Top 10 Iranian Movie Directors of All Times

Iran has a great and diverse field in cinema. In the whole process of filmmaking, it’s no wonder how much of a great impact directors have on the movie and its result. Since we already know how great directors are and how much effort and time they have to put into filmmaking, we decided to introduce the top Iranian movie directors of all time. These directors had a great impact on Iranian and national cinema, reflecting specific aspects of Iranian cinema in their movies. See the top 10 Iranian movies directed by some of these directors.

Narges Abyar

Narges Abyar is an accomplished filmmaker and author whose works encompass both writing and directing. She started her career as a writer, penning novels and screenplays before switching to directing. Abyar is known for her insightful exploration of Iranian society, most notably through the perspective of women and children. Her directorial debut, “Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear,” drew attention for its intimate portrayal of family dynamics and the impact of war on individuals. Her movie “Track 143” further solidified her position in Iranian cinema. She continued her success with “Breath,” a coming-of-age story that touched on themes of childhood, friendship, and social expectations.

Today, Narges Abyar is one of the greatest Iranian movie directors! Her success is inspirational for all young Iranian girls who want to become successful directors.

Saeed Roustayi

Saeed Roustayi is a talented filmmaker known for his compelling storytelling and impactful movies. He began his career working in the Iranian movie industry, gradually making a mark with his unique directing style. “Life and a Day” movie was his key to becoming a famous Iranian director. His dedication to shedding light on pertinent social themes continued with “Law of Tehran,” a crime thriller highlighting the battle against drug trafficking in Iran.

Through his movies, Saeed Roustayi has carved a niche for himself in the world of cinema, earning admiration for his thought-provoking narratives and his skill in portraying the human experience amidst social challenges.

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Reza Mirkarimi

Mirkarimi gained recognition for his movie “The Child and the Soldier,” which tells the story of a friendship between a young boy and a soldier during the Iran-Iraq war. His subsequent works, such as “So Close, So Far” and “A Cube of Sugar,” continued to showcase his talent for capturing human emotions and social complexities. His achievements include numerous awards and prizes at international film festivals, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Iranian cinema.

Kamal Tabrizi

Kamal Tabrizi, one of the top 10 Iranian movie directors, is a prolific Iranian filmmaker. His career spans numerous successful movies, each showcasing his unique storytelling style and comedic prowess. Tabrizi’s movies are often celebrated for their humor and social commentary, offering a lighthearted yet thought-provoking look at Iranian society. Movies like “The Lizard” and “Leily Is with Me” established him as a master of satire, using humor to address social issues and norms. Tabrizi’s movies not only entertain but also provide a window into Iranian culture, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Masoud Kimiai

Masoud Kimiai was born in Tehran, Iran, on December 26, 1941. Kimiai’s career kicked off as an assistant director, and he soon transitioned to directing his own movies. Masoud Kimiai’s filmmaking journey began in the 1960s, contributing to the Iranian New Wave movement with movies that delved into the complexities of human nature and societal dilemmas. Movies like “The Deer” and “Qeysar” captured the attention of audiences with their raw portrayal of moral conflicts, justice, and everyday life struggles.

Dariush Mehrjui

Dariush Mehrjui is a revered figure in Iranian cinema, renowned for his significant contributions as a filmmaker, director, and screenwriter. Born in Tehran in 1939, Mehrjui began his cinematic journey in the 1960s and quickly became a leading force in the Iranian New Wave movement.

The Cow is a 1969 Iranian movie directed by Dariush Mehrjui, written by Gholam-Hossein Saedi based on his novel. “The Cow” gained international recognition and marked a departure from traditional Iranian cinema, exploring new narratives and techniques.

Dariush Mehrjui- one of the top Iranian movie directors

Mehrjui’s commitment to addressing complex themes and social issues continued in subsequent movies such as “The Cycle” and “The Pear Tree,” displaying his ability to blend artistic expression with thought-provoking storytelling.

Unfortunately, Dariush Mehrjooi and his wife experienced a tragic death and were murdered in October 2023. This heartbreaking incident left Iranian cinema in mourning forever.

Ali Hatami

Hatami’s directorial career took off with movies like “Haji Washington” and “Mother” in the 1970s, highlighting his ability to portray the complexities of Iranian society. Among his notable achievements is the iconic movie “Hezar Dastan,” a timeless tale that captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and beautiful cinematography. Hatami’s dedication to preserving Iranian culture and heritage through his movies earned him widespread recognition and admiration. Apart from directing, Hatami also contributed significantly as an actor and screenwriter, leaving a lasting impact on Iranian cinema. In addition, His daughter Leila Hatami is one of the Iranian iconic actresses of all time.

Majid Majidi

Majid Majidi, one of the top Iranian movie directors, was born on April 17, 1959, in Tehran. He began his filmmaking journey with a passion for portraying the human experience with depth and empathy.

His early works, including “Children of Heaven” and “The Color of Paradise,” changed Iranian cinema forever. Majidi’s movies often explore themes of innocence, resilience, and the human spirit, transcending cultural boundaries to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Beyond his directorial achievements, Majidi’s impact extends to encouraging young talents and advocating for socially relevant storytelling. His cinematic legacy remains a beacon in the world of cinema, inspiring audiences and filmmakers alike with his artistry and his ability to capture the essence of humanity through his movies.

Asghar Farhadi

Asghar Farhadi, born in 1972 in Iran, is a renowned filmmaker celebrated for his powerful storytelling and insightful exploration of human relationships.

Farhadi gained international recognition with his movie “A Separation” in 2011, winning an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Following the success of “Separation,” Farhadi continued to captivate audiences with movies like “The Salesman” and “About Elly,” further solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller. His work consistently earns critical acclaim, earning numerous awards at prestigious Film Festivals Worldwide.

Asghar Farhadi- Iran’s most famous Oscar winner

Farhadi’s ability to explore universal themes through culturally specific contexts resonates deeply with audiences globally, securing his place as one of the most influential filmmakers of our time.

Abbas Kiarostami

Among Iranian directors, Abbas Kiarostami has made some of the most outstanding movies that have been shown all over the world. Kiarostami’s cinematic journey began in the 1970s, and he quickly gained recognition with movies like “Where Is the Friend’s Home?” and “Close-Up.”

His movies often blurred the line between reality and fiction, exploring profound philosophical themes through simple yet deeply meaningful narratives.

Renowned for his minimalist approach and breathtaking cinematography, Kiarostami’s works, such as the Koker Trilogy (“Where Is the Friend’s Home?”, “And Life Goes On,” and “Through the Olive Trees”), mesmerized audiences with their introspective storytelling and sharp observations about life.

His impact on global cinema earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for “Taste of Cherry.” Kiarostami’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic artistry and his ability to capture the human experience through a lens of poetic realism continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world. While he passed away in 2016, his legacy remains a guiding light in the world of cinema, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the beauty of simplicity in filmmaking.

Last Words

Iran has many talented directors and actors, each of whom tries their hardest to reach the highest spot of their career and make their people proud. These were the top 10 Iranian movie directors. We should learn more about the fascinating directors who make incredible movies through so much hardship and effort. These top Iranian directors changed the world of Iran cinema and built up a whole new path for the next ones.

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Maybe you will find interesting cinemas in Iran. Take a look at the top 10 movies about Iran as well.