The best of Ron Howard: five movies every film fan should see –

Ron Howard is a director known for his ability to tackle a wide range of genres, from historical dramas to biographical stories and even thrilling action adventures. With a career spanning decades, Howard has consistently delivered films that combine strong performances, emotional depth and meticulous storytelling. Whether directing true stories or reinventing beloved franchises, Howard’s films resonate through their exploration of human ambition, resilience and personal growth.

Today we want to explore Howard’s five best works, ranked from fifth to first, focusing on the themes and messages that make these films enduring and unforgettable. So let’s waste no more time. Here is what we consider the best of Ron Howard.

5. The Da Vinci Code trilogy (2006, 2009, 2016)

The Da Vinci Code follows Harvard symbolist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he discovers a series of secret codes hidden in famous works of art. The trail leads him to an ancient mystery involving the Catholic Church and a controversial secret that could change history forever.

The Da Vinci Code is an exciting puzzle-filled journey that explores themes of faith, history and questioning accepted truths. Although the film’s plot has been a subject of controversy, especially among religious groups, it raises interesting questions about the intersection of faith, history and conspiracy. The dynamic between Tom Hanks’ Robert Langdon and Audrey Tautou’s cryptic Sophie Neveu adds a layer of intrigue to the film’s exploration of power, knowledge and hidden agendas. While this film was not universally praised by critics, its cultural impact is undeniable, and Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Langdon became iconic, leading to the sequels that followed. It was a difficult decision to choose The Da Vinci Code over films such as Cinderella Man or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as both films are personal favorites, but The Da Vinci Code saga left an important cultural mark and remains an essential part of Howard’s career.

4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Solo: A Star Wars Story tells the origin story of Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich), describing his early years as a smuggler before joining the Rebel Alliance and becoming the legendary figure we know from the original Star Wars trilogy. The film also discusses his relationship with Chewbacca and his encounter with the criminal mastermind, Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany).

Solo is an exciting, action-packed adventure that adds depth to one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe. Although the film faced production challenges and mixed reviews, Ron Howard’s direction brings an undeniable charm and energy to the story. The film explores themes of loyalty, identity and self-discovery as Han Solo navigates a world of crime and betrayal, eventually forming the man who will become a hero. While Solo may not have received the same level of acclaim as other entries in the Star Wars saga, it remains an enjoyable film that enriches the mythology of the series and offers fans a glimpse into the origins of one of cinema’s most iconic characters.

3. Apollo 13 (1995)

Apollo 13 tells the true story of the fateful 1970 space mission in which astronauts Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) and Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) must work with NASA’s ground control to survive after their spacecraft suffers severe damage and loses power.

Apollo 13 is a master class in storytelling, skillfully combining suspense, historical accuracy and human drama. Ron Howard captures the intensity of the astronauts’ struggle to survive and the tireless efforts of the NASA team working to bring them home. The film explores themes of resilience, teamwork and the ingenuity required to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Tom Hanks delivers a strong performance as Jim Lovell, and the emotional depth of the film makes it not only an exciting story of an extraordinary mission, but also a tribute to human perseverance in times of crisis. Apollo 13 stands as one of Howard’s most successful and impactful works, demonstrating his ability to direct both large-scale events and intimate, character-driven drama.

2. Rush (2013)

Rush tells the true story of the intense rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) during the 1976 racing season. The film explores their contrasting personalities and the high stakes of their rivalry, culminating in a dramatic and life-changing race for the championship.

Rush is a thrilling and compelling exploration of competition, ambition and the human drive for success. Ron Howard masterfully captures the speed and danger of Formula One racing, while also delving into the personal lives of Hunt and Lauda and revealing the emotional cost of their intense rivalry. The film focuses on themes of sacrifice, passion and the thin line between obsession and self-destruction. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl give standout performances, with their contrasting portrayals of Hunt and Lauda forming the emotional heart of the film. Rush is a gripping, character-driven drama that underscores the personal toll of high-stakes competition, making it one of Howard’s most dynamic and exciting films.

1. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama about John Nash (Russell Crowe), a brilliant but troubled mathematician struggling with paranoid schizophrenia. The film follows Nash’s journey as he struggles with his mental illness, relationships and the complexities of his academic career.

A Beautiful Mind is a deeply emotional and inspiring story about resilience, genius and the human spirit. Ron Howard skillfully directs the film, combining elements of drama, romance and psychological thriller to tell the story of John Nash’s struggle to distinguish between reality and delusion. The film explores themes of mental illness, love and the strength it takes to live with a disorder that distorts one’s perception of the world. Russell Crowe delivers an extraordinary performance as Nash, capturing the nuances of his character’s genius and vulnerability. A Beautiful Mind is not only a remarkable true story, but also a powerful exploration of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It remains one of Howard’s most moving and critically acclaimed films.

And that’s all for today! Ron Howard’s diverse body of work demonstrates his incredible versatility as a director, with a focus on character-driven stories that explore deep emotional and philosophical themes. Although A Beautiful Mind stands as his crowning achievement, films like Rush and Apollo 13 highlight his skill at creating tension and drama in a variety of settings, from the world of motorsports to outer space. Ultimately, Ron Howard remains a filmmaker capable of capturing the heart of both grand historical events and intimate personal struggles, making his films resonate for generations.

Now we’d love to hear about your experiences with Ron Howard’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!