For nearly two decades, Dan Gilroy quietly built a solid reputation in the film industry, steadily contributing his writing talents to major projects like Real Steel and The Bourne Legacy (2012). Though he had been active behind the scenes for years, it wasn’t until 2014 that Dan Gilroy truly stepped into the spotlight with Nightcrawler, a gripping thriller that not only became his directorial debut but also marked his first major breakthrough as a writer-director.
Born into a family steeped in storytelling—his father being acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Frank D. Gilroy—Dan Gilroy initially explored journalism before shifting his focus toward cinema. His early career saw him transition from print to scripts, eventually landing his first produced feature, Freejack (1992). From there, Dan Gilroy continued working through a series of modest films such as Chasers (1994) and Two for the Money (2005), honing his craft with quiet determination.
Things began to shift when Dan Gilroy co-wrote the story for Real Steel (2011) and then co-wrote The Bourne Legacy, collaborating once again with his brother Tony Gilroy—himself a successful screenwriter and director. These successes gave Dan Gilroy the momentum and credibility to take a bold step: writing, directing, and even helping finance Nightcrawler. The film, a taut and atmospheric thriller centered on a morally ambiguous freelance videographer, was met with widespread acclaim. It earned Dan Gilroy multiple award nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay.
The triumph of Nightcrawler—both critically and commercially—cemented Dan Gilroy’s status as a rising multi-hyphenate talent in Hollywood. With each project, Dan Gilroy has proven his ability to blend sharp storytelling with intense character studies, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in modern cinema.
When it comes to Dan Gilroy’s career in filmmaking, there’s one standout project that really defines his success—Nightcrawler from 2014. It’s widely regarded as Dan Gilroy’s highest rated film, earning critical acclaim for its sharp writing, intense atmosphere, and Jake Gyllenhaal’s unforgettable performance. Fans and critics alike often point to Nightcrawler as the moment Dan Gilroy truly arrived as a powerful voice in modern cinema. On the other end of the spectrum, Dan Gilroy’s lowest rated movie tends to be Two for the Money, released back in 2005. While it had its moments, the film didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. So, when you look at Dan Gilroy’s body of work, it’s clear that Nightcrawler remains his most impactful achievement so far.