20 movie directors known for their signature styles

Arguably, there is no modern director with such a distinctive visual style as Wes Anderson. The director uses the same unique aesthetics in his films, which include particular color palettes, creative costumes, and symmetrically framed and tableau-like shots. Anderson’s films also often have their narrative play out in a chapter structure, and the deadpan delivery his actors give has become synonymous with the director. Anderson's flair has inspired many other films that aim for that same quirkiness. 

Tim Burton’s dark and kooky filmmaking style has given birth to the term "Burtonesque" — his work is so influential that it has an adjective. Burton’s films deal with unusual and peculiar characters, often frightening and macabre in execution. German Expressionism inspires his darkly gothic tones, and are equally whimsical and spooky. Burton has the ability to bring his style to any kind of world, whether it’s Wonderland, Mars, or Gotham City. 

Quentin Tarantino, one of the most popular movie directors of our time, has become a household name thanks to his bold approach to filmmaking. Despite the obvious influence of Martial Arts and Western films, Tarantino’s style is entirely unique. The director is known for his stretched-out dialogue segments, non-linear narratives, and violent bloodshed that can sometimes even be comedic. Also, this would not be entirely truthful if we didn’t mention another Tarantino staple… at least one shot of feet. 

When there are desaturated colors, slow motion, lots of quick-cut shots, and plenty of brooding characters, you know you’re watching a Zack Snyder movie. Whether action, horror, or sci-fi, Snyder’s films are always epic in scale and gritty in execution. His hyper-stylized aesthetic almost feels animated and elevates the gnarly and violent atmosphere in his films. This is why his energy fits the DC universe so well and why his Justice League is leaps and bounds ahead of the theatrical release. 

Sofia Coppola is known for telling melancholic stories about women and brings a subtle artistic touch to each of her films. Coppola’s framing and production feel minimalistic, soft, and delicate. Pastel colors usually take center stage, and fashion is always in focus. Images and atmosphere are usually favored over extended dialogue, making for an intimate viewing experience. Coppola is also known for unconventional production touches, like using modern music in period films. 

Spike Lee, one of the most important voices in the film industry, has made a career out of loud and timely films. Lee’s work usually centers around African-American protagonists and features social commentary on race relations. The tone and pacing are sharp and energetic, creating a sense of urgency with a dash of satire. Lee is famously known for using the double dolly shot, which is like the dolly shot, but the actor remains stationary as the background moves forward or backward.

Guillermo del Toro is not only a champion in the advocation for cinema but one of the great visionaries working today. Del Toro is known for combining horror and fantasy in his films, giving birth to some truly memorable movie monsters. His films are artistically rich and detailed, featuring weird and wonderful characters and worlds. He often combines realistic themes with fantastical ones, proving that humans can be just as monstrous as the creatures he creates. 

As one of the most prominent female voices in the film industry and an Oscar winner, Jane Campion is an artist in every sense of the word. Her films often use ambiguity to convey themes, which usually revolve around desire and madness. Visual metaphor and deep character psychology play a huge part, and she is known to challenge the male gaze. These elements are met with dream-like cinematography, which captures vast environments and landscapes.

With an approach described as "Bayhem," action director Michael Bay is known for going all-out when it comes to the scale of his movies. The director uses fast-paced editing, cutting, and dynamic and sweeping camera movements to create an adrenaline rush for his audience. Unapologetically loud and frantic, there is nothing subtle about Bay’s style, which works perfectly for the action genre. The guy does love his big set pieces and, most notably, EXPLOSIONS!

They call him the Master of Suspense for a reason. Alfred Hitchcock is one of the greatest directors of all time and arguably created the horror and thriller genre. Described as "Hitchcockian," common traits in his films include nail-biting tension, dark subject matter, and twisty turns at every corner. Hitchcock’s legacy is also due to his innovative filmmaking techniques, which often included POV shots and voyeuristic observation, focusing on the unseen and disorientating dolly zooms. 

Christopher Nolan is perhaps the most technically innovative director working today. He’s known to prefer film over digital, shooting his projects with IMAX cameras and making them epic spectacles. A master of the craft, Nolan uses naturalistic lighting and practical effects rather than CGI and sticks towards muted colors like grays or blues. His films feature immersive soundscapes and booming scores and usually tackle thought-provoking subjects in a non-linear format. 

Nobody does dark and moody films that deal with humanity’s darkest crevices like David Fincher. Known for tackling stories that deal with crime and violence, Fincher’s films are stylishly put together and gnarly in execution. He uses monochromatic and washed-out color tones that give his shots a certain "grunge" feel. Low-key lighting and heavy shadows prominently feature, bringing mystery and unease to his work. It is these conventions that bring edgy flair to his filmography. 

Throughout his career, Stanley Kubrick dabbled in many genres: sci-fi, horror, drama, war, and more. While the director could switch between different kinds of movies effortlessly, all his films have that timeless and evocative Kubrickian stamp. Known for his striking visuals, Kubrick’s attention to detail and production design is unmatched, with a favored use of primary colors. He is known for using the one-point perspective shot, which refers to diverting attention toward the vanishing point at the center of the frame. 

Chloé Zhao has only recently made a name for herself in the film industry but has already won an Oscar for Best Director and established her distinct filmmaking style. Whether it’s an indie drama or a Marvel movie, Zhao brings a gentle and naturalistic touch to each of her projects. Her camera work is free-flowing and lingers on its characters, and she also prefers natural lighting. This helps her deliver breathtaking and picturesque shots you can almost feel. 

At almost 80 years old, Terrence Malick is still making riveting films seeped with his trademark directing characteristics. His films are known for their stunning cinematography, using wide-angle lenses and free-roaming camera movements that make for intimate yet sprawling shots. Malick’s work is usually meditative and spiritual, with big themes and ideas, often accompanied by a philosophical character voice-over. These conventions allow moviegoers to be truly immersed in his work. 

Edgar Wright is a filmmaker who has truly made his mark on pop culture, popping out some of the funniest and most energetic movies of the last twenty years. Usually going for a mix of comedy and action, Wright’s work is fast-paced and satirical, complete with snappy editing and brilliantly curated soundtracks. The director uses techniques like zooms, tracking shots, quick cuts, match-cuts, whip pans, and transitional wipes to create a rhythm that is invigorating to keep up with. 

While Greta Gerwig has been acting on our screens for a little while, she’s risen to prominence in the last decade as the most successful female director working today. While all of Gerwig’s movies are entirely different from each other, they all have feminist undertones and focus on a female character and her coming-of-age experience (yes, even Barbie). She expertly balances humor and drama, and her films feature powerful monologues brought to life by exceptional actors. 

When it comes to ambitious and epic sci-fi or fantasy films, Lily and Lana Wachowski are the most imaginative and daring. The pair used their experience as comic book writers to create visually inventive movies with detailed world-building and innovative action. While not all their films have been hits, each contains eye-popping CGI that brings their stories to life in an exciting and uniquely sensory way. Their best films have the perfect mix of thematic storytelling and groundbreaking VFX. 

Regarding large-scale and intelligent sci-fi movies today, Denis Villeneuve is your guy. His films ignore classic Hollywood sci-fi conventions and are steeped in gritty realism. Taking influences from noir and crime films, his work features sleek production elements, which include roaring soundscapes and striking cinematography. His sci-fi stories are thought-provoking, focusing on narrative and atmosphere rather than explosive action. 

When one thinks of surrealist films, David Lynch instantly comes to mind. "Lynchian" is the term used to describe the director’s style, which has a dreamlike yet nightmarish quality. He strays far from anything conventional and is known for ambiguous and confounding narratives far removed from reality. Complete with cross-fades and unnervingly ambient sound design, his work truly explores something deeper. It’s not about whether the story makes sense but rather the mood it evokes.