What are the best directorial debuts by actors?

From golden-age masterpieces to genre-bending debut shocks, these films prove that some actors had an entirely different kind of genius waiting in the wings. Cast your vote!

1. 1
   Night of the Hunter

   A 1955 Southern Gothic thriller directed by Charles Laughton in his only directorial work, starring Robert Mitchum as a murderous preacher.
2. 2
   Citizen Kane

   Orson Welles' 1941 debut masterpiece widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
3. 3
   Dances with Wolves

   Kevin Costner's 1990 directorial debut, an epic Western that won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.
4. 4
   Get Out

   Jordan Peele's 2017 debut horror thriller exploring race in America, winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
5. 5
   Sling Blade

   Billy Bob Thornton's 1996 Southern Gothic drama written, directed, and starred in by the actor, winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
6. 6
   Braveheart

   Mel Gibson's 1995 epic war drama about William Wallace that won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director.
7. 7
   A Star Is Born

   Bradley Cooper's 2018 directorial debut, a musical drama starring Lady Gaga that earned eight Academy Award nominations.
8. 8
   Eve's Bayou

   Kasi Lemmons' acclaimed 1997 Southern Gothic drama about a prominent Black family in Louisiana.
9. 9
   Eighth Grade

   Bo Burnham's 2018 debut drama capturing the anxiety of a 13-year-old girl's final week of middle school.
10. 10
    Wildlife

    Paul Dano's quiet, assured 2018 debut drama about a family falling apart in 1960s Montana.
11. 11
    Play Misty for Me

    Clint Eastwood's 1971 directorial debut, a psychological thriller about a disc jockey stalked by an obsessive fan.
12. 12
    The Virgin Suicides

    Sofia Coppola's 1999 directorial debut, a haunting drama about five sisters in suburban 1970s Michigan.
13. 13
    Ordinary People

    Robert Redford's 1980 directorial debut, a family drama that won four Academy Awards including Best Picture.
14. 14
    Easy Rider

    Dennis Hopper's 1969 counterculture classic about two bikers riding across America, a landmark of New Hollywood cinema.
15. 15
    The Man Without a Face

    Mel Gibson's 1993 directorial debut, a coming-of-age drama about a disfigured former teacher who mentors a lonely boy.