10 Celebrity Directors You Didn’t Expect — But Were They Any Good?

Some stars are known for shining in front of the camera, but a few take a bold leap to direct films, surprising fans with their behind-the-scenes talent. These celebrity directors often bring fresh perspectives, but their work can spark debate about whether they truly deliver.

From action heroes to pop icons, these 10 celebrities stepped into the director’s chair, creating films that range from heartfelt to polarizing. Here’s a look at their unexpected directorial efforts and how they stacked up.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, known for ‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987), turned director with ‘The Man Without a Face’ (1993). He later helmed ‘Braveheart’ (1995), a sweeping epic that won him a Best Director Oscar for its bold battle scenes and emotional depth.

His work on ‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004) was intense and controversial, praised for its raw visuals but criticized for graphic violence. Gibson’s knack for storytelling shines, though his personal controversies sometimes overshadow his skill.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner, star of ‘Field of Dreams’ (1989), directed ‘Dances with Wolves’ (1990), a Western that stunned audiences with its lush visuals and respect for Native American culture. It earned him an Oscar for Best Director.

His later directorial efforts, like ‘The Postman’ (1997), flopped due to bloated storytelling. Costner’s strength lies in crafting heartfelt epics, but his ambition can outpace execution.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, iconic in ‘Tomb Raider’ (2001), directed ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ (2011), a gritty war drama. It was praised for its ambition but felt heavy-handed to some critics.

Her follow-up, ‘Unbroken’ (2014), showed visual flair but mixed reviews on pacing. Jolie’s directing is earnest, tackling tough themes, but her films often lack the polish of seasoned filmmakers.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper, known for ‘The Hangover’ (2009), directed ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018), a soulful remake that earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and his chemistry with Lady Gaga. He nabbed Oscar nominations.

His next film, ‘Maestro’ (2023), a Leonard Bernstein biopic, was visually striking but divisive for its focus. Cooper’s passion for storytelling is clear, making him a standout celebrity director.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck, star of ‘Daredevil’ (2003), directed ‘Gone Baby Gone’ (2007), a gripping crime drama that showcased his knack for gritty, Boston-set stories. Critics loved its moral complexity.

He followed with ‘The Town’ (2010) and ‘Argo’ (2012), the latter winning Best Picture. Affleck’s directorial work often outshines his acting, proving he’s a natural behind the camera.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood, legendary in ‘Dirty Harry’ (1971), began directing with ‘Play Misty for Me’ (1971). His later work, like ‘Unforgiven’ (1992), won Oscars for its raw take on Westerns.

Eastwood’s minimalist style shines in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004), though some later films, like ‘American Sniper’ (2014), split audiences over politics. His consistency makes him a directing titan.

Madonna

Madonna, pop icon behind ‘Evita’ (1996), directed ‘Filth and Wisdom’ (2008), a quirky comedy that felt messy and undercooked, earning lukewarm reviews.

Her second film, ‘W.E.’ (2011), about Wallis Simpson, was visually lush but criticized for weak storytelling. Madonna’s ambition is bold, but her directing lacks the focus of her music career.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill, known for ‘Superbad’ (2007), directed ‘Mid90s’ (2018), a coming-of-age skate drama. Its raw, nostalgic vibe and authentic performances won praise, though some found it slight.

He also directed music videos, like for Vampire Weekend, showing visual flair. Hill’s understated style works, but his limited output leaves room for growth.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde, star of ‘House’ (2004–2012), directed ‘Booksmart’ (2019), a sharp teen comedy that critics loved for its fresh humor and heart. It was a breakout hit.

Her follow-up, ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022), had stunning visuals but stumbled with a messy plot and off-set drama. Wilde’s potential is clear, but her second film raised doubts.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, acclaimed for ‘Black Swan’ (2010), directed ‘A Tale of Love and Darkness’ (2015), a Hebrew-language drama about her Israeli roots. It was visually rich but slow, earning mixed reviews.

Her directing debut showed promise, tackling personal themes with care. Portman’s skill is evident, but she needs more projects to prove her range.

Which celebrity director’s work surprised you the most, or is there another star-turned-filmmaker I missed? Share your take in the comments!