Lights, Camera, Action – 15 Movies Directed by Famous Actors You Need to Watch

1. A Quiet Place 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 598782, ID: 6644200
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Directed by John Krasinski, ‘A Quiet Place’ is a nerve-shredding horror movie that makes you an active participant in a game of tension. The film’s unique premise and backstory, along with the stunning performances by Krasinski and Emily Blunt, make it a standout in the genre. However, the film’s pacing could have been improved, and it struggles to sustain the energy of its sensational start.
2. Gran Torino 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 820195, ID: 1205489
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Clint Eastwood directs and stars in ‘Gran Torino’, a film that is both funny and broad but ultimately serious-minded. Eastwood’s performance is vastly entertaining, and the film’s powerful storyline about an old-timer driven to put things right in his deteriorating neighborhood is engaging. However, the film’s lessons about tolerance are sometimes portrayed with unconvincing patness.
3. Argo 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 642216, ID: 1024648
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Ben Affleck’s ‘Argo’ is a riveting political thriller that is both tense and exciting. The film, based on the real-life ‘Canadian Caper’, is full of heart, humor, and fascinating politics. Affleck’s direction is praised, and the film is noted for its intelligence and ambition. However, some critics pointed out the film’s failures in historical accuracy.
4. A Star Is Born 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 423643, ID: 1517451
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Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, ‘A Star Is Born’, is a musical romantic drama that is both moving and technically excellent. The film, starring Cooper and Lady Gaga, is praised for its vivid attention to detail and finely wrought characters. However, some critics felt that the film was a little too in love with the stoned logic of its own premise.
5. Larry Crowne 2011，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 71207, ID: 1583420
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Tom Hanks directs and stars in ‘Larry Crowne’, a comedy that is both real and very funny. The film’s story and characters are loved by audiences, and George Takei’s performance as the economics lecturer is particularly hilarious. However, some critics felt that the film was hollow and unconvincing at its core.
6. Million Dollar Baby 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 726687, ID: 0405159
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Clint Eastwood’s ‘Million Dollar Baby’ is a deeply moving sports drama. Eastwood, who directed and starred in the film, delivers a powerful performance as a boxing trainer who helps an underdog female boxer rise to the top. The film transcends clichés through its strong character development and emotional depth.
7. Unforgiven 1992，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 439786, ID: 0105695
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‘Unforgiven’, directed by Clint Eastwood, is a masterpiece of the Western genre. Eastwood’s portrayal of an aging outlaw is both powerful and poignant. The film’s exploration of morality and redemption, combined with its strong performances, makes it a standout in Eastwood’s directorial career.
8. Fences 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 119014, ID: 2671706
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Directed by Denzel Washington, ‘Fences’ is a powerful drama that explores the complexities of family relationships. The performances, particularly by Washington and Viola Davis, are compelling. However, some critics felt the film’s pacing was uneven. As a critic, I appreciate the depth of the characters and the exploration of themes such as love, duty, and betrayal.
9. Yentl 1983，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 16105, ID: 0086619
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Barbra Streisand’s ‘Yentl’ is a unique blend of music and drama, with Streisand’s performance being a standout. However, some critics found the film to be overwrought and self-indulgent. From my perspective, the film’s exploration of gender roles and societal expectations offers a thought-provoking viewing experience.
10. The Prince of Tides 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 20031, ID: 0102713
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Directed by Barbra Streisand, ‘The Prince of Tides’ is a serious love story that delves into deeper and darker subjects. Nick Nolte delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. As a reviewer, I find the film’s exploration of family dynamics and personal trauma to be deeply moving and insightful.
11. Braveheart 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1099134, ID: 0112573
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Directed by Mel Gibson, ‘Braveheart’ is a beautifully shot, well-acted film that offers an interesting, albeit untruthful, story about a great Scotsman. Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film’s epic grandeur and noble intentions are commendable.
12. Stand by Me 1986，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 446550, ID: 0092005
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Rob Reiner’s ‘Stand by Me’ is a touching coming-of-age film that beautifully captures the essence of childhood friendships. Despite its slow pace at times, the film’s warm and heartfelt narrative makes it a classic.
13. Dances with Wolves 1990，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 294247, ID: 0099348
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Kevin Costner’s ‘Dances with Wolves’ is an exquisitely shot Western epic that details the crimes against indigenous people and the final years of the American West. Despite its simplistic view of the culture it attempts to honor, the film’s stirring narrative and epic grandeur are noteworthy.
14. Rocky Balboa 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 232849, ID: 0479143
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Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Rocky Balboa’ is a poignant film that walks tall and resonates long after. Despite its redundant dialogue at times, the film’s good heart and the strong performances make it a significant entry in the Rocky series.
15. Into the Wild 2007，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 662447, ID: 0758758
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Sean Penn’s ‘Into the Wild’ is a sensitive and poignant cinematic experience. The film, based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, is a stirring exploration of the human spirit’s resilience and the beauty of nature.