Every Shane Black Movie, Ranked Worst To Best (Including Play Dirty)

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You can usually tell it’s a Shane Black movie by a few things. It often takes place during Christmas and features quick, witty dialogue, complicated plots, and a classic crime noir feel. We’re focusing on the movies he’s directed here, but his screenwriting is just as good – and he was incredibly successful at it. In the 1990s, he became the highest-paid screenwriter in the world, first earning $1.75 million for *The Last Boy Scout* and then breaking his own record with a $4 million sale for *The Long Kiss Goodnight*.

We also didn’t include the five films he wrote before he started directing. These were *The Last Boy Scout*, *The Long Kiss Goodnight*, *Last Action Hero*, *The Monster Squad*, and his very first screenplay, *Lethal Weapon*.

5) The Predator

I’ve always admired Shane Black’s work, and while he’s a brilliant writer and director, a lot of people don’t realize he actually *acted* in films too! His role as Hawkins in *Predator* is unforgettable – that cynical, wisecracking member of the team who gets taken down early on. What’s even cooler is that Black actually wrote a lot of Hawkins’ lines! Considering Hawkins is pretty much the *only* one who cracks jokes in that movie, it often feels like Black was speaking for himself up there on screen. It really adds another layer to the film for me, knowing that bit of personality came directly from him.

Thirty-one years after the original *Predator* successfully blended action and horror, Shane Black finally got to direct a *Predator* movie entirely his way – and the result is disappointing. While studio meddling clearly damaged *The Predator*, leaving it confusing and far from Black’s vision, even a fully realized version likely wouldn’t have been very good. The strange and unnecessary subplot involving autism is particularly baffling, raising serious questions about the film’s potential, even if it had been released as intended.

Stream The Predator on Hulu.

4) Play Dirty

Similar to the 2013 film *Parker* with Jason Statham, *Play Dirty* is also based on novels by Donald E. Westlake featuring the Parker character. Though the films have different styles, *Play Dirty* is of comparable quality. It successfully blends elements of a heist story, revenge plot, and comedy, making it an enjoyable but not particularly memorable movie – perfect for a casual weekend watch.

The film was initially intended to star Robert Downey Jr. – his production company is still involved – but it’s doubtful even he could have made it stand out. It actually works much better as a vehicle for Mark Wahlberg, who gets to play a charismatic character planning a heist reminiscent of *The Italian Job*, and has good chemistry with LaKeith Stanfield. However, Rosa Salazar truly carries the movie. Her character is the most interesting and well-developed, and as always, Salazar delivers a fantastic performance, making her complex yet endearing.

Stream Play Dirty on Prime Video.

3) Iron Man 3

People have very different opinions about *Iron Man 3*. It’s arguably the most controversial movie in the early years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – and possibly even beyond that – following the success of *The Avengers*.

Iron Man 3 lands in the middle of our ranking for good reason. While it’s not as bad as some critics claim, it does have some problems. The movie’s pace feels off at times, Tony Stark is a bit too harsh with young Harley Keener, and the over-the-top villain reveal feels like a risky move for the series. Still, Robert Downey Jr. and director Shane Black deserve credit for trying something different with the third installment.

Stream Iron Man 3 on Disney+.

2) Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Black truly shines when he’s building a unique, atmospheric mystery from scratch. But what he’s *really* good at is crafting characters who clash with each other, yet still develop a reluctant admiration for one another as they work together.

Okay, so both the top two movies on my list are seriously great. But if I had to pick, *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*, Shane Black’s first time directing, lands at number two. Honestly, the mystery itself isn’t *quite* as gripping as the one in the movie right below it. That being said, the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and the amazing Val Kilmer is just as fantastic as the duo you’re about to read about. It’s a really fun pairing!

1) The Nice Guys

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling shine in *The Nice Guys*, a film expertly directed and written by Shane Black. It’s a truly enjoyable movie that you’ll want to watch again and again.

What truly drives this movie forward is the director’s sharp wit and ability to handle unexpected twists. However, it’s the surprising chemistry between a vulnerable Ryan Gosling and a world-weary Russell Crowe that really brings the director’s vision to life. The film also deserves praise for its detailed recreation of late 1970s Los Angeles and the impressive performance of 13-year-old Angourie Rice, who confidently shared the screen with two established stars.

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2025-10-10 21:43