William Wyler
DirectingAbout William Wyler
William Wyler (July 1, 1902 – July 27, 1981) was a German-born film director, producer, and screenwriter. Notable works include Ben-Hur (1959), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and Mrs. Miniver (1942), all which won Wyler Academy Awards for Best Director, and also won Best Picture. He earned his first Oscar nomination for directing Dodsworth in 1936, sparking a 20-year run of almost unbroken greatness. Film historian Ian Freer calls Wyler a "bona fide perfectionist," whose penchant for retakes and an attempt to hone every last nuance "became the stuff of legend." His ability to direct a string of classic literary adaptations into huge box office and critical successes made him one of Hollywood's most bankable moviemakers during the 1930s and 1940s.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of William Wyler reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 17 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of William Wyler's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 59% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William Wyler remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Laurence Olivier: a life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best William Wyler Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William Wyler's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William Wyler.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | William Wyler: Forty Takes Willy | Himself (Archival) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2019 | Hollywood's Second World War | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Sword-and-Sandal: The Story of the Period Epic | Self - Filmmaker (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | The Cold Blue | Himself (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Five Came Back | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Reel Radicals: The Sixties Revolution in Film | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Backstory: 'How Green Was My Valley' | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic | Self - Director (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Directed by William Wyler | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | Laurence Olivier: a life | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Fun in the Big Country | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Stars of Cabaret | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Screen Director | Self (staged 'archive' footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Best Years of Our Lives | Drug Store customer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Dodsworth | Violin Player in Dance Orchestra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
William Wyler - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William Wyler?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Wyler is "Laurence Olivier: a life" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has William Wyler acted in?
William Wyler has been featured in at least 17 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William Wyler?
Other notable films include "Hollywood's Second World War", "Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies", and "Five Came Back".