Ratner is considered to be a successful commercial filmmaker who has been afforded the opportunity to tackle franchises and blockbusters. His fans will point out that his films are typically "fun, enjoyable and amusing", whilst his critics label him as a relatively untalented "director-for-hire" since he has no particular visual style.

Ratner directed music videos before reaching commercial success with the critically acclaimed hit Rush Hour, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, with both of whom Ratner was reunited for the hit sequel. He was under consideration to direct X-Men (2000) and Superman Returns (2006), although both were eventually directed by Bryan Singer. After Singer left the X-Men franchise to direct Superman Returns, Ratner coincidentally became director of X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).