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!

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.

1/15

Citizen Kane

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

2/15

Dances with Wolves

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

3/15

Get Out

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

4/15

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.

5/15

Braveheart

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

6/15

A Star Is Born

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

7/15

Eve's Bayou

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

8/15

Eighth Grade

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

9/15

Wildlife

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

10/15

Play Misty for Me

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

11/15

The Virgin Suicides

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

12/15

Ordinary People

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

13/15

Easy Rider

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

14/15

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.

15/15