James Gunn’s Movies Ranked by Box Office Success

James Gunn has forged a distinctive Hollywood career, seamlessly integrating offbeat humor, emotional narratives, and daring aesthetics into his movies. Ranging from indie horror-comedies to high-profile superhero epics, his creations traverse diverse genres and budgets, enchanting viewers with an unmistakable flair.

Let’s explore the blockbuster director’s work by examining his feature films and arranging them based on global box office takings. Each review focuses on elements that set these productions apart, such as their stellar casts and cultural influence, while using box office figures to steer us through.

7. Super (2010)

Budget: $2.5 million
Box Office: $593,933

Gunn’s ‘Super’, featuring Rainn Wilson, is an affordable and rough-around-the-edges portrayal of the superhero genre. Here, Wilson plays a vigilante chef turned crime-fighter. Despite its unconventional tone, dark humor, and lack of massive audience appeal, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its authentic allure.

The movie’s small profits indicate it has a specific audience and was only shown in a few places. However, Wilson’s emotional acting and Gunn’s daring storyline paved the way for his future, more significant triumphs.

6. Slither (2006)

Budget: $15 million
Box Office: $12.8 million

In simple terms, the first movie directed by Gunn, titled ‘Slither’, is a unique blend of horror and comedy. It features Nathan Fillion and Elizabeth Banks in leading roles, and the story revolves around a town fighting off alien parasites. The film’s mix of gory scenes and humor garnered positive reviews from critics but had difficulty attracting a large audience.

The box office figures indicate that ‘Slither’ occupies a specific category in the film industry, given its unique style and limited promotional efforts which kept it out of mainstream attention. Nevertheless, ‘Slitter’ is cherished as an initial manifestation of James Gunn’s distinctive mix of emotion and eccentricity.

5. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Budget: $185 million
Box Office: $168.7 million

‘The Suicide Squad’ infused DC’s antihero group with the unbridled enthusiasm of director James Gunn, featuring stars like Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena. Fans were enthralled by its adult-oriented action and anarchic humor, but a worldwide pandemic and streaming debut on HBO Max adversely affected its box office performance.

As a cinephile, I was eager to witness this highly-praised flick, but unfortunately, its earnings at the box office didn’t meet the grandiose budget set for it. However, Gunn’s unique vision truly sparkled in the film, making it exceptional due to its fearless characters and exhilarating, larger-than-life action scenes that left me in awe.

4. Superman (2025)

Budget: $225 million
Box Office: $337.2 million (as of June 20, 2025)

As a movie enthusiast, I was eagerly anticipating Gunn’s reboot of the classic Superman, starring David Corenswet as our beloved Man of Steel. This new take aimed to breathe fresh life into the iconic hero for a modern audience. With an impressive cast including Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, it skillfully balanced hope and action. However, the reception was somewhat divided, reflecting the challenges that come with reimagining such an enduring character.

As of June 20, 2025, the box office figures suggest that the movie is performing quite well, yet it hasn’t achieved the blockbuster status similar to James Gunn’s work in Marvel. Given the film’s grand scale and high anticipation, it has set a demanding standard for itself.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Budget: $195.9 million (net)
Box Office: $773.4 million

‘James Gunn’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ catapulted him into blockbuster recognition, transforming Marvel’s lesser-known space characters into common household figures. With Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, and a witty raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), it infused humor and emotion into a cosmic journey.’

In my perspective, the tremendous box-office success of this movie underscores its broad allure, captivating music, and innovative approach to the superhero genre. It served as a testament to Gunn’s skill in managing large budgets while maintaining his unique style.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Budget: $250 million
Box Office: $845.6 million

As a movie connoisseur, I must say that ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ served as an emotional crescendo to James Gunn’s trilogy, delving deeper into the intricate past of everyone’s favorite raccoon, Rocket. The perfect blend of action and humor was maintained throughout, making it a rollercoaster ride for viewers. The familiar faces, graced by Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña, delivered a poignant goodbye that resonated deeply with fans.

The movie’s impressive box office performance suggests that people couldn’t resist the appeal of these underdog characters. Despite its larger production cost, the film’s deep emotional content and striking visuals turned it into a worldwide sensation.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Budget: $200 million
Box Office: $869 million

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ comes out on top, enriching the space-faring escapades of our favorite team with even more laughs, stunning visual effects, and emotional family tales. The inclusion of Kurt Russell as Star-Lord’s father brings even more stardust to an already adored ensemble cast.

The movie’s strong performance at the box office showcases its skillful continuation of the initial film’s success by offering more intense action and profound feelings. Gunn’s talent for combining emotional depth and grandeur resulted in its highest-grossing production yet.

2025-07-20 19:44