Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for Superman (2025).

James Gunn has carved out a unique legacy in the superhero genre, leaving an indelible mark on Marvel and DC with varying legacies. Gunn’s ability to balance irreverent comedy with deeply emotional storytelling sets him apart in a genre often weighed down by formula. Whether working with obscure comic book characters or iconic superheroes, Gunn consistently delivers critically acclaimed stories.

James Gunn was the creative force behind the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy in the MCU timeline. He has since become the architect of the DCU reboot, including Superman (2025). Across these, Gunn has proven himself a master of blending heart, humor, and chaos.

What makes ranking Gunn’s superhero films so difficult is that even his “weaker” entries are still great. Those ranking lower aren’t bad movies by any stretch: they’re all strong, well-crafted, and wildly entertaining. The real challenge isn’t deciding which film falls short, but rather which one stands just a bit taller than the rest.

6

Super (2010)

Gunn’s Dark, Indie Superhero Satire

James Gunn’s Super is a raw, unfiltered dive into the psyche of a man pushed to the edge, donning a homemade superhero suit to mete out justice in grotesquely violent ways. It’s a film that doesn’t flinch; darkly comedic, ultra-violent, and deeply unsettling at times. Rainn Wilson delivers a surprisingly emotional performance as Frank Darbo, aka the Crimson Bolt.

Meanwhile, Elliot Page is unforgettable as his reckless sidekick. The film plays more like a dark indie drama than a traditional superhero story. This is both its strength and its limitation.

Super is not a crowd-pleaser. Its graphic violence, morally murky protagonist, and subversive tone make it a tough sell for mainstream audiences. Yet, for those who appreciate Gunn’s edgier sensibilities and DIY charm, Super is a bold, uncompromising take on the genre.

It offers a glimpse into the kind of storytelling Gunn would later refine in bigger-budget films. The movie isn’t interested in heroism in the traditional sense but rather the blurred lines between justice and delusion. A cult classic for sure, but definitely not for everyone, making it the most niche entry on this list.

5

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

The Final Part In Gunn’s GOTG Trilogy

The third installment in Gunn’s Guardians trilogy is a satisfying and emotional conclusion, particularly when it comes to Rocket Raccoon’s backstory. Rocket’s arc is arguably the heart of the film and among the most emotionally powerful storytelling Gunn has ever delivered. The film’s emotional highs are high, and it gives nearly every Guardian a moment to shine.

However, outside these perfect moments, it also teeters on the edge of chaos more often than its predecessors. Vol. 3 struggles slightly under the weight of its own ambitions. The humor feels broader and sometimes forced, with tonal shifts that veer from devastating to absurd in the span of seconds.

It’s as though Gunn went “full Gunn” with this one, indulging in silliness that very occasionally distracts from the story’s more heartfelt core. Still, its focus on found family, trauma, and healing ensures that the emotional punch lands. It is certainly a great movie; it just faces stiff compeтιтion when ranked against Gunn’s other superhero output.

While it might not be as тιԍнт or fresh as the first film, Vol. 3 is a wild, sometimes messy ride that still manages to end the trilogy with real heart. It offered a perfect conclusion to its numerous characters and managed to elicit some highly emotional scenes from the CGI characters. It simply struggled to meet the magnificence of earlier volumes.

4

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

The Emotional Sequel To GOTG

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a visual spectacle and emotional journey that dives deeper into the hearts of its misfit heroes. The focus here is on relationships. Peter Quill’s complicated bond with his celestial father, Ego, and the evolving sisterhood between Gamora and Nebula take the spotlight.

Kurt Russell brings gravitas and charm to Ego. While Michael Rooker’s Yondu steals the show with a poignant character arc that culminates in one of the MCU’s most emotional deaths. Despite all that, Vol. 2 doesn’t quite recapture the surprise and magic of the first film.

The pacing feels a bit uneven, and the narrative sometimes meanders, particularly in the middle act. The jokes fly fast but don’t always hit as cleanly, and the increased emotional focus occasionally clashes with the film’s lighter moments. Though it must be said, these are very small niggles, highlighted here primarily for the purpose of ranking.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a wonderful movie; it just could not replicate the success of its precursor. Indeed, the willingness to delve deeper into its characters’ trauma and inner lives makes it more than another space adventure. It’s a strong sequel, beautifully sH๏τ, emotionally resonant, and full of Gunn’s signature heart, just not quite the knockout the original was.

3

Superman (2025)

Gunn Makes Superman A Beacon Of Hope Again

James Gunn’s Superman brings a fresh take to the iconic character, delivering a film that’s both thrilling and heartfelt. The movie is certainly still tethered to some of the genre’s traditional trappings (particularly Superman’s limited vulnerabilities). However, Gunn manages to use those constraints to his advantage.

Yes, Kryptonite appears, and yes, there are echoes of the “evil Superman” trope, but they’re handled with nuance and energy. What really sets Superman apart is its focus on Clark Kent’s humanity. Gunn doesn’t just treat him 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.

The film leans into optimism without being naïve. Its balance of heartfelt character moments with high-stakes action is refreshing. The supporting cast, particularly Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Metamorpho, helps ground the story, giving it much greater emotional weight.

Gunn injected a major dose of relatability into the narrative, making it perhaps the most compelling Superman movie ever. While not as subversive as Gunn’s other works, Superman manages to blend mythic grandeur with personal storytelling. It’s a great Superman film that restores the hero’s place as a beacon of hope, even if it doesn’t break the mold entirely.

2

The Suicide Squad (2021)

Gunn’s Soft Reboot Of The DC Antihero Team

Gunn’s take on The Suicide Squad is a raucous, blood-splattered joyride that smartly reboots the franchise with his trademark style. It’s gleefully violent, emotionally surprising, and packed with irreverent humor. Gunn uses the ensemble format to great effect, allowing even the most obscure or ridiculous characters (looking at you, Polka-Dot Man) moments to shine.

Margot Robbie continues to own the role of Harley Quinn. Yet newcomers like Daniela Melchior’s Ratcatcher 2 and David Dastmalchian’s tragic Polka-Dot Man steal hearts. The film doesn’t shy away from absurdity; after all, the final boss is a giant telepathic starfish.

However, it’s all delivered with enough style and heart to make it work. Gunn masterfully balances slapstick comedy with genuine stakes, and there’s an emotional core beneath all the carnage. The only knock is that it occasionally leans a bit too far into silliness.

This might limit its appeal with viewers who prefer more grounded foes and stakes. Still, The Suicide Squad is a wild, anarchic blast that plays to Gunn’s strengths: ensemble cast, antiheroes, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s very nearly his best superhero movie ever.

1

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Gunn’s MCU Masterpiece

Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy is lightning in a bottle. It’s a film that turned a little-known Marvel comic into one of the MCU’s crown jewels. With its irresistible blend of humor, heart, and cosmic adventure, Guardians was a real breath of fresh air.

Guardians introduced the world to a talking raccoon, a sentient tree, and a dance-battling hero, and somehow made all of them lovable. The movie’s greatest strength lies in its balance. It’s laugh-out-loud funny without undercutting its emotional beats.

Peter Quill’s longing for his mother, Rocket’s trauma, Drax’s grief – all these elements are woven seamlessly into a fast-paced story about found family and redemption. The soundtrack, packed with ‘70s and ‘80s hits, became iconic in its own right and gave the film a distinct personality. Gunn’s unique tone, playful but sincere, is in perfect harmony here.

Guardians of the Galaxy was the first Marvel movie to truly push the limits of the franchise, with a starkly different visual style and bolder color scheme. It carved a unique idenтιтy within the larger franchise and is widely considered one of the best MCU movies ever. Guardians is a movie that surprised everyone with how good it was.

It set a new bar for superhero team-ups and genre mashups. Indeed, Guardians is not only James Gunn’s best superhero movie. It’s one of the MCU’s best projects, period.