Direction: James L. Brooks

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by James L. Brooks. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


The Simpsons (TV Series)

1989 · Series · 22 min. · United States

Direction Matt Groening · Sam Simon · James L. Brooks · Mark Kirkland

Synopsis The Simpsons (TV Series) (1989) is an iconic animated sitcom that initially gained popularity through shorts on "The Tracy Ullman Show" starting April 19, 1987. The series transitioned into full-length episodes, with the first airing on December 17, 1989. Since...

8.6

170K votes

8.6

170K votes

As Good As It Gets

1997 · Movie · 138 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast Jack Nicholson · Helen Hunt · Greg Kinnear · Cuba Gooding Jr.

Synopsis As Good As It Gets (1997) centers around Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), a misanthropic romance novelist living in New York City, who is plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder and a sharp, biting tongue. Melvin's daily routine includes a heart-clogging breakfast at...

7.6

132K votes

7.6

132K votes

Terms of Endearment

1983 · Movie · 130 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast Debra Winger · Shirley MacLaine · Jack Nicholson · Danny DeVito

Synopsis Terms of Endearment (1983) explores the intricate and often tumultuous bond between a mother, played by Shirley MacLaine, and her daughter, portrayed by Debra Winger. The narrative spans three decades, chronicling their journey as they navigate the ups and downs...

6.8

21K votes

6.8

21K votes

Lou Grant (TV Series)

1977 · Series · 60 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks · Allan Burns · Gene Reynolds · Alexander Singer

Cast Ed Asner · Robert Walden · Linda Kelsey · Mason Adams

Synopsis Lou Grant (TV Series) (1977) spans five seasons and 114 episodes, following the journey of Lou Grant as he transitions from his role in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" to the bustling city of Los Angeles. Here, he takes on...

6.6

2K votes

6.6

2K votes

Broadcast News

1987 · Movie · 131 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast William Hurt · Holly Hunter · Albert Brooks · Jack Nicholson

Synopsis Broadcast News (1987) presents a tale of three driven individuals navigating the complexities of a network TV newsroom, where their professional aspirations and personal lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Tom (William Hurt) is the charismatic and handsome anchorman, whose on-screen...

6.3

7K votes

6.3

7K votes

Taxi (TV Series)

1978 · Series · 30 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks · Stan Daniels · David Davis · James Burrows

Cast Danny DeVito · Judd Hirsch · Marilu Henner · Tony Danza

Synopsis Taxi (TV Series) (1978) is a beloved sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1983, spanning 115 episodes. The show revolves around Louie De Palma (Danny DeVito), a gruff and sarcastic taxi dispatcher in the bustling city of New York. Louie's...

6.2

569 votes

6.2

569 votes

Mary Tyler Moore (TV Series)

1970 · Series · 30 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks · Allan Burns · Jay Sandrich · Peter Baldwin

Cast Mary Tyler Moore · Ed Asner · Valerie Harper · Gavin MacLeod

Synopsis Mary Tyler Moore (TV Series) (1970) spans seven seasons and 168 episodes, chronicling the life of Mary Richards as she relocates to Minneapolis following a failed relationship. She secures a position as an associate producer in a modest television newsroom,...

6.1

410 votes

6.1

410 votes

I'll Do Anything

1994 · Movie · 116 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast Nick Nolte · Whittni Wright · Albert Brooks · Julie Kavner

Synopsis I'll Do Anything (1994) follows the story of Matt Hobbs, a gifted but unlucky actor. When his eccentric and distant ex-wife, Beth, leaves their daughter Jeannie with him, Matt and Jeannie must navigate their new living situation. Matt's blossoming romance...

5.1

439 votes

5.1

439 votes

Spanglish

2004 · Movie · 130 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast Adam Sandler · Téa Leoni · Paz Vega · Cloris Leachman

Synopsis Spanglish (2004) centers around Flor (Paz Vega), a resilient Mexican woman who embarks on a journey to the United States in pursuit of a brighter future for her daughter. She secures employment as a housekeeper for the Clasky family, portrayed...

5.0

12K votes

5.0

12K votes

How Do You Know

2010 · Movie · 122 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast Reese Witherspoon · Paul Rudd · Owen Wilson · Jack Nicholson

Synopsis How Do You Know (2010) is a romantic comedy that revolves around a complex love triangle. The story follows Lisa Jorgenson (Reese Witherspoon), a talented professional softball player, as she navigates her personal life amidst her athletic career. Lisa finds...

4.1

5K votes

4.1

5K votes

The Associates (TV Series)

1979 · Movie · 30 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks · Stan Daniels · Charlie Hauck · Ed Weinberger

Cast Wilfrid Hyde-White · Martin Short · Alley Mills · Joe Regalbuto

Synopsis The Associates (TV Series) (1979) follows the journey of three ambitious law school graduates as they embark on their legal careers. The series, which aired from 1979 to 1980 and consists of 13 episodes, delves into the challenges and triumphs...

Not rated

Not rated

Ella McCay

2025 · Movie · United States

Direction James L. Brooks

Cast Emma Mackey · Jamie Lee Curtis · Rebecca Hall · Ayo Edebiri

Synopsis Ella McCay (2025) centers around a dedicated young political figure who is navigating the complexities of her personal and professional life. As she strives to fill the shoes of her esteemed mentor, the state's long-serving acting governor, she must also...

Not rated

Not rated

Room 222 (TV Series)

1969 · Series · 30 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks · William Wiard · Charles R. Rondeau · Terry Becker

Cast Lloyd Haynes · Denise Nicholas · Michael Constantine · Karen Valentine

Synopsis Room 222 (TV Series) (1969) is a television program that aired from 1969 to 1974, focusing on the experiences of Pete Dixon, an African American educator, as he navigates the challenges of teaching at Walt Whitman High. Dixon's mission is...

Not rated

Not rated

Rhoda (TV Series)

1974 · Series · 30 min. · United States

Direction James L. Brooks · Allan Burns · Tony Mordente · Robert Moore

Cast Valerie Harper · Julie Kavner · Ron Silver · Lorenzo Music

Synopsis Rhoda (TV Series) (1974) follows the life of Rhoda Morgenstern, a woman born in the Bronx in December 1941, who has always held a unique sense of responsibility for World War II. Her adolescence was particularly challenging, lasting an extended...

Not rated

Not rated