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Brett Ratner

Brett Ratner is an American film director, producer, and former music video director known for mainstream studio films such as the Rush Hour series, Red Dragon, and X-Men: The Last Stand.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brett Ratner is an American film director, producer, and former music video director known for mainstream studio films such as the Rush Hour series, Red Dragon, and X-Men: The Last Stand. He was born in Miami Beach, Florida, and made his feature directorial debut with Money Talks in 1997. His films, especially the Rush Hour series, were widely distributed in Canada and part of mainstream North American studio cinema.

Early life and education

Brett Ratner was born in Miami Beach, Florida, in 1969. Available sources identify him as an American filmmaker who later moved into directing music videos and feature films.

Film career

Ratner made his feature directorial debut with Money Talks in 1997 and later directed commercially successful studio films including the Rush Hour series, The Family Man, Red Dragon, X-Men: The Last Stand, Tower Heist, and Hercules.

Production work

In addition to directing, Ratner worked as a producer and co-founded RatPac Entertainment. Sources also describe him as an executive producer on other projects.

Controversies

In 2017, numerous women accused Ratner of sexual assault and harassment. Reports say this led studios and talent agencies to distance themselves from him and caused multiple projects and deals to be canceled or shelved.

Key facts

  • Ratner began his career directing music videos before moving into feature films.
  • His first feature film was Money Talks, released in 1997.
  • He directed several box-office hits, including the Rush Hour films and X-Men: The Last Stand.
  • He co-founded RatPac Entertainment, a film production company.
  • In 2017, multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, leading to professional fallout.
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Canadian context

Ratner’s films, especially the Rush Hour series, were widely distributed in Canada and were part of mainstream North American studio cinema.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brett Ratner?
Brett Ratner is an American film director and producer known for directing major studio films such as the Rush Hour series and X-Men: The Last Stand.
When was Brett Ratner born?
He was born on March 28, 1969.
What was Brett Ratner’s first feature film?
His first feature film was Money Talks, released in 1997.
What is Brett Ratner known for?
He is known for directing commercially successful action and comedy films, especially the Rush Hour franchise.
What is RatPac Entertainment?
RatPac Entertainment is a film production company co-founded by Brett Ratner.
Why is Brett Ratner controversial?
In 2017, multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, which led to major professional fallout and canceled or delayed projects.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Ratner
    Supports: Feature debut, directing credits, RatPac Entertainment, and 2017 misconduct allegations and career fallout.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711840/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, birth name, and career overview including music-video work and major directing credits.
  3. Wikipedia (Portuguese)https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Ratner
    Supports: Occupation, directing credits, and RatPac Entertainment co-founding.
  4. Turner Classic Movieshttps://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/340853%7C0/Brett-Ratner/
    Supports: Early career as a music video director, birth details, and box-office reputation.
  5. The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/how-director-brett-ratner-evolved-650017/
    Supports: Career trajectory, feature debut, and business role in Warner Bros. slate deal.
  6. Wikipedia (French)https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Ratner
    Supports: Filmography overview and 2017 sexual misconduct allegations with industry consequences.