Is John Landis A-List?
No — John Landis is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1978
*Animal House* Breakthrough
Lost A-list status in 1988
Dropped to B tier — *Coming to America* Success
Ranking Timeline
*Kentucky Fried Movie* Success
*The Kentucky Fried Movie* showcases Landis's irreverent humor.
*Animal House* Breakthrough
*National Lampoon's Animal House* becomes a massive hit, launching him.
Directs *The Blues Brothers*
*The Blues Brothers* becomes a cult classic, cementing his status.
Directs *Thriller* Music Video
Directs Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' revolutionizing music videos.
*Coming to America* Success
*Coming to America* proves his continued box office appeal.
*Blues Brothers 2000* Flop
*Blues Brothers 2000* fails to recapture the original's magic.
Directs *Burke and Hare*
Directs *Burke and Hare*, gaining some critical attention.
Continues Limited Filmmaking
Landis occasionally directs, but his influence remains in his past work.
Last updated: February 25, 2026