5 best superhero movies directed by James Gunn

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Every superhero movie fan knows filmmaker James Gunn. The co-CEO of DC Studios has directed and produced several hit movies after starting his career as a screenwriter for Tromeo and Juliet in 1996. Over the years, he has become one of the most recognized directors in the action hero genre.

His most recent venture, Superman (2025), starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, has made a splash at the box office with a $122 million earning in the opening weekend. So it appears that the commercial success of James Gunn's past superhero movies might follow this time around, too.

The Superman director has several entertainers under his belt. Let us have a look at some of them.

Disclaimer: All opinions in this article belong solely to the writer. The list is in no particular order.


Superman, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other superhero movies by James Gunn

1) Superman (2025)

A still from the new Superman (Image via YouTube/Warner Bros.)A still from the new Superman (Image via YouTube/Warner Bros.)

Clark Kent is a journalist by day who moonlights as a powerful superhero. His life is great: he saves innocent civilians from enemy attacks, has a partner who knows his true identity, and has a sense of purpose. But things start to go south when tech billionaire Lex Luthor turns public opinion against him after he thwarts an invasion by a United States ally.

James Gunn brings his signature character-driven storytelling to the superhero movie universe. The movie brings inspiring moments with an undercurrent of humor and earnestness, summarizing the slightly cheesy nature of the superhero everyone knows and loves. David Corenswet plays the new Superman, and cameos hint at a bigger DC Universe plotline.

Where to watch: In theaters worldwide, and will soon be available on HBO Max.


2) Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

The crew in the movie (Image via Disney+)The crew in the movie (Image via Disney+)

Meet the crew of intergalactic misfits: the brazen Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), the talking raccoon named Rocket, the tree-hybrid Groot, the mysterious Gamora, and the comically vengeful Drax the Destroyer. Together, they run from Ronan, the evil villain, who is after an orb Quill stole without realizing its powers. Suddenly, they are the ones responsible for saving the universe.

Chaos ensues in this James Gunn fan favorite. The director brings some of the most comical characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life and delivers a riotous entertainer.

The movie ties into the Avengers storyline as a giant piece in the MCU puzzle. It was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its unique tone that blends a fun soundtrack, memorable dialogues, and an unconventional take on superheroism.

Where to watch: Disney+.


3) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

The band gets back together for a sequel directed by James Gunn (Image via Disney+)The band gets back together for a sequel directed by James Gunn (Image via Disney+)

A new mission finds the intergalactic ragtag team. Peter Quill and the Guardians are hired by the Sovereign, an alien race, to protect their Anulax batteries from an Abilisk in exchange for Nebula, Gamora's sister. When Rocket steals the batteries for himself, things take a messy turn. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure is revealed to be Peter's father.

The consequences of the Guardians' actions stare at them in the sequel, directed by James Gunn. As far as superhero movies go, this one feels like an anti-hero tale full of mistakes, found families, and the complexities of parent-child relationships.

The movie grossed over $800 million worldwide upon release, winning numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the Oscars.

Gunn also directed the third part, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, although he was fired and rehired due to personal discrepancies with Marvel and Disney.

Where to watch: Disney+.


4) The Suicide Squad (2021)

The convicts volunteer for a mission to reduce their prison sentence (Image via HBO Max)The convicts volunteer for a mission to reduce their prison sentence (Image via HBO Max)

James Gunn helms another movie with misfits saving the universe, this time DC style in The Suicide Squad. A standalone sequel to Suicide Squad (2016), the movie follows convicts Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark, Harley Quinn, and an ensemble crew attempting to destroy an alien starfish from falling into the wrong hands. In the search and destroy mission, utter mayhem ensues.

Gunn took over the project after director Gavin O'Connor left due to creative differences. He brought his unique flavour to the film, taking inspiration from John Ostrander's Suicide Squad comics and other war films. The movie was a critical success, but underperformed at the box office. However, it was one of the most-streamed DCEU films on HBO Max.

Where to watch: HBO Max.


5) Super (2010)

Rainn Wilson is a non-superhero in Super (Image via Amazon)Rainn Wilson is a non-superhero in Super (Image via Amazon)

Frank Darbo's life could not be more disappointing. His wife left him for a drug lord, and his crowning achievement is telling a police officer where a purse snatcher went. When he gets a vision of being touched by God's own hands, he decides to turn his life around. Assuming the identity of a superhero named "Crimson Bolt," he uses sheer violence to beat up criminals and becomes a media sensation.

James Gunn met Rainn Wilson through his ex-wife, The Office star Jenna Fischer, and cast him as the anti-hero Frank in the film. Gunn wrote Super in 2002 and took years to find producers to fund the film, finally making a movie that explored the concept of a superhero through the lens of a regular man who has had enough.

The movie received mixed reviews for its core message, but was praised for its cutting humor and witty writing.

Where to watch: AMC+/Prime Video/Pluto/Roku Channel.


James Gunn's superhero-centric work extends to television shows, too. Fans of the director can check out The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Creature Commandos, and I Am Groot, the last of which he helmed in a producer capacity.

For fans of James Gunn's writing, The Specials (2000) deals with a behind-the-scenes day in the life of superheroes, and what happens when they are not out fighting crime. It blends comedy and dry wit to give fans a peek into Gunn's version of the superhero phenomenon.

Catch Gunn's Superman in theaters worldwide.

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About the author

Pooja Kumar

Pooja Kumar is an entertainment writer at Sportskeeda. She holds a bachelor's degree in Electronic Media, which deepened her understanding of the entertainment industry. 

With over six years of experience, Pooja has worked as a copywriter at Social Panga and as a part-time editor and social media manager at Revolutionaries. She has won five awards for best digital marketing campaigns during her tenure at Social Panga.

Pooja is passionate about crafting engaging and relatable content. She believes in thorough research and ethical reporting, ensuring accuracy by cross-referencing multiple reputable sources. She also avoids reliance on AI-generated material, preferring an authentic and personal writing style.

A devoted fan of the K-pop group Seventeen, Pooja admires their amazing performances, kindness, and humor. One of her most cherished memories is traveling to Bangkok in December 2023 to experience their live concert with thousands of fans, a moment she would relive if given the chance to travel back in time. Beyond writing, Pooja enjoys weightlifting, boxing, yoga, and reading. She also finds joy in watching K-dramas, listening to music, and the occasional nap.

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