A growing number of talented Black actors are now directing films, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse stories to the screen. These actor-directors are making a real impact on modern cinema, creating everything from thrilling action movies to films that spark important conversations about society. They’re not only entertaining audiences but also changing the industry by giving a platform to voices that haven’t traditionally been heard. This is a celebration of these multi-talented individuals who have successfully moved from acting to leading film productions.
Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele started his career making people laugh with sketch comedy, but he’s become one of today’s leading horror directors. He won an Oscar for the screenplay of his first film, ‘Get Out,’ a scary and thought-provoking movie about race relations. He followed that up with the critically praised films ‘Us,’ a disturbing story about doubles, and ‘Nope,’ a visually stunning sci-fi horror. Peele is known for weaving social issues into his films while creating a distinctive look and a suspenseful mood. He’s changed what people expect from horror movies in the 21st century.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is considered one of the best actors of his time, and he’s also proven to be a skilled director. He first directed the film ‘Antwone Fisher,’ a powerful story about a sailor overcoming a difficult childhood. He then directed and starred in ‘The Great Debaters,’ which tells the story of a college debate team facing racial prejudice in the South. ‘Fences,’ based on the play by August Wilson, is another critically acclaimed film he directed. Washington’s directing is known for bringing out strong acting and deeply emotional stories.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan made his directorial debut with the latest ‘Creed’ movie, ‘Creed III’. He continued Adonis Creed’s story, focusing on themes of brotherhood and dealing with past errors. The film demonstrated Jordan’s talent for directing both exciting boxing scenes and deeply emotional character interactions. He used anime as inspiration for the look and feel of the boxing sequences. Critics praised the film for its impressive technical aspects and powerful emotional impact.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is a highly successful filmmaker and television producer, famous for creating the popular ‘Madea’ movies, such as ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and ‘Madea Goes to Jail’. He typically writes, directs, and produces his own projects, giving him complete creative control. Perry’s stories often focus on family, faith, and overcoming challenges within the Black community. He’s built a large and thriving entertainment company and consistently provides opportunities for new actors and filmmakers.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor, known for his acting and an Academy Award nomination, recently made a remarkable start as a director with the film ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’. Based on a true story, the film follows a young boy in Malawi who builds a windmill to help his village overcome famine. Ejiofor not only directed the film but also wrote the script and played the boy’s father. The movie has been widely praised for its realistic depiction of African life and its moving story. Ejiofor continues to work as an actor while also taking on interesting directing projects.
Idris Elba
In 2018, Idris Elba directed his first feature film, ‘Yardie.’ Based on a novel, the movie tells the story of a young man from Jamaica who gets caught up in London’s criminal world. Elba used his personal background and understanding of the culture to make the film feel authentic and realistic. ‘Yardie’ showcases his talent for creating tense, gritty scenes while also developing compelling characters, and proves his skill as a visual storyteller with a strong sense of atmosphere.
Nate Parker
Nate Parker became well-known for writing, directing, and starring in ‘The Birth of a Nation,’ a historical drama about Nat Turner’s 1831 slave rebellion. Parker dedicated years to the project, carefully ensuring its historical accuracy. The film received several awards at the Sundance Film Festival and stands out as a remarkable directorial debut for an actor tackling such a significant historical story.
Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle both directed and starred in ‘Miles Ahead’, a film about the life of jazz great Miles Davis. Instead of telling Davis’s whole life story in order, the movie focuses on a particular time period and uses a dynamic, experimental style that mirrors the energy of jazz improvisation. Cheadle’s work on the film, both as an actor and director, was praised for successfully capturing the essence of this complicated and influential musician.
Ice Cube
I’ve always been a huge Ice Cube fan, and it’s amazing to see how much he’s done! He started as one of the most iconic rappers ever, but then he totally switched gears and became a successful actor and director. He even wrote, directed, and starred in his first movie, ‘The Players Club,’ which was a really interesting look at the lives of women working at a strip club and what they go through. Plus, he’s been a major producer on some of his biggest hits like ‘Friday’ and ‘Straight Outta Compton.’ I really appreciate how his work always stays true to his background and gives a voice to stories from the city.
Mario Van Peebles
Mario Van Peebles is a well-established actor and director best known for his 1991 film, ‘New Jack City.’ This movie is a landmark achievement in crime cinema and greatly influenced the look of films from the early nineties. He later directed ‘Posse,’ a notable Western with a predominantly Black cast. Van Peebles has also made biographical films, including ‘Baadasssss,’ which tells the story of how his father made a groundbreaking movie. Throughout his long career, he’s consistently worked in both film and television.
Forest Whitaker
Throughout his successful Hollywood career, Forest Whitaker has directed a number of well-known films. He’s known for the romantic drama ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ which had a huge impact when it came out, as well as films like ‘First Daughter’ and ‘Hope Floats,’ showing his ability to work in various genres. Whitaker’s directing is often praised for its focus on realistic characters and emotionally powerful stories. He continues to be a highly respected actor and director in the industry.
Bill Duke
Bill Duke is a highly respected actor and director with a long and successful career. He’s known for directing the critically acclaimed crime drama ‘Deep Cover,’ praised for its realistic feel and insightful look at society, as well as the popular and heartwarming film ‘Sister Act 2 Back in the Habit.’ Beyond feature films, Duke has directed many television episodes, demonstrating his versatility in handling a wide range of genres, from suspenseful thrillers to enjoyable comedies.
Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend became well-known for his funny and insightful film, ‘Hollywood Shuffle,’ which he both directed and starred in. The movie still offers a powerful look at the lack of diverse roles for Black actors in Hollywood. He also directed ‘The Five Heartbeats,’ a popular musical drama about the journey of a singing group. Townsend is considered a trailblazer for independent filmmakers, proving that great work can be made even with small budgets. He’s inspired countless Black artists to tell their own stories.
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo, a skilled and formally trained actor, recently made his first move as a director with the film ‘The Water Man’. This fantasy drama tells the story of a boy searching for a legendary character to help his sick mother. Oyelowo also acted in the movie and has spoken about his desire to create films the whole family can watch and appreciate. ‘The Water Man’ demonstrates his talent for combining fantastical elements with relatable, heartfelt emotions. He’s committed to continuing to work on a variety of projects that push him creatively as both an actor and a director.
Chris Rock
I’m a big fan of Chris Rock, and I think people often forget how great he is as a director! He doesn’t just tell jokes; he really sees things, and that comes through in his films. ‘Top Five’ is brilliant – it’s hilarious but also feels really honest about what it’s like to be famous. He’s also done ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ and ‘Head of State,’ and in all of them, he tackles real issues like marriage and politics, but always with a funny, insightful spin. It’s the same kind of smart, observant humor he brings to his stand-up, and it makes his movies really stand out. He’s truly a unique and talented voice in comedy today.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy not only starred in and wrote the comedy ‘Harlem Nights,’ but he also directed it, marking his first time in the director’s chair. The film boasts a fantastic cast, including Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx, and is still loved by comedy fans today. Murphy proved his skill at managing a large group of actors while keeping the movie’s funny and unique style consistent. While he’s been mostly focused on acting lately, ‘Harlem Nights’ remains a key achievement in his career, praised for its great look and classic Eddie Murphy humor.
Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence directed and starred in the romantic comedy ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,’ playing a charming but unfaithful man who finally meets someone who won’t tolerate his behavior. The movie skillfully blends humor with suspense as the story unfolds. It was a box office hit and demonstrated Lawrence’s talents extended beyond comedy, becoming a standout film in his impressive body of work from the 1990s.
Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito is famous for his memorable acting performances, but he’s also a talented director. He directed the drama ‘Gospel Hill,’ a story about race and politics in a small town in the South. He also directed and starred in ‘The Show,’ a satirical look at the often-troubling world of reality TV. Esposito’s directing is known for being insightful and for exploring difficult questions about right and wrong and fairness. He remains a popular and respected figure in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood recently made his first feature film as a director with the thriller ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. The movie centers around a group of friends who find themselves caught up in a risky criminal situation with serious repercussions. Underwood isn’t new to directing, though – he’s also directed short films and episodes of TV shows like ‘Gossip Girl’. His work shows he’s skilled at creating visually appealing scenes and building suspense. He’s always been passionate about directing and is currently working on future projects.
Charles S. Dutton
As a film buff, I’ve always been impressed by Charles S. Dutton – he’s a fantastic actor, both on stage and screen, but he’s also a really talented director. I especially remember ‘Against the Ropes,’ a sports drama starring Meg Ryan that was based on the incredible true story of a woman who became a successful boxing manager. He also did this amazing TV movie called ‘The Corner’ which really stuck with me – it was a brutally honest look at life in a tough neighborhood and it won a bunch of awards, rightfully so. What I appreciate about Dutton’s work is that he consistently focuses on realistic stories with important social issues and characters you really feel for. He clearly knows how to get the best out of his actors, too – the performances are always incredibly powerful.
RZA
RZA, the central figure in the Wu-Tang Clan, has also found success as a filmmaker. He started directing with ‘The Man with the Iron Fists,’ a film inspired by the classic martial arts movies he loved as a child. He then directed ‘Love Beats Rhymes,’ a drama set in the world of slam poetry and hip hop. RZA frequently uses his musical skills to create memorable and evocative soundtracks for his films. His work as a director is characterized by its fast pace and unique visual style.
Boots Riley
Boots Riley’s first film, ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ quickly gained attention for its originality and impact. This dark comedy uses a wildly imaginative story to offer a sharp critique of capitalism and the way companies operate. Riley’s experience as both a musician and activist shines through in the film’s strong political themes and distinctive visual style. Critics loved the movie, and it cemented Riley’s reputation as a truly innovative filmmaker. He continues to work on projects that challenge how stories are typically told.
Daniel Kaluuya
I’m a huge fan of Daniel Kaluuya, and I was so impressed by his work on ‘The Kitchen’! It’s a really powerful, futuristic thriller he co-directed and co-wrote, set in a London that feels both familiar and unsettling. The movie really dives into what happens when things become incredibly unequal and how people come together to resist. Seeing him collaborate with Kibwe Tavares to create such a visually stunning and moving story was amazing. It’s clear he’s passionate about telling stories that matter, and this film really showcases that. Everyone was excited to see his first time directing, and it definitely lived up to the hype – the reviews have been fantastic, praising its boldness and vision.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman’s directorial debut, ‘Bopha!’, is a powerful drama set in South Africa during apartheid. The film stars Danny Glover and tells the story of a Black police officer struggling with his conscience when his son becomes involved in the fight against apartheid. Freeman skillfully explores the emotional impact of political conflict on families, and his direction was lauded for its subtlety and the strong performances he drew from the actors. Though best known as an actor, Freeman demonstrated a talent for filmmaking with this project.
Laurence Fishburne
In 2000, Laurence Fishburne wrote, directed, and starred in the crime drama ‘Once in the Life.’ The film, adapted from his own play, depicts a harsh story about two half-brothers caught up in the drug world. Fishburne’s direction created a tense and enclosed atmosphere, mirroring the characters’ difficult lives. The film demonstrated his talent for bringing stage productions to the screen. He continues to be a respected actor and filmmaker.
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans is a highly influential comedian and director, best known for the hugely successful film ‘Scary Movie,’ which launched a long-running series of parody horror films. He also directed ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,’ a comedic take on the blaxploitation films of the 1970s. Wayans’ work is celebrated for its fast-paced humor and clever spoofs of pop culture. Beyond his own films, he’s been instrumental in helping many other comedians launch their careers through his directing and producing.
Eriq La Salle
Eriq La Salle is a well-known actor, but he’s also a talented director who has worked on films like ‘Rebound’. The movie centers around a famous street basketball player and his life, showing both his challenges and successes. La Salle has directed many episodes of popular TV shows and several television movies as well. He’s known for creating realistic stories that focus on the characters themselves, and he remains a busy and versatile creative force in the entertainment world.
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton is famous for acting in shows like ‘Roots’ and ‘Star Trek,’ but he’s also a successful director. He directed the touching film ‘Blizzard,’ about a young skater and a magical reindeer, and has directed numerous television episodes, including many within the ‘Star Trek’ universe. Throughout his decades-long career, Burton’s work consistently focuses on stories that both entertain and teach viewers of all ages. He’s been a steady and influential figure behind the camera for a long time, working in both film and TV.
Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers was a well-known actor who also became a director, working on both movies and TV shows. He directed the action film ‘Always Night’ and directed several episodes of the hit series ‘The Mandalorian’. Weathers was highly skilled at managing big productions and complicated action scenes. His directing work was admired by both those in the industry and fans, who praised his technical expertise. He successfully moved from being a popular action star to a respected and capable director.
Michael Jai White
Michael Jai White is a highly skilled martial artist and actor known for directing the film ‘Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown’. He also appears in the movie as a coach, guiding a team of young fighters as they train for an important competition. White drew on his deep understanding of fighting to make the action sequences look authentic and exciting. He’s directed other action projects as well and continues to produce films through his own company, often highlighting his love for martial arts and physical performance.
Matthew A. Cherry
Matthew A. Cherry began his career as a professional athlete before becoming an award-winning filmmaker. He won an Academy Award for his short film, ‘Hair Love,’ and has since directed feature films like ‘The Last Fall,’ which portrays the struggles of a former NFL player, and ‘9 Rides,’ a film uniquely shot entirely on a smartphone. Cherry’s work often provides a personal glimpse into contemporary life, highlighting stories that are often overlooked. He’s now a leading figure among a new wave of Black filmmakers.
Jeymes Samuel
Jeymes Samuel is a talented musician and filmmaker who made a striking entrance as a director with his Western film, ‘The Harder They Fall.’ The movie stands out with its entirely Black cast and offers a new spin on classic Westerns, blending modern music with thrilling action. Samuel also created the film’s music and highlighted the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys. Critics have lauded the film’s striking visuals and innovative approach to the genre, quickly establishing Samuel as a director with a distinctive and impactful vision.
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Cuba Gooding Jr., the Academy Award-winning actor, recently made his debut as a director with the crime thriller ‘Bayou Caviar’. He not only directed the film, but also wrote it and starred in it, working with a varied cast. The movie centers on an ex-boxer who finds himself entangled in a dangerous world of crime. Gooding Jr. used this project to examine ideas of forgiveness and how past actions affect the present, showcasing his interest in telling realistic and character-focused stories.
Mekhi Phifer
Mekhi Phifer, known for his acting, recently directed the comedy film ‘Puff, Puff, Pass’. The movie centers around two friends facing funny challenges as they live their lives in Los Angeles. Phifer also acted in the film, demonstrating a knack for directing comedy with great energy and comedic timing. He’s previously directed television episodes and continues to pursue directing opportunities, adding a new facet to his already impressive career in entertainment.
Tim Reid
Tim Reid is an actor and director known for championing Black voices in film. He directed the highly praised movie ‘Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored,’ which depicts life in a segregated town. He also established a film studio in Virginia to support independent filmmakers outside of Hollywood. His work frequently explores historical stories and themes of community and identity, making him a key figure in promoting diverse and genuine storytelling.
Avery Brooks
As a huge ‘Deep Space Nine’ fan, I’ve always been blown away by Avery Brooks – not just as an actor, but as a director too. He helmed some of the show’s most important episodes and really brought a theatrical flair to them, which I think was key to how powerfully those complex storylines landed. He’s a true artist, having also directed plays, and you can tell he’s deeply committed to the craft. What really stands out in his directing is how much he focuses on developing characters and making sure the emotions feel real. He’s clearly a mentor to a lot of people in the creative world, and it’s easy to see why.
Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans is a well-known comedic actor who wrote, directed, and starred in the movie ‘Blankman’. This film playfully spoofs superhero movies, focusing on a somewhat clumsy crime fighter in a city environment. Throughout the project, Wayans highlighted his talent for physical comedy and witty satire. He’s also directed episodes of his popular sitcom, ‘My Wife and Kids’, and other TV shows, consistently demonstrating his knack for finding humor in everyday life and familiar themes.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
‘Farming’ is a deeply personal film written and directed by Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje, drawing from his own upbringing. It tells the story of a young boy from Nigeria who is fostered by a white family in England and becomes involved with a skinhead group. The film honestly and powerfully examines themes of identity, race, and the need to find where you belong. Critics applauded Akinnuoye Agbaje’s willingness to tackle such a difficult and personal story, and the film marked a strong debut as a director, showcasing his ability to handle complex and emotionally charged subjects.
Romany Malco
Romany Malco is a multi-talented actor known for writing, directing, and starring in his film, ‘Tijuana Jackson Purpose Over Prison’. The movie tells the story of a former convict who’s determined to become a successful motivational speaker. Malco used a documentary-style approach to create a funny and touching look at the character’s experiences. He was able to fund the project with help from his fans through a crowdfunding campaign, which shows how connected he is with his audience. His work highlights his creativity and willingness to take an independent path in filmmaking, focusing on unique and memorable characters.
Sticky Fingaz
Sticky Fingaz, known as a member of the rap group Onyx, has also built a career in film as an actor and director. He’s particularly known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, exemplified by his movies ‘A Day in the Life’ and ‘Caught on Tape,’ which feature stories told entirely through rap. He uniquely combines his background in music with cinematic storytelling, constantly experimenting with new ways to tell stories on screen.
Kel Mitchell
Kel Mitchell, the well-known comedic actor, recently directed the family film ‘Dance Fu’. It’s a fun movie that mixes martial arts action with funny dance numbers, and tells the story of a young hero fighting for what’s right. Mitchell also acted in the film, bringing his energetic and playful style to the role. He created ‘Dance Fu’ with younger viewers in mind, proving his talent for making light and entertaining content. He continues to work as both an actor and director on projects geared towards families.
Saul Williams
Saul Williams, a poet, musician, and actor, co-directed the visually striking sci-fi musical ‘Neptune Frost’. Set in a Rwandan village built from recycled computer parts, the film examines the intersection of technology and colonialism. Williams blended his poetic and musical talents to create a film that’s both powerfully rhythmic and politically charged. The project gained significant praise at film festivals worldwide for its innovative style and daring visuals. Williams’s directorial work is highly artistic and pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.
Share your favorite movies directed by these talented actor turned directors in the comments.
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2026-02-23 23:21