With the social media powerhouse that is Greta Gerwig's next feature Barbie, we decided it was time for the Bitesize crew to put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Films Directed by Actors. For inclusion on this list, the director needed to have an established acting career in film or television prior to their directorial debut. Sadly, this means legends like Mel Brooks and Orson Welles, as well as some modern-day auteurs like Taika Waititi, were ineligible.
Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. TROPIC THUNDER
What can I say about Tropic Thunder that hasn’t been said a million times already? It’s a comedy classic and a cinematic icon. Ben Stiller’s direction gives the film a dark yet superbly funny vibe that, as funny as it was, had me gawking at the craft of it all. Not to mention, in my opinion, the ensemble of this film is an all-timer. Each member of the cast gives an iconic performance, from Stiller’s Tugg Speedman to Tom Cruise’s Les Grossman to Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar-nominated performance as Kirk Lazarus. A wild satire about the lengths actors will go to give a good performance, Tropic Thunder will live on forever. - Adriano
4. ARGO
Anyone who dislikes Ben Affleck as a director can Argo fuck themselves! He’s five for five in my mind, and Argo is his best film to date. He is one of the most talented actor-turned-directors of his generation. On top of that, he’s the only actor-turned-director on this list to have directed a Best Picture winner (for this film, in particular). Argo is a tense political thriller that is well crafted from top to bottom with its incredible screenplay, superb performances, and, of course, brilliant direction from Ben Affleck. - Paige
3. A QUIET PLACE
There are many films directed by actors, but few actor-turned-directors put their personal stamp on things like John Krasinski did with A Quiet Place. This horror film thrives because of the decisions made behind the camera. Krasinski turns every sound into its own character, and he keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see which crack of a branch or buzz of children's toy will end up costing the Abbott family. It's a film that maintains tension through its entire runtime, and, honestly, that's quite the feat. Plus, if you were lucky enough to see it in theaters with a well-behaved audience, the experience was unforgettable. - Nick
2. THE PRINCESS BRIDE
I'll explain, and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog-faced buffoons… The Princess Bride belongs on many a Top 5 list. As for Rob Reiner’s status as an “established actor” before stepping behind the camera? He was a series regular on legendary sitcom All in the Family, a role for which he earned five Emmy and five Golden Globe nominations (winning two Emmys). As for Bride, it has been recognized by numerous publications as one of the greatest comedies, love stories, and family films of all time. Plus, it won the 1988 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, and it was added to the U.S. National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant. What more needs to be said? Leave it off this list!? Inconceivable! - Quentin
1. GET OUT
I think it’s about time to admit recency bias is no longer a thing when it comes to Jordan Peele’s Get Out. Every year that passes with another person saying “too soon” just makes that phrase feel more and more disingenuous. The sketch comic-turned-actor-turned-director’s filmmaking debut will do nothing but grow in stature as we age, cementing itself not only as a classic horror film, but also as a cinematic and cultural icon. Peele’s impeccable use of tone, music, suspense, and comedy…not to mention his ability to get chilling performances out of veteran actors, first-time leads, comedians, and character actors alike…is the reason I’m going to avoid The Sunken Place for the rest of my natural life. Not many movies can boast that kind of staying power both on and off the screen. Get that teacup the hell away from me!!! - Amarú
HONORABLE MENTIONS
A STAR IS BORN (2018)
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
A BRONX TALE
STAND BY ME
Photo Credits: Photo 1, 3 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 2 - Warner Bros.; Photo 4 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 5 - Universal Pictures