Best Ron Howard Movies

Opie came a long way from Mayberry. From his child star days on The Andy Griffith Show, Ron Howard went on to become one of Hollywood’s most talented (and bankable) directors, a second career he has carried well into a third decade.

Next up: Frost/Nixon, due this Christmas.

In the meantime, here’s a list of some of Howard’s more memorable behind-the-camera achievements:

Night Shift (1982): Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton turn the city morgue into a lively place of business.

Splash (1984): Tom Hanks falls in love with a mermaid (Daryl Hannah) who saved him from drowing as a child.

Cocoon (1985): Swimming in a pool populated by alien cocoons invigorates old folks.

Parenthood (1989): Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen deal with the pitfalls of a family growing up together.

Backdraft (1991): Chicago firefighting brothers are challenged by an arsonist.

Apollo 13 (1995): Based on the true story of the lunar mission that narrowly avoided ending in tragedy.

A Beautiful Mind (2001): Story of trouble math genius John Nash won four Oscars, including one for Howarda for Best Director.