Have you ever marveled at the storytelling prowess of James Gunn, particularly in his recent reinterpretation of Superman? If so, you might be intrigued to discover that Gunn’s journey began as a screenwriter long before he captivated audiences as a director. While many of us have seen his work, not everyone knows the full scope of his filmography. Below is a comprehensive list of films and TV shows featuring James Gunn as either a writer or director, highlighting his evolution from a novice in Hollywood to a top-tier filmmaker.
15. The Specials (2000)
- Release Date: September 18, 2000
- Director: Craig Mazin
- Cast: James Gunn, Paget Brewster, Thomas Haden Church, and more
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 5.7/47%
Before he became synonymous with blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn dabbled in the superhero genre with The Specials. Even though he didn’t direct it, the film showcased his knack for storytelling through an offbeat lens, humorously critiquing superhero tropes.
14. Scooby-Doo (2002)
- Release Date: June 8, 2002
- Director: Raja Gosnell
- Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 5.4/32%
James Gunn crafted the screenplay for Scooby-Doo, offering a fresh, edgy take on the beloved franchise. Despite a family-friendly vibe, Gunn’s original script infused sharp humor into the nostalgic narrative, showcasing his unique ability to reinvent classic stories.
13. Dawn of The Dead (2004)
- Release Date: March 19, 2004
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Cast: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and more
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/77%
In Dawn of the Dead, Gunn crafted a gripping screenplay that breathed new life into the zombie horror genre. Balancing visceral terror with social critique, his writing marked a turning point in modern horror cinema.
12. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
- Release Date: March 26, 2004
- Director: Raja Gosnell
- Cast: Matthew Lillard, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and more
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 5.3/22%
Returning for Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, Gunn amplified the quirky charm, merging nostalgia with unexpected character depth. His ability to balance family-friendly content with his signature humor is a testament to his writing prowess.
11. Slither (2006)
- Release Date: March 31, 2006
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Michael Rooker, Elizabeth Banks, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.5/87%
In his directorial debut, Slither showcased Gunn’s unique blend of horror and humor, establishing him as a visionary in the genre. The film offered a refreshing take on alien invasions, complemented by his trademark wit.
10. Super (2010)
- Release Date: April 1, 2011
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.7/49%
Super was an audacious exploration of vigilante justice, blending dark humor with unsettling realities. Both written and directed by Gunn, the film captured the complexity of heroism in a uniquely raw manner.
9. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Release Date: August 1, 2014
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, and more
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8/92%
Guardians of the Galaxy took the Marvel Cinematic Universe by storm, with Gunn at the helm. He transformed a group of lesser-known characters into household names, pairing heartfelt moments with laugh-out-loud humor, redefining superhero films in the process.
8. The Belko Experiment (2017)
- Release Date: March 17, 2017
- Director: Greg McLean
- Cast: Tony Goldwyn, John Gallagher Jr., and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.2/55%
In The Belko Experiment, Gunn penned a script exploring the dark side of corporate life. The film cleverly blends horror and satire, providing a gripping commentary on the lengths people will go to survive.
7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
- Release Date: May 5, 2017
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Chris Pratt, Kurt Russell, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.6/85%
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Gunn refined his exploration of family dynamics and emotional depth, enhancing the storyline while maintaining the humor that fans adored. The sequel demonstrated his growth as a storyteller.
6. The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Release Date: August 6, 2021
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.2/90%
In The Suicide Squad, Gunn unleashed a chaotic, comedic adventure that redefined the narrative around villains. By giving unexpected depth to characters, he created a cohesive and surprisingly emotional film.
5. Peacemaker (2022—)
- Release Date: January 13, 2022
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: John Cena, Jennifer Holland, and more
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.3/93%
Peacemaker extended Gunn’s hallmark humor onto the small screen. His keen ability to flesh out character backstories took center stage, showing how complex and multifaceted a character like Peacemaker could be.
4. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
- Release Date: November 25, 2022
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Pom Klementieff, Kevin Bacon, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.9/94%
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was a delightful detour that allowed Gunn to showcase his whimsical style. By mixing holiday cheer with character development, he proved that heartfelt moments can coexist with humor.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
- Release Date: May 5, 2023
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: Chris Pratt, Will Poulter, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/82%
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn delivered a powerful send-off, focusing on Rocket’s story while tying up loose ends with emotional precision. The film expertly balanced humor with heartfelt moments, showcasing Gunn’s storytelling depth.
2. Creature Commandos (2024—)
- Release Date: December 5, 2024
- Director: Matt Peters and Sam Liu
- Cast: Indira Varma, Frank Grillo, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.8/ 95%
Creature Commandos marks the launch of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, showcasing his penchant for the bizarre as he crafts a team of unique characters. Fans can expect unexpected depth from Gunn’s storytelling as he delves into DC’s quirky archives.
1. Superman (2025)
- Release Date: July 11, 2025
- Director: James Gunn
- Cast: David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and others
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/83%
James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film aims to reframe the iconic hero for a new generation, emphasizing themes of hope and humanity. With his unique vision, Gunn promises to bring a fresh perspective, steering clear of past misinterpretations.
What makes James Gunn’s films resonate with audiences so deeply? His ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling elevates even the most fantastical subjects. If you’re eager to watch how a new narrative unfolds in the superhero realm, keep an eye on his future projects.
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