Is John Waters A-List?
NoB
No — John Waters is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Ranking Timeline
1972D$0.01M
Pink Flamingos Release
Releases *Pink Flamingos*, gaining notoriety for its transgressive content.
1981C▲$0.2M+$0.19M
Polyester
Releases *Polyester*, known for its use of 'Odorama'.
1988B▲$1M+$0.8M
Hairspray Mainstream Success
Releases *Hairspray*, achieving mainstream success.
1990B$2M+$1M
Cry-Baby
Directs *Cry-Baby* starring Johnny Depp.
2004B$4M+$2M
A Dirty Shame
Directs *A Dirty Shame*, continuing his provocative style.
2026B$10M+$6M
Cult Film Legacy
Waters is remembered as an influential cult filmmaker and artist.
Last updated: February 25, 2026