James Gunn’s Movies Ranked by Box Office Success

James Gunn has carved a unique path in Hollywood, blending quirky humor, heartfelt storytelling, and bold visuals across his films. From low-budget horror-comedy to blockbuster superhero spectacles, his work spans genres and budgets, captivating audiences with distinct style.

We dive into his feature films as a director, ranking them by their worldwide box office earnings. Each entry highlights what makes these movies stand out, from their casts to their cultural impact, using box office data as our guide.

7. Super (2010)

Budget: $2.5 million
Box Office: $593,933

‘Super’ is Gunn’s scrappy, low-budget take on the superhero genre, starring Rainn Wilson as a vigilante cook turned crime-fighter. Its gritty, offbeat tone and dark humor didn’t pull huge crowds, but it built a cult following for its raw charm.

The film’s modest earnings reflect its niche appeal and limited release. Despite this, Wilson’s heartfelt performance and Gunn’s bold storytelling laid the groundwork for his later, bigger successes.

6. Slither (2006)

Budget: $15 million
Box Office: $12.8 million

Gunn’s directorial debut, ‘Slither’, is a horror-comedy gem starring Nathan Fillion and Elizabeth Banks, where a small town battles alien parasites. Its gruesome yet funny vibe earned critical praise but struggled to find a wide audience.

The box office numbers show its niche status, as the film’s quirky tone and modest marketing kept it under the radar. Still, ‘Slither’ remains a beloved starting point for Gunn’s signature blend of heart and weirdness.

5. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Budget: $185 million
Box Office: $168.7 million

‘The Suicide Squad’ brought Gunn’s wild energy to DC’s antihero team, with stars like Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena. Its R-rated action and chaotic humor thrilled fans, but the global pandemic and streaming release on HBO Max hurt its theatrical run.

Despite strong reviews, the film’s box office fell short of its hefty budget. Gunn’s vision shone through, though, making it a standout for its bold characters and over-the-top action.

4. Superman (2025)

Budget: $225 million
Box Office: $337.2 million (as of June 20, 2025)

Gunn’s ‘Superman’ reboot, featuring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, aimed to refresh the iconic hero for a new era. With a stellar cast including Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, it blended hope and action but faced mixed reception.

Its box office, reported as of June 20, 2025, shows solid performance but not the runaway success of Gunn’s Marvel work. The film’s ambitious scope and high expectations set a challenging bar.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Budget: $195.9 million (net)
Box Office: $773.4 million

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ launched Gunn into blockbuster fame, turning Marvel’s obscure space heroes into household names. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, and a talking raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) brought humor and heart to a cosmic adventure.

The film’s massive earnings reflect its universal appeal, catchy soundtrack, and fresh take on superhero storytelling. It proved Gunn could handle big budgets while keeping his quirky voice.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Budget: $250 million
Box Office: $845.6 million

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ wrapped Gunn’s trilogy with an emotional bang, diving deeper into Rocket’s backstory while balancing action and humor. The returning cast, including Pratt and Saldaña, delivered a heartfelt farewell.

Its strong box office shows we couldn’t get enough of these misfits. Despite a higher budget, the film’s emotional depth and visual flair made it a global hit.

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

Budget: $200 million
Box Office: $869 million

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ tops the list, expanding the cosmic crew’s adventures with more humor, dazzling visuals, and family drama. Kurt Russell’s addition as Star-Lord’s dad added star power to an already beloved cast.

The film’s box office success reflects its ability to build on the first film’s popularity, delivering bigger action and deeper emotions. Gunn’s knack for blending heart and spectacle made it his biggest earner.

Which James Gunn film is your top pick, or is there a hidden gem we should revisit? Share your thoughts in the comments!