Ranking Every James Gunn Film: From Flops to Blockbusters!

James Gunn has made a distinct mark in the Hollywood industry by seamlessly combining humor, emotion, and terror throughout his varied body of work. From his beginnings as a screenwriter to his current position as co-CEO of DC Studios, Gunn’s projects encompass lighthearted family tales, intense horror movies, and high-profile superhero flicks.

In this piece, we delve into the unique style that sets his films apart in contemporary cinema – a blend of unusual characters, profound emotional content, and daring creative decisions. The article examines every movie of his, uncovering their individual intricacies and the reasons behind their appeal to viewers.

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)

In a fresh twist of words, Gun penned the script for “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” which is a follow-up where Mystery Inc. confronts a monster-ridden narrative in the town of Coolsville. The movie reunites the cherished characters – Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini – who engage in combat with cartoon monsters that were made real using computer-generated imagery (CGI) and practical effects.

Although the enjoyment of watching Shaggy and Scooby encounter old adversaries is present, the movie falls short when it comes to its narrative, offering a weaker storyline compared to its previous version. It relies heavily on nostalgia but lacks the clever humor that Gunns would later develop, resulting in a rather insubstantial and easily forgettable addition to his work.

Scooby-Doo (2002)

In a new twist on the original animated series, Gunn’s debut screenplay for ‘Scooby-Doo’ sees the Mystery Inc. gang getting back together to solve mysterious events at a tropical resort. The ensemble, featuring Rowan Atkinson as a suspicious resort owner, brings a fun spin to the classic storyline, with Matthew Lillard’s portrayal of Shaggy being particularly noteworthy and entertaining.

The movie tries to blend humor that appeals to kids with jokes geared towards adults, such as Shaggy having a crush on a character named Mary Jane. Despite earning over $180 million at the box office, the film’s script—modified by the studio—lacks some of Gunn’s more daring aspects, resulting in an enjoyable but somewhat inconsistent first release.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

In a new and daring take on DC’s antagonist ensemble, Gunn both wrote and directed ‘The Suicide Squad’, featuring an impressive cast that includes Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, and Viola Davis. This R-rated blend of action and comedy dispatches the team to Corto Maltese with the objective of halting a dangerous experiment. The movie is filled with dark humor and an exhilarating level of chaos.

The movie is brilliantly adorned with exceptional acts, notably Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, as well as James Gunn’s talent for crafting peculiar characters such as Polka-Dot Man. Although it received acclaim from critics, its $171 million box office was limited due to a release during the pandemic and simultaneous streaming on HBO Max, making it a powerful yet overlooked gem.

The Belko Experiment (2016)

In simpler terms, Gunn is responsible for both writing and producing ‘The Belko Experiment’, a chilling horror-thriller set in Bogotá’s office environment. Directed by Greg McLean, this movie places ordinary workers in a lethal game of survival, where they must fight each other brutally to stay alive. The film features John Gallagher Jr. and Tony Goldwyn as its main stars.

The idea that originated from a dream of Gunn’s combines elements of dark humor with powerful drama, but the balance between these tones isn’t always successful. Despite earning only $11 million, its distinctive premise and shocking scenes make it an intriguing, albeit flawed, contribution to Gunn’s body of work.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

In the concluding chapter of Gunn’s Marvel trilogy titled ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, Chris Pratt’s character Star-Lord, along with his team, confront their most challenging assignment to date. The movie delves into the heartfelt background of Rocket, offering a blend of emotion, laughter, and thrilling action.

Regardless of the production delays and Marvel’s change in storyline post ‘Avengers: Endgame’, Gunn creates a poignant farewell. The visuals, music, and character developments are brilliant, although some viewers find it less balanced than previous installments, resulting in a tender but more weighty sequel.

Super (2010)

In a new take on dark comedy, Gunn both wrote and directed ‘Super’, a story where Rainn Wilson portrays Frank, a cook who transforms into the Crimson Bolt following his wife’s (Liv Tyler) departure. Without any superpowers, Frank uses a wrench to battle wrongdoing, teaming up with Ellen Page’s unpredictable companion, Boltie.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by this groundbreaking superhero flick that masterfully melded humor with brutal violence. It seemed to me, even at the time of its release, that it was setting trends for the genre. Despite not making waves at the box office, its dedicated fanbase acknowledges James Gunn’s fearless, authentic approach to vigilantism and complex characters that are far from perfect.

Slither (2006)

In a new directorial venture, ‘Slither’ – Gunn’s first film – offers a blend of horror and humor, focusing on an unsettling takeover of a peaceful town by extraterrestrial organisms. Featuring the talents of Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, and Michael Rooker, this movie skillfully combines grotesque frights with sharp dialogue, paving the way for Gunn’s distinctive filmmaking approach in future projects.

Although the movie didn’t fare well at the box office, earning only $12.8 million against its production cost of $15 million, it has managed to garner a strong cult following. Its unique mix of body horror and humor, along with the chemistry between early collaborators, makes it a remarkable low-budget gem.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

As a movie buff, I can’t help but express my excitement over “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”! Picking up where the original left off, this sequel brings back fan favorites like Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, and Dave Bautista as our beloved cosmic misfits. This time around, we delve deeper into Peter Quill’s past, introducing a new character, Kurt Russell, who plays Ego, Quill’s celestial father. It’s going to be one wild ride!

The emotional essence of the sequel, emphasizing themes of found family and Yondu’s connection with Quill, strikes a profound chord. Although some viewers consider it excessively packed, its vibrant visuals, captivating soundtrack, and touching moments make it an almost flawless continuation, earning approximately $864 million globally.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

In my admiration, I’d like to mention that Gunn was the one who masterfully scripted Zack Snyder’s remake of ‘Dawn of the Dead’, a pulse-pounding zombie saga. Starring Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames, this cinematic piece has us trapped inside a mall during a gruesome zombie outbreak, combining heart-stopping action with deeply moving human stories.

Earning more than $100 million at the box office, the movie was hailed as a successful horror film. It was lauded for its rapid-fire scares and profound emotional content. The screenplay by Gunn served as an important foundation for his ability to combine heart with turmoil, making it a significant early piece in his professional journey.

Brightburn (2019)

In a natural and easy-to-read manner: Gunn created the superhero-horror movie titled ‘Brightburn’. This film was penned by his brother Brian and cousin Mark. The story revolves around a pair of parents (Elizabeth Banks and David Denman) nurturing an extraterrestrial child who discovers powers, but unfortunately, this child’s character takes a dark turn, subverting the classic Superman narrative.

The movie’s haunting concept and $32.9 million earnings at the box office demonstrate its allure, but it falls short in conveying Gunn’s directorial empathy. Its daring approach to a grim superhero narrative makes it an engaging, albeit unsettling, addition to his collection of films.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

The smash-hit movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” created by Gunn, unveiled the MCU’s motley space crew, consisting of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel. The search for an Infinity Stone sets off a thrilling interstellar journey brimming with laughter and emotion.

With box office earnings exceeding $770 million and receiving rave reviews, the movie’s blend of humor, action, and a vintage soundtrack revolutionized the genre of superhero films. The masterful way Gunn transformed previously unpopular characters into fan favorites solidifies this production as his most outstanding work yet.

2025-06-21 08:46