Influential directors can get the most out of a film’s cast. They can make sure a script is elevated to its full potential. They leave no stone unturned to get the most out of their project.

Movies with the best premise have fallen victim to poor directing. Thankfully, these incredible directors of the 21st century have shaped the state of today’s movie industry.

They are true artists of their craft and have earned every ounce of praise they’ve received.

Christopher Nolan

From his original, innovative stories to his brilliant Batman trilogy, Christopher Nolan established himself as one of the best directors in Hollywood early in the 21st century.

His recent filmography of adapting true stories (Dunkirk, Oppenheimer) has helped elevate Nolan, finally earning him Best Director at the Academy Awards.

Nolan’s next film is an adaptation of The Odyssey.

Steven Spielberg

For many, the conversation around influential directors begins and ends with Spielberg. He is a true legend in the industry, with his career spanning decades.

While his best work is from the 20th century, his modern movies still prove he is a master of his craft.

Stephen Spielberg has been willing to adapt to the times while sticking to what has made him an acclaimed director. Early 21st-century movies like Catch Me If You Can and Minority Report combine the magic of Spielberg with the fun of a great popcorn flick.

Peter Jackson

Successfully adapting the Lord of the Rings trilogy earns you a permanent spot amongst the best directors of all time.

Jackson’s achievements in the early 2000s helped him win a clean sweep at the Academy Awards with Return of the King.

His ability to deliver a faithful adaptation set the stage for the future of fantasy movies, increasing their popularity and helping to make longer films, for better or worse, more commonplace.

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Quentin Tarantino

Admittedly, if you’re part of a younger crowd, your list of the most influential directors most likely begins with Tarantino.

He rode the momentum of his first films in the 90s to help shape the future of movies in the 21st century.

Starting with Kill Bill, Tarantino combined style, storytelling, and sharp dialogue to help influence future movie makers.

Everyone wanted to be the next Tarantino. They looked up to him, adored him, and studied his craft.

Denis Villeneuve

Villeneuve is best known for doing the impossible: creating a successful adaptation of Dune.

Even before Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival wowed moviegoers.

Villeneuve’s approach to moviemaking is unique today in that it shows moviegoers what’s happening without shoving the story down everyone’s throat.

David Fincher

Fincher broke onto the scene in the 90s with Se7en and Fight Club and helped continue influencing the industry with a bevy of films.

The Social Network still should have won the Oscar, and Zodiac is criminally underrated.

One aspect of Fincher’s influence is his role in helping Netflix become a premier destination for original television and feature film content.

Clint Eastwood

One of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, Clint Eastwood has continued to show his talent behind the camera to become one of the most influential directors of the 21st century.

Eastwood has directed countless critically acclaimed films, including Mystic River, Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, and Letters from Iwo Jima. Even in his old age, he has shown no signs of slowing down.

Paul Thomas Anderson

Following his initial success with Boogie Nights and Magnolia, Paul Thomas Anderson continues to influence the state of movies today.

His focus on flawed characters helps his protagonists resonate with audiences, even if they’re not worthy of our sympathy. This element is at its peak in There Will Be Blood, backed by Daniel Day-Lewis’ incredible performance.

Martin Scorcese

Yes, Scorsese is best known for his work in the 20th century, where he ranks as one of the most influential directors of that era, but his 21st-century films are just as good.

The Departed helped him finally win the Oscar for Best Director, and based on his most recent movie, Killers of the Flower Moon, he shows signs of slowing down.

The Coen Brothers

While the Coen Brothers haven’t co-directed a film since 2018’s The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, their influence in the early 21st century is still felt throughout the industry.

The Coen Brothers are able to allow their characters to become fully fleshed out. We learn everything we can about them, making their movies’ climactic moments much more impactful.

Their ability to use humor to create tension is one thing that sets them apart. Humor lightens the moviegoer’s mood and lets us let our guard down.

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