James Gunn, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his work on comic books and superhero movies, recently sat down with GQ to discuss his personal top five favorite comic book films. With his extensive experience in the genre, having directed and produced numerous superhero films, including the popular Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Gunn's insights into these movies hold significant weight. Let's take a closer look at his top picks.
5. Deadpool (2016)
Kicking off the list at number five is "Deadpool." Gunn admires both the first film and its sequel for their comedic nature, which resonates with the style of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. He praises the movies' ability to capture the essence of the comic books by breaking the fourth wall and maintaining a heartfelt and entertaining storyline. Ryan Reynolds' outstanding portrayal of the titular character solidifies him as one of the great comic book icons, akin to Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man and Christopher Reeve's Superman.
4. Oldboy (2003)
Gunn surprises us with his number four choice, "Oldboy," a Korean film based on a manga. While many may not initially associate it with the comic book genre, Gunn highlights its influential impact on action filmmaking and its role in propelling Korean cinema forward. He particularly mentions the memorable hallway fight scene, which inspired his own version in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Gunn also appreciates how "Oldboy" masterfully combines beautiful cinematography, shocking twists, and an overall captivating narrative.
3. A History of Violence (2005)
At number three, Gunn selects "A History of Violence," directed by David Cronenberg. This adaptation of a graphic novel tells the story of a man trying to escape his violent past. Gunn emphasizes how the movie's gripping storyline and powerful performances, especially from Viggo Mortensen, resonated with him. Despite not initially realizing the film's comic book origins, Gunn praises its emotional depth and well‑executed action sequences. He acknowledges Cronenberg's talent for revealing the darker side of humanity while maintaining a striking aesthetic appeal.
2. Superman (1978)
The iconic "Superman" directed by Richard Donner comes in at number two. Gunn highlights the film's personal significance to him, as it played a pivotal role in shaping his love for movies during his childhood. He appreciates Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman, emphasizing the character's playfulness and the joy he finds in helping others. Gunn also commends the film's simplicity, its faithful adaptation of the comic book costume, and the magical atmosphere created by the well-crafted sets, such as the Fortress of Solitude.
1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Topping Gunn's list is the animated film "Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse." Gunn believes it to be the epitome of a superhero movie, praising its flawless execution in all aspects. He commands the film's incredible action sequences, emotional depth, exceptional voice acting, and well-crafted storytelling. Gunn admires how "Into the Spider‑Verse" successfully explores the multiverse concept, demonstrating careful attention to detail and avoiding the common pitfalls of complex narratives. Furthermore, the film's impact has inspired Gunn's aspiration to create high-quality animation that rivals live-action films.
Honorable Mentions
Gunn acknowledges several other movies that almost made the cut, including "Deadpool 2," "Iron Man," "V for Vendetta," and "Spider‑Man: Homecoming." Although these films didn't make it into his top five, he expresses admiration for their outstanding qualities and the impact they've had on the genre.
