Every Guy Ritchie Movie, Ranked

This article was initially released on May 10, 2021. Since then, Ritchie has kept himself occupied, leading us to continually expand our list with each new film. This includes his most recent heist movie for Apple TV+ titled “Fountain of Youth.

As a cinephile, I find it truly baffling to navigate the career path of Guy Ritchie – a director whose work ranges from the quirky and seemingly illogical, to the downright surreal. It’s mind-boggling that the man behind “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels” shares the same stratosphere as the one who brought us “Aladdin.” And let’s not even get started on the movie he made with his then-spouse, Madonna!

In my perspective, Ritchie’s dynamic and masculine approach to filmmaking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, yet it’s astonishing how he’s managed to adapt seamlessly to large-scale Hollywood productions, from the Sherlock Holmes series to Aladdin, his most successful venture so far. This transition makes sense because Ritchie’s films, even the good ones, are less about narrative depth and more about creating a sensory experience, an artistry for the sake of artistry. While this can sometimes be a bit mindless, at his best, he delivers a thrilling cinematic rush… though it might come with a few lost brain cells in the process. He truly knows how to make a movie pulse, and that’s valuable, even when you’re transforming Will Smith into a blue genie. His career path isn’t traditional, but as I see it, he’s making a living doing what he loves.

Here, a ranking of Ritchie’s films, from worst to best.

16. Swept Away (2002)

Discussing the intense media interest in Madonna’s marriage to the British director, and the challenge of recreating Lina Wertmüller’s controversial 1974 film with a global celebrity like Madonna, Ritchie could have crafted an exceptional movie. However, given that Swept Away is far from perfect, you can imagine the response it received. Most of the negative criticism was directed at Madonna, but it’s worth noting that she wasn’t brilliant in this role. What stands out most is how uninspired and lifeless Ritchie’s script and direction are for a project supposedly close to his heart. One would expect a movie made by a married couple to have some energy, but Swept Away is as dull as any film Ritchie has ever made. It’s not the worst film ever produced, but for much of its runtime, it certainly feels that way.

15. Revolver (2005)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=DNXtExBM-KM

Madonna and Ritchie’s relationship endured for over eight years, resulting in two seemingly content, beautiful children. However, the films produced during this period were less than impressive. While not as bad as “Swept Away,” “Revolver” might be more grating due to Ritchie’s attempt to merge the gritty masculinity of his initial films with his newfound fascination with Kabbalah philosophy. The outcome is a chaotic crime thriller where gangsters discuss topics like self, ego, and soul, only to abruptly shift scenes featuring other gangsters discussing the same topics. It seems as though “Revolver” was deliberately confusing, and it’s unclear what Ritchie intended to achieve with this movie. After recognizing his misstep, Ritchie appeared to dedicate much of his subsequent career to making audiences forget about “Revolver.” Was he successful? That’s debatable.

14. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

In the era where almost every established piece of intellectual property was being transformed into franchises, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword serves as a symbol of the drawbacks associated with such an approach. The protagonist, Arthur (played by Charlie Hunnam), finds himself propelled towards greatness in a manner reminiscent of Maximus Decimus Meridius from Gladiator, after his evil uncle (portrayed by Jude Law) seizes control of the kingdom following the death of his father. The film incorporates some of Guy Ritchie’s signature style, but mostly delivers the same tired elements that are carelessly blended together when a studio perceives a new cinematic universe – a gritty reboot combined with a dark origin story, setting the stage for the anticipated sequel. (One can only imagine the Round Table in part two!) Warner Bros., which previously entrusted Ritchie with a similar task for Sherlock Holmes, likely expected another success. However, this film failed to meet expectations, effectively halting any prospects of additional installments. More dishearteningly, it appeared as though Ritchie was attempting to conjure a blockbuster; he has seldom seemed so conscious in his creative process.

13. Fountain of Youth (2025)

We’ve grown accustomed to the Netflix series “Laundry Folding Streaming Service Movie,” where we watch familiar faces performing vague actions that seem vaguely familiar when we glance up from what we’re doing. Apple TV is attempting to keep pace with this, showcasing a star-studded film that feels like a black hole of talent. The dialogue in this movie is heavy on exposition, delivered with the enthusiasm of someone reading iPhone update terms and conditions. Actors like John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Stanley Tucci, and even Domhnall Gleeson, who has become more intriguing as he’s aged, all appear bored stiff. This feeling is echoed in Ritchie’s direction, which seems to aim for a monotonous style, removing any hint of his unique personality or creative flair from each scene. Compared to the diluted version of Indiana Jones, this feels more like a watered-down National Treasure. It appears that Ritchie is now able to receive these blank checks from Apple to make a blank movie. But this could be a concerning sign: The original Ritchie seems to have vanished completely.

12. Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=W8Sqk1GcqxY

To put it simply, the idea of Ritchie directing a Bond film isn’t entirely unappealing, but unfortunately, this delayed and secretive production seems to have fallen flat on arrival, with Jason Statham appearing lethargic and uninterested in a monotonous heist plot that never manages to shake off its drowsiness. Hugh Grant makes an effort with a Cockney accent as the antagonist, but the main character’s storyline fails to take flight, possibly because the leading actor is Josh Hartnett, who isn’t widely recognized as a major player in films. Ritchie’s dialogue in this film feels uninspired, suggesting he was more focused on establishing a franchise rather than creating a standalone movie (which doesn’t succeed). It’s surprising that Aubrey Plaza could be so uninteresting in a film, but somehow, she manages it.

11. Aladdin (2019)

Following the disappointing performance of his King Arthur film, it’s not hard to see why Ritchie might choose a guaranteed success for his next project. However, this explanation doesn’t diminish the surprise or disappointment felt upon learning he would be directing a live-action Aladdin, or watching the final product. This remake of the ’90s blockbuster falls into the category of tolerably average movies and shares a common problem with many Disney reboots: it reproduces the original plot but lacks the same enchantment. Despite its lavish production, this Aladdin remake feels as expensive as it undoubtedly was to produce. Will Smith provides a mildly charming portrayal of the genie, but the rest of the cast struggles to leave an impression. Ritchie’s efforts to amplify the spectacle and humor fall short. In contrast to his best work, which often features gritty characters, this Disney film lacks the necessary edge. (It’s worth noting that its creative constraints didn’t seem to hinder its box office success: it grossed $1.1 billion.)

10. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

In contrast to “The Gentlemen” (his 2019 film) or “The Gentlemen” (his 2024 Netflix series inspired by his 2019 film), “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” transports us back to World War II. During this period, the British recruited a group of misfits, criminals, and rogues for a secret mission in Nazi-occupied Africa, with the aim of sabotaging some boats. This mediocre action-comedy is spearheaded by Henry Cavill, who, as shown in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”, possesses the ideal cocky/charming demeanor for such extravagant tomfoolery. However, beyond his impressive facial hair, his character is utterly unremarkable. The same criticism applies to the rest of the cast, who all seem to be vying for a role in a Quentin Tarantino film. Regardless of one’s opinion on Tarantino, it must be acknowledged that his genre twists and audacious tangents are more vibrant and imaginative than anything Ritchie offers here. An alternative title could be “Indistinguishable Basterds”.

9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Ritchie, inherently, is a person who goes all out, and sequels in a series often aim to surpass the initial release. So, it’s no surprise that A Game of Shadows was quite an extravaganza, even more so than the already expansive first part, but not necessarily superior. The absence of Rachel McAdams’s humorous flair was regrettable; she barely appears in the movie. Jared Harris delivers a captivating Moriarty, and Downey and Law continue to exude their brotherly camaraderie, yet Ritchie’s reinvention of Sherlock Holmes began to feel somewhat repetitive in this second installment. Given that he produced two films back-to-back, it’s understandable that he wouldn’t make another for four years – a break would be necessary to rejuvenate his creative energy.

8. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=02PPMPArNEQ

In Guy Ritchie’s film “The Covenant,” one wouldn’t expect deep explorations of human nature, but instead, it offers a moving tale about an American soldier (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his Afghan interpreter (Dar Salim), who form a friendship. However, the American later discovers the mistreatment of locals by his government, who had risked their lives to aid the U.S. during occupation. This is a significant story that needs to be told, but it’s worth noting that the movie excels more in areas where Ritchie is comfortable – namely, explosive action sequences. Regarding character development or political commentary, the film seems less assured. Additionally, the title “The Covenant” may give an impression of seriousness and authorial pride that hasn’t been fully earned yet.

7. RocknRolla (2008)

In the movie “RocknRolla,” directed by Guy Ritchie during his marriage with Madonna, it appears as if he intentionally aimed to simplify his filmmaking style. This translates into gathering a group of British actors for some classic British gangster action, which, while not particularly innovative, seems like Ritchie reminding himself the ropes of movie-making after the less successful films “Swept Away” and “Revolver.” Despite its lack of originality, the film benefits greatly from the outstanding performances of stars such as Tom Wilkinson, Gerard Butler, Mark Strong, Idris Elba, Toby Kebbell, Thandiwe Newton, and Tom Hardy. The character played by Hardy is named “Handsome Bob.” Despite its familiarity, one can sense Ritchie regaining his confidence and feeling more like himself again. Essentially, “RocknRolla” seems like an attempt to prove he’s ready for bigger projects, and it certainly succeeded in that regard.

6. Wrath of Man (2021)

If you’ve only seen the trailers for this Jason Statham thriller, which suggest an exhilarating return to theaters for both Ritchie and Statham, you might expect a playful, action-packed rollercoaster ride. However, what may come as a surprise is that “Wrath of Man” is quite serious and grim. This isn’t your typical Ritchie comedy; instead, it’s a hard-boiled revenge tale where Statham portrays a father seeking vengeance against the men who killed his teenage son. The movie initially presents a humorous setup, but soon abandons Ritchie’s usual witty dialogue and jokes. In essence, “Wrath of Man” is Ritchie’s take on “Heat,” a crime drama centered around a relentless, tormented protagonist who won’t rest until those who have wronged him are brought to justice. Ritchie infuses the project with a somber professionalism and complex narrative structure, along with an impressive cast including Andy Garcia, Holt McCallany, Scott Eastwood, Josh Hartnett, and Jeffrey Donovan. While the movie isn’t particularly innovative, it is competently executed and engaging, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

5. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=J7nJksXDBWc

Previously, Sherlock Holmes was generally depicted as a clever, witty, somewhat refined detective, not one who could be a tough boxer. However, director Guy Ritchie transformed this image in the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes” by casting Robert Downey Jr., who portrayed a Holmes capable of both quick thinking and powerful fists. The movie employed slow motion to let us listen to Holmes’s mental calculations as he, for example, planned his moves in a boxing match. At the time, Downey was on the rise due to his role in “Iron Man,” and “Sherlock Holmes” came out perfectly, showcasing his muscular physique and sharp humor. Jude Law also delivered an excellent performance as Watson.

Although this version of Sherlock Holmes is too exaggerated and loud to truly capture the subtlety of Arthur Conan Doyle’s character, it remains entertaining and somewhat forgettable. Nevertheless, it was intriguing to watch Ritchie, who hadn’t worked with such a large budget before, going all out in his direction.

4. The Gentlemen (2019)

Discussing the film “RocknRolla“, Roger Ebert noted that British actors have a fondness for portraying gangsters similar to how American actors enjoy playing cowboys, and “The Gentlemen” reinforces this trend, noticeably with Charlie Hunnam and Henry Golding stepping into roles previously held by Mark Strong and Idris Elba. This time around, Matthew McConaughey and Jeremy Strong also join the cast. The movie seems to echo Ritchie’s familiar themes, but he appears more confident this time, less driven to demonstrate his skills. The outcome is almost… well, not exactly laid-back, but certainly comfortable in its own skin. It’s likely that Ritchie will continue making films like this when he’s 94 years old.

3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4K4Iv_N9Nno

For quite some time, a modern reinterpretation of the 1960s spy series struggled to progress, with Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney initially planning an adaptation before stepping away. Later, Ritchie took over the project and produced a stylish, visually appealing Cold War adventure starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer as mismatched agents who must collaborate to thwart an underground criminal network. They ally with the daughter of a missing scientist, leading to secret identities, deceptions, and numerous fashionable attires. Given its release in August, often considered a dumping ground for studios, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was initially perceived as a flop before it even premiered. (To be fair, Ritchie might not match up to Soderbergh’s caliber.) Consequently, this remake has been praised in certain circles, seen as unfairly criticized and applauded for its entertaining cast. (Additionally, Elizabeth Debicki portrays a sophisticated Nazi character.) Not a catastrophe nor an overlooked masterpiece, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. showcases Ritchie enjoying himself immensely with the retro material, infusing the 1960s atmosphere with modern action sequences. In essence, it’s a bit superficial and transient, but you won’t feel guilty giving it a watch on a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

2. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

When Guy Ritchie introduced his directorial skills with this audacious, rowdy crime comedy, it was frequently likened to “Trainspotting” and the works of Quentin Tarantino. Interestingly enough, Ritchie expressed no interest whatsoever in Danny Boyle at the time, stating he hadn’t seen “Reservoir Dogs,” adding that he was now past the point of being too afraid to watch it. He also wasn’t very complimentary about another British crime film, “The Krays,” calling it terrible and claiming if he had made it, he would have produced a superior film. Such blunt remarks are characteristic of a confident up-and-comer aiming to conquer the world – much like “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels” flips off your refined sensibilities by presenting a group of gangsters, crooks, lowlifes, and card sharps who exchange barbs when they’re not doling out violence. It’s a heist movie where the ambiance and attitude take center stage – and it’s clear that Ritchie had an eye for discovering talent. Vinnie Jones and Statham made their debut here, and in essence, so did a particular genre of macho British crime movies that would capture global attention and make Ritchie a familiar name.

1. Snatch (2000)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=uJvUpFNRE0I

The film “Snatch” was highly praised upon release, yet it faced criticism for being too much like the movie “Barrels,” even sharing similar plot elements. Over two decades later, it became apparent that all Guy Ritchie’s crime films were essentially variations of a common theme, with “Snatch” arguably representing the quintessential expression of his creative vision. The film is filled with vibrant characters boasting eccentric names (“Mullet,” “Brick Top,” “Doug the Head”), engaging in wild brawls and finding themselves in precarious predicaments, often proving too dim-witted to escape.

“Snatch” stands out as Ritchie’s funniest and most energetic film, with the least self-conscious approach. The director is essentially pushing his creative limits, and that’s commendable. Moreover, the film introduces Brad Pitt’s character, Mickey O’Neil, who was not part of the original script. Due to Pitt’s inability to master a London accent, O’Neil speaks in mumbled gibberish, leaving audiences in awe as he demolishes everyone around him. Despite being illogical and nonsensical, O’Neil, the “pikey,” is a delightful character to watch on screen.

2025-05-28 01:59