Who has been the best Director over the past 14 years?

He has a diverse body of work unlike some others cough cough Nolan, but the third act in the majority of his films are atrocious.

 

Wes Anderson peaked with Rushmore, Royal Tennies. Darjeeling Limited represented a low point in his films, but seems he has been finding his footing more lately.

 

I don't usually get Wes Anderson movies, but I really liked Grand Budapest Ho.

The ones listed below I usually watch...

I'd say Co Bro movies are top notch, though my favorites to watch are ones by Nolan.

Scorcese and Spielburg have declined from the previous era. I don't think Tarantino's movies have grown or declined.

Unmentioned is Guillermo Del Torro, who makes fun action movies.

 

This might not be a popular opinion, but I say the Wachowski's.

The Matrix, V for Vendetta, and Cloud Atlas...These three movies are absolute masterpieces imo.

While the other films are fun, entertaining, and engaging, these three have something more...It's hard to describe, but they get better and better with each viewing. I've seen the movies by the other directors, and am big fans of some (esp Nolan), but nothing compares to the eternal qualities that seem to draw me in as a human being.

 

If this discussion is already into the second tier directors I really like Paul Thomas Anderson. Magnolia was 14 years ago and he hasn't really dropped off. Magnolia was great.

 

Wes Anderson and PT Anderson are first tier imo. They've both only really had one disappointing film in their careers, as Darjeeling Limited was already mentioned, and Punch Drunk Love was that movie for PT. They kicked ass after that.

 

All good choices, the directors listed here.

In addition to those already mentioned, I also have a high regard for Ang Lee.

2012 Life of Pi
2009 Taking Woodstock
2007 Lust, Caution
2005 Brokeback Mountain
2003 Hulk
2001 Chosen (Short)
2000 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

And if you go back further, it's even more diverse, the genres he tackles.

1999 Ride with the Devil
1997 The Ice Storm
1995 Sense and Sensibility
1994 Eat Drink Man Woman
1993 The Wedding Banquet

A list of directors from IMDB.
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls000000757/

Having worked on a few student movie productions, I am aware
how easy it is to make a bad movie.