13 Must-See Films Directed by Ron Howard

Starting his career at just four years old, a freckled, smiling boy embarked on a journey that would span decades in the film industry. Ron Howard became a household name through his roles as an endearing child on The Andy Griffith Show and later as a charming teenager on Happy Days, two of television's most beloved series. However, Howard's ambitions extended beyond acting; he aspired to direct. Known for his storytelling prowess, Ron Howard has faced criticism for being overly sentimental, yet his heartfelt approach resonates with countless fans, proving his genuine passion for cinema.

1. Splash (1984)

Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah shine in this enchanting tale of a young man who falls for a mermaid. Splash became a massive success for Disney's Touchstone division, marking it as the studio's top-grossing live-action film at the time. Hanks, who stepped into the role of Allen after John Travolta and Bill Murray declined, saw his career skyrocket, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most beloved actors. Through Splash, Ron Howard showcased his knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with humor, captivating audiences worldwide.

2. Cocoon (1985)

Following the success of the mermaid romance, Ron Howard tackled another unconventional story and turned it into a hit. In 1985, viewers were treated to a heartwarming tale of elderly individuals discovering eternal youth in a pool shared with aliens. The film resonated with audiences of all ages, and Don Ameche's standout performance earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1986. The special effects team also won an Oscar for their work on Cocoon, and remarkably, the film's visual effects remain impressive even by today's CGI standards.

3. Willow (1988)

For many children of the 1980s, Willow was a must-watch film. This sci-fi fantasy, written by George Lucas, follows Willow, a small-statured farmer and aspiring magician, on his mission to protect a baby princess from the evil queen Bavmorda. With the aid of the swordsman Madmartigan, portrayed by Val Kilmer, Willow embarks on a daring journey filled with bravery and serendipity. While the film performed well at the box office, it didn't garner enough success to warrant a sequel. Willow marked a turning point for Ron Howard, breaking him free from being typecast as a director of lighthearted comedies.

4. Parenthood (1989)

Producer Brian Grazer, alongside writers Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz, collaborated with Ron Howard to craft this heartfelt story inspired by their personal parenting journeys. Steve Martin plays a bumbling father navigating the chaos of a sprawling middle-class family, featuring Dianne Wiest as an overwhelmed single mom, Rick Moranis as an overachieving dad, Jason Robards as the wise grandfather, and a cast of eccentric relatives. Parenthood became a box office sensation, earning over $100 million—a remarkable achievement for a character-focused, non-action film during that era.

5. Backdraft (1991)

With Backdraft in 1991, Ron Howard solidified his reputation as a master of blockbuster filmmaking. The film centers on two firefighter siblings navigating the dangers of the Chicago Fire Department. Kurt Russell and William Baldwin portray the brothers, who find themselves entangled in a deadly game with a cunning arsonist. Robert De Niro delivers a standout performance as a no-nonsense arson investigator, while Donald Sutherland captivates as his sinister adversary. Though some dialogue in Backdraft feels overly dramatic, the film's breathtaking fire sequences highlight Howard's directorial skill, with critics praising the flames as the movie's most compelling character.

6. Far and Away (1992)

Long before Tom Cruise faced criticism for his erratic behavior, he and then-wife Nicole Kidman collaborated with Ron Howard on a compelling film about two Irish immigrants in late 19th-century Oklahoma. The story portrays the struggles of the young couple, who rely on their love to overcome adversity. Despite its merits, Far and Away failed to impress critics or achieve significant box office success. While the movie garnered a loyal fanbase, the studio was puzzled by its underperformance, especially given Cruise and Kidman's star power and Howard's established directorial acclaim.

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7. Apollo 13 (1995)

The moon missions largely faded from public interest after the first lunar landing—until disaster struck. Apollo 13 recounts the harrowing true story of NASA astronauts Lovell, Haise, and Swigert, who faced life-threatening technical failures on their journey back to Earth. Tom Hanks, as Lovell, delivers the iconic line, "Houston, we have a problem," in this gripping thriller. Supported by a stellar cast including Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Kathleen Quinlan, Apollo 13 became a summer blockbuster, earning over $175 million and winning two Oscars.

8. Ransom (1996)

Mel Gibson leads this contemporary reimagining of the 1956 classic. He portrays Tom Mullen, a wealthy father whose son is kidnapped. When the FBI's strategy fails, Mullen devises a bold plan, appearing on national television to offer a reward for his son's safe return. The film is a rollercoaster of suspense and unexpected twists, culminating in a gripping resolution. While Ransom didn't earn Oscar nods, it resonated with audiences, grossing nearly $140 million.

9. EdTV (1999)

During the rise of reality TV, Ron Howard explored the genre with EdTV. The film follows Cynthia, a TV producer played by Ellen DeGeneres, who believes airing someone's life 24/7 will boost ratings. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed Pekurny, whose ordinary life spirals into chaos under the spotlight. Blending romance, moral dilemmas, and societal critique, the film struggled to make a significant impact at the box office.

10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, penned the beloved children's book How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 1957. After numerous failed attempts to adapt it into a live-action film, Ron Howard secured the opportunity. Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a green, grumpy creature who plots to ruin Christmas for the Whos of Whoville. Despite Carrey's grueling three-hour daily makeup sessions, the film's visual effects triumphed, earning an Oscar for makeup and a nomination for costumes. While the movie grossed $260 million, critics felt it fell short of capturing Seuss's magic, even with Howard at the helm.

In his recent filmography, Ron Howard has delved into thought-provoking dramas. Explore these works in the following pages. 

11. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Ron Howard's passion for underdog tales shines in this biographical film about mathematician John Nash. The story traces Nash's descent into paranoia after being recruited by the U.S. government to crack Soviet codes, exacerbated by his battle with schizophrenia. Jennifer Connelly, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Nash's wife Alicia, becomes his anchor to reality. A Beautiful Mind dominated both the box office and the Academy Awards, earning Howard his first Best Director and Best Picture honors, along with a Best Screenplay award. A remarkable journey for the former Opie.

12. Cinderella Man (2005)

In 2005, Ron Howard immortalized the inspiring story of Depression-era boxer Jim Braddock. The film garnered global praise for its compelling performances and meticulous storytelling. Braddock, a struggling ex-fighter forced into menial labor during the Great Depression, makes a triumphant return to the ring, transforming into a symbol of resilience. Russell Crowe stars as Braddock, with Renée Zellweger as his devoted wife and Paul Giamatti, who earned an Oscar nomination, as his manager Joe Gould.

13. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

To stir controversy, challenge the core tenets of Christianity using numerology, secret societies, and the enigmatic Mona Lisa. Dan Brown's novel, which sold over 60 million copies, preceded Ron Howard's 2006 film adaptation of The Da Vinci Code. Tom Hanks portrays Robert Langdon, a symbologist entangled in a murder mystery with profound historical implications. He is aided and obstructed by French actors Audrey Tautou and Jean Reno, alongside British icon Ian McKellen. The Da Vinci Code generated immense buzz before its release and holds the record for the highest-grossing international debut, earning $152.6 million in its opening days. The film offers a rare glimpse into Paris's Louvre Museum, and its intricate, suspenseful narrative captivates audiences, regardless of their stance on its controversial premise.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen

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