delivery.

[@filippom.prandi5439]

Warren Beatty? He won the Oscar for Best Directing in 1982!!!!!

[@KombatGod]

Totally saw top 3 coming.

[@davidle4936]

Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Jodie Foster...

[@warken1985]

Would have put Affleck way higher on your list.

[@sinisterkiid2301]

I'd say ben affleck is MUCH better behind the scenes than in front. Fantastic director, decent actor at best

[@Pratyksh]

Clint Eastwood. The most deserving than anybody else in this universe. If you are not a Clint Eastwood fan, then you are probably a Justin Beiber fan. Period!

[@MightyBl00d]

True Facts!

[@TrillBill]

Well that's pretty unfair to generalize a whole group just because they have a different opinion *sips tea*

[@MightyBl00d]

ItalianBlackheart123 Sips tea?

[@Pratyksh]

ItalianBlackheart123 You sipping tea, thats why. I just finished my second mug of Beer.

[@Pratyksh]

The bottom line is, Clint Eastwood is the best. The Best!!!! The Bestest Best INFINITE TIMES!!!

[@cmam8246]

Not all that surprising to be honest. Into the Wild & The Town are two of my favorite movies of all time.

[@Advent3546]

The modern Cary Grant? Sounds accurate.

[@thewolfofwallstreet627]

Ha! I freaking called it. Before I even saw this video, I knew that Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, and George Clooney were going to be on this list somewhere, and it looks like i was right. I freaking called it. lol.

[@zacharybosley5740]

Not even an Honorable Mention for Billy Bob Thornton? Actually, he should get a top ten performances video too. Anyone agree?

[@kworthington24]

The Town, i think is afflecks best.

[@HomerDuck]

What about Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Costner or Mel Brooks???

[@Snadzies]

Dear KZbin content provider. I would like to apologize as I currently have ad-block enabled as I can not stand the McDonald's football commercials any longer. Ad-block should be disabled again in a week or two when KZbin, hopefully, gets new ads.

[@cormac_arg_mdq]

Where is Kevin Costner? Not even an honourable mention?!!

[@LGKirby787]

Top 10 occasions when an actor played two (or more) unrelated characters in the same show

[@annoying5andy]

The guy in the thumbnail looked like Ian Hecox from Smosh.

[@EricsWisdom]

Really interesting. Thanks for this vid

[@jordandouglas7063]

What about Ben Stiller? He is an awesome director. His work in Tropic Thunder and Zoolander was great not to mention he stars in his directed movies too.

[@setogod]

0:41 king Joffrey?

[@michaelmonthey5974]

Watchmojo should update this to a Top 20 or 30 or more list so that Kevin Costner, Elizabeth Banks, John Krasinski, Ben Stiller, Bradley Cooper, and several others can be included in it.

[@rodrigob.3590]

Lockhart's character was awesome and extremely funny!

[@zipitinandzipitout]

Sylvester Stallone

[@Mazter1veteran]

Yes Kenneth Branagh! He is so underrated.

[@moniquelacosta5170]

Clint Eastwood is No. 1!!! I am disappointed that Sydney Pollack did not sure higher. I loved him as supporting characters in film and as a Director. Braveheart is movie that I love. Mel Gibson's directing was Epic. Denzel Washington directed a few sensitive films. I love Stir Crazy directed by Sidney Poitier

[@miklas01]

Heel yaeh! First number one perfectly match.:D

[@nickdinnissen7273]

WOW! the guy who played Gilderoy Lockhart DIRECTED Thor?! That's just genius. Two of my favorite franchises (from which i mean by thor the marvel cinematic universe, because i like captain america 2 more)

[@TheBlond49]

And he did a cameo in Thor The Dark World.

[@benmason1123]

This was actually a list I agree with watch mojo on everything except I think Kevin Costner should've had an honorable mention but good list mojo!

[@ahssanmehmood4025]

I already knew before watching that Clint Eastwood would be NUMBER ONE.

[@tanner1ie]

Only an honourable mention for Jodie Foster and nothing for Sarah Polley, Grant Heslov (who you mentioned when talking about George Clooney) or Sofia Coppola? :_ .

[@tricaurelie]

I would have put Affleck higher, but still a great "Top 10" idea

[@cooperwest25]

top 10 broadway productions turned films

[@remideschamps5978]

I was really expecting to see Takeshi Kitano on that list...

[@celticpoet21]

what about Charlie Chaplin?!

[@tastebudswithtariq2330]

A living legend. Why isn't he on the list?

[@mitchellryan7621]

Christopher Guest shouldn't be an honorable mention, he should have been officially recognized on this list.

[@ThyDavideth]

Clint Eastwood and Jimmy Wang Yu would be my top favorites.

[@GertBFrobe-gy2ox]

13:20 thats why hes number 1 pulling out the 45 1911 and delivering that line

[@GertBFrobe-gy2ox]

With the hammer back too Nothing pisses me off more than a man pulling out that model gun in a movie and the hammer being down oh and when they still fire it with the hammer down too c'mon man! Seen it about 16 times in the new purge movie and almost that much in expendables blehh

[@webkinzfan00]

Wow. Orson Welles didn't even get a mention.

[@webkinzfan00]

austin runge You know he was acting well before his directorial debut, right?

[@webkinzfan00]

austin runge *cough* The War of the Worlds *cough*

[@webkinzfan00]

austin runge And yet they mention #10 built a reputation on stage, so...

[@webkinzfan00]

austin runge But did he make a name for himself with those films as you mentioned?

[@stingrey1571]

harold ramis says hi.

[@wnwascar1]

RIP

[@paulallen2474]

Respect: Cinefix Disrespect: Watchmojo

[@GivozLegacy]

Cant wait for Ryan Gosling's debut! it look's amazing!

[@alexmeyer5260]

Unfortunately it got a lot of bad reviews at the Cannes Film Festival.

[@GivozLegacy]

So did Taxi Driver, and thats become (To a lot of people) one of the best films ever made.

[@alexmeyer5260]

***** But Taxi Driver went on to win the Palme D'or at Cannes and get nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. Lost River didn't win the Palme D'or and I don't think it has a shot at getting a Best Picture nomination.

[@GivozLegacy]

Well its up to the audience to find out how bad it is when it comes out

[@CSGOVideosjambajuice]

Kenneth Branagh in George V look likes Joeffery from Game of Thrones

[@Nate30001]

You should do a top ten tattoo, like the most common ones

[@NaOVGiR2012]

For Ron Howard, a movie he directed; you forgot 'APOLLO 13'!!!!!!!

[@imspidermannomore]

let me guess, Clint Eastwood takes the first spot.

[@HerrDurkslag]

Your guess was correct because he shouldn't have been anything less than nr. 1. Unforgiven, Gran Torino, Letters from Iwo Jima and, best of all, Mystic River. I sure hope that guess was because you also thinks he deserves it.

[@imspidermannomore]

Sgt Chickenwing i just wanted to say that he's so good it was obvious

[@HerrDurkslag]

+imspidermannomore Good, I wasn't sure if you meant that as a negative thing or not.

[@Cole444Train]

Clint #1? thumbs up from me.

[@C.Pianicci4459]

Tim Robbins,Orson Welles and Woody Allen.

[@normansiegel9401]

Why isn't Orson Welles on your list?

[@mistermcclain]

I was originally thinking that no-brainers would include Orson Welles and Woody Allen, but I guess that they probably directed themselves in movies first. Maybe that could be a list coming down the pipeline? Woody Allen, Orson Welles, Zack Braff! Duh! Sorry, I'm kidding about the Braff comment. But that might be a fun list

[@karthu1993]

Richard Attenborough only in the honourable mentions????

[@83RockaRolla]

+karthu1993 Exactly! IMHO he should be number one.

[@antonlevi819]

Hey WatchMojo.com do you think you can include the IMDb ratings?

[@gregjaro-mk7zs]

CLINT EASTWOOD'S LAST FILM AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE UPCOMING FILM "JUROR #2" & WHERE'S SOFIA COPPOLA, ANYWAY? SHE'S THE ACTRESS FROM "THE GODFATHER: PART III" TO FOLLOW HER FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS AS A FILMMAKER. 🎭📽️🎞️🎬🎥

[@SpacedFuzz]

Charles Chaplin should've been number one... With more research (and not just popping a list out for the hell of it) you would've found that.