Who is the greatest film director? Our editorial ranking puts visual invention and depth of work first, then range and lasting influence. It includes live action, animation and documentary; awards and box office do not decide the order.
This shortlist focuses on Europe, Hollywood and Japan, not every film tradition. Welles, Ozu and many others have strong cases. Film facts checked 8 October 2026 with BFI records; sources do not endorse our ranks. Compare our Oscar-winning movies, then count down from #10. Portrait above: Hitchcock, probably 1972.
Photo: Jack Mitchell · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and recompressed; original status retained.
