John Singleton's Reputation (02:56)

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Singleton made nine feature films. He is described as "ahead of his time." The first movie he made was a success.

Singleton's Childhood and Education (03:58)

Singleton was born in 1968 in South Central Los Angeles. His parents inspired characters of role models in his films. He began preproduction on "Boyz n the Hood" before he graduated from the University of California's School of Cinematic Arts .

"Boyz n the Hood" (02:54)

This is an autobiographical film based on Singleton's experience growing up in South Central Los Angeles. It stars Laurence Fishburne and Cuba Gooding Jr.

"Poetic Justice" (03:57)

Singleton's second film stars Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. It is soft film about a woman grieving the death of her boyfriend in a gang related shooting in South Central Los Angeles.

"Higher Learning" (04:39)

Singleton's third film was an autobiographical story about his own university experience. It stars Ice Cube, Kristy Swanson, Omar Epps, and Michael Rappaport.

"Rosewood" (04:21)

This 1997 film, starring Jon Voight, Ving Rhames, and Don Cheadle, is a political, historical drama about racism. It is based on a real event in American history.

"Shaft" (03:18)

This film is Singleton's response to a blaxploitation movie released in 1971. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Christian Bale, and Toni Collette.

"Baby Boy (03:31)

This movie stars Tyrese Gibson and Snoop Dogg. It is about the experience of being a young black man in America.

"2 Fast 2 Furious (03:46)

This 2003 film stars Paul Walker, Eva Mendes, and Gibson. It is a high-speed action film. Singleton's work changed the direction of the movie franchise.

"Four Brothers" (03:14)

This remake of "The Sons of Katie Elder" is about adopted brothers on a mission to find out why their mother was murdered.

"Abduction" (04:27)

This 2011 thriller starring Lily Collins and Taylor Lautner was not well received. Singleton directed several television episodes before creating "Snowflake," He died in 2019.

Credits: John Singleton (The Directors, Season 7) (00:39)

Credits: John Singleton (The Directors, Season 7)