The Farewell Films of Renowned Directors

1. Quentin Tarantino - The Movie Critic (2024)

Quentin Tarantino, known for his iconic films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, has been vocal about retiring after his tenth feature film. The Movie Critic is set to be his farewell to the director's chair, as he plans to focus on criticism, television, and writing projects afterwards. Whether he will stay true to his word or be lured back into filmmaking remains to be seen.

Quentin Tarantino on the set of Conan

2. George Lucas - Star Wars: Episode III \\u2013 Revenge of the Sith (2005)

George Lucas, the visionary behind the Star Wars saga, bid adieu to blockbuster films with the completion of Revenge of the Sith. Despite his aversion to directing, Lucas returned to helm the prequels and finally retired from this realm in 2012 to focus on philanthropy.

George Lucas Star Wars documentary style

3. Hayao Miyazaki - The Wind Rises (2013)

Renowned for his enchanting animations, Hayao Miyazaki announced The Wind Rises as his final feature. However, he later returned to direct The Boy and the Heron, a film rich with nostalgia and autobiographical influences, marking a potential farewell to his illustrious career in animation.

Jiro carries Kino on his back in The Wind Rises.

4. B\u00e9la Tarr - The Turin Horse (2011)

Hungarian filmmaker B\u00e9la Tarr's final film, The Turin Horse, delved into the weight of human existence and marked the culmination of his career. Tarr's decision to retire with this impactful movie reflected his transformation from an idealist to a realist, recognizing the complexity of the world.

A black and white still from The Turin Horse (2011). Directed by Béla Tarr

5. Steven Soderbergh - Behind the Candelabra (2013)

Steven Soderbergh had initially intended to bid farewell to filmmaking with Behind the Candelabra, citing the harsh treatment of directors in Hollywood as a factor in his decision. However, he was later persuaded to return to directing and has continued to release films since.

Matt damon as Scott Thorne and Michael Douglas as Liberace sitting and talking in Behind the Candelabra

6. John Boorman - Queen and Country (2014)

Director John Boorman's Queen and Country served as a heartfelt farewell to his diverse career, as he depicted a grown-up Bill Rohan drafted into the Korean War. The final shot of an amateur camera in the film symbolized Boorman's journey to the end of his directorial era.

A couple kisses in Queen and Country

7. Robert Altman - A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

In his final film, A Prairie Home Companion, Robert Altman delved into the world of a popular radio show, showcasing an ensemble cast. The director's declining health during production hinted at the movie being his last, as he expressed uncertainty about having the energy for further projects.

The cast of A Prairie Home Companion together on stage