XCritic.com Names the Top 10 Female Adult Directors

PORTLAND, Ore — Adult review site XCritic.com has posted its picks for the Top 10 Female Directors in Adult Entertainment.

"Whenever we heard anyone talk about female directors it was always Candida Royalle. We love Candida, she's a pioneer, but there are other women out there." XCritic editor Chris Thorne told XBIZ. "These women are doing something special. They're shattering perceptions about what women and women's porn is all about.

"At first we were afraid we couldn't get 10, but as we started talking about it we had trouble narrowing it down to 10."

Number one on the list is Tristan Taormino, author, sex advice columnist and executive producer of Vivid Entertainment's Vivid-Ed Line.

"We felt Taormino best represented the best of the next generation of female directors. She is a smart, talented and multifaceted director." The list includes former performers Kimberly Kane and Celeste; performer/directors Belladonna, Stormy Daniels and Diana Devoe; and Jamye Waxman, Suze Randall and Mason.

The article also mentioned female directors to watch in the future, including: Joanna Angel, Ashley Blue, Dana DeArmond and the crew of AbbyWinters.com.

The annotated list can be read here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Rachael Cavalli Leads Latest From Devil's Film

Rachael Cavalli stars with Axel Haze in the latest installment of Devil's Film series "Sugar and Creampies."

Cubbi Thompson on Turning the Page From Creator to Performer

Cubbi Thompson's signature two-tone coiffure is nearly as recognizable as the performer herself. What some might not know, however, is that the look traces back to an unlikely inspiration: eccentric Harry Potter villain Bellatrix Lestrange.

Serenity Cox Performs Her 1st DP in 'Equilibrium' From Deeper

Multi-XMAs winner Serenity Cox performs her first DP alongside Seth Gamble and Vince Karter in the second installment of Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper’s Fantasy Feature “Equilibrium.”

Ophelia Fae Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for August

Ophelia Fae is the Cover Honey for the August issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Ellen Stagg.

Zariah Aura, Lexi Lore Headline Latest Volume of TransSensual's 'TS Chronicles'

Zariah Aura and Lexi Lore topline the third volume of “TS Chronicles” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Jazmine Cruz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Jazmine Cruz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband JR and Derek Savage.

Hentaied Pro Debuts Limited Series 'Ectoplasmed'

Hentaied Pro has dropped the first installment of the new limited series “Ectoplasmed,” titled “Lingering Spirit.”

Charlotte Sins Fronts Latest From Kink.com

Charlotte Sins stars with Victor Ray in the latest release from Kink.com’s “Dungeon Sex” series, titled “Roped Up and Spread Out.”

Octavia Red Leads Latest From Kink.com

XMAs winner Octavia Red stars with director John Paul “The Pope” in the latest installment of Kink.com’s "Device Bondage" series, titled “Fiery Slut in Strict Bondage.”

Lilly Bell, Lana Smalls Star in Latest From ERIKALUST

Multi-XMAs winner Lilly Bell stars with Lana Smalls in the latest release from ERIKALUST, titled “Made to Taste.”

Show More