Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chris Columbus (filmmaker)
Discover the career path of Chris Columbus (filmmaker), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Chris Columbus is an American filmmaker known for directing commercially successful family-friendly and comedy films. He began his career writing screenplays for movies like *Gremlins*, *The Goonies*, and *Young Sherlock Holmes*. Columbus achieved directorial success with *Adventures in Babysitting* but gained widespread recognition directing *Home Alone* and *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York*, establishing him as a prominent figure in family entertainment.
1 day ago : Chris Columbus Discusses Trump's 'Home Alone 2' Cameo and Potential Consequences.
Director Chris Columbus expresses concern over the Donald Trump cameo in 'Home Alone 2,' fearing potential deportation if he removes the scene. The cameo has become a 'curse'.
1980: Directing I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here
In 1980, while at NYU, Chris Columbus directed a short film entitled I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here.
1981: Steven Spielberg's Interest in Gremlins Script
In late 1981, Chris Columbus received a phone call from Steven Spielberg, who expressed interest in buying his script for Gremlins.
1984: Screenplay for Reckless and Gremlins
In 1984, Chris Columbus' professional career began as a writer for the screenplay of Reckless, and he also conceived the screenplay for Gremlins.
1985: Writing The Goonies and Young Sherlock Holmes
In 1985, Chris Columbus wrote the screenplays for The Goonies and Young Sherlock Holmes while working for Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment.
1986: Writing for Galaxy High
In 1986, Chris Columbus wrote episodes for the animated series Galaxy High after moving back to New York City.
1987: Directorial Debut with Adventures in Babysitting
In 1987, Chris Columbus made his directorial debut with the teen adventure film, Adventures in Babysitting.
1987: Directing Adventures in Babysitting
In 1987, Chris Columbus started his directing career with the teen comedy Adventures in Babysitting, which received mixed reviews.
1988: Writing and Directing Heartbreak Hotel
In 1988, Chris Columbus wrote and directed Heartbreak Hotel, which was a commercial failure and received mixed-to-negative reviews.
1989: Screenwriting Credit for Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland
In 1989, Chris Columbus received screenwriting credit for Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland.
May 1990: Filming Home Alone
Filming for Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus, took four months between February and May 1990.
November 16, 1990: Home Alone Theatrical Release
On November 16, 1990, Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus, was released to theaters, achieving commercial success.
1990: Home Alone's Release
In 1990, Chris Columbus directed the highly successful Christmas comedy Home Alone, gaining widespread recognition.
1991: Writing and Directing Only the Lonely
In 1991, Chris Columbus wrote and directed the romantic comedy-drama Only the Lonely, which garnered some favorable reviews.
November 20, 1992: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Release
On November 20, 1992, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, directed by Chris Columbus, was released to mixed reviews but strong box office results.
1992: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York's Release
In 1992, Chris Columbus directed Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, a sequel to the successful Christmas comedy.
November 1993: Release of Mrs. Doubtfire
In November 1993, Mrs. Doubtfire, directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, was released by 20th Century Fox to mixed and positive reception.
1993: Mrs. Doubtfire's Box Office Success
In 1993, The comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams, became another box office success for Chris Columbus.
1995: Co-founding 1492 Pictures and Release of Nine Months
In 1995, Chris Columbus co-founded 1492 Pictures and also wrote and directed Nine Months, which was produced by 1492 Pictures.
1995: Co-founding 1492 Pictures
In 1995, Chris Columbus co-founded 1492 Pictures, a film production company that has produced some of his films since then.
1997: Reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
In 1997, Chris Columbus read J. K. Rowling's fantasy novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which sparked his interest in directing the film adaptation.
1998: Release of Stepmom
In 1998, Chris Columbus directed Stepmom, a comedy-drama starring Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Harris.
December 17, 1999: Release of Bicentennial Man
On December 17, 1999, Bicentennial Man, directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, was released; it was a commercial failure with mixed critical reception.
September 29, 2000: Filming Start Date for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
On September 29, 2000, filming began for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, directed by Chris Columbus.
November 4, 2001: Premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
On November 4, 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square in London to critical and commercial success, directed by Chris Columbus.
2001: Directing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
In 2001, Chris Columbus directed the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, achieving commercial success.
November 15, 2002: Release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
On November 15, 2002, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, directed by Chris Columbus, was released to theaters.
2002: Directing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
In 2002, Chris Columbus directed Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the sequel to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
2003: BAFTA Awards Nominations for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
In 2003, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, directed by Chris Columbus, garnered nominations for Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Special Visual Effects at the BAFTA Awards.
May 31, 2004: Premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
On May 31, 2004, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, produced by Chris Columbus, premiered in the United Kingdom.
2004: Producing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In 2004, Chris Columbus served as a producer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
2004: Christmas with the Kranks and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In 2004, Chris Columbus wrote and produced Christmas with the Kranks and served as a producer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
2005: Firing from Fantastic Four and Directing Rent
In 2005, Chris Columbus intended to produce a superhero film, Fantastic Four, but was fired. He then directed Rent, which had mixed reviews and poor box office performance.
2006: Production of "Night at the Museum"
In 2006, Chris Columbus produced "Night at the Museum", a fantasy film based on the 1993 children's book by Milan Trenc. The film stars Ben Stiller.
2007: Executive Producer for "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"
In 2007, Chris Columbus served as an executive producer for "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", a sequel film.
July 2009: Release of "I Love You, Beth Cooper"
In July 2009, Chris Columbus directed "I Love You, Beth Cooper", a comedy based on a novel by Larry Doyle. However, the film received negative reviews upon its release.
2009: Development of "The Help" film adaptation
In 2009, it was reported that Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, and Mark Radcliffe were developing a film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's novel "The Help".
2010: Directing "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief"
In 2010, Chris Columbus directed and produced "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief", based on the 2005 novel "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan. The film received mixed reviews.
2011: Release of "The Help" film
In 2011, "The Help", directed by Tate Taylor and produced by Chris Columbus, was released. The film is based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett and received critical and commercial success.
2011: Producing The Help and Academy Award Nomination
In 2011, Chris Columbus produced the drama The Help, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
2011: Attached to Direct "Hello Ghost" Remake
In 2011, Chris Columbus was attached as a director to a "Hello Ghost" remake.
2013: Co-authoring "House of Secrets" and producing "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters"
In 2013, Chris Columbus co-authored the "House of Secrets" book series with Ned Vizzini. He also returned to the Percy Jackson series as an executive producer for "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters".
December 2014: Release of "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb"
In December 2014, Chris Columbus produced "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb", the final installment in the series. It was also Robin Williams' final film appearance before his death.
2014: Co-founding Maiden Voyage Pictures
In 2014, Chris Columbus co-founded Maiden Voyage Pictures, another production firm, with his daughter.
2014: Cofounding Maiden Voyage Pictures and ZAG Animation Studios
In 2014, Chris Columbus cofounded Maiden Voyage Pictures with his daughter, Eleanor. He also co-founded ZAG Animation Studios with Saban Capital Group and ZAG Entertainment.
2015: Directing "Pixels"
In 2015, Chris Columbus directed "Pixels", a science fiction comedy based on Patrick Jean's 2010 short film. The film stars Adam Sandler and others.
January 23, 2016: "Tallulah" Premiere at Sundance Film Festival
On January 23, 2016, the film "Tallulah", produced by Chris Columbus, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
July 29, 2016: "Tallulah" Release on Netflix
On July 29, 2016, Chris Columbus's produced film "Tallulah" was released on Netflix.
2017: Launching ZAG Animation Studios
In 2017, Chris Columbus launched ZAG Animation Studios, alongside Michael Barnathan, Haim Saban, and Jeremy Zag.
2017: Writing "Gremlins 3" Script
In 2017, Chris Columbus mentioned he had written a script for "Gremlins 3".
2017: Producing Films
In 2017, Chris Columbus served as an executive producer for "Menashe", and a producer for "Patti Cake$" and "I Kill Giants".
2018: Producing "The Christmas Chronicles"
In 2018, Chris Columbus produced "The Christmas Chronicles", a family film directed by Clay Kaytis.
2018: Director of "Five Nights at Freddy's" Adaptation Announced and Executive Producer for "Scoob!"
In 2018, Chris Columbus was announced as director of a "Five Nights at Freddy's" film adaptation, and he was also announced as an executive producer for "Scoob!", an animated film.
2019: Joining Producers of "The Lighthouse"
In 2019, Chris Columbus joined the producers of "The Lighthouse", a film directed by Robert Eggers.
May 15, 2020: Release of "Scoob!"
On May 15, 2020, "Scoob!", an animated adventure film where Chris Columbus was executive producer, was released.
September 2021: Backing out of "Five Nights at Freddy's"
By September 2021, Chris Columbus backed out of directing the film adaptation of "Five Nights at Freddy's".
April 18, 2024: Directing "The Thursday Murder Club" Adaptation
On April 18, 2024, it was announced that Chris Columbus would direct a film adaptation of Richard Osman's novel "The Thursday Murder Club" for Amblin Partners.
January 2025: Report of Writing Sequels to "Gremlins" and "The Goonies"
In January 2025, it was reported that Chris Columbus was writing sequels to "Gremlins" and "The Goonies" for Warner Bros., which were later confirmed by the studio.
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