Jordan Peele movies are defined by three directed features: Get Out (2017), Us (2019), and Nope (2022). Each blends horror with social commentary, establishing him as one of the genre’s most influential modern voices. Peele began as a comedian on Key & Peele before pivoting to filmmaking with Monkeypaw Productions.
From Comedy to Horror Filmmaking
Peele first gained fame as co-creator and co-star of Key & Peele, the Comedy Central sketch series that ran from 2012 to 2015. He also appeared on Mad TV during the 2000s. This comedy background made his horror debut a genuine surprise for audiences and critics alike.
Peele founded Monkeypaw Productions, which has become a hub for elevated genre films. The company produced his own directorial efforts and projects from other filmmakers. His transition demonstrated that comedic performers often understand timing and tension better than expected.
Get Out (2017)
Get Out was Peele’s feature directorial debut. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington, a Black photographer who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate. He discovers a horrifying secret beneath their liberal facade. The film became a cultural phenomenon upon release.
The movie earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Peele won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, making him the first African American to win in that category. Get Out also grossed $176 million** domestically on a **$4.5 million budget.
Critics praised Get Out for its sharp satire of post-racial America. The film’s imagery and twists became instantly iconic. It currently holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Us (2019)
Peele’s second feature stars Lupita Nyong’o in a dual role as Adelaide Wilson and her doppelgänger Red. The Wilson family faces violent counterparts known as “The Tethered.” The film explores duality and social inequality through a more ambiguous lens than Get Out.
Us opened to $70.25 million** domestically, the biggest opening for an original R-rated horror film at that time. It ranked as the **third-biggest R-rated horror opening** ever, behind **It** and **Halloween**. The film earned **$87 million globally in its first weekend against a $20 million budget.
Reviews were strong, with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 81. Some audiences found its symbolism challenging compared to Get Out. The film received a B CinemaScore.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jordan Haworth Peele |
| Age | 47 (born February 21, 1979) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Director, writer, producer, comedian, actor |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Education | Sarah Lawrence College (attended); The Calhoun School |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Notable Works | Get Out (2017), Us (2019), Nope (2022), Key & Peele (2012–2015) |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Get Out); Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series (Key & Peele); Peabody Award (Key & Peele) |
| Spouse/Partner | Chelsea Peretti (married 2016) |
| Net Worth | Reported at approximately $50 million (estimate; not officially verified) |
Nope (2022)
Peele’s third feature reunites him with Daniel Kaluuya, who stars alongside Keke Palmer. They play siblings running a horse ranch who attempt to capture footage of a mysterious entity above their property. The film shifts from horror to sci-fi epic in its second half.
Nope opened at number one at the domestic box office in July 2022. It eventually grossed $171.1 million worldwide. The film pays homage to classic UFO cinema while commenting on spectacle and exploitation in Hollywood.
Critics responded positively, praising its ambition and scale. The film demonstrated Peele’s ability to handle larger budgets without losing his thematic focus. It remains popular on streaming platforms like Peacock.
Producing and Writing Credits
Beyond directing, Peele has produced several acclaimed films through Monkeypaw. He produced BlacKkKlansman (2018), directed by Spike Lee, which won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture.
Peele co-wrote and produced Candyman (2021), a spiritual sequel to the 1992 horror classic. The film was directed by Nia DaCosta. He also co-wrote and produced Wendell & Wild (2022), a stop-motion animated film directed by Henry Selick.
In 2024, Peele produced Monkey Man, directed by and starring Dev Patel. Most recently, he produced Him (2025), a supernatural football horror film directed by Justin Tipping. That film received mixed reviews.
Recurring Themes and Style
Peele’s films consistently center Black protagonists while confronting systemic racism and class inequality. Academic analysis notes that his work expands horror’s cultural relevance through layered symbolism and genre subversion. This approach distinguishes him from traditional horror directors.
His screenplays often combine genuine scares with pointed social critique. Get Out targets liberal racism, Us examines privilege and duality, and Nope critiques spectacle culture. Each film rewards repeat viewings through hidden details and foreshadowing.
Peele also draws on his comedy background for tonal control. He understands when to release tension with humor before building it again. This skill makes his films accessible while maintaining their serious thematic intentions.
Conclusion
Jordan Peele has directed three feature films in under a decade, each a commercial and critical success. His Oscar win for Get Out and record-breaking opening for Us demonstrate his box office power. As a producer, he continues elevating other filmmakers through Monkeypaw Productions.
His influence on modern horror is undeniable. Peele proved that genre films can be both entertaining and intellectually rigorous. Audiences eagerly await his next directorial project, expected to continue this tradition of socially conscious horror.Jordan Peele has directed three feature films: Get Out (2017), Us (2019), and Nope (2022). He also wrote and produced each of them through his company Monkeypaw Productions .
What awards has Jordan Peele won for his movies?
Peele won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Get Out in 2018 . The film received four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director . His screenplay for Us later won a Bram Stoker Award, and the anthology he edited, Out There Screaming, also earned a Stoker Award .
Which Jordan Peele movies has he produced but not directed?
Peele produced BlacKkKlansman (2018), directed by Spike Lee, which won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay . He co-wrote and produced Candyman (2021), a spiritual sequel to the 1992 film . He also produced Monkey Man (2024) and Him (2025), neither of which he directed .
What is Jordan Peele’s next movie?
Peele’s fourth directorial feature remains untitled and has faced delays. It was originally set for December 2024, then October 2026, before Universal removed it from the calendar entirely . Reports indicate a completed script exists, but no new release date or casting has been announced .
