James Gunn's Superhero Movies: A Critical Review

James Gunn has been making waves in the superhero movie realm lately. Not only is he playing a key role in Warner Bros.'s new DC universe, but he also boasts a proven track record as a writer and director in the genre, showcasing his knack for crafting exceptional superhero films.

Aside from his DC Universe projects, Gunn is currently working on his upcoming superhero movie, Superman Legacy, which is expected to feature a diverse cast of heroes beyond just Superman, generating significant anticipation among fans curious about Gunn's fresh take on the superpowered Kryptonian. While awaiting Gunn's latest endeavor, let's delve into his past superhero creations and assess how they measure up against each other.

5 Super

Metascore: 50

Director: James Gunn
Release Date: April 1st 2011
Runtime: 1h 36m

Gunn's proficiency in black comedy is a defining trait, evident in movies like the cult favorite Super. This film, starring Rainn Wilson and Elliott Page as the DIY superheroes 'Crimson Bolt' and 'Boltie', offers a gritty take on crime-fighting as Crimson Bolt tackles various criminal activities with his trusty pipe wrench. While it may lack the grandiose superhero spectacle or Gunn's most refined character work, it remains an underrated comedy gem worth exploring.

4 Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

Metascore: 67

Director: James Gunn
Release Date:
Runtime: 2h 16m

Following the success of the Sci-Fi extravaganza that was 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, promised a visually vibrant and musically rich continuation of the Guardians' adventures. While the film delivered entertaining moments and impressive action sequences, it struggled with some jokes falling flat compared to its predecessor, and the emphasis on family dynamics did not always hit the mark, making it fall short of Gunn's other works.

3 Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3

Metascore: 64

Director: James Gunn
Release Date: May 5th 2023
Runtime: 2h 30m

After an interlude from Marvel and a stint with DC, Gunn returned to conclude the saga of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The third installment delved into emotional narratives, exploring Rocket's tragic past and the Guardians' evolving dynamics post their previous escapades. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 struck a balance between action, humor, and character depth, delivering poignant moments and introducing compelling new characters like the malevolent High Evolutionary played by Chukwudi Iwuji.

2 The Suicide Squad

Metascore: 72

Director: James Gunn
Release Date: August 6th 2021
Runtime: 2h 12m

Departing from Marvel, Gunn helmed the sequel to David Ayer's Suicide Squad, infusing it with his trademark humor and talent for character development. The Suicide Squad brought together a mix of old and new squad members, including standout performances by Idris Elba, John Cena, and Margot Robbie, in a thrilling escapade against extraterrestrial foes. Gunn's ability to create compelling characters shone brightly in this R-rated superhero ensemble, signaling a promising future for his DC endeavors.

1 Guardians of the Galaxy

Metascore: 76

Director: James Gunn
Release Date: August 1st 2014
Runtime: 2h 1m

Unsurprisingly, Gunn's debut Marvel venture, Guardians of the Galaxy, takes the top spot. This Sci-Fi gem captivated audiences with its stellar character dynamics and infectious soundtrack, solidifying its place as one of the most acclaimed Marvel Cinematic Universe entries. Gunn's knack for crafting a cohesive and entertaining narrative alongside a lovable cast of misfits made this space adventure a standout in the superhero genre.