Films that are bold and orange are generally considered not only the most important works of that director, but important must-see cinema if you are interested in the director's genre at all.

Films that are bold and red are the next tier down in acclaim. These are essential viewing for those who enjoy the director's films, usually after they have seen recommended first watch and/or orange film(s).

Films that are bold are the next tier down in acclaim. These are recommended viewing for those who particularly like the director's films, usually after they have seen the films in the above tiers.

Films that are not bold are the next tier down in acclaim. These films are generally not championed other than by hardcore fans of the director in question (in the case of old films), or have yet to receive much widespread popular, critical or cult reevaluation (in the case of more recent films).

Films that are bolded blue at the bottom of a filmography are labelled as Recommended First Watch for that director. Sometimes a director's most important or essential work is not the most ideal entry-point. Not all directors have or require recommended first watch.

The tiers are determined by a combination of factors including importance in cinematic history, critical acclaim upon release, critical acclaim upon later reevaluation, popularity with the general public, and popularity within the director's fanbase.

I have switched the red italicized to red orange to help with visualizing distinct tiers. As I was going through doing this I changed a few tiers around as well, so be sure to look and discuss the changes.