In the films of today, these directors have brought tears to our eyes, chills to our spine, and frights to our minds. These are the innovators of the world of cinema, and they have made blockbusting landmarks that set the standard for what it means to be a good filmmaker. Their masterpieces are timeless, and their technique of putting a movie together will always be recognized. As a passionate connoisseur of movies, I have created my top ten of the greatest directors of the past twenty years.

10. David O. Russell – Notable Works: Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter, American Hustle

Though he’s at the bottom of this list, Russell has shown a promising career in the genre of dramas. Russell’s distinct voice is shown in his films such as the handheld camera angles, ensemble casts (most notably Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper), and how he frequently uses the music of Led Zeppelin in his films.

9. J.J. Abrams – Notable Works: Cloverfield, Super 8, Star Trek, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I often refer to him as the “Master of Sci-Fi” for a good reason. Abrams has such a beautiful and unique way of approaching his work. Many denied that he could have succeeded in making a reboot of popular Sci-Fi franchise Star Trek, but he succeeded with flying colors. And now as the director of Star Wars: the Force Awakens, Abrams has a marvelous showcase of films that put him on this list.

8. Tim Burton – Notable Works: Ms. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Corpse Bride,

Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas

As a child growing up, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas fueled and inspired my imagination so greatly. As a director, Burton has accomplished so much over the past twenty years. Burton has successfully blended dark and Gothic themes into his movies, while still making them entertaining and enjoyable for all audiences.

7. Robert Rodriguez – Notable Works: From Dusk Till Dawn, Desperado, Machete, Grindhouse

Often referred to as “The One Man Film Crew”, Rodriguez’s story and rise as a director is so inspiring. His directorial debut El Mariachi made over a $1 million at the box office on a budget of only $7,000! Afterwards, Rodriguez went on to direct powerful and action packed films such as Desperado and Machete.

6. Peter Jackson – Notable Works: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong, The Lovely Bones

As the maker of one of the best (if not the best) book to movie adaptations of all time (The Lord of the Rings), Jackson’s unique approach to his work is astounding. His way of blending together stories and connecting characters to one another is almost flawless. Not only does he tell you a story, he brings you in and makes you live it.

5. Alejandro Gonzalez-Inarritu – Notable Works: The Revenant, Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

The wild card on our list, Gonzalez-Inarritu has made two extremely good films in the past two years. The Revenant’s cinematography and storytelling is breathtaking, and left me on the edge of my seat for the whole film. But in general, Gonzalez-Inarritu’s work is so astounding, and more than deserving of his Academy Awards of Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture.

4. Joel and Ethan Coen – Notable Works: The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men, Fargo

Undeniably the masters of cult film, the Coen brothers have more than made their landmark on cinema history, they’ve put it there permanently. From their cinematography to their choice of casting, the Coen brothers have placed themselves up as one of the greats in cinema.

3. Ridley Scott – Notable Works: The Martian, Gladiator, Prometheus

By far the most experienced director on this list with over 30 years in the business, Scott has shown his skill in just about every genre of movie there is. With such a unique and artistic style, Scott never fails to deliver a film capable of breaking the boundaries and setting a new standard.

2. Christopher Nolan – Notable Works: The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar

As often as there’s another epic movie coming out these days, Nolan is the mastermind behind it. Nolan’s talent and knack for storytelling is almost incomparable. Not to mention The Dark Knight Trilogy is (in my opinion) the BEST comic book-to movie adaptation.

1. Quentin Tarantino – Notable Works: Kill Bill, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, Inglourious Basterds

Where do I begin? Do I start where his rise to fame became on of the best and most influential movies of the ‘90s (Reservoir Dogs), or do I begin when he made The Hateful Eight and Django Unchained, two of the best westerns to ever be released? No, we begin with his revolutionary approach to his work. Tarantino has such a distinct way of developing his movies, and he accomplishes all of them with flying colors. All of his films nod to different eras and genres of film, and are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.