James Gunn has established a remarkable reputation within the superhero film landscape, shaping both Marvel and DC projects with his distinctive blend of humor and emotional depth. His superhero movies ranking highlights his success in bringing unique characters and heartfelt stories to the big screen, from Guardians of the Galaxy to the new DC universe reboot with Superman (2025).
James Gunn’s Groundbreaking Superhero Journey
Gunn launched his superhero filmmaking career with the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, becoming a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Recently, he took the helm of the DC Universe (DCU) reboot, notably directing Superman (2025). Across these franchises, Gunn’s skill at combining humor, heart, and chaotic storytelling has become his signature style, distinguishing him from other directors in the genre.
Ranking his films proves challenging because even the ones considered “weaker” are still high-quality, entertaining, and thoughtful creations. Thus, the rankings focus on which films stand out slightly more in terms of storytelling, emotional impact, and innovation.
The Least Conventional Entry: “Super” (2010)
James Gunn’s 2010 film Super presents a dark, indie take on the superhero concept, centering on Frank Darbo, a man who adopts the Crimson Bolt persona to fight crime after personal tragedy. The film is raw, violent, and laced with dark comedy, providing a stark contrast to traditional superhero fare. Rainn Wilson’s portrayal of Frank adds surprising emotional layers to this grim, unsettling story.
With Elliot Page co-starring as Libby, Frank’s reckless sidekick, the film feels more like a dark drama than a typical superhero narrative. Its graphic violence and morally ambiguous lead make it difficult to appeal to mainstream audiences. However, it’s an uncompromising film that offers early insight into the kind of complex storytelling Gunn later expanded upon.
As a cult hit, Super explores the blurred lines between justice and madness, rather than conventional heroism, making it the film that sits as the most niche and daring in Gunn’s career.
A Bittersweet Farewell: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
The conclusion to Gunn’s Guardians trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivers an emotionally charged story, especially with Rocket Raccoon’s deeply personal backstory. Rocket’s journey forms the emotional core, offering some of the most powerful moments Gunn has crafted.
While the film shines emotionally and provides ample spotlight for its diverse cast of characters, it struggles at times with tonal inconsistency and overly broad humor. The balance occasionally tips toward silliness, which can distract from its more serious themes of found family, trauma, and healing.
Though not as tight or innovative as the original Guardians film, Vol. 3 remains a passionate and heartfelt finale, wrapping up character arcs with significant emotional resonance despite its imperfect execution.
Exploring Deeper Bonds: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
In the sequel, Gunn continues to dive into the emotional landscapes of his quirky heroes. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 emphasizes complicated relationships, especially between Peter Quill and his celestial father, Ego, as well as the evolving rivalry and sisterhood between Gamora and Nebula.
The film gains additional depth from solid supporting performances, notably Kurt Russell’s charming Ego and Michael Rooker’s Yondu, whose arc culminates in one of the MCU’s most moving deaths. Despite these successes, Vol. 2 can’t fully recreate the surprise or magic of its predecessor.
Pacing issues and uneven narrative flow affect the film’s momentum, and although Gunn’s trademark humor is present, it sometimes clashes with the increased dramatic focus. Still, the movie stands as a visually impressive and emotionally engaging sequel that adds meaningful layers to its characters.
Reviving a Legend: Superman (2025)
Gunn’s 2025 reboot of Superman reimagines the iconic hero with a renewed sense of hope and humanity. Though it retains some genre staples, like Kryptonite and the “evil Superman” trope, these elements are used thoughtfully to enhance the story.
The film centers on Clark Kent’s personal struggles rather than portraying him as an untouchable god figure. Gunn injects Clark with emotional vulnerability, portraying him as a son, friend, and conflicted individual grappling with his role in a skeptical world.
Optimism permeates the narrative without crossing into naïveté, successfully blending heartfelt moments with thrilling action sequences. Key supporting characters such as Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Metamorpho provide grounding emotional weight. The film succeeds in restoring Superman’s status as a symbol of hope, even if it doesn’t entirely reinvent the character for modern audiences.
A Rebellious Reboot: The Suicide Squad (2021)
The Suicide Squad is James Gunn’s audacious reboot of the DC antihero team, combining graphic violence, humor, and unexpected emotional depth. The film celebrates the chaotic charm of its eccentric cast, giving spotlight moments to lesser-known characters like Polka-Dot Man, while maintaining the swagger of fan favorites such as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.
Newcomers Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2 and David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man provide surprising emotional gravitas amid the carnage. Gunn embraces absurdity fully—most notably with the final villain, a giant telepathic starfish—yet balances this chaos with genuine stakes and character development.
While its silliness may alienate some viewers seeking grounded plots, the film remains a wild, engaging experience that highlights Gunn’s strength in handling ensemble casts and dark humor, arguably marking one of the pinnacles of his superhero filmography.
The Undisputed Highlight: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The first Guardians of the Galaxy film is widely regarded as James Gunn’s finest superhero achievement and a breakthrough for the MCU. It transformed lesser-known characters into household names through a masterful mix of comedy, heart, and adventure.
This film’s standout quality lies in its perfect balance. It combines laugh-out-loud humor with emotional storytelling, seamlessly integrating moments of grief and longing within a fast-paced cosmic adventure about found family and redemption. Themes such as Peter Quill’s longing for his mother, Rocket’s trauma, and Drax’s grief are expertly woven into the narrative fabric.
The soundtrack, featuring classic ‘70s and ‘80s hits, added an iconic flavor that distinguished the film in tone and style. Guardians of the Galaxy pushed creative boundaries in the MCU, introducing bold visuals and colors that set a new standard for superhero team-ups.
Not only is it the best of James Gunn’s superhero movies, but it also stands as one of the MCU’s definitive films, surprising audiences and critics alike with its originality and emotional depth.
James Gunn’s Impact on the Superhero Genre
James Gunn’s superhero movies ranking illustrates his unique ability to blend irreverent humor with genuine emotion, reshaping both Marvel and DC franchises. His films frequently explore themes of trauma, found family, and the ambiguous nature of heroism, setting his work apart from more formulaic superhero fare.
With the Guardians trilogy, Gunn injected fresh energy into the MCU, emphasizing character development and heartfelt storytelling, while his DC efforts, especially Superman and The Suicide Squad, reflect a willingness to embrace both nostalgia and subversion.
His approach has influenced the tone and direction of superhero cinema, encouraging studios to take more creative risks. The combination of sharply written characters, memorable soundtracks, and a willingness to tackle complex emotional themes ensures Gunn’s films will remain influential and relevant.
As James Gunn continues to develop the DCU reboot and potentially more Marvel projects, fans and critics alike watch with hope and intensity to see how he will expand his already impressive superhero legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job with Marvel after old tweets with offensive jokes about sensitive topics came to light. That July, his situation significantly altered.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The revamped, CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie was inspired by Ozu. Raised in a Catholic household, Gunn says prayer remains significant in his life. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up Catholic in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He has five brothers and sisters: actor Sean, actor and political writer Matt, screenwriter Brian, Patrick, and Beth. Gunn’s family has Irish roots, with his father coming from an Irish immigrant family.
