Top 5 Director's Cut Versions of Movies Everyone Should Watch

by Jennifer Holland

When it comes to deciding the final cut of the movie, directors are rarely the ones to make the call: it’s generally the producers that get this privilege. The reason behind this is that the ones who support the production financially usually have a better understanding of what the audience might like or dislike to see. Still, a professional who directs a movie often gets to make their own version of the film—the famous “director’s cut”—a version often longer than the one released to the general audience. Step inside your movie cave and get ready for a few surprises: here are the 5 movies which directors’ cuts you shouldn’t miss.

1. Blade Runner: The Final Cut

When Riddley Scott’s masterpiece Blade Runner premiered in 1982, it left a mark that wouldn’t fade for decades to come—so much that it even led to the release of its sequel. The year 2017, when Blade Runner 2049 arrived, was also marked by the release of the revisited version of the original film. Remastered and published in a package with a lot of behind-the-scenes footage (with a few scenes never seen in this film before), the final cut of the Blade Runner is a real feast for the eyes.

2. The Hateful Eight: Extended Version

When the Netflix-exclusive, extended version of this Quentin Tarantino’s hit from 2015 reached the fans, the opinions were divided. Although this director’s cut brings some new footage to the viewers, the most significant difference between the original and the extended version lies in the fact that the latter was split into four episodes, to give the material a form of a binge-worthy series rather than one very long cinematic piece. Whether you prefer to watch this extended cut in one sitting or in parts, as Netflix intended, this new version is certainly worth your time.

**3. Kingdom of Heaven Director’s Cut**

Watching the marvelous Kingdom Of Heaven from 2005 has probably left you thinking that nothing could be added to or removed from this film to make it better than it already is. However, the director Ridley Scott decided this was not the case, creating a version of this film that makes an even grander impression on the viewers. With around 45 minutes of material to support the storyline and characters’ arcs, the director’s cut of the Kingdom of Heaven is a must-see.

**4. I Am Legend Director’s Cut**

Directors’ cuts usually last longer than the theatrical releases because their makers want to include scenes they believe would make the films deeper and more memorable. Sometimes, however, a cut can mean a huge difference in materials, as it’s the case with Francis Lawrence’s I Am Legend from 2007. If you ever wondered how a film would look with a completely different ending, it’s time to watch the original and the director’s cut of I Am Legend. To make the last sequences closer to the original story, taken from a book of the same name by Richard Matheson, the director made a call you should definitely judge for yourself.

**5. Metropolis Extended Version**

It’s a special occasion to witness a film being reborn, such is the case with Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, a movie from the far 1927. The most interesting one in this list, the extended version of this film was released long after its creator’s death. After the discovery of numerous original cuts from the late 1920s in an Argentinian museum, this dystopian sci-fi piece was restored and enriched to get as close as possible to its director’s vision, and then released in its full glory in 2010.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Holland is a professional writer with 3 years of experience and a content contributor at EssayWritingLand. She has been writing about education and career development for several years. Jennifer helps students get their dream jobs by providing her excellent writing skills and knowledge on various topics and niches.