Buzz
The announcement of this year's Oscar nominees is scheduled for February 8th, unveiling which films and directors are in the running for the past year's top honors. However, the significance of an Oscar nomination is debatable. The roster of directors who have never received an Academy Award for directing might be more telling than those who have. Legends like Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, Spike Lee, Sofia Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, Pedro Almodóvar, Howard Hawks, and Jane Campion (so far) have all been overlooked for this prestigious accolade. Meanwhile, Mel Gibson and Kevin Costner have both won directing Oscars, which, while notable, doesn't necessarily place them in the same league as Federico Fellini. This underscores the fact that the Oscars aren't an infallible measure of brilliance, nor does a single moment of genius ensure consistent excellence. Even the greatest directors have produced films that are either outright bad or painfully tedious. Life is too short for such disappointments, so here’s a list of 13 films by Oscar-winning directors to skip, along with 13 better alternatives.
Always (1989), directed by Steven Spielberg
While Steven Spielberg’s chaotic World War II comedy 1941 and his product-placement-heavy Ready Player One are arguably worse films, they at least leave some impression. Always, however, is a largely unremarkable remake of an old Hollywood classic, earning its place as Spielberg’s most forgettable work. Where to stream (though we don’t recommend it): Digital rental
Watch instead: Hook (1991)
Spielberg’s Hook remains one of the most polarizing films in his career. While initial reviews were harsh, placing it among his least successful works, it has since garnered a passionate fanbase. Released shortly after Always, this film amplifies the whimsical fantasy elements, with Robin Williams delivering a quintessential '90s family-friendly performance. Unlike many of Spielberg’s other films, Hook wears its emotions boldly, making it a unique entry in his catalog. Whether you view it as a heartfelt masterpiece or overly sentimental, it’s a movie that leaves a lasting impression.
Where to stream: Netflix, Fubo, Sling TV, USA
Great Expectations (1998), directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Alfonso Cuarón, a two-time Best Director Oscar winner for Gravity (2013) and Roma (2018), has a near-flawless filmography. However, his modern adaptation of Great Expectations stands out as his most inconsistent work. While visually stunning, the film’s central love story feels formulaic and lacks the depth of his other projects.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Starz, DirecTV
Watch instead: A Little Princess (1995)
For a more direct yet equally magical interpretation of a literary classic, Ang Lee’s 1995 adaptation of A Little Princess offers a captivating alternative.
Where to stream: Hoopla, Max Go
Hulk (2003), directed by Ang Lee
Ang Lee, another highly acclaimed director with two Best Director Oscars for Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Life of Pi (2012), brought a unique flair to his early superhero film. While more engaging than the 2008 version, it suffers from excessive dialogue for a visual effects-driven movie and inconsistent CGI, preventing it from achieving deeper resonance. Despite its slow pace, some have mistakenly labeled it a hidden gem.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Starz, DirecTV
Watch instead: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
While Ang Lee’s Gemini Man also disappoints, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon stands out as a superior choice. Lee masterfully revitalizes wuxia traditions, blending them with elements reminiscent of comic book storytelling. Its universal appeal and breathtaking action sequences made it one of the highest-grossing foreign-language films in history, captivating audiences even without sound.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Cats (2019), directed by Tom Hooper
While it may eventually gain a cult following as a midnight movie, it’s uncertain whether the star-studded cast (including Judi Dench...seriously?) anticipated the film’s legacy being dominated by discussions about feline anatomy.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): MaxGo
Watch instead: Les Misérables (2012)
Hooper’s suitability for Cats likely stemmed from his earlier triumph with Les Misérables, another iconic modern musical. His 2012 version is outstanding, despite Russell Crowe’s vocal limitations.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Rookie (1990), directed by Clint Eastwood
Eastwood earned a well-deserved Oscar for Unforgiven in 1992 and another for Million Dollar Baby in 2004, becoming the oldest winner in the Best Director category at 74. His extensive filmography includes both masterpieces and missteps, such as this poorly executed buddy cop film. While it could have been a passable action movie, it’s marred by offensive stereotypes, questionable casting choices, and a gratuitous, insensitive rape scene.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Digital rental
Watch instead: Mystic River (2003)
While Unforgiven is widely regarded as Eastwood’s finest work, his gripping Mystic River offers a far more compelling exploration of crime drama compared to The Rookie. Though the tones differ significantly, Mystic River delivers a richer experience, assuming you can stomach its deeply somber themes.
Where to stream: HBO Max, The Roku Channel
Hillbilly Elegy (2020), directed by Ron Howard
Hillbilly Elegy sparked polarizing reactions upon its release, with critics largely panning it while it garnered several award nominations, including an Oscar nod for Glenn Close as Best Supporting Actress and a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actress (she lost both). The involvement of high-profile names like Close, Howard, and Amy Adams, along with Howard’s reputation for earnest storytelling, may have softened some critiques of this otherwise lackluster and exaggerated drama filled with clichéd characters. The author of the memoir it’s based on has since pursued a politically opportunistic career, further tarnishing the film’s legacy.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Netflix
Watch instead: Apollo 13 (1995)
Among Ron Howard’s films adapted from non-fiction books, A Beautiful Mind stands out as a strong contender, earning him an Oscar. However, Apollo 13 surpasses it, solidifying its place as his most cherished work.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Lovely Bones (2009), directed by Peter Jackson
Jackson’s career after LoTR has been inconsistent, and this adaptation marks a particularly underwhelming effort to revisit his pre-CGI-heavy style. The result is a disjointed mix, where striking visuals fail to compensate for jarring tonal changes and underdeveloped characters. Despite Stanley Tucci’s Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, even he appeared uneasy about the recognition.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Hulu, Paramount+
Watch instead: Heavenly Creatures (1994)
Jackson’s 1994 triumph avoids sentimentality, even as it delves into the intense, fantasy-driven bond between its protagonists (played by Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey). Based on a true story of two girls whose obsession led to murder, the film manages to remain both credible and empathetic.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Mimic (1998), directed by Guillermo del Toro
Mimic surpasses expectations for a film about hyper-evolved cockroaches, thanks to del Toro’s talent. However, as his first American project and only his second feature, the Weinsteins’ interference turned what could have been a unique masterpiece into a flawed yet intriguing film—the sole blemish in his otherwise stellar career.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): HBO Max
Watch instead: Blade II (2002)
With more creative freedom, del Toro demonstrated his ability to elevate studio-driven material. While it lacks the emotional depth of The Shape of Water or even Pacific Rim, Blade II excels as a visceral action-horror hybrid, blending gory spectacle with stylish flair—a rarity in modern superhero films.
Where to stream: Peacock
One from the Heart (1981), directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Coppola’s 1982 romantic drama struggled to attract audiences, especially following his iconic works like The Godfather, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now. This quieter homage to classic cinema, while visually stunning and heartfelt, failed to resonate due to its underdeveloped characters, making the romance fall flat. (It’s undeniably beautiful, though.)
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Digital rental
Watch instead: Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Often overshadowed by other ’80s time-travel comedies, this film shares surface similarities but delves deeper into nostalgia and self-reflection. Kathleen Turner’s portrayal of a woman revisiting her teenage years with adult wisdom earned her an Oscar nomination, while Nicholas Cage’s eccentric performance adds a quirky charm.
Where to stream: Starz
Alexander (2004), directed by Oliver Stone
One might assume it’s impossible to make a dull biopic about Alexander the Great, given his larger-than-life legacy. Yet, this film mistakes solemnity for depth, only briefly engaging viewers with its well-executed battle sequences. It also perpetuates outdated and uninspired Orientalist clichés that have long tainted historical narratives. Personally, I’ve never managed to sit through Alexander, despite multiple attempts across its various director’s cuts. If the final act somehow redeems the film, I’ll remain blissfully unaware.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Digital rental
Watch instead: JFK (1991)
In today’s QAnon-influenced climate, Stone’s fondness for conspiracy theories feels less endearingly eccentric and more like a precursor to the extreme ideologies now dominating mainstream discourse. Yet, JFK remains a gripping narrative—a blend of modern American history and The X-Files-style intrigue. As interest in factual history wanes, it’s likely this film will someday find its way into classrooms.
Where to stream: Digital rental
What Lies Beneath (dir. Robert Zemeckis)
Zemeckis, though versatile, struggles with this supernatural homage to Hitchcock. The film falters, committing the ultimate crime for a thriller: an ending that’s more absurd than startling. Despite capable performances, it leans too heavily on imitation and lacks genuine innovation.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Showtime, DirecTV
Watch instead: Allied (2016)
Though Zemeckis hasn’t revisited the explicit horror of What Lies Beneath, his 2016 WWII thriller Allied channels Hitchcock’s espionage dramas. Starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard as lovers with hidden motives, this underappreciated gem stands out in Zemeckis’s later works.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Piranha II: The Spawning (1981), directed by James Cameron
Cameron’s directorial career is marked by critical and commercial successes, from Avatar (despite its detractors) to True Lies (though its racial stereotypes and treatment of its female lead haven’t aged well). However, his debut, Piranha II: The Spawning, is widely regarded as a misfire, with its creators still debating who bears the most responsibility for its flaws.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): Fortunately, you can’t! This film isn’t available on any streaming platform, though a high-quality Blu-ray exists for those interested.
Watch instead: The Abyss (1989)
After the action-packed successes of The Terminator and Aliens, Cameron shifted to a more ambitious project with a subdued tone and pioneering visual effects. While not his final aquatic venture, The Abyss showcased his talent for merging genres and rivaling Spielberg in creating cinematic wonder.
Where to stream: Starz
Toys (1992), directed by Barry Levinson
After a string of acclaimed films like Good Morning, Vietnam, Avalon, Bugsy, and the Oscar-winning Rain Man, Levinson ventured into the whimsical world of Toys, a Robin Williams-led story about a toy factory overtaken by the military. Despite its visual creativity and ambitious ideas, the film struggles to find coherence, resulting in a disjointed narrative.
Where to stream (though we don’t advise it): History Vault (yes, really)
Watch instead: The Bay
While tonally different, Levinson’s horror film The Bay showcases his playful side with far greater success. Using found footage techniques that border on parody, he delivers a clever, gruesome horror story with a strong environmental theme.
Where to stream: Digital rental
