James Gunn has become one of the most influential directors in superhero cinema. From Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy to DC’s new Superman, his films blend humor, heart, and action. Here’s a look at his five best superhero movies.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy turned unknown comic characters into pop culture icons. The movie follows Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and a team of misfits—Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora, and Drax—as they try to stop a powerful orb from falling into the wrong hands.
Gunn’s mix of comedy, emotion, and a retro soundtrack made it a huge hit. The film earned over $773 million worldwide and is still one of Marvel’s most loved movies.
“The way the plot elegantly alters the setting and the story step by step is remarkable. Gunn manages to keep control of the plot and makes you care about a talking tree and a raccoon.”
2. The Suicide Squad (2021)
The Suicide Squad is a wild, violent, and funny take on DC’s antihero team. Gunn brought his signature style to the film, making even minor characters like Polka-Dot Man and Ratcatcher 2 memorable.
The movie follows convicts like Bloodsport (Idris Elba) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) on a mission to destroy a giant alien starfish. While it underperformed at the box office, it became a fan favorite on HBO Max.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
The sequel dives deeper into Peter Quill’s relationship with his father, Ego (Kurt Russell). It also gives Yondu (Michael Rooker) one of the most emotional arcs in the MCU.
Though some jokes felt forced, the film’s focus on family and redemption made it a strong follow-up. It grossed $863 million worldwide and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.
4. Superman (2025)
Gunn’s Superman reboot stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. The film avoids retelling the origin story and instead focuses on Clark Kent’s struggles with public perception and his rivalry with Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
The movie had the biggest opening weekend for a solo Superman film, earning $122 million domestically. Critics praised its balance of action and heartfelt moments.
“Gunn doesn’t just treat Superman as a god among men; he’s a son, a friend, a conflicted being navigating a world that doesn’t always know what to make of him.”
5. Super (2010)
Before big-budget superhero films, Gunn made Super, a dark comedy about a man (Rainn Wilson) who becomes a violent vigilante. The movie is brutal and unsettling but shows Gunn’s early talent for blending humor with deep themes.
While not a box office hit, it gained a cult following for its raw take on heroism.
Upcoming Projects
Gunn is now co-CEO of DC Studios and is working on multiple projects, including:
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026)
- Peacemaker Season 2 (August 2025)
- Lanterns (HBO series)
His ability to mix comedy, emotion, and action ensures his films remain fan favorites.
Also Read: James Gunn’s New Superman Movie Brings Hope And Fresh Energy To The DC Universe
Credits: Sources include IGN, Screen Rant, Rotten Tomatoes, Deadline, and Reuters.
