All Films Directed by Actors Better Known for Their On-Screen Work, Ranked by Surprise Quality

When actors step behind the camera, expectations can vary wildly—some are naturals, others falter. But certain films, helmed by stars better known for their on-screen charisma, deliver shocks of brilliance, defying doubts with bold vision and craft. These directorial efforts stand out not just for quality but for how unexpectedly great they are, given the actor’s primary fame as a performer.

This list ranks films directed by actors more celebrated for acting than directing, based on their surprising excellence—judged by critical reception, creative ambition, and how they exceed expectations. Limited to those primarily known as actors (not auteurs like Woody Allen or Clint Eastwood, whose directing careers rival their acting), we focus on fresh, lesser-known directorial gems. Let’s dive in, starting with the least surprising of the bunch.

20. ‘A Quiet Place’ (2018) – John Krasinski

Known for his lovable Jim Halpert in The Office, Krasinski stunned with this taut horror-thriller about a family surviving sound-hunting aliens. Co-writing and starring, he crafts a near-silent film where tension drips from every creak. Its 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and $340M box office haul show his unexpected directorial chops, though his later fame as a director lessens the surprise.

Krasinski’s minimalist horror mastery in A Quiet Place feels like a veteran’s work, not a TV star’s debut. Its gripping suspense makes it a must-watch on Paramount+.

19. ‘Don Jon’ (2013) – Joseph Gordon-Levitt

The 3rd Rock from the Sun kid grew into a charismatic actor, but few expected his assured directorial debut. Gordon-Levitt writes and stars as a porn-addicted Jersey guy finding love, blending humor and heart. The 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and Sundance buzz highlight its bold energy, surprising for a first-time director.

Don Jon is a sharp, vibrant rom-com that showcases Gordon-Levitt’s multifaceted talent. Its fresh take on modern relationships shines on Hulu.

18. ‘Harlem Nights’ (1989) – Eddie Murphy

Murphy, the ‘80s comedy king, took a risk directing this gangster comedy, starring alongside Richard Pryor. Set in 1930s Harlem, it’s a mixed bag with a 21% Rotten Tomatoes score, but its cult status and bold swing reveal Murphy’s ambition. The surprise lies in his ability to helm a period piece while still delivering laughs.

Harlem Nights is an uneven but audacious directorial debut, rentable on Amazon Prime. Murphy’s charisma carries this surprising passion project for comedy fans.

17. ‘Easy Rider’ (1969) – Dennis Hopper

Hopper, a rebellious actor in Rebel Without a Cause, co-directed and starred in this counterculture classic with Peter Fonda. The biker odyssey’s raw freedom and 84% Rotten Tomatoes score shook cinema, earning a Cannes nod. Its cultural impact as a New Hollywood spark makes Hopper’s directorial skill a revelation.

Easy Rider is a gritty, iconic road trip that redefined indie film, streaming on Max. Hopper’s bold vision surprises given his wild on-screen persona.

16. ‘Three Men and a Baby’ (1987) – Leonard Nimoy

Spock from Star Trek directing a mainstream comedy? Nimoy’s helm of this box-office smash about bachelors raising a baby was a shock. With a 74% Rotten Tomatoes score, its light charm and Tom Selleck-led cast defied expectations for a sci-fi icon, proving Nimoy’s versatile touch.

Three Men and a Baby is a warm, crowd-pleasing hit, rentable on Disney+. Nimoy’s unexpected knack for comedy makes it a delightful surprise.

15. ‘Booksmart’ (2019) – Olivia Wilde

Wilde, known for House and Tron: Legacy, debuted with this whip-smart coming-of-age comedy about two high schoolers cutting loose. Its 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and authentic Gen Z voice stunned critics, showing Wilde’s directorial finesse. The fresh LGBTQ+ representation adds depth.

Booksmart is a hilarious, heartfelt gem, streaming on Hulu. Wilde’s confident debut surprises with its sharp wit and emotional resonance.

14. ‘Sling Blade’ (1996) – Billy Bob Thornton

Thornton, a character actor, wrote, directed, and starred as a simple man with a dark past in this Southern drama. Its 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, Oscar win for Best Screenplay, and Thornton’s haunting performance shocked audiences. Shot in 24 days, it’s a raw triumph.

Sling Blade is a poignant, gripping debut, rentable on Max. Thornton’s unexpected mastery behind the camera makes it a standout.

13. ‘The Town’ (2010) – Ben Affleck

Affleck, mocked post-Daredevil, stunned with this gritty heist thriller, directing and starring as a Boston bank robber. Its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and $154M box office proved his directorial grit after Gone Baby Gone. The surprise lies in his redemption as a filmmaker.

The Town is a tense, stylish crime drama, streaming on Hulu. Affleck’s confident direction surprises given his tabloid-heavy acting career.

12. ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (1978) – Warren Beatty

Beatty, the Bonnie and Clyde heartthrob, co-directed this charming afterlife comedy, earning a 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and nine Oscar nods. His smooth handling of humor and romance, while starring, shocked for an actor known for charisma over craft.

Heaven Can Wait is a witty, uplifting classic, rentable on Amazon Prime. Beatty’s deft directorial touch surprises with its polished charm.

11. ‘The Apostle’ (1997) – Robert Duvall

Duvall, a revered actor in The Godfather, directed and starred as a flawed preacher seeking redemption. Its 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and Duvall’s Oscar-nominated performance reveal a deeply personal vision. The surprise is Duvall’s ability to craft such a nuanced drama.

The Apostle is a soulful, powerful film, rentable on Amazon Prime. Duvall’s unexpected directorial depth makes it a hidden gem.

10. ‘Wanda’ (1970) – Barbara Loden

Loden, a stage actress and Elia Kazan’s wife, wrote, directed, and starred in this indie drama about a lost housewife on a crime spree. Its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and rediscovery as a feminist classic stunned, given her obscurity. The raw realism is breathtaking.

Wanda is a groundbreaking, gritty masterpiece, streaming on Criterion Channel. Loden’s singular vision surprises with its raw power.

9. ‘Yentl’ (1983) – Barbra Streisand

Streisand, the iconic singer-actress, directed, co-wrote, and starred in this musical drama about a Jewish woman posing as a man. Its 68% Rotten Tomatoes score belies its ambitious scope and five Oscar nods, including for its soundtrack. Her multifaceted control shocked critics.

Yentl is a bold, heartfelt triumph, rentable on Amazon Prime. Streisand’s unexpected directorial prowess shines in this personal project.

8. ‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989) – Spike Lee

Lee, then a budding actor, wrote, directed, and starred as Mookie in this incendiary Brooklyn drama about racial tensions. Its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, Oscar nod, and cultural impact stunned, launching Lee’s career. The surprise lies in his raw, assured debut.

Do the Right Thing is a searing, vital classic, streaming on Peacock. Lee’s directorial brilliance surprises given his early acting focus.

7. ‘Trees Lounge’ (1996) – Steve Buscemi

Buscemi, the quirky Reservoir Dogs actor, wrote, directed, and starred as a barfly in this indie dramedy. Its 81% Rotten Tomatoes score and authentic slice-of-life vibe shocked for an actor known for eccentric roles. The ensemble, including Chloë Sevigny, shines.

Trees Lounge is a raw, charming gem, rentable on Amazon Prime. Buscemi’s understated directorial skill surprises with its quiet depth.

6. ‘Wildlife’ (2018) – Paul Dano

Dano, known for There Will Be Blood, debuted with this restrained drama about a fracturing family in 1960s Montana. Co-written with Zoe Kazan, its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and subtle craft stunned. Carey Mulligan’s performance anchors its emotional weight.

Wildlife is a poised, heartbreaking film, streaming on Criterion Channel. Dano’s mature directorial voice surprises given his young acting career.

5. ‘Lady Bird’ (2017) – Greta Gerwig

Gerwig, the indie darling of Frances Ha, wrote and directed this coming-of-age masterpiece about a Sacramento teen. Its 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, five Oscar nods, and Saoirse Ronan’s iconic role shocked, revealing Gerwig’s singular voice. Its semi-autobiographical heart resonates.

Lady Bird is a witty, tender triumph, streaming on Max. Gerwig’s stunning debut surprises with its emotional precision and craft.

4. ‘Get Out’ (2017) – Jordan Peele

Peele, half of comedy duo Key & Peele, wrote and directed this chilling horror-thriller about racism’s insidious forms. Its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, Oscar win for Best Screenplay, and $255M box office stunned, redefining Peele as a visionary. The social commentary cuts deep.

Get Out is a gripping, genre-defining masterpiece, streaming on Peacock. Peele’s directorial genius surprises given his comedic roots.

3. ‘The Night of the Hunter’ (1955) – Charles Laughton

Laughton, a stage and screen titan in Mutiny on the Bounty, directed this chilling thriller, his only film. Robert Mitchum’s predatory preacher haunts, earning a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its expressionistic style shocked for an actor’s one-off, now a cinematic landmark.

The Night of the Hunter is a haunting, visionary classic, streaming on Criterion Channel. Laughton’s masterful direction stuns with its bold artistry.

2. ‘Nil by Mouth’ (1997) – Gary Oldman

Oldman, the chameleon of Sid and Nancy, wrote and directed this raw British drama about a dysfunctional family. Its 65% Rotten Tomatoes score belies its Cannes win and visceral impact, with Ray Winstone’s brutal performance. Oldman’s gritty vision shocked critics.

Nil by Mouth is a harrowing, unflinching triumph, rentable on Amazon Prime. Oldman’s directorial debut surprises with its raw emotional power.

1. ‘Citizen Kane’ (1941) – Orson Welles

Welles, a 25-year-old theater and radio star, wrote, directed, and starred in this revolutionary epic about a media mogul’s rise and fall. Its 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, innovative techniques, and lasting influence stunned, redefining cinema. The surprise lies in Welles’ audacious mastery as a first-time filmmaker.

Citizen Kane is a groundbreaking, timeless masterpiece, streaming on Max. Welles’ directorial genius shocks given his youth and acting roots.

Which actor-turned-director’s film surprised you most, or did I miss a hidden gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!