Watching a good movie is an enthralling experience. Be it a thriller, horror, or even comedy, if it's good, it leaves a lasting impact. The ingenious directors behind these films deserve part of the credit. Directors like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan are well renowned and respected for their signature styles in movie making, owning a particular genre. But often these renowned directors deviate from their preferred genre and delve into a new one, showing their skills and craft are universal and work on many genres. Here is a list of 20 Directors who are accomplished in multiple genres.
20) Norman Jewison

The Canadian director is known for embracing different genres in his movies. For example, his work in the crime and thriller genres like ...And Justice For All( 1979), and In The Heat Of The Night (1967) earned him many accolades including Academy Award nominations for the latter. However, this is not the only genre where he excels, his musicals like Fiddler On The Roof (1979) and Romance movies like Best Friends(1982) and Moonstruck (1987) made him a director excelling in multiple genres.
19) Fritz Lang

This German-American filmmaker was a master of crime and noir genres. Movies like Dr. Mabuse The Gambler(1922), The Woman In The Window (1944), and several other movies for this genre. But he has also dived into sci-fi and made films like Metropolis (1927) which is as popular as his crime movies.
18) Clint Eastwood

Apart from being a gifted director, he is also a talented actor. He is known mostly for his Western genre movies like Pale Rider (1985), and The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), among others. He is a master in multiple genres as he has directed movies in the crime genre like Mystic River (2003) and sports-drama like Million Dollar Baby (2004), earning him an Academy Award for Best Director.
17) Takashi Miike

Regarded as one of the renowned Japanese directors, Takashi Miike has directed over 100 films and television shows. Known for his horror films like One Missed Call (2003), GozuI(2003), and Over Your Dead Body (2014), he has also directed films in the crime and action genres like Silver (1999), and Dead Or Alive (1999).
16) Sam Mendes

Sam Mendes is a versatile director who has excelled in various genres. He began with period dramas like American Beauty( 1999) and Revolutionary Road (2008). The British director then delved into action with the James Bond films Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). Mendes also explored war drama in 1917 (2019), showcasing his ability to adapt to different genres.
15) Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam's diverse filmography showcases his mastery of multiple genres. He began with comedies like Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) and Brazil (1985). He then explored fantasy with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). Gilliam also ventured into drama with 12 Monkeys (1995) and The Fisher King (1991).
14) David Cronenberg

David Cronenberg's diverse filmography showcases his expertise in multiple genres. He began with sci-fi horror films like Scanners (1981) and Videodrome (1983). He then explored drama with Dead Ringers (1988) and A History of Violence (2005). Cronenberg also ventured into thriller territory with Eastern Promises (2007) and Cosmopolis (2012).
13) Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa is another influential Japanese director and is sometimes referred to as the greatest director of all time. He is renowned for his samurai epics, such as Seven Samurai (1954) and Yojimbo (1961). Kurosawa also explored drama with Ikiru (1952) and Rashomon (1950), which combined elements of mystery and social commentary. Additionally, he delved into thriller territory with High and Low (1963).
12) John Carpenter

John Carpenter's broad filmography showcases his talent in multiple genres. He's known for horror classics like Halloween (1978) and The Thing (1982). Carpenter also explored sci-fi with Escape from New York (1981) and Starman (1984), and action with Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) and Big Trouble in Little China (1986), demonstrating his ability to craft iconic films across various genres.
11) Spike Lee

Spike Lee has a wide-ranging collection of films ranging different genres. He's known for socially charged dramas like Do the Right Thing (1989) and Malcolm X (1992). Lee also explored romance with She's Gotta Have It (1986), a crime drama with American Gangster (2007), and war drama with Miracle at St. Anna (2008).
10) Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott's illustrious career showcases his craft in multiple genres. He's known for sci-fi classics like Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982). Scott also explored historical epics with Gladiator (2000) and Kingdom of Heaven (2005), as well as crime thrillers with American Gangster (2007) and The Counselor (2013). His versatility and visual style have cemented his status as a legendary director.
9) John Sturges

the legendary director John Sturges' diverse filmography showcases his expertise in multiple genres. He's known for Western classics like The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Great Escape (1963). Sturges also explored sci-fi with The Satan Bug (1965), social drama with Bad Day at Black Rock (1955), and action with Ice Station Zebra (1968).
8) Bong Joon-Ho

Bong Joon-Ho has a collection of movies that highlight his craft in many genres. He's known for sci-fi horror like The Host (2006) and the social thriller Memories of Murder (2003). Bong Joon-Ho also explored drama with Mother (2009) and adventure with Okja (2017). His Oscar-winning film Parasite (2019) seamlessly merged genres of thriller and comedy, cementing his status as a versatile and innovative director.
7) Tim Burton

Renowned Director Tim Burton showed his genius in various genres. He's known for fantasy classics like Beetlejuice (1988) and Edward Scissorhands (1990). Burton also explored horror with Sleepy Hollow (1999), superhero action with Batman (1989), and adventure with Big Fish (2003). His stop-motion animated films like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Corpse Bride (2005) further demonstrate his versatility and unique visual style.
6) Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino's extensive filmography shows the director's talent and craft in multiple genres. He's known for crime thrillers like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Reservoir Dogs (1992). Tarantino also explored action with Kill Bill (2003), war movies with Inglourious Basterds(2009), and westerns with Django Unchained (2012) and The Hateful Eight (2015). His unique blend of style, violence, and dark humor has cemented his status as a genre-bending master.
5) Steven Spielberg

The industry ace, Steven Spielberg has shown time and again his proficiency in film-making working with different genres. He's known for sci-fi classics like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Spielberg also explored adventure with Indiana Jones (1981), historical drama with Schindler's List (1993), war action with Saving Private Ryan (1998), and thriller with Jaws (1975).
4) Martin Scorsese

The visionary director Martin Scorsese has tried his hands in various genres in his prolific career. He's known for gritty crime dramas like Mean Streets (1973) and Goodfellas (1990). Scorsese also explored action with Gangs of New York (2002), adventure with The Aviator (2004), and comedy with After Hours (1985) demonstrating his versatility and innovative storytelling.
3) Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick, through his iconic filmography, has showcased several times what a master director he is when it comes to working in different genres. He explored sci-fi with 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and A Clockwork Orange (1971), horror with The Shining (1980), and war drama with Full Metal Jacket (1987). Kubrick also ventured into historical epic with Barry Lyndon (1975), satire with Dr. Strangelove (1964), and romantic-psychological drama with Lolita (1962).
2) Dennis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve is one of the most sought-after directors of this decade and he hasn't limited his craft to only one genre. He's known for sci-fi epics like Arrival (2016) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Villeneuve also delved into crime thrillers with Prisoners (2013) and Enemy (2013) and historical mystery with Incendies (2010). His ability to craft complex, thought-provoking stories across genres has established him as a versatile director.
1) Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan is one of the most renowned and influential directors in Hollywood and has shown his skill and talent in many genres. He's known for complex sci-fi thrillers like Inception (2010) and Interstellar (2014). Nolan also explored superhero action with The Dark Knight trilogy, mystery with Memento (2000), and historical drama with Dunkirk (2017). His non-linear storytelling and innovative techniques have garnered him many accolades including Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA.

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