Here come the film legends, who are practically film schools unto themselves!

If you decide to join film school, you'll surely explore the fundamentals of film form and get hands-on experience creating cinema with fellow enthusiasts. But hey, formal education isn't the only path. Some skip the structured route and still become film buffs. You don't need a classroom to study movies; just watching films can be your film school! These directors? They're legendary in the film world. Their movies don't just entertain; they redefine cinema itself, sparking endless debates and deep dives among film buffs. Ready to know who they are? Here are five great directors every aspiring filmmaker should watch.

Akira Kurosawa

Let's begin with the grand maestro of cinema! Akira Kurosawa's impact on cinema is undeniable. His films, like "Seven Samurai," masterfully blend entertainment with profound storytelling, defy genre boundaries, and inspire generations of filmmakers worldwide. His works aren't just movies; they're gateways to understanding film form, storytelling, and culture, making him a true pioneer in the art of cinema education.

Jean-Luc Godard 

Jean-Luc Godard was that filmmaker who didn't play by the rules. He tore apart film conventions with stuff like jump cuts and unconventional storytelling. His characters and stories are so real and captivating, even with all the wild things he does with the camera. He wasn't as famous as Kubrick or Welles, but his boldness in filmmaking made him stand out. He knew when to break the rules and when to follow them, creating characters and stories that are fascinating, even if his films are a bit "wild"!

Orson Welles 

A towering cinematic figure, Orson Welles is often overshadowed by Kubrick, especially beyond his masterpiece, Citizen Kane. Welles shattered Hollywood norms with his debut, blending elements from every film he saw into a masterpiece. His genius extends far beyond Kane; he tackles documentaries, film noir, and daunting literary adaptations. Welles was a juggernaut; his charisma alone was overwhelming. His impact on cinema and beyond is massive, pioneering an ever-evolving film form.

Stanley Kubrick 

Kubrick, the master of cinema, changed sci-fi with "2001: A Space Odyssey" and revolutionised the art with films like "Paths of Glory." Every movie he makes, like "Barry Lyndon" and "Dr. Strangelove,"  shows his obsession with getting things just right. Kubrick doesn't just innovate; he sets the standard for how perfect a film can be, making his mark on the art form forever.

Andrei Tarkovsky 

Filmmakers like Eisenstein, Parajanov, and Sokurov have always been at the forefront of innovation, with their groundbreaking montages and haunting works. But Andrei Tarkovsky? Now, he's in a league of his own. His films toss out the rulebook of filmmaking. Forget plot—Tarkovsky's all about texture, feeling, and pure poetry. Watching his films can be a head-scratcher at first, even if you're into arthouse stuff. But those images—paint in a stream, a barn burning in the rain—they stick with you. Tarkovsky's a genius who makes you feel something deep, something that lingers long after the credits roll. 

Also, Yasujiro Ozu, John Cassavetes, Michael Haneke, the Coen Brothers, and Wes Anderson are notable filmmakers who deserve recognition on this list. They're all top-notch directors who've made significant contributions to cinema. Each brings a unique style and perspective that have influenced countless filmmakers.