The 50 Highest Grossing Film Directors of All Time

Profitable horror flicks like “Cabin Fever” and “Hostel” helped vault Eli Roth into the conversation as one of the most bankable directors. He also directed the remake of “Death Wish,” starring Bruce Willis, which found favor with Rotten Tomatoes audiences.

Dark humor pervades the send-up of slasher movies in “Happy Death Day,” from Christopher Landon. He also wrote and helmed one of the Paranormal Activity franchise films.

Steven Spielberg is not only one of the greatest directors ever, he also is among the most bankable. The Oscar-winning director has made 12 films that have earned more than $100 million at the box office, including “Jurassic World,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jaws,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” His films have grossed over $10.1 billion worldwide, according to Forbes.

Music has been an influence on Damien Chazelle’s movies, including “Whiplash,” about an aspiring jazz drummer — but none more so than the full-on musical “La La Land.” It was nominated for 14 Academy Awards, and won six, including Best Director for Chazelle.

Tom Hooper has carved a niche in directing serious films about serious historical figures, among them television productions about the lives of Queen Elizabeth I and President John Adams. “The King’s Speech,” Hooper’s film about the insecure Prince Albert, the future King George VI, and how he overcame his speech impediment earned a Best Director Academy Award for Hooper and was also named Best Picture.