9 Movies Directed by Individuals better Known for Their Acting

When we think of famous actors, it's easy to picture them in front of the camera, delivering iconic performances that captivate audiences. But many actors are multi-talented individuals who have ventured into directing, often with impressive results. In fact, some of the most memorable films in recent years have been helmed by actors who took a seat in the director’s chair. Below, are nine such movies - directed by individuals better known for their acting.

“A Quiet Place” (2018) – Directed by John Krasinski

John Krasinski, widely recognized for his role as Jim Halpert on The Office, shocked audiences with his directorial prowess in the 2018 horror-thriller A Quiet Place. In this suspense-filled film, Krasinski created a world where sound equals death, focusing on a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world populated by creatures that hunt by sound. The film was not only a box-office hit but also garnered critical acclaim for its tension, innovative premise, and strong performances—including one from Krasinski himself. His work as a director earned him praise for crafting a gripping, emotionally driven horror film that feels both intimate and terrifying.

“Lady Bird” (2017) – Directed by Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig has had a successful acting career with standout roles in indie films like Frances Ha and Mistress America, but she truly broke through as a director with her 2017 coming-of-age film Lady Bird. The film, which tells the story of a rebellious teenager navigating her final year of high school, is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Gerwig's direction showcased her ability to bring heart and humor to a narrative, and her nuanced portrayal of teenage life resonated with audiences and critics alike. The film earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture, firmly establishing Gerwig as a formidable filmmaker.

“Argo” (2012) – Directed by Ben Affleck

Before becoming known as a respected director, Ben Affleck was largely recognized for his acting roles in films like Good Will Hunting and Armageddon. However, his 2012 film Argo marked a turning point in his career as a filmmaker. Based on the true story of a CIA operation to rescue American hostages in Iran during the 1979 crisis, Argo blends tension, drama, and humor with remarkable skill. Affleck’s direction helped the film win three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With Argo, Affleck proved he was not only a talented actor but also a director with a strong command of storytelling and pacing.

“The Postman” (1997) – Directed by Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner is best known for his acting roles in classics like Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, and Field of Dreams, but he's also directed several films. One of his most ambitious directorial efforts was The Postman, a 1997 post-apocalyptic drama set in a dystopian America where a lone drifter takes on the role of a mail carrier, helping to restore hope to the survivors of a fallen society. While the film was not a commercial success and received mixed reviews, it showcased Costner’s willingness to take risks as a director. His previous work, Dances with Wolves, won him an Academy Award for Best Director, but The Postman cemented his passion for large-scale, epic filmmaking.

“The Town” (2010) – Directed by Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck makes another appearance on this list, this time for his work on The Town. Released in 2010, the crime thriller set in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood tells the story of a bank robber who falls in love with one of his hostages. Affleck not only directed but also starred in the film, demonstrating his ability to handle both sides of the camera with ease. The Town was praised for its gritty portrayal of crime, strong performances, and tight direction. Affleck’s skillful handling of the heist sequences and his deep understanding of character dynamics made The Town a critical and commercial hit, solidifying his reputation as a talented director.

“The Waterdance” (1992) – Directed by Neal Jimenez and Michael Steinberg

While Neal Jimenez might not be a household name, the 1992 film The Waterdance, which he co-directed with Michael Steinberg, was a deeply personal project for the actor-turned-director. Jimenez, known primarily for his screenwriting, directed The Waterdance after suffering a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. The film tells the semi-autobiographical story of a writer who becomes paralyzed and struggles to adjust to life in a rehabilitation center. Praised for its raw emotion and realistic portrayal of disability, The Waterdance earned critical acclaim for both its direction and storytelling, showcasing Jimenez’s ability to create powerful, character-driven films.

“Dances with Wolves” (1990) – Directed by Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves is a landmark film in Hollywood history, not just because of its sweeping narrative and epic scale, but because it marked Costner’s directorial debut. The film tells the story of a Civil War soldier who befriends a tribe of Lakota Sioux, learning their way of life and eventually becoming one of them. Costner’s direction was widely praised for its beautiful cinematography, attention to historical detail, and sensitive portrayal of Native American culture. The film went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Director for Costner, making it one of the most celebrated directorial debuts by an actor in Hollywood history.

"Braveheart" (1995) – Directed by Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, known for his acting in films like Lethal Weapon and Mad Max, stepped into the director’s role for Braveheart, a historical epic about Scottish hero William Wallace. The film was both a commercial success and a critical favorite, earning five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. Gibson's masterful direction, coupled with his lead performance, made Braveheart one of the defining films of the 1990s.

"Unforgiven" (1992) – Directed by Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood, already a legendary actor from roles in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Dirty Harry, cemented his legacy as a director with Unforgiven. The western film, which Eastwood also starred in, was a box-office hit and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Eastwood's gritty and reflective take on the western genre revitalized his career as a filmmaker, making Unforgiven a standout in his directing portfolio.

(Image via IMDB)