5 Great Russo Brothers Movies That Aren’t Avengers

by

The Russo brothers are famous for directing some of the biggest Marvel movies, but they’ve also made a number of other films that are really worth watching. They’re skilled at handling different genres – from comedies and sci-fi to dramas and action – and bring a consistent style to everything they do. Their movies are known for their strong characters, engaging pace, and ability to keep audiences hooked. While not every film has been a massive hit with everyone, each one offers something unique and is interesting simply because it carries the Russo brothers’ signature touch.

Anthony and Joe Russo are known for directing blockbuster hits, especially within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But what are their best films *outside* of the superhero world? Here are 5 excellent movies from the directing brothers that show their skills extend beyond just making superhero films.

5) The Electric State

The Russo Brothers’ film, *The Electric State*, hasn’t received widespread acclaim. It feels like an effort to move beyond their well-known Marvel work, but didn’t quite succeed. The story follows Michelle Greene (Millie Bobby Brown) as she journeys across a unique 1990s America populated by massive robots and a retro-futuristic aesthetic, searching for her brother. She’s joined by her robotic friend, Kid Cosmo, and a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt). While the film doesn’t fully deliver on its promise, it stands out as one of the Russo Brothers’ more daring projects simply because of its ambition to try something new.

As a movie buff, I was really intrigued by *The Electric State*. It’s an action film from the Russo Brothers that doesn’t rely on superheroes, and honestly, it lets them flex their visual creativity in a way we don’t often see outside of the Marvel movies. It’s a beautiful film to watch and I enjoyed it overall. It’s not perfect, and the story isn’t super complex, but it’s really interesting to see what they can do when they’re not tied to a huge franchise. There’s a lot of adventure and that classic Russo Brothers style, so if you’re a fan of theirs, I’d definitely recommend giving it a watch.

4) Cherry

The Russo brothers excel at dramatic storytelling, and *Cherry* is no exception. The film follows a compelling story of a man who joins the army, experiences the trauma of war, and then spirals into drug addiction and crime. It’s a raw and unflinching look at how quick choices and past hurts can drastically alter someone’s life. Tom Holland gives a particularly impressive performance, showcasing a vulnerability that makes you invested in the character from beginning to end, thanks to the directors’ guidance.

What makes *Cherry* stand out? It’s a surprisingly personal and emotional story, quite different from the Russo Brothers’ usual work. The film focuses on authentic drama and relatable human experiences, and it’s clear the filmmakers wanted to truly connect with the audience. This project demonstrates their ability to tell powerful, moving stories.

3) The Gray Man

The Russo Brothers prove their ability to create large-scale action films without relying on superheroes in *The Gray Man*. The movie follows Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling) as he’s pursued around the world by the dangerous former agent Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans). Filled with intense action sequences and gunfights, the film succeeds thanks to the directors’ skillful handling of suspense and pacing. While the plot isn’t particularly original or complex, *The Gray Man* is a solid choice for anyone looking for a thrilling spy adventure.

The Gray Man is a fast-paced, action-packed movie. The Russo Brothers, known for their work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, deliver a highly entertaining film – this time without the superheroes. It’s clear they put a lot of thought into the planning, assembled a great cast, and focused on impressive action sequences. The film demonstrates why they’ve become so popular with audiences, and builds excitement for their future projects like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

2) Welcome to Collinwood

Before directing blockbuster movies, the Russo Brothers made a name for themselves with the film *Welcome to Collinwood*. It’s a funny story about a group of amateur criminals attempting a robbery that goes hilariously wrong. The movie boasts a fantastic cast including Sam Rockwell, George Clooney, and William H. Macy, and every mistake feels perfectly timed. The film gives each character a chance to stand out, the interactions between them are entertaining, and the plot is surprisingly well-crafted. It’s a great example of the Russos’ ability to manage a large ensemble cast while keeping the story moving.

While not visually impressive, *Welcome to Collinwood* is a surprisingly effective and often overlooked film. It offers a fascinating look at the early work of its creators and reveals the skills they would later refine. It’s a valuable example of their ability to manage intricate storylines, large casts, and maintain a distinct, engaging style.

1) Captain America: The Winter Soldier

While *Avengers: Endgame* remains the high point of the Russo brothers’ work, *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* is arguably the best of their other films. The movie centers on Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) discovering a plot within S.H.I.E.L.D., battling the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), and navigating complex political intrigue. It stood out from typical superhero movies by blending the genre with a spy thriller, delivering intense action, constant suspense, and well-developed characters.

What makes this movie so good? Compared to other films featuring this hero, like *The Winter Soldier*, it really connects you to the characters and makes you care about what happens. You don’t even need to be into superheroes to get invested in the story. It’s intelligent, sophisticated, suspenseful, and entertaining – it has everything. This movie raised the standard for more grounded and dramatic superhero films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/avengers-doomsday-russo-brothers-marvel-return-why-reason/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-09 22:58