Top 5 Modern Latino Directors

The importance of directors in cinema can’t be overstated –they make the films the way they are. Directors leave their digital fingerprints all over the final product, infusing the story with their own signature moves and flavor. While the success (or lack thereof) of a film is not entirely rested on the director’s shoulders, they are the visionary who makes the product come to life at the end. So, without further ado, here is the list of the Top 5 Latino Directors in the industry right now, perfectly poised to get you off the computer and on the couch for an old fashioned, movie bingefest. 

5. Álex de la Iglesia

Described as a combination between Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, Álex de la Iglesia is the mind behind films like “Acción Mutante” and “The Last Circus.” During the 90’s he was even considered to helm the “Doom” movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. His last film, “The Last Circus,” was praised for its dynamic characters and inventive visual stylings.

4. Fede Alvarez

When “Ataque de Pánico!” went viral on YouTube in 2009, Hollywood went nuts trying to find out who made the incredible 5 minute sci-fi short. The answer was Fede Alvarez, a name that Hollywood would never forget. The short, which was about a robot invasion in Uruguay, quickly caught the attention of Sam Raimi –yes, that Sam Raimi who directed Spider-Man. The two met promptly and the young Alvarez began filming a reimagining of Raimi’s 1981 classic, “The Evil Dead.” He seems to be just getting started and we can’t wait to see what else he has in store. 

3. Robert Rodriguez

Rodriguez is somewhat of a jack of all trades when it comes to his ability to tell just about any story. From the dark, gritty “Sin City” to the hilarious and lighthearted “Spy Kids” franchise, Robert can do it all. He’s a master of visual effects and has earned a reputation amongst the Latino community for “Latinizing” movies. This means, that everything he touches has some Latino representation baked into it. If Rodriguez is helming a film, it’s almost guaranteed a success.

2. Alfonso Cuarón

In recent years, Alfonso Cuarón has made quite a name for himself following the success of films like “Gravity” and “Roma.” He’s also the man responsible for directing “Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban” –you know, everyone’s favorite “Harry Potter” movie. Cuarón isn’t just a director though, he’s a producer and writer as well. Any project with his name on it is guaranteed to have 110% of his effort instilled into it as he hammers down to perfect even the smallest details. He’s got a few Oscars under his belt already, but it’s safe to assume he’ll have a few more by the end of his career. 

1. Guillermo Del Toro

Could it be anyone else? Guillermo del Toro isn’t just a filmmaker, he’s a visionary. This Mexican director is one of the more respected and sought after directors in Hollywood today, creating films like “The Shape of Water”, “Pan’s Labyrinth”, “Pacific Rim”, and “Hellboy.” Del Toro can traverse genres in the blink of an eye and immerses himself into his projects fully. Visually, his style is unlike any other and as a watcher, you’re almost hypnotized by the techniques and stunning visuals he puts forth. 

What about you? Are there any other Latino filmmakers out there today that are absolutely killing it? Let us know who your favorite is in the comments below.