The May 6th release of the latest MCU movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured strong acting from the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, and many more. While reviews for the movie were mixed, both fans and critics can often agree that the talent was off the charts for the film.
Many fans of the MCU have become enthralled with the fictional universe thanks to the acting chops of the celebrities involved, however many Marvel actors can do more than just act. Several beloved celebrities of the MCU are also proficient when it comes to directing movies, and have at least one film on their directing resume.
Miles Ahead (2015) - Don Cheadle
Based on a true story, jazz legend Miles Davis (Don Cheadle) must recover a stolen recording session tape after returning from a five-year hiatus.
Both directed by and starring Don Cheadle, who MCU fans will better recognize as War Machine, this movie received decent reviews across multiple platforms. The positive reception was mostly due to the performance of Cheadle and the beautiful use of the jazz music that Miles Davis masterfully created and played in his lifetime.
A Tale Of Love And Darkness (2015) - Natalie Portman
This 2015 film follows the upbringing and stories of Amos Oz, a writer who grew up in 1940's Jerusalem that was heavily influenced by stories his mother (played by Natalie Portman) told him in his youth.
Like Cheadle, Portman both directed and starred in her own movie, and also got decent props for her work despite the mixed reviews for the film overall. Portman is also well-known for her performance as Jane Foster, who is just one of many characters returning to the MCU after a bit of a hiatus.
Shelter (2014) - Paul Bettany
This dramatic movie starring Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie, the latter known in the MCU as both The Falcon and Captain America, follows two people's fight for survival in the streets of New York.
Not only did Paul Bettany direct this movie, but he also wrote the screenplay for it, too. The movie covers many vital topics in modern American society, and Bettany handles these subjects well. Fans know Bettany in the MCU for not one but two acting roles: J.A.R.V.I.S. and Vision.
Unicorn Store (2017) - Brie Larson
This short film, which can be found on Netflix, centers around an eccentric painter (Brie Larson) who fails art school and must take up a boring office job, but somehow comes across a unicorn.
This comedic short was directed by Larson and also features her as the film's protagonist. Larson tackles the idea of growing up and moving on from the wonder and carefree living of a child, which everyone must experience at some point in life, very well within the movie. In the Marvel world, Larson is the legendary Captain Marvel.
Sympathy For Delicious (2010) - Mark Ruffalo
In this thrilling drama, a recently paralyzed DJ goes on an unexpected journey when he looks into the world of faith healing with hopes to walk once more.
In what was Ruffalo's directorial debut, the experienced actor gets his toes wet in a whole new world with this project that even won an award at the 2009 Sundance film festival. Ruffalo has a role as a patient priest, who is quite the opposite of the Hulk, an MCU character who fans hope to see return to Thor after his Ragnarok appearance.
Before We Go (2014) - Chris Evans
In this dramatic romance film, a pair of strangers meet in a chance encounter at Grand Central Terminal, leading to a life-changing journey together throughout the city of New York.
As is a common theme, Chris Evans both directs and stars in his own film like many of his MCU co-stars. Evans directs a beautiful movie exploring love and adventure, showing his audience that intimate moments can even be shared between strangers.
A Quiet Place (2018) - John Krasinski
This gripping horror story centers around a family, including Krasinski and his wife, Emily Blunt, silently hiding from monsters who hunt using sound.
To fans' delight, Krasinski made a surprise cameo in Doctor Strange 2 as Reed Richards, making many MCU fan-casting dreams come true. Prior to his introduction as Mister Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Krasinski co-wrote and directed one of the best horror movies in the last decade with A Quiet Place.
Unbroken (2014) - Angelina Jolie
Based on a true story, the film follows the tumultuous life of Louis Zamperini. From competing in the Olympics to being a long-suffering prisoner of war, Zamperini and the movie are truly inspirational.
Jolie did a fantastic job at covering this story, and the reviews of both critics and fans typically tend to agree. World War 2 films can fluctuate regarding the mood and lesson they give out, but the actress for Thena in the MCU's Eternals knew exactly how to ignite feelings of awe and determination within her audience for Unbroken.
A Star is Born (2018) - Bradley Cooper
Perhaps one of the most well-known and well-done movies in recent history, A Star is Born follows the rocky relationship of a seasoned musician and a struggling solo artist, the former being played by Bradley Cooper.
Once more is a film both directed and starred by an MCU actor, this time being Guardian of the Galaxy's Rocket Raccoon, voiced by Cooper. This splendid movie broke the internet in 2018 for its gripping soundtrack and is considered one of the 2010's best directorial debuts.
Elf (2003) - Jon Favreau
When a man realizes he is not really an elf of the North Pole, he travels to New York City to reunite with his biological father and spread Christmas cheer to the humdrum city.
Elf is potentially the greatest Christmas movie of all time, and director Jon Favreau AKA Happy Hogan, definitely delivered in creating a Christmastime classic. Out of every MCU actor, Favreau is the most established director, also creating fan favorites like the Lion King remake, the first two Iron Man movies, and many more.