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

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

Citizen Kane

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

3

Dances with Wolves

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

4

Get Out

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

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

Braveheart

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

7

A Star Is Born

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

8

Eve's Bayou

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

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

Wildlife

Paul Dano's quiet, assured 2018 debut drama about a family falling apart in 1960s Montana.

11

Play Misty for Me

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

12

The Virgin Suicides

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

13

Ordinary People

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

14

Easy Rider

Dennis Hopper's 1969 counterculture classic about two bikers riding across America, a landmark of New Hollywood cinema.

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.