---
name: "Eli Roth"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/eli-roth"
fi1m_id: "eli-roth"
imdb_id: "nm0744834"
tmdb_id: 16847
wikidata_id: "Q358714"
roles: ["Director","Writer","Actor"]
born: "18 April 1972"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 8
average_fi1m_score: 45
average_as: "director"
average_over: 3
updated: "2026-10-23T20:55:18.619616+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Eli Roth

## Identity

Eli Roth

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/eli-roth
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** eli-roth
- **IMDb ID:** nm0744834
- **TMDB ID:** 16847
- **Wikidata ID:** Q358714
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Roth, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q358714, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0744834/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/16847

Director and writer. Born 18 April 1972 in Newton, Massachusetts, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Director, Writer, Actor
- **Born:** 18 April 1972, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
- **Active:** 1998–present
- **Also known as:** Roth, 伊莱·罗斯, איליי רפאל רות', الی راث, Ελάι Ροθ, Ίλαϊ Ροθ, Элай Рот, 伊萊·羅斯
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 8: 3 acting, 3 directing, 2 other
- **Average Fi1m score:** 45, as director, over 3 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 68 (1), 2000s 78 (2), 2010s 48 (1), 2020s 53 (4)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 45 to 46 across 3 titles
- **Score spread:** 0 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 1 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 2, Horror 2, Action 1, Mystery 1, Science Fiction 1, Thriller 1
- **Screen time:** 5 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $85m across 3 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Roth, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q358714, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0744834/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/16847

## Coming up

- *Stiletto* (2026-10-30), Producer

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Inglourious Basterds*](https://film.one/film/inglourious-basterds.md) (92), [*Thanksgiving*](https://film.one/film/thanksgiving.md) (70)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Death Proof*](https://film.one/film/death-proof.md) (64)
- **Peacock:** [*Borderlands*](https://film.one/film/borderlands.md) (32)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Eli Roth

> Eli Roth can make us laugh at something revolting, then regret the laugh. We rate his grisly comic timing, but *Thanksgiving* needs a better plot and *Borderlands* gives us little reason to follow him beyond horror.

In *Thanksgiving* (2023), shoppers scramble for a free waffle iron while people are being injured around them. We laughed at their determination, then felt grubby because Roth keeps the bargain-hunting going while people get hurt. Production designer Peter Mihaichuk’s fluorescent store and cinematographer Milan Chadima’s orange-lit car park give the crowd a clear route from darkness into light. Editors Michele Conroy and Michel Aller cut low, amongst trolleys and ankles, so the injuries arrive in glimpses. This is Roth working well: a nasty joke, timed properly.

With *Cabin Fever* (2002) and *Hostel* (2005), Roth set out to make an audience feel physically unwell. His taste for horror and exploitation films of the 1970s and 1980s is plain in the elaborate injuries. He later tried family fantasy with *The House with a Clock in Its Walls* (2018), but the more interesting change comes within his horror work. *Thanksgiving*, expanded from his fake trailer for *Grindhouse* (2007), wants us to laugh as we flinch, and for its first hour largely succeeds.

The difficulty is what happens between the set pieces. In *Thanksgiving*, the jokes about shopping and greed are largely spent in the opening riot, and the thin whodunnit leaves the middle hour marking time. The humour makes this tolerable if slashers are your pleasure, though the opening promises a sharper film than Roth delivers. Once he has stopped sending up the shoppers, he has little left to say about them.

*Borderlands* (2024) exposes that weakness without the compensating pleasure of a well-timed shock. Roth and co-writer Joe Crombie supply explanations before giving the characters reasons to matter, while muddled shootouts keep everybody occupied. Cate Blanchett brings energy, but the jokes scarcely distinguish one member of the group from another. We found it wearying from the opening exposition, and the busy direction never gives this poor action comedy much life.

In Quentin Tarantino’s *Inglourious Basterds* (2009), Roth’s Donny Donowitz has a baseball bat and a fixed expression. It is a narrow performance in a film whose pleasures lie with other actors, and offers little evidence of the comic timing he can manage as a director. We would start with *Thanksgiving*, provided inventive injuries matter more to you than a convincing mystery.

## Biography

Eli Roth is an American film director, screenwriter, producer and actor. He was born on 18 April 1972 in Newton, Massachusetts, and studied at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

Roth is known for horror films including *Cabin Fever* (2002) and *Hostel* (2005). He directed, produced and co-wrote the story for the 2023 slasher *Thanksgiving*, based on a fake trailer he made for *Grindhouse* (2007). As an actor, he played Sgt. Donny Donowitz in Quentin Tarantino's *Inglourious Basterds* (2009) and appeared in *Death Proof* (2007). He has been associated with the group of filmmakers known as the Splat Pack.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org.*

## On Fi1m (8)

### Performed in (3)

- *Inglourious Basterds* (2009), Fi1m 92, as SGT. Donny Donowitz — [page](https://film.one/film/inglourious-basterds.md)
- *Death Proof* (2007), Fi1m 64, as Dov — [page](https://film.one/film/death-proof.md)
- *The Horse Whisperer* (1998), Fi1m 68, as Office Worker — [page](https://film.one/film/the-horse-whisperer.md)

### Directed (3) — the average rests on these

- *Ice Cream Man* (2026), Fi1m 34, as Marty — [page](https://film.one/film/ice-cream-man.md)
- *Borderlands* (2024), Fi1m 32, Director, Screenstory, Screenplay — [page](https://film.one/film/borderlands.md)
- *Thanksgiving* (2023), Fi1m 70, Director, Story, Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/thanksgiving.md)

### Also credited (2) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Talk to Me* (2023), Fi1m 76, Thanks — [page](https://film.one/film/talk-to-me.md)
- *Godzilla: King of the Monsters* (2019), Fi1m 48, as Fighter Pilot (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/godzilla-king-of-the-monsters.md)

## Complete filmography (94)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Stiletto* (2026), Producer
- *Ice Cream Man* (2026), as Marty · Director, Writer, Producer — Fi1m 34, [page](https://film.one/film/ice-cream-man.md)
- *Death Boom* (2026), Executive Producer
- *Scratching the Surface: A Look Back* (2026), Thanks, Director
- *Dream Eater* (2025), Executive Producer
- *Let the Devil In* (2025), series, Executive Producer
- *Night Always Comes* (2025), as Blake
- *Jimmy and Stiggs* (2025), Executive Producer
- *The Piano Killer* (2025), Producer, Writer, Director
- *Reflexos* (2024), Writer
- *Borderlands* (2024), Screenstory, Director, Screenplay — Fi1m 32, [page](https://film.one/film/borderlands.md)
- *Thanksgiving* (2023), Story, Producer, Director — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/thanksgiving.md)
- *Fright Krewe* (2023), series, as Necromancer / Douglas (voice) · Executive Producer, Creator
- *Talk to Me* (2023), Thanks — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/talk-to-me.md)
- *The Idol* (2023), series, as Andrew Finkelstein
- *Eli Roth Presents: The Legion of Exorcists* (2023), series, Executive Producer
- *Eli Roth Presents: A Ghost Ruined My Life* (2023), series, Executive Producer, Creator
- *Eli Roth's Be Mine: A VR Valentine's Slasher* (2023), Writer
- *The Haunted Museum: 3 Ring Inferno* (2022), Executive Producer
- *Haunted House: Trick-VR-Treat* (2022), Writer, Executive Producer, Director
- *X* (2022), Thanks — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/x.md)
- *Fortress* (2021), Thanks
- *Django & Django: Sergio Corbucci Unchained* (2021), Thanks
- *Death Rider in the House of Vampires* (2021), as Drac Cassidy
- *Fin* (2021), Director
- *Haunt* (2019), Producer
- *Euphoria* (2019), series, as Batman — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/euphoria.md)
- *Godzilla: King of the Monsters* (2019), as Fighter Pilot (uncredited) — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/godzilla-king-of-the-monsters.md)
- *The House with a Clock in Its Walls* (2018), as Comrade Ivan · Director
- *Death Wish* (2018), Director
- *Baywatch* (2017), Co-Producer
- *Dark Souls 3: The Witches* (2016), Director, Writer
- *Cabin Fever* (2016), Screenplay, Producer, Original Story, Executive Producer
- *South of Hell* (2015), series, Director, Executive Producer
- *#15SecondScare* (2015), series, Executive Producer
- *Game Changer: The Legacy of Saw* (2015), Thanks
- *Zombies Gone Wild!* (2015), Actor
- *Knock Knock* (2015), Director, Screenplay, Producer
- *Eaten Alive! The Rise and Fall of the Italian Cannibal Film* (2015), Actor
- *Real Scares* (2015), series, Executive Producer
- *Clown* (2014), as Frowny the Clown · Producer
- *The Green Inferno* (2014), Screenplay, Director, Producer
- *The Stranger* (2014), Producer
- *The Sacrament* (2014), Producer, Presenter
- *Hemlock Grove* (2013), series, Director, Executive Producer
- *The Last Exorcism Part II* (2013), Producer
- *John Dies at the End* (2013), Thanks
- *The Silent Earth* (2012), Thanks
- *The Man with the Iron Fists* (2012), as Wolf Clan #2 · Producer, Screenplay
- *Aftershock* (2012), as Gringo · Screenstory, Producer
- *Rock of Ages* (2012), as Stefano
- *Hostel: Part III* (2011), Characters
- *The United Monster Talent Agency* (2010), as Director #2
- *The Last Exorcism* (2010), Producer
- *Piranha 3D* (2010), as Wet T-Shirt Host · Thanks
- *Don't Look Up* (2009), as Béla Olt
- *Stolz der Nation* (2009), Director
- *Inglourious Basterds* (2009), as SGT. Donny Donowitz · Thanks — Fi1m 92, [page](https://film.one/film/inglourious-basterds.md)
- *Southland Tales* (2007), as Man Who Gets Shot on Toilet · Thanks
- *Hostel: Part II* (2007), Director, Producer, Writer, Characters
- *Death Proof* (2007), as Dov — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/death-proof.md)
- *Grindhouse* (2007), Dov (segment "Death Proof") / Tucker (segment "Thanksgiving"), Other
- *Hostel* (2006), as American Stoner (uncredited) · Director, Writer, Producer
- *Disaster!* (2005), as Lumberjack (voice)
- *2001 Maniacs* (2005), as Justin · Producer
- *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* (2004), Thanks — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-2.md)
- *Tales from the Crapper* (2004), as Party Goer
- *Cabin Fever: Beneath the Skin* (2004), Thanks, Executive Producer
- *Cabin Fever* (2003), as Justin / Grim · Screenplay, Director, Producer
- *Icons* (2002), series, Actor
- *Pierre and Sonny Jim* (2002), as (puppeteer)
- *Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV* (2001), as Beautiful Young Boy
- *Donnie Darko* (2001), Thanks — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md)
- *The Rotten Fruit* (2000), Animation, Director, Writer, Producer, Music
- *Terror Firmer* (1999), as Shocked Onlooker
- *Chowdaheads* (1999), series, as Walter / Sully · Writer, Executive Producer, Editor, Animation, Creator
- *The Horse Whisperer* (1998), as Office Worker — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/the-horse-whisperer.md)
- *The Lost World: Jurassic Park* (1997), as Subway Man (uncredited) — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/the-lost-world-jurassic-park.md)
- *The Mirror Has Two Faces* (1996), as Male Student
- *Restaurant Dogs* (1994), Director, Writer, Producer, Editor
- *Shark Week* (1988), series, Actor
- *Untitled Paper Towel Project* (1985), Actor
- *The Loser Show* (1984), Actor
- *Splatter On The Linoleum* (1984), Actor
- *Lake Mead*, Producer, Writer
- *Creature House*, Executive Producer
- *Trackmaster*, Executive Producer
- *The Gun*, Executive Producer
- *Untitled Knock Knock Remake Film*, Producer
- *Final Cut*, Director, Writer, Producer
- *Sturmgruppe*, as Rap*st
- *Don't Go in That House, Bitch!*, Director, Writer, Producer
- *Burger Night: Luli, Magda & Lore*, Executive Producer
- *Thanksgiving 2*, Writer, Director, Producer

## Gallery

- ![Eli Roth interviewed by an Armed Forces Network broadcaster at the 82nd Academy Awards. (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-417b3d4e83af.jpg) Eli Roth interviewed by an Armed Forces Network broadcaster at the 82nd Academy Awards. (2010) — Sgt. Michael Connors - 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/82nd_Academy_Awards%2C_Eli_Roth_-_army_mil-66459-2010-03-09-180306.jpg/1280px-82nd_Academy_Awards%2C_Eli_Roth_-_army_mil-66459-2010-03-09-180306.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Eli Roth at a premiere for Inglourious Basterds. (2009)](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-926fdc44f5c8.jpg) Eli Roth at a premiere for Inglourious Basterds. (2009) — Bev Moser at https://www.flickr.com/photos/momentsbymoser/, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/EliRothIBAug09.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-e0d6c37d73cb.jpg) Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025 — Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Eli_Roth_%2854501750026%29.jpg/1280px-Eli_Roth_%2854501750026%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-f7811f25810c.jpg) Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025 — Richard White for Galaxy Con, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Eli_Roth_%2854599088021%29.jpg/1280px-Eli_Roth_%2854599088021%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Eli Roth](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-4d2c5695e984.jpg) Eli Roth — Image via TMDB
- ![Eli Roth](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-551bcc9ecba9.jpg) Eli Roth — Image via TMDB
- ![Eli Roth](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-cb51101452aa.jpg) Eli Roth — Image via TMDB
- ![Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-b26042e0326d.jpg) Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025 — Super Festivals, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Eli_Roth_%2854599282254%29.jpg/1280px-Eli_Roth_%2854599282254%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-59c8ff63a252.jpg) Eli Roth at Nightmare Weekend Chicago in 2025 — Super Festivals, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Eli_Roth_%2854599395975%29.jpg/1280px-Eli_Roth_%2854599395975%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Eli Roth](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-9dbf3445aef4.jpg) Eli Roth — Image via TMDB
- ![Eli Roth](https://film.one/media/person/9045/gallery-154f015bacec.jpg) Eli Roth — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/eli-roth