Olivia Wilde — Booksmart Changed Comedy

Wilde's directorial debut Booksmart (2019) was hailed as the best teen comedy since Superbad — 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It only grossed $25 million theatrically (criminally underperforming), but became a massive streaming hit and cult classic. She followed it with Don't Worry Darling (2022), which grossed $87 million but was overshadowed by behind-the-scenes drama (Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, "spitgate"). The drama generated more headlines than the film — which is either a tragedy or proof that celebrity directors can't escape their own fame. Booksmart alone earns her a spot here.