Guy Ritchie, an English filmmaker renowned for his unique take on crime stories, has built a distinctive reputation in the film world by blending sharp dialogue, comedic moments, and intricate characters—a style that secures his place among genre masters. This list ranks the best films directed by Guy Ritchie, spotlighting the movies every fan and newcomer alike should see, from bold debuts to crowd-pleasers that continue to shape the cinematic landscape.
Exploring Guy Ritchie’s Directorial Signature
Ritchie established his name with innovative crime capers interwoven with humor and multiple intersecting plots, later expanding his reach to both original stories and high-profile franchises, such as Sherlock Holmes and Aladdin. His influence is not limited to the big screen; projects like MobLand on Paramount+ and The Gentlemen on Netflix showcase his television prowess. Frequently compared to Quentin Tarantino, Ritchie’s storytelling captivates audiences worldwide and continues to surprise both critics and glassy-eyed movie lovers.
10. Aladdin (2019)
Starring Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith, Marwan Kenzari, and Navid Negahban, Aladdin marks Ritchie’s entry into Disney’s lineup of live-action remakes. Choosing to take on such a well-loved original was a risk, especially given the film’s legacy and iconic musical moments. Aladdin, released in 2019, went on to gross over $1 billion worldwide, outperforming most other Disney adaptations and surprising skeptics with its reception.
The casting brings an energetic dynamic to the screen: Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott imbue Aladdin and Jasmine with charisma, while Will Smith’s Genie provides a fresh, entertaining spin on a classic role, often dominating scenes with his performance. The production dazzles with vibrant set designs and costumes, ensuring the familiar tale feels both grand and contemporary. Aladdin is available to stream on Disney+, allowing new generations to enjoy Ritchie’s lively take on this classic adventure.
9. Sherlock Holmes Duology (2009, 2011)
Ritchie’s vision for Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, and Eddie Marsan, injects fresh energy into Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective. The first film and its sequel, A Game of Shadows, debuted in 2009 and 2011, offering audiences a grittier and action-focused look at Holmes and Watson’s investigative partnership.
Instead of following the path set out by adaptations such as the BBC series featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, Ritchie emphasizes fast-paced sequences and physical confrontations. The inaugural film sees Holmes confronting occult murders and battling Lord Henry Blackwood, with the direct continuation pitting the detective against the infamous Professor Moriarty. The storytelling and chemistry between Downey Jr. and Jude Law heighten the suspense, while their partnership cements this duology as a standout interpretation. Both films are accessible via HBO Max and video-on-demand services.
8. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023)
The 2023 war film Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant features Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Emily Beecham, and Alexander Ludwig. Although not rooted in historic events, the film focuses on the plight of Afghan interpreters working with U.S. Army units during the Afghanistan war, spotlighting their sacrifices and struggles in a Hollywood-driven, action-heavy style.
Dar Salim stands out for his portrayal of Ahmed, an interpreter who must survive alongside U.S. soldier John Kinley, played by Gyllenhaal, following an ambush by the Taliban. The film does not present a documentary-like realism but instead prioritizes high-octane action, relentless pacing, and a strong emotional core. Through its dramatized lens, The Covenant still shines a light on real-world issues faced by interpreters left vulnerable after American withdrawal. Audiences can watch this intense thriller on Amazon Prime Video.
7. Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, released in 2023, stars Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett, Aubrey Plaza, Hugh Grant, and Cary Elwes. Shifting gears from straightforward crime to playfully meta action-comedy, the film leverages a globe-trotting spy plot. Jason Statham plays elite agent Orson Fortune, tasked with stopping an arms deal by infiltrating the network of powerful criminal Greg Simmonds, portrayed by Hugh Grant.
To reach Simmonds, Fortune and his team recruit the arms dealer’s favorite actor, Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett), resulting in comedic clashes and clever scenarios. Aubrey Plaza’s presence adds a sharp wit to the team dynamic. The chemistry between these actors brings out the best of Ritchie’s clever scripting, making the film a standout among his less-publicized works. Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is available for streaming on Peacock.
6. Wrath of Man (2021)
Starring Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett, Holt McCallany, Rocci Boy Williams, and Jeffrey Donovan, Wrath of Man was released in 2021 as a gritty fusion of a heist film and a revenge thriller. The plot centers on H, played by Statham, a mysterious new hire at the Fortico security company tasked with guarding armored trucks. Over a structure divided into four acts, H’s motives for joining the company gradually come to light, revealing his quest for vengeance.
Ritchie’s direction amplifies the tension with a brooding musical score and expertly shot action sequences. The supporting cast includes solid performances from Josh Hartnett and Holt McCallany. Wrath of Man is often considered one of Statham’s underappreciated outings and has been praised for its tightly-paced narrative and the filmmaker’s trademark use of suspenseful atmosphere. Viewers can stream the film on MGM+ and Tubi.
5. RocknRolla (2008)
RocknRolla, with an ensemble cast featuring Gerard Butler, Idris Elba, Toby Kebbell, Thandiwe Newton, and Tom Hardy, encapsulates the no-holds-barred style that defines the best films directed by Guy Ritchie. The film’s London setting provides a backdrop for a wild tale of criminals, real estate machinations, and double-crosses among thieves and mobsters.
Gerard Butler’s crew plots to steal money from a transaction between mob kingpin Lenny Cole and Russian oligarch Uri Omovich, while the latter’s presumed-dead rockstar son Johnny Quid complicates matters even further. The movie stands out for its energetic soundtrack, rapid-fire dialogue, and memorable moments, including a stylish dance sequence between Butler and Newton. It captures Ritchie’s exuberant approach to crime storytelling and criminal subculture. RocknRolla is widely regarded as a cult favorite.
4. The Gentlemen (2019)
The Gentlemen, brought to the screen in 2019, boasts a stellar cast—Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Hugh Grant, Henry Golding, and Colin Farrell. This film returns to Ritchie’s crime story roots, presenting a clever, layered narrative filled with colorful personalities. Hugh Grant’s character, Fletcher, narrates the tale as a shifty private investigator who attempts to blackmail Raymond, the right-hand man of cannabis kingpin Mickey Pearson, played by McConaughey.
As Fletcher unfurls details about a looming sale of Mickey’s empire, numerous interested parties—including gangsters, Triad operatives, and Raymond’s resourceful crew—vie for a stake. Colin Farrell’s role as Coach, who wrangles a tough gang of YouTube misfits known as “The Toddlers,” adds levity and unpredictability to the escalating plot. The Gentlemen remains available for streaming on Netflix and is praised for its dynamic script and ensemble performances.
3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
In 2015, Ritchie released The Man From U.N.C.L.E., revitalizing the 1960s TV series in the form of a stylish spy adventure. Led by Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, and Hugh Grant, the story follows American agent Napoleon Solo and Soviet operative Illya Kuryakin as Cold War rivals forced to team up against a nuclear threat.
Cavill and Hammer’s sharp on-screen chemistry delivers a balance of humor and tension, providing audiences with moments that are both thrilling and amusing. The film’s action sequences are tightly choreographed, and the period setting is recreated in high style. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. channels the spirit of classic Bond movies, offering a fun, sophisticated homage to vintage espionage tales. Audiences can watch this film on Netflix.
2. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Ritchie’s directorial debut, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, arrived in 1998 and quickly achieved classic status within British crime cinema. The cast, including Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, Dexter Fletcher, Jason Flemyng, and Nick Moran, introduces audiences to a group of friends who are swindled out of their money in a rigged poker game by crime lord ‘Hatchet’ Harry Lonsdale.
With their pub on the line and a mounting debt threatening their future, the quartet embarks on a wild scheme to repay their creditor, leading to a series of chaotic mishaps in London’s criminal underworld. The film’s stylized editing and sharp wit caught the attention of both critics and the public, launching Statham’s action career and establishing Ritchie’s signature voice. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels remains a defining moment for the director and his cast.
1. Snatch (2000)
At the top of the list is Snatch, Guy Ritchie’s 2000 film that combines criminal exploits and biting humor in a seamless mix. The ensemble cast features Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Benicio del Toro, and Vinnie Jones. Pitt’s performance as the barely-understandable Irish boxer, Mickey O’Neil, has become iconic, adding an eccentric flair to a film brimming with memorable characters.
The main plot follows the chaos that erupts after the theft of a massive diamond by Franky Four-Fingers (Benicio del Toro). With various criminal factions scrambling to claim the prize, the narrative also tracks Statham’s Turkish, who is entangled in the world of fixed boxing matches with Pitt’s Mickey. The film satirizes criminal tropes, winks at criticisms of Ritchie’s earlier work, and delivers relentless entertainment through its twisty storytelling and colorful cast of London rogues. Snatch remains a beloved favorite and a high-water mark in Ritchie’s filmography.
Why Guy Ritchie’s Films Continue to Resonate
Guy Ritchie’s filmography, from breakout hits like Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to successful reimaginings such as Aladdin and Sherlock Holmes, demonstrates an embrace of bold storytelling and a flair for the unexpected. His movies remain highly influential, winning over audiences with energetic casts—including Matthew McConaughey, Jason Statham, Hugh Grant, Brad Pitt, and Robert Downey Jr.—and intricate plotlines that set a high bar for the modern crime genre. As he explores new projects in both TV and film, Ritchie’s legacy endures, captivating viewers and keeping the best films directed by Guy Ritchie at the forefront of cinematic conversation.
