CelebList
John Woo

Is John Woo A-List?

YesA

YesJohn Woo is an A-list celebrity, a household name with massive fame and influence.

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Reached A-list in 1996

Hollywood Debut with 'Hard Target'

Ranking Timeline

1986C$0.5M

'A Better Tomorrow' Success

Woo directs 'A Better Tomorrow', revolutionizing Hong Kong action cinema and gaining international attention.

1989B$2M+$1.5M

'The Killer' Acclaim

Woo directs 'The Killer', achieving further critical acclaim for his stylized action sequences.

1992B$4M+$2M

'Hard Boiled' Release

Woo directs 'Hard Boiled', solidifying his reputation as a master of the action genre.

1996A$10M+$6M

Hollywood Debut with 'Hard Target'

Woo makes his Hollywood debut with 'Hard Target', a moderate success but not fully embracing his signature style.

1997A$20M+$10M

'Face/Off' Blockbuster

Woo directs 'Face/Off', achieving significant commercial success and proving his ability to work in Hollywood.

2000A$30M+$10M

'Mission: Impossible 2' Success

Woo directs 'Mission: Impossible 2', a major commercial success but critically divisive.

2008A$35M+$5M

Return to Chinese Cinema

Woo returns to Chinese cinema, directing 'Red Cliff', a large-scale historical epic.

2026A$40M+$5M

Influence on Action Cinema

Woo's influence on the action genre remains undeniable, and his films continue to inspire filmmakers around the world. He's a celebrated director.

Last updated: February 25, 2026