Every James Gunn Movie Ranked (Including Superman)

James Gunn‘s career in filmmaking stands out significantly within contemporary blockbuster productions. It traverses from modest genre projects to reaching the peak of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and now as the creator of the freshly launched DC Universe. His films are marked by an unusual mix of quirky humor, intense action sequences, and a focus on characters who are often outsiders or misfits. Moreover, he possesses an exceptional ability to elevate C-list characters to widespread popularity while maintaining a unique storytelling style that is both emotionally resonant and rebellious. Lastly, Gunn is known for crafting narratives centered around the creation of non-traditional families, a theme he delves into with a distinctive blend of skepticism and empathy.

Although not everyone appreciates Gunn’s unique directing approach, he is distinguished as one of the rare directors whose films are consistently entertaining, even if they’re considered disappointing by some. Moreover, many of his movies have transcended to become modern classics, adored both critically and by fans. With Gunn’s new film, Superman, now playing in cinemas, it seems fitting to revisit and evaluate the outstanding collection of work this director has created.

7) Slither

James Gunn’s first directorial effort in 2006, titled Slither, is an exhilarating blend of horror and comedy that revolves around a small town overrun by a wicked alien parasite. The narrative unfolds when a meteorite harboring this organism lands near Wheelsy, South Carolina, contaminating a local entrepreneur, Grant Grant (Michael Rooker). As the parasite gradually controls his body and psyche, he initiates the transformation of townspeople into repugnant, slug-like creatures. The future of the town hangs in the balance as Police Chief Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion) and Grant’s wife, Starla (Elizabeth Banks), rally a band of survivors to combat the escalating alien menace. This film serves as a heartfelt tribute to 1980s B-movies, demonstrating Gunn’s evident appreciation for practical effects and black humor.

The movie titled “Slither” is positioned at the bottom of the list due to its more modest objectives compared to others. It excels in merging various genres, showcasing creature features with convincing practical effects that are reminiscent of classic movies. However, the storyline may not offer much novelty for horror enthusiasts as it follows a rather simple plot and doesn’t provide many unexpected twists. Moreover, while the characters in “Slither” are likable, they predominantly embody archetypes with minimal emotional complexity. As a result, “Slither” can be considered Gunn’s least complex film, striking a balance between stylistic finesse and straightforward narrative.

6) Super

2010 saw the debut of Super, which marked a substantial advancement in thematic intricacy for director James Gunn. The movie revolves around Frank Darbo (played by Rainn Wilson), a disheartened short-order cook whose spouse, Sarah (Liv Tyler), departs him to be with the charming drug dealer Jacques (Kevin Bacon). Following an unusual vision, Frank assumes the superhero identity of Crimson Bolt, equipping himself with a pipe wrench and a homemade costume. He is later accompanied by Libby (Elliot Page), a recklessly eager comic book store employee who becomes his partner, nicknamed Boltie. This duo embarks on a violent and frequently misguided quest to combat criminal activities.

The strength of Super lies in its bold attempt to challenge the conventional vigilante narrative, made even more impactful by Wilson’s intense and sincere portrayal. However, the film’s grim atmosphere and graphic violence on a limited budget might make it challenging for some viewers. The contrast between the dark tone and the occasional slapstick humor, as well as the brutal scenes, is a deliberate artistic choice in Super, but it also creates structural issues that limit its broader impact compared to Gunn’s more recent productions. While it’s a more intricate film than Slither, its harshness makes it less universally appealing overall.

5) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

In the follow-up to Marvel Studios’ hit movie, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” the filmmakers intentionally step away from a typical main storyline to concentrate predominantly on the complex relationships among the characters. The narrative revolves around two significant family subplots: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) meeting his long-lost father, Ego, a living planet portrayed by Kurt Russell, and the strained bond between adopted sisters Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) and Nebula (Karen Gillan). Unlike a typical action-packed saga, this film presents a collection of character-focused scenes, such as the examination of mutual suffering between Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Yondu (Michael Rooker), or the blossoming camaraderie between Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff).

The primary strength of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 lies in its deep emotional depth, offering some of the most touching scenes across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, notably Yondu’s poignant sacrifice. However, this emphasis on character development can slow down the storyline progression, making the plot somewhat labyrinthine and struggling with pace in its middle section. Moreover, a significant portion of the sequel’s humor appears to be repetitive of jokes from the first film. Consequently, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a film that evokes strong emotions but may not match up structurally with those rated higher.

4) Superman

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for James Gunn’s take on Superman. This film is nothing short of triumphant; it masterfully reimagines an iconic cultural figure while setting the stage for an exciting new cinematic journey. The optimistic and uplifting tone is a refreshing throwback to the character’s original ideals, while each scene vividly captures the essence of Silver Age comic books. The performances by David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, respectively, are nothing short of stellar. Their chemistry truly embodies the heart of the story.

The film brilliantly balances its jaw-dropping action sequences with genuine emotional depth, focusing on Superman’s inherent kindness and his tireless efforts to make a difference in a complex world. In essence, Gunn’s Superman gracefully combines spectacle with heart, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans everywhere.

Despite the grand scale at which Superman’s story unfolds, this expansive scope can sometimes be its undoing. Not only does the first DCU movie aim to narrate Superman’s journey, but it also takes on the challenging task of introducing a multitude of new characters and ideas to establish the basis for the interconnected universe. This multi-faceted approach is thrilling, yet it necessitates the film to cater to various demands, resulting in a screenplay that at times feels fragmented. Moreover, there’s an overabundance of exposition to keep viewers on track, which can make the narrative feel disjointed and excessive. Consequently, while Superman is indeed an impressive feat, it falls short compared to Gunn’s other movies.

3) The Suicide Squad

James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” demonstrates mastery over organized pandemonium and serves as a testament to a director at the pinnacle of his creative self-assurance. With full artistic liberty, Gunn created an R-rated war adventure that is original, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly poignant from beginning to end. Moreover, the film exemplifies ensemble storytelling excellence by skillfully managing a large ensemble of eccentric characters while keeping the plot clear and engaging. Lastly, the action in “The Suicide Squad” is expertly orchestrated and visually stunning, but the movie’s most captivating aspect is the human touch it brings to its group of endearing misfits.

In the storyline of “The Suicide Squad,” there’s a relentless emphasis on fast-paced action and chaotic amusement. This style makes for an exhilarating show. However, despite having an emotional core that works well, it doesn’t delve as deeply or patiently into these emotions as James Gunn does in his most character-centric tales. Essentially, “The Suicide Squad” is a skillfully made action-adventure, but its chaotic spirit takes precedence over everything else, falling shy of Gunn’s most remarkable cinematic accomplishments.

2) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

The last installment of the Guardians series, directed by James Gunn, represents his most mature emotional work yet. It’s a well-deserved and fulfilling end that provides a powerful resolution to a story developed over almost a decade. By focusing on Rocket’s (Bradley Cooper) troubled past, the movie delves into unexpectedly deep and intricate themes of abuse, remembrance, and mercy, handling them skillfully, offering shockingly intense moments that the Marvel Cinematic Universe hadn’t ventured into before. Moreover, each main character gets a significant character development, wrapping up their personal and collective narratives appropriately.

In my perspective, the mighty impact of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is significantly shaped by the audience’s connection with the franchise. The emotional resonance it offers as a culmination is deeply rooted in its predecessors, forming the concluding act of an epic narrative. This makes the movie a profoundly rewarding experience for fans, but its success differs from that of a completely original film. Moreover, to tie up all the loose ends, Gunn had to make certain creative decisions that resulted in a somewhat overstuffed plotline, which could have benefited from some streamlining.

1) Guardians of the Galaxy

As a cinephile, I can’t help but hark back to James Gunn’s magnum opus, “Guardians of the Galaxy,” that stands as his crowning achievement in filmmaking. The reason it graces this lofty position is its daring concept and flawless execution. In 2014, the audacity was palpable when he took a motley crew of cosmic characters – like Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) – who were virtually unknown, and transformed them into global sensations. Gunn’s script, finely-tuned like a vintage guitar, achieved this feat with an irresistible charm, weaving laughter, heart-pounding action, and genuine emotion seamlessly, without a single scene feeling superfluous. To cap it all off, the film’s ingenious use of classic rock music infused the Guardians with an indelible spirit, propelling them to worldwide acclaim.

Although the villain in Guardians of the Galaxy might not be as fully fleshed out, this lack of depth doesn’t significantly diminish the movie’s impressive achievements. This groundbreaking film has single-handedly constructed a captivating and impactful cinematic universe from the ground up, broadening the scope of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the cosmos and even modifying the Guardians’ standing in Marvel Comics lore. It masterfully laid the foundation for the characters, the tone, and the risks that would make subsequent narratives, including those with deeper emotional layers, feasible. For its innovative flair, its clever and polished execution, and its profound cultural influence, Guardians of the Galaxy continues to be James Gunn’s most remarkable work.

How would you rank James Gunn’s movies? Share your list in the comments!

2025-07-20 03:12