3. Tim Burton
I believe that Tim Burton could film water pouring out of fountain for an hour and a half and people would still make sure they pay to watch it in 3-D. That's not really a jab at Burton, but more of an attribute to the multitude of fans he has gathered over the decades. Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Alice in Wonderland are just a few of the films that his fans went ape for. And it doesn't really matter what Tim Burton makes at this point - if the man puts his name on a project, fans of all ages will coming running to see what he's conjured up. And that's exactly why Hollywood looks to this man and his signature dark and twisted style when they want to make some guaranteed money. I have also found Burton to be something of a gateway director for aspiring film buffs, given that so many people like so many of his projects, seemingly without question, making him a perfect case study. Say what you will about the man, but his style and success cannot be ignored - and remember that fans will go crazy if you say anything bad about The Nightmare Before Christmas (even though he didn't even direct it).