Is Michael Moore A-List?
No — Michael Moore is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 2002
'Bowling for Columbine' Wins Oscar
Lost A-list status in 2016
Dropped to B tier — Predicts Trump Victory in 'TrumpLand'
Ranking Timeline
Breakthrough with 'Roger & Me'
Moore's debut documentary about Flint's decline becomes a surprise hit and critical success. He emerges as an original voice in documentary filmmaking, though still relatively unknown nationally.
'Bowling for Columbine' Wins Oscar
His documentary on gun violence wins the Academy Award and becomes a cultural phenomenon. Moore's controversial Oscar speech criticizing the Iraq War makes him a household name and polarizing figure.
'Fahrenheit 9/11' Breaks Records
His Bush administration critique becomes the highest-grossing documentary of all time and wins the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Moore is now a major cultural force, though deeply divisive politically.
'Sicko' Healthcare Documentary Released
Another commercially successful documentary cements Moore's formula, though some critics note diminishing cultural impact. He remains a prominent voice but faces growing criticism for his confrontational methods.
Predicts Trump Victory in 'TrumpLand'
Moore accurately predicts Trump's election, briefly reviving his relevance as a political commentator. However, his films are now reaching smaller audiences as the documentary landscape evolves.
Veteran Documentary Filmmaker
Moore remains well-known and respected in his field with a solid career legacy. While no longer the dominant cultural force of the early 2000s, he's still active and recognized as a pioneering documentary filmmaker.
Last updated: February 25, 2026