Joe Johnston

Although Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was originally set to be directed by co-writer Stuart Gordon, that role was ultimately taken by first-time director Joe Johnston.

That doesn't mean that the dude was a newbie. Far from it. Starting his career as an effects artist and art director, Johnston had worked on a range of groundbreaking effects-driven films like Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and the Indiana Jones trilogy.

Those are some big credits—and they go a long way towards explaining the strong use of visual effects and innovative production design that defines Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

Johnston would go on to direct a range of other films, many of which are known for their strong visual bent. These films include Jumanji, October Sky, and Captain America: The First Avenger, which means that Johnston has had a hand in major blockbusters across a whopping five decades. Talk about making an impact.