23 Best Directorial Debut Feature Films
Past Lives
Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends, are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life. This 2023 film beautifully weaves past and present, challenging its characters and viewers to ponder the transformative power of time.
Read MoreLady Bird
Lady Bird McPherson, a strong-willed, deeply opinionated, artistic 17-year-old comes of age in Sacramento. Her relationship with her mother and her upbringing are questioned and tested as she plans to head off to college. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this 2017 film is a heartfelt exploration of adolescence and family dynamics.
Read MoreEighth Grade
Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school—a year marked by a series of social challenges. Bo Burnham’s 2018 directorial debut incorporates humor and heart in depicting the struggles and anxieties of growing up.
Read MoreHiroshima Mon Amour
In this celebrated French New Wave film directed by Alain Resnais, a deep conversation between a Japanese architect and a French actress forms the basis. Set in Hiroshima after World War II, the couple—once lovers—reflect on past romances and life experiences intertwined with the devastation wrought by the atomic bomb. Released in 1959, this film remains a poignant narrative about memory and loss.
Read More12 Angry Men
Sydney Lumet’s classic 1957 debut, "12 Angry Men," brings viewers into the jury room where a group of jurors must decide the fate of a young Spanish-American accused of murder. This intense drama unveils each juror’s prejudices and preconceptions, transforming what seems like an open-and-shut case into a gripping examination of justice and human character.
Read MoreThe Virgin Suicides
In Sofia Coppola’s haunting 2000 debut, a group of male friends becomes enthralled by five mysterious sisters, whose lives are controlled by their strict, religious parents. This melancholic story explores themes of obsession, youth, and melancholy.
Read MoreSaint Maud
Directed by Rose Glass, "Saint Maud" (2020) tells the story of Maud, a devout young nurse who becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her terminally ill patient Amanda. What ensues is a chilling tale of faith, madness, and secrets.
Read MoreAftersun
Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier. Memories real and imagined fill the gaps between miniDV footage as she tries to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn’t. Charlotte Wells' 2022 debut is a meditative exploration of memory and loss.
Read MoreGet Out
Jordan Peele’s 2017 horror debut, "Get Out," tells the harrowing tale of Chris, whose weekend visit to meet his girlfriend's parents turns into an unsettling and revealing experience about modern racial relations. As the weekend progresses, Chris uncovers disturbing truths that redefine his understanding of reality.
Read MoreSwiss Army Man
Alone on a deserted island, Hank has lost all hope until a dead body washes ashore, becoming his unlikely companion. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this 2016 film is a quirky blend of adventure and fantasy as Hank and his new friend embark on an epic journey.
Read MoreIn Bruges
Martin McDonagh’s 2008 debut centers around two hitmen, Ray and Ken, who find themselves in Bruges, Belgium, awaiting their next mission. As they reflect on their past assignments and grapple with their moral dilemmas, "In Bruges" combines dark humor with profound storytelling.
Read MoreThis Is Spinal Tap
Rob Reiner’s 1984 mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap" hilariously chronicles the misadventures of a fictional British heavy metal band. From creative disputes to absurd stage mishaps, this debut film is a masterclass in satire and comedy.
Read MoreBlindspotting
In "Blindspotting" (2018), Collin must navigate the final three days of his probation while confronting the changes in his rapidly-gentrifying Oakland neighborhood. Directed by Carlos López Estrada and starring Daveed Diggs, this film is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and friendship in a time of social upheaval.
Read MoreNightcrawler
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in Dan Gilroy’s 2014 directorial debut as Lou Bloom, a driven man who muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism. As Lou blurs the line between observer and participant, "Nightcrawler" becomes a dark, intense commentary on media sensationalism and morality.
Read MoreFour Lions
Chris Morris’s 2010 satire "Four Lions" portrays the misadventures of a group of inept British jihadists. This dark comedy walks the tightrope of humor and tragedy, making a powerful statement about extremism and ambition gone awry.
Read MoreSubmarine
Richard Ayoade’s 2011 debut film "Submarine" follows 15-year-old Oliver Tate as he navigates his relationship with his classmate Jordana and the disintegration of his parents' marriage. An offbeat coming-of-age story, "Submarine" is filled with wit and poignancy.
Read MoreDonnie Darko
Richard Kelly’s 2001 cult classic "Donnie Darko" introduces us to a troubled teenager, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who narrowly escapes a bizarre accident and starts having disturbing visions. This psychological thriller is a deep dive into existential ponderings and surreal experiences.
Read MoreHard Eight
In Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 directorial debut "Hard Eight," a seasoned gambler mentors a young protégé who marries a hooker and befriends a vulgar casino regular. This film showcases Anderson’s knack for character-driven narratives and intricate storytelling.
Read MoreFruitvale Station
Ryan Coogler’s 2013 debut "Fruitvale Station" chronicles the final day of Oscar Grant, a young African American man shot by police officers in Oakland, California. This poignant film captures the love, struggles, and humanity of Grant, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers.
Read MoreAmerican Beauty
Sam Mendes’ 1999 film "American Beauty" explores the life of Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in the throes of a mid-life crisis. After developing an infatuation with his daughter's friend, Lester’s life takes unexpected turns. The film is a critical commentary on American suburban life and the quest for true happiness.
Read MoreThe Witch
Robert Eggers’ 2016 debut "The Witch" immerses viewers into the unsettling and eerie world of a 17th-century family living on the edge of a forest. As strange, unsettling occurrences unfold, each family member’s faith and loyalty are put to the test in this psychological horror film.
Read MoreHereditary
In Ari Aster’s 2018 horror film "Hereditary," the death of the matriarch of the family unveils disturbing secrets about their heritage. As daily lives become entangled with an inescapable and chilling fate, the characters are driven to the brink of madness.
Read MoreReservoir Dogs
Quentin Tarantino’s thrilling 1992 debut, "Reservoir Dogs," centers on the aftermath of a botched robbery. As the surviving criminals gather at a warehouse, tensions rise, leading to brutal violence and the unveiling of a police informant among them. The film's nonlinear narrative and sharp dialogue redefine the crime genre.
Read MoreEach of these films represents a remarkable milestone for their respective directors, showcasing their unique storytelling abilities and creative vision. Whether delving into intricate human dramas, mind-bending thrillers, or profound social commentaries, these debut feature films have made a significant impact on cinema and continue to inspire audiences worldwide.