Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (2025)

Movies

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (1)

By Damien Brandon Stewart

Thread 1

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Manage Your List

Follow

Followed

Follow with Notifications

Follow

Unfollow

Link copied to clipboard

Sign in to your CBR account
Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (2)

Ron Howard has directed numerous acclaimed films across various genres. He started as an actor in two of the most popular television shows: The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days. Later in his career, he switched gears toward directing. Starting out with a flopped film called Grand Theft Auto, his directorial career only improved from there.

✕ Remove Ads

As Howard honed the craft of directing films, he mastered blending tension, drama and humor. Today, Howard is one of the most prestigious and accomplished directors. Some of his films have had a large cultural impact.

10 Solo: A Star Wars Story Provides Backstory for a Classic Saga

2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

69%

IMDb Score

6.9/10

Solo: A Star Wars Story follows Han Solo and Chewy in an origin story standalone film. In the film, Han takes on one of his first missions as a smuggler and steps into the bigger world of Star Wars lore while doing so. The film also introduces a young Lando Calrissian, played by Donald Glover. The film also provides the backstory of how Han came to own the iconic Millennium Falcon spaceship.

✕ Remove Ads

Related

The Acolyte is another Star Wars installment with an impressive cast playing its characters. Viewers should watch these projects starring the actors.

Solo: A Star Wars Story cost a lot to make, had its share of production issues before release, and didn't net a gain at the box office. However, it explored Star Wars lore and helped expand the world, so it was a helpful addition to the Star Wars universe.

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (4)

3

10

Solo: A Star Wars Story

pg-13

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

Solo: A Star Wars Story follows the early adventures of Han Solo, a brash and charismatic smuggler in the Star Wars universe. Through a series of daring escapades, Han encounters his future co-pilot Chewbacca and the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, navigating a landscape of treachery and intrigue. The film explores the formative events that shape Han's destiny and set the stage for his pivotal role in the galaxy.

Where to Watch

  • stream
  • rent
  • buy

*Availability in US

Director
Ron Howard

Release Date
May 25, 2018

Studio
Cast
Alden Ehrenreich , Joonas Suotamo , Woody Harrelson , Emilia Clarke , Donald Glover , Thandiwe Newton , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Paul Bettany , Jon Favreau , Erin Kellyman , Linda Hunt , Ian Kenny , John Tui , Anna Francolini , Andrew Woodall , Warwick Davis , Shaquille Ali-Yebuah , Eben Figueiredo , Aaron Heffernan

Writers
Jonathan Kasdan , Lawrence Kasdan , George Lucas

Runtime
135 Minutes

Main Genre
Sci-Fi

Budget
$275–300 million

Studio(s)
Disney

Distributor(s)
Disney

Sequel(s)
Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker
prequel(s)
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace , Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones , Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith , Rogue One: A Star Wars Story , Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope , Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back , Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi , Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens , Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
Franchise(s)
Star Wars
Character(s)
Han Solo , Chewbacca , Tobias Beckett , Qi'ra , Lando Calrissian , Val , L3-37 , Dryden Vos , Rio Durant , Enfys Nest , Lady Proxima , Rebolt , Korso , Imperial Emigration Officer , Imperial Recruitment Officer , Weazel , Imperial Mudtrooper

9 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Brought Dr. Seuss to the Live-Action World

2000

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (9)

✕ Remove Ads

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

49%

IMDb Score

6.3/10

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the first live-action adaptation of a Dr. Seuss book. It follows the miserable Grinch and his endeavors to ruin Christmas. The story fleshes out a bigger backstory of the green menace and further shows the comedic range of Jim Carrey. The Grinch tries to steal every Christmas notion from the town of Whoville while dressed as Santa.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas demonstrated how Howard had a very capable range as a filmmaker, easily making appealing family-friendly films. It also showcased brilliant practical special effects, with Carrey in full prosthetics for his role as the Grinch. Critics didn't love the movie, but How the Grinch Stole Christmas had a cult following and was still a financial success for Howard.

✕ Remove Ads

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (10)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas

PG

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Director
Ron Howard

Release Date
December 1, 2000

Cast
Jim Carrey , Taylor Momsen , Jeffrey Tambor , Christine Baranski

Writers
Dr. Seuss , Jeffrey Price , Peter S. Seaman

Runtime
1 hour 44 minutes

Production Company
Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, LUNI Productions GmbH and Company KG

8 A Beautiful Mind Shows the Bright Side of a Brilliant Mind and the Struggles of Schizophrenia

2001

A Beautiful Mind Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

74%

IMDb Score

8.2/10

✕ Remove Ads

A Beautiful Mind follows the true life story of the mathematician John Nash and the duality of his schizophrenia and mathematical genius. Due to his mathematical skills, John is eventually recruited by the military for top-secret code-breaking. While his pursuits in the world of mathematics seemed to continue to rise, they were short. Nash was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and it unfortunately overshadowed his genius.

A Beautiful Mind was a super success at the box office and was mostly well-received by critics. Some regard the film as a great representation of mental illness on screen, while others argue that the portrayal is overdramatized. Like Apollo 13, this film demonstrated Howard's ability to flesh out biopics with authenticity and intensity. Howard also demonstrated his brilliant sourcing of great talent, creating ensembles for his films.

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (11)
A Beautiful Mind

PG-13

Biography

Drama

Mystery

A mathematical genius, John Nash made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a harrowing journey of self-discovery.

Director
Ron Howard

Release Date
January 4, 2002
Cast
Russell Crowe , Ed Harris , Jennifer Connelly , Christopher Plummer , Paul Bettany , adam goldberg , Johs Lucas , Anthony Rapp

Writers
Akiva Goldsman , Sylvia Nasar

Runtime
135 Minutes

Main Genre
Biography

✕ Remove Ads

7 Cocoon Brought Youth Back to a Group of Elderly Residents

1985

Cocoon Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

82%

IMDb Score

6.7/10

Cocoon is a fantasy film about a group of residents in a Florida assisted living facility, who are revitalized by an alien fountain of youth in an abandoned home. This swimming pool turned fountain of youth was a storage area for the alien's hatchlings, which gave the water its rejuvenating quality. The film shows elderly individuals embracing their youth by trespassing at this pool, which provides them with their youthful vibes once they dive into the water.

✕ Remove Ads

Cocoon was a major success for Ron Howard, winning an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for actor Don Ameche. Howard's heartwarming fantasy film was well-received and was a box office success, further demonstrating his talent for producing successful films for Hollywood. The film even spawned a follow-up called Cocoon: The Return.

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (12)
Cocoon

PG-13

Drama

Comedy

Sci-Fi

A group of elderly friends discover a secret pool with mysterious alien cocoons that rejuvenate them with youthful energy. As they revel in their newfound vitality, they must decide between returning to their ordinary lives or joining the aliens on an eternal journey to a distant planet.

Director
Ron Howard

Release Date
June 21, 1985

Cast
Don Ameche , wilford brimley , Hume Cronyn , Brian Dennehy , Jack Gilford , Steve Guttenberg

Writers
Tom Benedek , David Saperstein

Runtime
117 minutes

Main Genre
Sci-Fi

Studio(s)
20th Century Fox

6 Cinderella Man Follows the True Story of the Rise of a Great Boxer

2005

✕ Remove Ads

Cinderella Man Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

80%

IMDb Score

8.0/10

Cinderella Man follows the true story of the boxer James Braddock, who persevered and rose to fame during the Great Depression. Retired from boxing, James is a dockworker, trying to make a living for himself in one of the darkest times in the United States. His old manager, Joe Gould, gave him a chance to box again. From his win, he quickly rose back to stardom. The film's name was a nod to him going from rags to riches, like the story of Cinderella.

Related

10 Best Biopics, Ranked According To IMDb

Expertly exploring the lives of important or beloved figures from history, some biopics are rated highly on IMDb.

✕ Remove Ads

Cinderella Man was another film that demonstrated Howard's knack for making great biopics. The film is easily considered one of the best boxing movies, up there with classics like Raging Bull and City Lights. While Cinderella Man was nominated for quite a few Oscars, it unfortunately didn't win any. Regardless, this film goes down as one of the best biopics made.

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (14)
Cinderella Man (2005)

PG-13

Romance

Drama

History

It tells the inspiring true story of James J. Braddock, a down-and-out boxer who makes an incredible comeback during the Great Depression. Overcoming personal and financial hardships, Braddock's determination and resilience uplift his family and nation, culminating in a dramatic championship fight that defines his legacy.

Where to Watch

  • stream
  • rent
  • buy

Not available

*Availability in US

Director
Ron Howard

Release Date
June 2, 2005
Cast
Russell Crowe , Renee Zellweger , Paul Giamatti , Craig Bierko , Paddy Considine

Writers
Cliff Hollingsworth , Akiva Goldsman

Runtime
144 Minutes
Main Genre
Romance

Budget
88000000.0

Studio(s)
Universal Pictures , MiraMax , Imagine Entertainment , Brian Grazer Productions , Parkway Productions

5 We Feed People Takes an Intimate Look into José Andrés and His Humanitarian Food Pursuits

2022

✕ Remove Ads

We Feed People Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

100%

IMDb Score

7.4/10

We Feed People was a partnership between National Geographic and director Ron Howard. The documentary follows the acclaimed chef and humanitarian José Andrés as he provides food for places hit by natural disasters. The film shows a first-hand account of José's organization, World Central Kitchen, fighting world hunger. The World Central Kitchen is known to put their lives on the line for the sake of helping others.

We Feed People provides a harrowing view of what helpful organizations do to help those in need. It demonstrates an authentic approach to truth. With the success of Howard's previous documentary, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, it was no surprise that We Feed People was just as good, if not better.

✕ Remove Ads

4 Parenthood Follows the Highs and Lows of Raising Children

1989

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (19)

Parenthood Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

92%

IMDb Score

7.1/10

Parenthood is a heartfelt comedy-drama that explores the many facets of raising a family. The film follows Gil, played by Steve Martin, as he struggles with his parenting skills, given the chaotic behavior demonstrated by his kids. While Gil seems to have it bad, the other families displayed in the film struggle with darker familial themes, like a father who wants nothing to do with his kids. The film also stars a young Joaquin Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.

✕ Remove Ads

Related

10 Funniest Movies About Parenting, Ranked

Parenting is one of the most difficult and rewarding feats an individual can experience, and a handful of movies captured these situations best.

Parenthood was a major success, gaining $126 million at the box office. The success of the film eventually spawned a spin-off series for television on NBC in 2010. The film was loosely based on the combined experience of Howard's frequent collaborator Brian Grazer as well as the writers of the film. Howard packs many humorous moments throughout the film while providing some seriousness to balance it all out.

3 Frost/Nixon Shows Gritty Real-Life Interviews With Richard Nixon After the Watergate Scandal

2008

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (21)

✕ Remove Ads

Frost/Nixon Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

93%

IMDb Score

7.7/10

Frost/Nixon is a historical drama that displays the infamous interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon. The film was adapted closely from a play, which followed the two characters as they tried to grab control of both the interview and the audience. With Nixon's charisma, everyone expects David to be misled throughout their interviews. However, David stands his ground, creating one of the most intimate takes on the troublesome president.

In Frost/Nixon, Frank Langella and Michael Sheen give flawless performances as Richard Nixon and David Frost, respectively. Many felt that they weren't just playing the characters. Instead, they fully embodied them for the film. The film received five Academy Award nominations, surprisingly leaving the Oscars empty-handed. While the film wasn't a hit at the box office, its critical acclaim makes up for it.

✕ Remove Ads

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (22)

Frost/Nixon

Where to Watch

  • stream
  • rent
  • buy

Not available

*Availability in US

2 Splash Makes the Audience Swoon Over a Mermaid

1984

Splash Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

91%

IMDb Score

6.3/10

✕ Remove Ads

Splash is another fantasy comedy by Howard starring Daryl Hannah, Tom Hanks, and John Candy. The film follows Hanks' character, Allen, who was saved by a mysterious mermaid when he was a kid. Twenty years later, the mermaid finds Allen, and they fall deeply in love. As Allen begins to debate what path his life will take with his new love, they are interrupted by a scheming scientist trying to ruin their love for his scientific gain.

Related

10 Best Tom Hanks Movie Performances, Ranked

Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood's most beloved stars and films like Forrest Gump and Big are some of his greatest performances.

Splash is one of Howard's best comedies and once again showed his comedic range capabilities. Not only that, he has flawlessly juxtaposed comedy with a fantasy story. The film made Tom Hanks a major star and paved his romantic comedy stardom for the 1990s. Splash is a perfect romantic comedy and its popularity is noted to this day.

✕ Remove Ads

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (28)

Splash

Where to Watch

  • stream
  • rent
  • buy

*Availability in US

1 Apollo 13 Tells a Harrowing Tale About What Should’ve Been the Third Lunar Landing

1995

Apollo 13 Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

96%

IMDb Score

7.7/10

Apollo 13 is Howard's best biopic portrayal of the Apollo 13 mission, which was destined for a moon landing. However, things go awry after an oxygen tank explosion. Tensions rise as the canceled mission becomes a rescue mission to make sure Jim, Fred, and Frank return to Earth safely. Through teamwork and ingenuity, both mission control and the astronauts do their best in a worst-case scenario.

✕ Remove Ads

Apollo 13 racked up nine Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Visual Effects and Best Editing. The film was one of the first to replicate low gravity on screen without using effects in the process. It came in second at the box office, right behind Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This is easily Howard's best film because it provided technical accuracy, a powerful story, and shining performances from every character.

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (35)
Apollo 13

PG

History

Adventure

Drama

NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.

Where to Watch

  • stream
  • rent
  • buy

*Availability in US

Director
Ron Howard

Release Date
June 30, 1995

Studio
Cast
Tom Hanks , Bill Paxton , Kevin Bacon , Gary Sinise , Ed Harris , Kathleen Quinlan , Mary Kate Schellhardt , Emily Ann Lloyd

Writers
Jim Lovell , Jeffrey Kluger , William Broyles Jr.

Runtime
140 Minutes

Main Genre
History

Budget
$52 million

Studio(s)
Universal Pictures

Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures

✕ Remove Ads

  • Movies
  • Apollo 13
  • Cocoon

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Manage Your List

Follow

Followed

Follow with Notifications

Follow

Unfollow

Ron Howard’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5815

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.