While writer/director James Gunn is wrapping up his version of Superman, we thought we would take a look at his past works. Gunn loves a good ensemble cast as evidenced in a lot of his movies and TV series. Just take a look at his Guardians of the Galaxy or his Suicide Squad. But he has more in his catalog than just directing superheroes. He has written a few horror movies too.
Gunn is from St. Louis, Missouri, and has an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University, although he has been writing and making movies since he was a kid. While still in college, he began working with Troma Films where he wrote Tromeo and Juliet, an ultra-violent and sexy take on the Shakespeare classic.
He has a penchant for creating unconventional characters and often uses scenes of graphic violence as a director. But his written works are also horror classics. Still, whether he is directing a film or writing a screenplay his signature is all over it.
Take for instance the first film on this list, the remake of Thir13ten Ghosts. It has an assembly of men and women maneuvering through a haunted house. Not only is the cast of characters large but so is his cast of ghosts — 13 of them, each with a unique backstory.
We thought we would honor Gunn by showcasing seven films he has written (he did direct Slither). There might be some surprising titles, but all of them are enjoyable and worth a watch. If you need help locating the movies on the list check out JustWatch and it will lead you in the right direction.
Thir13en Ghosts (2001) Written By
When Cyrus Kriticos, a very rich collector of unique things, dies, he leaves his house, fortune, and his prized collection of ghosts.
Scooby-Doo (2002) Written By
After an acrimonious break-up, the Mystery Inc. gang is individually brought to an island resort to investigate strange goings on.
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004) Written By
The Mystery Inc. gang must save Coolsville from an attack of their past monsters brought to life by an evil masked figure trying to take down the gang.
Dawn of the Dead (2004) Written By
A nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman, and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.
Slither (2006) Written/Directed
A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters.
The Belko Experiment (2016) Written By
In a twisted social experiment, eighty Americans are locked in their high-rise corporate office in Bogotá, Colombia, and ordered by an unknown voice coming from the company’s intercom system to participate in a deadly game of kill or be killed.
Tromeo and Juliet (1996) Written By
Tromeo, a filmmaker, falls in love with Juliet, the daughter of a former partner who tried to steal his business from him.
