James Gunn Ranks His Top 5 Comic Book Movies & The List Is … Shocking!

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As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of cinema, I can wholeheartedly agree with James Gunn‘s exceptional taste in comic book movies. His choices reflect his deep appreciation for the genre, showcasing the emotional depth, action sequences, and visual storytelling that make these films stand out.

Despite not marking his initial film release, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s introduction of “Guardians of the Galaxy” catapulted James Gunn to unprecedented professional heights. He emerged as a significant figure in comic book movie direction, with his films earning acclaim for their innovative and original storytelling, as well as their humor and undeniable entertainment value.

To begin with, the director started his professional journey within Marvel but eventually departed for multiple reasons, concluding his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with “Guardians of the Galaxy 3.” Since then, Gunn has moved over to DC and is responsible for creating “The Suicide Squad,” and he’s now set to lead the entire DC Universe as its chief and creative director.

Presently, he’s engrossed in crafting his latest “Superman” movie masterpiece. Yet, an engaging conversation with GQ transpired where Gunn was asked to share his top five favorite comic book films ever made. Admittedly, his selections left us somewhat surprised, but let’s go over them, and you can share your thoughts! If intrigued, you can find the entire video through this link.

5. Deadpool

In a list, Gunn included the film “Deadpool” first, also mentioning “Deadpool 2”. According to the director himself, it ranks as the fifth greatest comic book movie ever made. This is his take on the movies.

As a lifelong comic book fanatic who grew up reading Deadpool comics, I must say that the two “Deadpool” movies are among my all-time favorites. After the success of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” film, these Deadpool flicks came along and raised the bar even higher for superhero comedies. They were chock-full of witty humor, heartfelt moments, and Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of the Merc with a Mouth was nothing short of brilliant. I can still remember the thrill of seeing those movies in the theater and laughing my head off while also appreciating the intricate plotlines and well-developed characters. It’s safe to say that these Deadpool films have left a lasting impact on me, and they continue to be a source of enjoyment whenever I watch them again.

I think “Deadpool” is a perfect adaptation of a comic book, because the comic book is very much tongue-in-cheek, very much breaking-the-fourth-wall all the time, talking to the audience, and I think the movie does that really well, but somehow also keeps it more grounded and gives it a little bit more heart than the comics have. Ryan’s such a funny guy. I think along with like Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or Christopher Reeve as Superman, he’s one of the all-time great comic book, you know, icons.

4. Oldboy

The critically acclaimed South Korean film “Oldboy,” derived from a comic, has earned its spot among the greatest films ever made, despite not being a typical superhero movie as many might have anticipated. As expressed by Gunn:

As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for international cinema, I must say that “Oldboy” is one of those rare masterpieces that truly stands out from the crowd. Unlike many others, this Korean gem is not just a movie; it’s an experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling and offers a unique blend of action, emotion, and visual aesthetics.

The ending is genuinely surprising, making it effective across all aspects. The scene that particularly resonated with me is the hallway fight; it served as a significant inspiration. You’ll notice a similar sequence in “Guardians of the Galaxy 3.” Hallway action fights have been impressive in various ways, such as in “Oldboy” or “The Raid,” both outstanding action films. We also included one in “Suicide Squad,” and now there’s another in “Guardians.”

3. A History of Violence

According to Gunn, the comic book adaptation that ranks third among his favorite movies in this genre is “A History of Violence,” which beautifully showcases director Cronenberg’s greatness. In his own words, here’s what Gunn had to say about it:

One of the comics-based films I adore most is “A History of Violence,” directed by the brilliant David Cronenberg, whom I consider one of my favorite directors. His works, such as “Dead Ringers” and “Naked Lunch,” are truly captivating, but among them all, “History of Violence” might just be my top pick. Viggo Mortensen delivers an outstanding performance in it, portraying a man who was once a killer attempting to lead a peaceful life, only to be dragged back into his past.

Upon watching “A History of Violence,” I discovered, just like with “Oldboy,” that it wasn’t immediately clear to me that it was based on any prior work. I didn’t realize it was an adaptation from a novel or, more specifically, from comic books and graphic novels. To me, it simply stood as its own film, without the need to compare or meet certain expectations. It was a powerful and passionate movie in its own right, with the violence and action scenes expertly executed. In truth, “A History of Violence” left a significant impact on me.

2. Superman

It’s unclear whether this decision was biased or not, but Gunn emphasized that Donner’s initial “Superman” film had a profound impact on him, which is why he chose it as the second entry on his list.

As a child growing up in Manchester, Missouri, watching “Superman” under the big screen at the Peres cinema left a lasting impact on my life. This iconic film directed by Richard Donner was more than just a movie to me; it became an integral part of my personal history. The first time I saw this masterpiece, I was captivated by the story of a superhero who embodied hope, justice, and humanity. It was this powerful message that resonated with me deeply and shaped my perspective on life. To this day, “Superman” remains one of the most significant films in my life, as it not only provided endless entertainment but also served as an inspiration for my values and aspirations.

It’s quite coincidental that the very same theater where Jim Lee, the creator of numerous iconic comics characters, once watched movies in St. Louis, happened to be the one I also frequented since we are both from there. Remarkably, this theater was later featured in a movie, and for me, it brought back memories of my childhood, particularly the first time I saw “Star Wars.” That experience was truly magical, and watching this movie in the same theater as a child felt like another enchanting moment.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Ultimately, Gunn opted for naming a single superhero film, and it’s the animated masterpiece that presented a unique take on the Spider-Man series, a style that resonated deeply with us, and apparently with Gunn as well: the groundbreaking approach to Spider-Man.

My top pick for both favorite superhero film and comic book adaptation is the animated masterpiece “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”. From beginning to end, it’s flawlessly executed with no weak links. The action sequences are thrilling, the emotional scenes are powerful, and the voice acting is exceptional. It’s exceptionally well-directed, well-written, and I firmly believe that there hasn’t been a better superhero movie than this one.

I believe “Into the Spider-Verse” stands out as the first movie adaptation of a comic book multiverse, and they executed it in a remarkably well-balanced and authentic manner. Unlike many other multiverse films, it has fewer plot inconsistencies, indicating careful thought and a tight narrative structure. One aspect I greatly admire about its screenplay is its elegance; it manages to stay focused without veering off into unnecessary subplots that divert from the main storyline.

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2024-08-03 07:14