Every Guillermo del Toro Movie, Ranked

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This list was first published in 2021. Guillermo del Toro’s film, *Frankenstein*, is currently playing in select theaters.

Seeing Guillermo del Toro win those Oscars – Best Director and Best Picture at the 90th Academy Awards – felt different, honestly. Everyone up on that stage clearly loves film, but with Guillermo, it’s just…more. He always seems like a huge fan himself, genuinely thrilled to even *be* working in Hollywood, and his smile when accepting Best Picture was incredible. But it wasn’t just excitement; he also spoke so humbly about joining the legacy of all the amazing directors who’ve won before him. It’s not just that other people *like* movies – Guillermo truly *lives* and breathes them, and that really came through.

I’ve always loved how Guillermo del Toro clearly pours his lifelong obsession with monsters and fantasy into everything he makes. He *knows* movies, like, really knows them. Sometimes that can mean his films feel a little too packed with nods to other films, losing some of their own spark. But when he’s on, he’s incredible – he blends beautiful, artistic filmmaking with genuinely fun, exciting stories. What I admire most is how he’s championed genres like horror and fantasy, which were often dismissed by critics for so long. He’s really proven they deserve to be taken seriously, and that’s a huge gift to cinema, especially for a fan like me.

Ranking Guillermo del Toro’s films is tricky. It’s not just about choosing the ‘best’ ones—it reveals what kind of fan you are. Do you prefer his artistic, foreign-language films like *Pan’s Labyrinth* and *The Devil’s Backbone*? Or do you enjoy his over-the-top action movies like *Pacific Rim* and the *Hellboy* films? And how do you feel about his take on *Frankenstein*? We all connect with different del Toro films in different ways, and that’s a testament to his talent – there are many ways to appreciate his work.

13.
Mimic (1997)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=IHbIf3K5pdc

As a huge Guillermo del Toro fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the story behind *Mimic*. Apparently, it was a really difficult experience for him – his first big studio film, with the Weinsteins at Dimension Films, and he didn’t have final cut. He actually said dealing with his father’s kidnapping was *easier* than making that movie! It’s not a *bad* film, exactly. You can definitely see his signature visual style and there’s some genuinely creepy stuff, beyond the typical bug horror. But honestly, it feels…generic. And that’s the thing – del Toro is anything *but* generic. The director’s cut, released later, is a little better, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the experience. It’s a shame, because even a slightly compromised del Toro film is still interesting, but *Mimic* just doesn’t quite feel like a true del Toro movie.

12.
Blade II(2002)

Guillermo del Toro might seem like an unexpected director for a *Blade* sequel, considering the film isn’t known for being a particularly groundbreaking superhero story. However, del Toro was motivated to prove himself after the disappointing performance of *Mimic*, and he approached the project as a chance to create a genuinely enjoyable comic book movie – a relative rarity at the time – while still incorporating his distinct style. The result is a film with surprisingly creepy and elaborate monsters, hinting at the visual flair he’d later bring to bigger projects. The downside? There’s a lot of Wesley Snipes doing his signature action poses – perhaps too much.

11.
Pacific Rim (2013)

Guillermo del Toro’s most successful film, particularly internationally, is a thrilling celebration of giant robots battling massive monsters. *Pacific Rim* is set in the future where Earth is under attack by these creatures, called Kaiju, and humanity fights back with enormous machines called Jaegers, each controlled by two pilots. The film showcases both Del Toro’s strengths and weaknesses: his passion for the genre and talent for visual spectacle are clear, but the characters and plot feel underdeveloped, leaving you aware that, while watching huge robots and monsters fight is entertaining, it isn’t quite enough to sustain an entire movie.

10.
Hellboy (2004)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=cxH90rMTF0M

Looking back, it’s amusing how edgy and even risky *Hellboy* felt in 2004. Today, it’s really just a classic superhero origin story. Ron Perlman’s Hellboy is definitely rough around the edges, but he’s still a hero, and the movie shows us how he became one. While he’s not conventionally handsome, he’s no different than many heroes we see now. Guillermo del Toro clearly cares about the character, and he stages the action scenes in a way that’s both believable and thrilling. Surprisingly, despite how unusual it seemed then, this might actually be del Toro’s most straightforward film.

9.
Nightmare Alley (2021)

Guillermo del Toro enjoys working with different genres, and his remake of the 1947 film (based on a novel by William Lindsay Gresham) shows both his strengths and weaknesses as a director. The film follows a con artist (Bradley Cooper) who masters the art of mentalism. Del Toro directs it with a clear love for classic film noir, creating a visually rich and atmospheric experience with striking sets and a dark, cynical mood. It’s so beautifully made, however, that it takes a while to notice the story and characters aren’t quite as compelling – they often feel like familiar clichés. Following his acclaimed film *The Shape of Water*, *Nightmare Alley* suggests del Toro is entering a more serious phase in his career, exploring themes of greed and corruption, but it doesn’t have the same energy as some of his previous movies.

8.
Crimson Peak (2015)

Guillermo del Toro’s *Crimson Peak* is a visually stunning and atmospheric haunted-house story, clearly a passion project for the director. The film features a standout performance from Jessica Chastain as Lucille, the unnerving sister of a weak-willed man (Tom Hiddleston) who marries a naive writer named Edith (Mia Wasikowska). While the plot revolves around Edith discovering ghosts in her new home, the film is more about creating a chilling, turn-of-the-century atmosphere. Chastain’s subtly playful performance adds to the creeping horror, and she fully embraces her villainous role, delivering a deliciously over-the-top performance, especially in the film’s dramatic finale. Ultimately, *Crimson Peak* prioritizes style and atmosphere over a straightforward story.

7.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

The first movie didn’t achieve blockbuster success, but it gained a dedicated following, which allowed director Guillermo del Toro – after gaining recognition for *Pan’s Labyrinth* – to create a sequel exactly as he envisioned. And he really delivered! The sequel abandons most of the slow and confusing plot of the original, diving headfirst into a wildly imaginative world. The result is a fantastic film that’s even better than the first – you might not even need to watch the original at all. The troll market scene is a stunning display of creativity, and the movie is playful and lighthearted enough to include a bit of Barry Manilow. Del Toro truly embraced his unique vision here, and it’s a lot of fun.

6.
Cronos (1993)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=GS-sYDjuhPs

Guillermo del Toro wanted his first film, *Cronos*, to be different from all other vampire movies – he didn’t want audiences to feel sorry for the vampire. This film established two things that would become hallmarks of his career: a passion for reimagining fantasy stories and a surprising empathy for his monsters. He also showed his talent for creating detailed and believable worlds, building a mythology around a unique artifact – a beetle that grants eternal life. The artifact falls into the hands of an elderly antiques dealer (played by frequent del Toro collaborator Federico Luppi), who soon learns that immortality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Del Toro, only 28 when *Cronos* debuted at Cannes, brought a youthful creativity and a deep fascination with vampires – his film explores the wonder and terror of vampirism on a much more profound level than typical vampire stories. It also marked his first collaboration with Ron Perlman (later known for *Hellboy*), who plays a criminal trying to steal the beetle for his wealthy uncle.

5.
Frankenstein (2025)

It’s no surprise Guillermo del Toro took on Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein*. He’s known for his fascination with monsters – both real and created – and this film perfectly fits his style, embracing the gothic, the dark, and the stories of those who are misunderstood. Oscar Isaac delivers a dramatic performance as Victor Frankenstein, the arrogant scientist who wants to control life itself, and Jacob Elordi portrays the creature as a deeply troubled being longing for acceptance. This adaptation feels like a culmination of del Toro’s career, building on the fantasy stories that have always inspired his visually rich and epic films. It’s a respectful take on the original, with impressive visuals that stay true to the serious and cautionary nature of Shelley’s tale. While it’s not a groundbreaking or entirely new interpretation, it feels like del Toro has been exploring these themes throughout his entire career.

4.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)

Guillermo del Toro’s take on the classic Pinocchio story was always going to be unique, and he delivers a deeply personal and visually stunning film. This stop-motion animation is a darker, more mature version of the tale, set in Italy during the rise of fascism, and explores the harsh realities of growing up. While the film occasionally feels a bit drawn out – a testament to del Toro’s passionate decade-long involvement – it’s clear that no other director could have created such a haunting and heartfelt story. Del Toro’s *Pinocchio* beautifully examines themes of loss, family, and acceptance, culminating in one of the most emotionally resonant endings of his career. If you’re choosing between adaptations of Collodi’s story from 2022, this is the one to watch.

3.
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

Before he blew everyone away with *Pan’s Labyrinth*, Guillermo del Toro made this incredible film that blends historical drama with a genuinely spooky ghost story. *The Devil’s Backbone* is a Spanish-language movie set during the Spanish Civil War, and it takes place at an orphanage filled with kids who’ve lost everything. We follow Carlos, a new boy who has to navigate bullies and then starts sensing the presence of another boy, one who disappeared from the orphanage years before. It’s not quite as visually lush as some of his later work, but it’s a really powerful and moving film about childhood, trauma, and the impact of war – it feels like a dark, grown-up fairytale.

2.
The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro’s *The Shape of Water* is a truly original film – part love story, part monster movie, and even a bit of a musical – but it’s also distinctly *del Toro*. This Best Picture winner stars Sally Hawkins as Elise, a silent janitor working at a top-secret government lab. There, she develops a connection with a mysterious aquatic creature (Doug Jones) being held for research. Their unlikely romance sparks a thrilling adventure filled with dark humor and heartwarming moments. While longtime del Toro fans might find it a bit more mainstream than his usual work – his appeal often lies in embracing the unconventional – the film is undeniably effective. It’s a celebration of outsiders and a nostalgic nod to the golden age of studio filmmaking.

1.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=1i3oRxm8G0o

Guillermo del Toro is known for fully immersing himself in the fantastical worlds he creates, sometimes to the point of seeming disconnected from reality. What makes *Pan’s Labyrinth* so powerful is his choice to connect those imaginative elements and creatures to very real horrors. The film follows Ofelia (played wonderfully by Ivana Baquero), a young girl living with a cruel stepfather who is a military officer in post-Civil War Spain. Del Toro masterfully weaves together Ofelia’s fantasy world with the frightening realities around her, creating a truly magical experience. His creatures, like the Pale Man, are unforgettable and continue to terrify audiences, but the film never lets you forget the dangers and eventual fate awaiting Ofelia. He builds a new world, yet keeps it surprisingly connected to the scary truths of the real one.

Grierson & Leitch are frequent writers and podcasters about film. You can find them on Twitter or at their website.

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2025-10-17 17:57