The 25+ Best Movies Directed By Ron Howard
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- 1Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin BaconApollo 13, a gripping space docudrama, chronicles the real-life, perilous lunar mission of 1970. The film features astronaut Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), command module pilot Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), and flight director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris). When an oxygen tank explodes, the spacecraft's crew must abort their moon landing, transforming their mission into a struggle to return home safely. Directed by Ron Howard, Apollo 13 masterfully blends historical accuracy with cinematic suspense. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards in 1996, underscoring its significant impact on the genre of true-story films.More Apollo 13
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- 2Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
Awards: Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Director
A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama, chronicling the life of John Nash (Russell Crowe), an extraordinary mathematician grappling with schizophrenia. The plot unfolds in the mid-twentieth century, tracing his rise to acclaim and descent into mental chaos. His wife, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly), stands as a pillar of support through his tumultuous journey. Directed by Ron Howard, the film scooped up four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. An engrossing narrative of genius and resilience, it's a profound exploration of human intellect and its frailties.More A Beautiful Mind - 3Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Brian DennehyIn Cocoon, a group of elderly Floridian friends, including Ben Luckett (Wilford Brimley) and Art Selwyn (Don Ameche), stumble upon an abandoned pool infused with an alien life force. After swimming in the pool, they find themselves rejuvenated, their vitality restored. Meanwhile, the aliens, disguised as humans led by Walter (Brian Dennehy), are on a mission to retrieve their lost comrades cocooned at the bottom of the ocean. The movie's blend of science fiction and drama earned it an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Yet, amidst the extra-terrestrial spectacle, it is a tale of aging and the quest for immortality.More Cocoon
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- 4Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul GiamattiSet in the Great Depression, Cinderella Man is a biographical sports drama that tells the tale of James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a once-successful boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses. Struggling to support his family, Braddock makes an unexpected comeback under trainer Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), defying the odds and redefining the world's perception of a hero. Directed by Ron Howard, this film won multiple awards for its authentic portrayal of a historic era and one man's indomitable spirit. Renee Zellweger also stars as Mae, Braddock's steadfast wife.More Cinderella Man
- #37 of 206 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #78 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #23 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- 5Robert De Niro, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason LeighIn the scorching heat of Backdraft, two brothers, Stephen (Kurt Russell) and Brian McCaffrey (William Baldwin), navigate the high-stakes world of Chicago firefighting. Raised in the firehouse shadows of their late father, a heroic firefighter who died in action, they now serve in the same department. Stephen is a seasoned veteran while Brian is a rookie with something to prove. When a series of lethal fires hint at arson, shadowy investigator Donald Rimgale (Robert De Niro) steps in. The line between loyalty and truth blurs as they grapple with dangerous flames and unravel the mystery. The film won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, underscoring its compelling narrative with powerful audio-visual mastery.More Backdraft
- #568 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 6Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Gary SiniseThrough a life of hard work, airline owner Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) has amassed a great deal of wealth. When a group of criminals want a piece of his cash, they kidnap his son (Brawley Nolte) for a $2 million ransom. Encouraged by his wife (Rene Russo) and an FBI agent (Delroy Lindo), Tom prepares to pay the money, but the ransom drop goes awry. Enraged, Tom decides to turn the tables on the kidnappers by making the ransom a bounty on their heads -- which he announces on national television.More Ransom
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- 7Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick DavisIn the epic fantasy film Willow, Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis), a diminutive farmer with dreams beyond his small village, finds himself on an unexpected journey. When a prophesied infant lands at his doorstep, he steps into a world of magic and danger. Accompanied by the cynical swordsman Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), they navigate treacherous terrains and face formidable adversaries, including the wicked Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). Directed by Ron Howard, this 1988 cinematic spectacle combines adventure and comedy in a timeless tale about courage and friendship. Willow was nominated for two Academy Awards for its visual and sound effects.More Willow
- Dig Deeper...'Willow' Is A Watered-Down Version Of 'The Lord Of The Rings'
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- 8Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, John CandyIn the heartwarming film Splash, Tom Hanks stars as Allen Bauer, a man on a quest for love. After a chance encounter with a mermaid named Madison (Daryl Hannah), his life takes an unexpected turn. Directed by Ron Howard, this 1984 romantic comedy delves into the complexities of human-mermaid relationships, offering viewers a unique blend of humor, fantasy, and romance. The film also features John Candy as Freddie Bauer, Allen's lovable yet slightly irresponsible brother. Despite its fantastical elements, Splash remains grounded in realism, presenting an unusual love story that is both enchanting and memorable. Notably, it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.More Splash
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- 9Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Thomas GibsonJoseph (Tom Cruise) and his landlord's daughter, Shannon (Nicole Kidman), travel from Ireland to America in hopes of claiming free land in Oklahoma. The pair get sidetracked in Boston, where Joseph takes up boxing to support himself. When he loses a pivotal fight, the two are left penniless. Now faced with poverty, the two must find new ways to scrape by. As their affection for each other grows, Joseph questions whether he is truly what Shannon needs in her life.More Far and Away
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- 10Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne WiestIn the heartwarming comedy-drama Parenthood, director Ron Howard explores the chaos, joys, and challenges of raising a family. The film follows the lives of the Buckman clan, headed by Gil (Steve Martin) and Karen (Mary Steenburgen), as they navigate through life's ups and downs. With a large ensemble cast that includes Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, and Keanu Reeves, each character offers a unique perspective on parenting. From dealing with rebellious teenagers to managing work-life balance, Parenthood is an insightful portrayal of family dynamics in modern America.More Parenthood
- #136 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #142 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #22 of 83 onThe Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked
- 11Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine BaranskiIn Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch (Jim Carrey) is a recluse living on Mount Crumpit, shunning the festive cheer of Whoville below. In this fantastical family comedy, directed by Ron Howard, the green-furred Grinch decides to sabotage Christmas for the town's jubilant citizens. Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), a sweet-hearted child, attempts to reform him with the power of love and holiday spirit. This film, based on Dr. Seuss's classic children's book, won an Academy Award for Best Makeup in 2001.
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- 12Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia WildeIn the mid-1970s, charismatic English playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) share an intense rivalry in Formula 1 racing. Driving vehicles that are little more than gas-filled, rolling bombs, Hunt and Lauda burn up the track, all the while pushing themselves to the breaking point of physical and mental endurance. Meanwhile, the women (Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara) in their lives can only watch as both drivers risk death with every lap.More Rush
- #160 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #111 of 206 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #103 of 143 onThe 100+ Best Motivational Sports Movies
- 13Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellenA murder in Paris' Louvre Museum and cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery. For 2,000 years a secret society closely guards information that -- should it come to light -- could rock the very foundations of Christianity.More The Da Vinci Code
- Dig Deeper...The Real Inspiration For The Da Vinci Code Wasn't Jesus – It Was A Notorious Hoax From The 1950s
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- 14Henry Winkler, Michael Keaton, Shelley LongChuck (Henry Winkler) has given up life as a stockbroker because it was too stressful. Now, he works an easy gig as a night shift attendant at a New York City morgue. His co-worker, Bill Blazejowski (Michael Keaton), on the other hand, is always looking to make a quick buck. When Bill finds out that Chuck's prostitute neighbor, Belinda (Shelley Long), needs a place to do her work, he convinces Chuck to turn the morgue into a brothel where they can work as her pimps.More Night Shift
- #25 of 67 onThe Best Movies Of 1982
- #490 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #310 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 15Tommy Lee Jones, Cate Blanchett, Evan Rachel WoodWhen rancher and single mother of two Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchett) sees her teenage daughter, Lily (Evan Rachel Wood), kidnapped by Apache rebels, she reluctantly accepts the help of her estranged father, Samuel (Tommy Lee Jones), in tracking down the kidnappers. Along the way, the two must learn to reconcile the past and work together if they are going to have any hope of getting Lily back before she is taken over the border and forced to become a prostitute.More The Missing
- #119 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #25 of 48 onThe 45+ Best Modern Day Westerns
- #88 of 152 onThe Best Movies Of 2003, Ranked
- 16Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin BaconFrost/Nixon dwells in the world of politics and television, capturing the historic face-off between Richard Nixon (Frank Langella), the disgraced ex-president, and David Frost (Michael Sheen), a rising British television presenter. The narrative unfolds through a series of televised interviews conducted by Frost post-Watergate scandal. The movie, directed by Ron Howard, is a gripping drama that navigates the intricate corridors of power, truth, and redemption. It's an Oscar-nominated film that highlights the power dynamics between two formidable characters under intense media scrutiny. The movie masterfully blends history with entertainment, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.More Frost/Nixon
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- #268 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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- 17Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet ZurerWhen Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon discovers the resurgence of an ancient brotherhood known as the Illuminati, he flies to Rome to warn the Vatican, the Illuminati's most hated enemy. Joining forces with beautiful Italian scientist Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer), Langdon follows a centuries-old trail of ancient symbols in the hope of preventing the Illuminati's deadly plot against the Roman Catholic Church from coming to fruition.More Angels & Demons
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- 18
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Donald GloverSolo: A Star Wars Story is a thrilling adventure from the renowned Star Wars franchise. This action-packed film, directed by Ron Howard, takes us on a journey through the early life of Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich), a young, daring smuggler. The movie also introduces his loyal friend Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and infamous gambler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). As the plot unfolds, it charts Solo's thrilling course through a series of daring escapades, shaping him into the iconic character we know from the original saga. With its compelling narrative and memorable characters, Solo: A Star Wars Story offers an exciting exploration of the Star Wars universe's lesser-known corners.More Solo: A Star Wars Story- Dig Deeper...Easter Eggs In Solo You Definitely Missed
- And Deeper...10 Reasons Why 'Solo' Surpasses 'Rogue One'
- #37 of 115 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- 19Michael Keaton, Gedde Watanabe, George WendtWhen a western Pennsylvania auto plant is acquired by a Japanese company, brokering auto worker Hunt Stevenson (Michael Keaton) faces the tricky challenge of mediating the assimilation of two clashing corporate cultures. At one end is the Japanese plant manager (Gedde Watanabe) and the sycophant (Sab Shimono) who is angling for his position. At the other, a number of disgruntled long-time union members (George Wendt, John Turturro) struggle with the new exigencies of Japanese quality control.More Gung Ho
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- #468 of 630 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- 20Amy Adams, Haley Bennett, Glenn CloseHillbilly Elegy is a 2020 film directed by Ron Howard and based on the memoir of the same name by J. D. Vance. A man recalls his life growing up in the Midwest with Appalachian values, covering three generations of his family.
- 21Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert DuvallHenry Hackett (Michael Keaton) is an editor at the New York Sun, a tabloid paper facing financial cuts. His pregnant wife, Martha (Marisa Tomei), pleads with him to get a more respectable job so he can spend more time with his family. Hackett is considering an offer from another paper, with fewer hours and higher pay, when he gets his hottest story in years. When this scoop leads to a burst of violence and a conflict with his new boss, Alicia (Glenn Close), he faces a startling moment of truth.
- 22Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman, Ellen DeGeneresIn a desperate attempt to boost ratings, a cable channel decides to document the life of someone on a daily basis and air the footage as a show. That lucky someone turns out to be Ed Pekurny (Matthew McConaughey), a laid-back video-store clerk. While the TV series makes Ed an overnight celebrity, it also begins to wreak havoc on his personal life, complicating his relationship with his new girlfriend, Shari (Jenna Elfman), and causing tension with his brother, Ray (Woody Harrelson).
- 23Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Omar SyFamous symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) follows a trail of clues tied to Dante, the great medieval poet. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories. Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to stop a madman (Ben Foster) from unleashing a virus that could wipe out half of the world's population.
- 24Ron Howard, Nancy Morgan, Marion RossPaula Powers (Nancy Morgan) wants to marry her boyfriend, Sam Freeman (Ron Howard), but her affluent family wants their daughter to pair up with someone wealthier than Sam. When Paula's father Bigby (Barry Cahill) accuses Sam of gold digging, Paula steals a luxury car from her parents and heads toward Las Vegas with her lover. The couple hope to marry there, but soon run into trouble: Bigby has offered a large cash sum to anyone who finds his daughter, and the result is a massive car chase.More Grand Theft Auto
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- 25Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer ConnellyLongtime friends Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) are partners in an auto-design firm. They are hard at work on a presentation for a dream project that would really launch their company. Then Ronny spots Nick's wife out with another man, and in the process of investigating the possible affair, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. As the presentation nears, Ronny agonizes over what might happen if the truth gets out.More The Dilemma
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- 26Clint Howard, Charles Martin Smith, Dean ScofieldCotton Candy is a 2007 comedy film written and directed by Ron Howard.
