Throughout the years, Sam Mendes has continuously proved that he can tell a fantastic story and get the best out of his actors. He has worked with the best of the best when it comes to talent. Mendes' career has spanned across many genres including war, crime, drama, and more. In 2000, Mendes took home the Academy Award for Best Director for his brilliant work on American Beauty. He recently showed the world his innovative methods by utilizing the one-take technique in 1917.

Mendes was born in Reading, Berkshire and had an interest in filmmaking from a very young age. At the same time, Mendes had a passion for theater, and starred and directed in many plays. He has since become an award-winning director, and one of the most talked about filmmakers in Hollywood. His methods are creative, innovative, and precise. Next, per Deadline, Mendes will venture into television, directing an HBO comedy series about making superhero movies from Veep creator Armando Ianucci. Until then, let's dive into Mendes' greatest films, ranked.

6 Away We Go

away-we-go
Focus Features

Away We Go was an endearing film with a great blend of comedy and drama. John Krasinski stars opposite Maya Rudolph in this realistic and romantic film as a couple who are looking for a new home to raise a family. Along the way, they meet several interesting and deep characters. Away We Go also has a great supporting cast, including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, and more. The movie dives deep into the complex relationships between friends and family. At the same time, it shows us two characters who are most definitely in love. It is a refreshing film about family, and the chemistry between Krasinskie and Rudolph was top-notch.

Related: A Quiet Place 3: Why Isn't John Krasinski Directing the Movie?

5 Skyfall

Skyfall (2)
Eon Productions

Mendes made his mark in the James Bond Franchise with his highly acclaimed film Skyfall. It was a highly original Bond film that featured great characters and several fantastic action sequences. At the same time, Roger Deakins does some of his best work with his cinematography. Mendes gets several fine performances out of his actors, and introduces us to one of the greatest Bond villains of all time: Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem). Daniel Craig is at his best in Skyfall, and Mendes was the perfect choice to direct the film.

Related: The Russo Brothers Endorse Regé-Jean Page as The Next James Bond

4 Jarhead

Jake Gyllenhaal in the movie Jarhead
Universal Pictures

Jarhead was a highly innovative war film that focuses on United States Marines during the Persian Gulf War. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance is a tour de force showcase on the pain and turmoil that can come with being a soldier. Gyllenhaal and the rest of the cast give stellar and honest performances. With this film, Mendes proved that he can tell an effective and highly original story about the realities of war. Jarhead is so real that many parts are hard to watch. We are introduced to the true psychological torment that war can have on an individual.

3 Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary-Road-2008-DiCaprio-Winslet (1)
Paramount Vantage

Revolutionary Road is a brutally honest film about the realities of marriage. It features some of the greatest work ever from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. They play a couple in the 1950s, who are unable to cope with the mundane truths of life. They turn on each other, giving us several breathtaking scenes of drama. It is a heartbreaking story about the end of relationships. DiCaprio and Winslet proved, once again, that they have a sheer chemistry that is unmatchable. At the same time, the film has several great supporting performances from Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, Kathy Bates, and more.

2 American Beauty

American Beauty
Jinks/Cohen Company

American Beauty was a cinematic achievement for Mendes. The film was beloved by critics and audiences alike, and it is still talked about to this day. American Beauty takes us into the nightmares of suburbia and a man named Lester Burnham who decides to break free from the routine. The film is equally funny, dramatic, and artistic. It also showcases a beautiful use of color from beginning to end. It won several Academy Awards including Best Picture. Mendes proved, with this film, that he could get the absolute most out of his actors.

1 1917

1917 movie
DreamWorks Pictures

1917 was a highly innovative film and one of the greatest war movies of all time. The story follows two soldiers (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) who are on a mission to call off an attack during WWI. The movie is engaging from beginning to end and also creates a great deal of suspense. 1917 was shot in the one-take style, making us feel as if we are joining the characters throughout their journey. Filming a movie in the one-take style is no easy task. Mendes proved, with 1917, that he is one of the most innovative and skilled filmmakers working.