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15 of James Gunn's Best Movies Ranked From Worst to Best

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James Gunn has been the mind behind some phenomenal movies.

Entertainment - November 14th 2026, 17:00 GMT+1

Movie 43 2013 James Gunn — 15. Movie 43 (2013)

Starting things off is Movie 43, an infamous comedy anthology that features an enormous ensemble cast and a collection of deliberately outrageous sketches. James Gunn directed the segment titled "Beezel," contributing just a small part to a film that became notorious for its immature humor and uneven storytelling. Although the film has developed a bit of a bad reputation, it's definitely an interesting example of how even a talented filmmaker can end up associated with a rather unsuccessful project. | © Relativity Media

Scooby Doo 2 Monsters Unleashed 2004 James Gunn — 14. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)

Gunn returned to write the sequel to the 2002 live-action Scooby-Doo movie, bringing back the original cast for another supernatural mystery. This time, the Mystery Inc. gang must investigate a masked villain who unleashes several classic monsters on their hometown. While Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed doesn't exactly reinvent the franchise or have better performances than the original, this sequel certainly delivers plenty of humor and entertaining moments. | © Mosaic Media Group/Atlas Entertainment

The Specials 2000 James Gunn — 13. The Specials (2000)

Long before the Guardians of the Galaxy became household names, James Gunn wrote a smaller superhero comedy, The Specials. Starring Thomas Haden Church and Rob Lowe, the story is centered around a dysfunctional team of costumed crime fighters who explore the everyday problems, rivalries, and their own insecurities. The film is undoubtedly a modest production, but its humorous take on superhero culture offers an interesting glimpse into Gunn's early creative interests. | © Brillstein-Grey Entertainment/Mindfire Entertainment

The Belko Experiment 2016 James Gunn — 12. The Belko Experiment (2016)

Written and produced by James Gunn, The Belko Experiment is a brutal thriller that imagines what happens when employees at an office building are forced to participate in a brutal and deadly social experiment. Trapped inside their workplace, the helpless staff are ordered to kill one another under extremely disturbing circumstances. The premise is undeniably entertaining and gory, although the film is sometimes guilty of inserting predictable sequences. It's small things like this that prevent it from reaching the heights of Gunn's best work. | © The Safran Company/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Scooby Doo 2002 James Gunn — 11. Scooby-Doo (2002)

Gunn helped bring the Mystery Inc. gang to life on the big screen with this live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise. Scooby-Doo follows Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby as they investigate a mysterious amusement park filled with supernatural activity. The film's silly humor, colorful atmosphere, and stellar performances make it a nostalgic favorite, even if it doesn't always capture the magic of the original cartoons. | © Atlas Entertainment/Mosaic Media Group

Brightburn 2019 James Gunn — 10. Brightburn (2019)

Produced by James Gunn, Brightburn explores what might happen if a child with Superman-like abilities grew up to become an absolute monster rather than a kind-hearted hero. The 2019 film follows a young boy whose increasingly disturbing behavior leaves his adoptive parents struggling to understand what is happening. It's an intriguing superhero-horror concept that delivers some genuinely frightening moments and memorable kills. | © The H Collective/Sony Pictures Releasing

Super 2010 James Gunn — 9. Super (2010)

Super is an unconventional superhero comedy that follows Frank Darbo, an ordinary man who decides to become a costumed crime fighter after his wife leaves him. Unfortunately, his attempts to fight wrongdoing immediately turn violent and disturbing. Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page deliver an excellent performance in a film that showcases, quite impressively, in fact, James Gunn's interest in morally complicated characters and dark comedy. | © Ambush Entertainment/IFC Midnight

Slither 2006 James Gunn — 8. Slither (2006)

James Gunn made a name for himself in the early 2000s with Slither, a wonderfully disgusting science fiction horror comedy. The story follows a small town dealing with an alien parasite that transforms its residents into Cronenberg-esque creatures. Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, and Michael Rooker lead a cast that embraces the film's ridiculous premise. The final result is a phenomenally hilarious and genuinely unsettling movie. | © Brightlight Pictures/Gold Circle Films

Dawn of the Dead 2004 James Gunn — 7. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Gunn wrote the screenplay for Zack Snyder's remake of George A. Romero's classic zombie film. The story follows a group of survivors taking refuge inside a shopping mall while a zombie outbreak devastates the world outside. Although Gunn wasn't behind the camera for Dawn of the Dead, his solid script helped deliver an intense, fast-paced horror experience with plenty of memorable characters and brutal moments. | © Universal Pictures/Strike Entertainment

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 2017 James Gunn — 6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 explores Peter Quill's complicated relationship with his father, Ego. Although the film's humor occasionally overwhelms the story, the sequel features some fantastic action sequences, meaningful character development, and stunning special effects. The familial themes, which are especially present in the relationship between Yondu and Peter, also provide one of the MCU's most emotional endings. | © Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Coyote vs Acme 2026 James Gunn — 5. Coyote vs. Acme (2026)

James Gunn served as a producer and contributed to the story of this long-delayed, live-action, animated comedy. Coyote vs. Acme follows Wile E. Coyote as he takes the Acme Corporation to court after years of being injured by its notoriously unreliable products. The film's clever premise and unique combination of animation and courtroom comedy make it a super interesting addition to Gunn's filmmaking credits. | © Warner Animation Group/Ketchup Entertainment

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 2023 James Gunn — 4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Gunn brought his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy to an emotional conclusion with one of the MCU's most heartfelt adventures. The story focuses on Rocket's traumatic past while giving the rest of the team a fitting farewell. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 undoubtedly tackles much darker subject matter, but its memorable performances, excellent storytelling, and classic brand of humor make it an especially powerful film. | © Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Suicide Squad 2021 James Gunn — 3. The Suicide Squad (2021)

James Gunn was given plenty of creative freedom with The Suicide Squad, and he certainly made the most of it. Following a group of expendable criminals sent on a dangerous mission, the superhero film delivers outrageous violence, ridiculous comedy, and some genuinely touching moments. It's an excellent example of Gunn's ability to balance absurdity with surprisingly effective storytelling and great character development. | © Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Films

Superman 2025 James Gunn — 2. Superman (2025)

Superman is arguably one of the biggest challenges of Gunn's career, as it introduces a new version of The Man of Steel to people. Rather than focusing exclusively on the character's origins, the film presents a young yet established hero navigating a world that doesn't always appreciate his optimism or extraterrestrial background. Its colorful comic book aesthetic, eccentric supporting cast, and bold emphasis on kindness make it a unique superhero film that doesn't disappoint. | © Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Studios

Guardians of the Galaxy 2014 James Gunn — 1. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Guardians of the Galaxy is arguably the film that established James Gunn as one of Hollywood's most exciting directors. The story follows a group of unlikely criminals who find themselves protecting the galaxy. It combines hilarious character interactions, spectacular action, and a surprisingly emotional story. On top of all that, the film's retro soundtrack and wonderfully weird cast helped turn a relatively obscure group in the Marvel universe into a worldwide phenomenon. | © Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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James Gunn has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's most distinctive filmmakers, thanks to his unusual blend of outrageous humor, colorful characters, emotional storytelling, and all-out action. He has easily demonstrated an ability to make even the strangest concepts surprisingly entertaining. While he's best known for directing the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, his career actually stretches much further back. He's also written, produced, and contributed to several films. That said, here are 15 films James Gunn has worked on, and we've ranked them from the best to the worst.

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James Gunn has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's most distinctive filmmakers, thanks to his unusual blend of outrageous humor, colorful characters, emotional storytelling, and all-out action. He has easily demonstrated an ability to make even the strangest concepts surprisingly entertaining. While he's best known for directing the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, his career actually stretches much further back. He's also written, produced, and contributed to several films. That said, here are 15 films James Gunn has worked on, and we've ranked them from the best to the worst.