All of James Gunn’s Non-Superhero Movies, Ranked

James Gunn is a screenwriter, producer, and director best known for his work on superhero films. He’s helped bring several Guardians of the Galaxy films and The Suicide Squad to the big screen. Gunn is also writing and directing the upcoming DC Superman film which will be released in 2025, and is the man in charge of the recently rebooted DC cinematic universe. There’s just something Gunn “gets” about this genre.

While superhero movies make up most of Gunn’s resume, that’s not all he does. Gunn has dabbled in other genres. In fact, his first film was a romance based on the work of a classic author. Sure, superhuman individuals in capes and uniforms may be his bread and butter, but it’s not his only skillset. If anything, taking a look back at some of his other work should excite fans about the possibilities for the future. Here are James Gunn’s non-superhero movies, ranked.

6

‘Tromeo and Juliet’ (1996)

Your changes have been saved

Tromeo & Juliet

Release Date: August 30, 1996
Runtime: 107 minutes
Cast: Jane Jensen
, Will Keenan
, Valentine Miele
, William Beckwith
, Steve Gibbons
, Sean Gunn
, Debbie Rochon
, Lemmy Kilmister
, Stephen Blackehart
, Flip Brown
, Earl McKoy
, Gene Terinoni
, Wendy Adams
, Tamara Marie Watson
, Jacqueline Tavarez
, Tiffany Shepis
, Joe Fleishaker
, James Gunn
, Lloyd Kaufman
, Lisbeth Kaufman
, Charlotte Kaufman
, Caroline Smith
, Jason Green
, Ron Jeremy

As the name suggests, Tromeo and Juliet is an adaptation of the iconic Shakespeare work Romeo and Juliet. Gunn served as both writer and associate director on this mid-nineties film. Much of the setup is identical, following two people from rival families. Yet this film is set in New York City during the nineties.

Not for Everyone

Shakespeare purists may clutch their pearls at some of the changes. There’s a lot more focus on sexuality in this film and the humor and gore are ramped up in comparison to other Romeo and Juliet adaptations. Some may even label the film quite crass, thus it’s not for everybody. For most, this early credit in Gunn’s career isn’t awful, but may be worth the skip unless Shakespeare re-imaginings are a particular niche you enjoy.

5

‘Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed’ (2004)

Release Date: March 26, 2024
Runtime: 92 Minutes
Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr.
, Sarah Michelle Gellar
, matthew lillard
, Linda Cardellini
, Neil Fanning
, Seth Green
, Peter Boyle
, Tim Blake Nelson
, Alicia Silverstone
, Bill Meilen
, Zahf Paroo
, Chris Gauthier
, Peter New
, Morgan Brayton
, Lisa Ann Beley
, Tara Fynn
, Brandon Jay McLaren
, Aaron Ydenberg

Yes, Gunn had a hand in the live-action Scooby-Doo films as a writer. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed starts when Mystery Inc. is at the top of its game. They are adored by fans and revered as heroes. Until a masked figure interrupts their celebration, embarrassing them, and turning the public against the group. Now, they have to figure out who the masked figure is before they completely fall out of the public’s good graces.

A Disappointing Follow-Up

In many ways, this sequel isn’t as good as the first (more about that one later). The setting isn’t as interesting and the story is a bit more jumbled. Yet it still has that kooky spirit fans love. Whether it’s Velma getting a makeover to impress her crush (played by Seth Green) or the CGI Scooby that’s so bad it’s good, plenty of people can’t get enough of this movie. A third film was set to come out, with Gunn taking over as director. However, a disappointing performance here ended this franchise at two.

Scooby-Doo 3: What Was Planned & Why It Was Canceled

There have been rumors for a third installment of Scooby-Doo’s live-action saga for many years. Check out the reasons behind its cancellation.

4

‘Slither’ (2006)

Your changes have been saved

Slither

Release Date: March 31, 2006
Runtime: 96

Gunn’s directorial debut took place in 2006 with the sci-fi comedy/horror Slither. An alien parasite comes to Earth via a meteorite. It finds its way to a small North Carolina town where it first infects a wealthy man. He transforms into a monster and infects a woman. Little by little, the parasite spreads and wreaks havoc on this rural town.

Lots to Like

Unfortunately for Gunn, this film performed poorly at the box office and didn’t make back its budget. While people didn’t shell out cash to see it in theaters, it developed a small but mighty following for those who are now fans of Gunn’s blockbuster movies. Several scenes will give viewers the creeps and there are genuinely funny moments sprinkled throughout. Slither has “low-budget film” written all over it, but that’s what gives it its charm.

3

‘The Belko Experiment’ (2016)

Your changes have been saved

The Belko Experiment

Release Date: March 17, 2017
Rating: R
Runtime: 89minutes
Cast: David Del Rio, Rusty Schwimmer, Abraham Benrubi, Mikaela Hoover, Owain Yeoman, Sean Gunn, David Dastmalchian, Michael Rooker, Josh Brener, Melonie Diaz, Brent Sexton, Adria Arjona, Tony Goldwyn, John Gallagher Jr., John C. McGinley
Genres: Thriller, Action, Horror

The Belko Experiment is a psychological horror from 2016. It was released between two of Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy projects. The movie revolves around a group of mostly American foreigners who are in Colombia for a work trip. They’re employed by a company called Belko Industries. One day, the blinds close and they are locked inside a building. The only way they can get out is if they start killing one another.

Let the Games Begin

What lengths will individuals go to in order to survive? This question is at the heart of the movie and Gunn explores it fascinatingly. He has both writing and producing credits on this suspenseful ride. Sure, psychological horror aficionados have probably seen premises similar to this. However, not with Gunn’s touch of expansive cinematography and fast-paced writing.

10 Incredible Psychological Horror Movies from the Last 20 Years

A good scare isn’t always about gore. Sometimes, a horror movie messing with the mind is the most effective.

2

‘Scooby-Doo’ (2002)

Release Date: June 14, 2002
Runtime: 88

Scooby-Doo was the first live-action Scooby film that Gunn was involved with. Here, Mystery Inc. reunites after years apart to solve a mystery at an amusement park called Spooky Island. Before they can truly crack the case, several members, along with other park guests, get possessed by demonic monsters. It’s up to Shaggy and Scooby to set things right, even though they’d rather hide under the nearest palm tree.

A Guilty Pleasure

Professional critics largely hated the film, but viewers appreciated its goofiness. Aside from the absolute stellar casting (Matthew Lillard IS Shaggy), the film is just downright fun. Add in Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Linda Cardellini and you have a cast to be reckoned with. Sure, there’s a curse that brainwashes guests and monsters that attack people at night. But Spooky Island still seems like such a fun place to visit that viewers will wish it was a real place.

1

‘Dawn of the Dead’ (2004)

Release Date: March 19, 2004
Runtime

In 2004, Gunn wrote the screenplay for Dawn of the Dead, a remake of a late ’70s film. A nurse named Ana returns home after a long day at work. By the morning, her husband is attacked and turned into a zombie and Ana is fleeing for her life. For the duration of the movie, Ana and a group of others quarantine in a mall trying to ward off the zombies that are plaguing them.

An Improvement on the Original?

The original film was a huge success, making over $65 million on a budget of less than $1 million. Though still somewhat early in his career, Gunn was given a heftier budget of $26 million to play with. The film outpaced that number several times over. For many, this one is a rare case in which the remake might actually be better. The acting is solid and even those who know how it will end aren’t safe from the scares.

All of James Gunn’s Non-Superhero Movies, Ranked