James Gunn’s favorite films considered close to perfect have sparked conversation among movie fans after he shared his list of top picks, revealing the movies he believes come closest to cinematic perfection. Gunn, celebrated for his work in the Marvel universe and unique indie projects, revealed the six films he holds in extraordinarily high regard, highlighting his eclectic taste in storytelling and filmmaking.
James Gunn’s Unique Perspective on Cinema
Although audiences often tie James Gunn to blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, he has demonstrated a deep appreciation for cinema in all its forms. Known to many for his work on Scooby Doo: Monsters Unleashed and his ability to craft memorable cinematic moments—such as Velma’s unforgettable costume scene—Gunn’s choices reflect his broad view of what makes a movie truly outstanding. His varied background, spanning from large-scale comic adaptations to indie films that elevated his career, gives weight to the list of films he deems
“as close to perfect as humanly possible.”
The Six Films James Gunn Considers Near-Perfect
On social media, James Gunn spontaneously named six movies he believes reach near perfection, each representing a different style and era of filmmaking.
1. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Gunn began his list with Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle. This film, directed by and starring Chow, features two small-time criminals aspiring to join the infamous Axe Gang in 1940s Shanghai. Distinguished by its wild imagination and unrestrained comedic energy, Kung Fu Hustle pushes the boundaries of genre, blending martial arts prowess with slapstick comedy in a way that sets it apart from other films of its decade.
2. The Long Goodbye (1973)
Next, Gunn highlighted his respect for Robert Altman’s work, especially The Long Goodbye. The film acts as a satirical reimagining of classic Los Angeles film noir. Elliott Gould stars as a relaxed detective threading his way through a world of intrigue and corruption, while maintaining a quirky detachment that brings humor to the narrative. With its unique tone, the film remains both stylish and resonant many decades after its release.
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Gunn’s list continued with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the celebrated romantic drama starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Known for its unconventional approach to the struggles of heartbreak and memory, the film portrays the painful and ultimately human effort to move past love lost while confronting the raw stages of emotional healing. Its visual inventiveness and emotional honesty have earned it a special place in contemporary cinema.
4. Mother (2009)
In a nod to international filmmaking, Gunn included Bong Joon-ho’s Mother, a film that has garnered a passionate following for its intense storytelling and highly original approach to its genre. The story’s complexity and the depth of the central character mark it as a standout accomplishment in Bong’s acclaimed body of work, which Gunn found deeply impressive.
5. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Gunn also praised Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, a movie often cited as an all-time classic. Its sweeping portrayal of the Corleone family’s rise and moral decline is told with epic gravitas, providing a benchmark for cinematic craftsmanship and storytelling depth. The film’s enduring influence was not lost on Gunn as he placed it among his
“as close to perfect as possible”
choices.
6. Bob & Carole & Ted & Alice (1969)
Rounding out the list is Paul Mazursky’s Bob & Carole & Ted & Alice. Set at the cusp of the 1970s during a period of cultural change, the movie explores two couples as they navigate the evolving boundaries of relationships and social norms. Playful, curious, and thought-provoking, it captures both the challenges and liberations of questioning traditional monogamy and redefining personal connections at a transformative moment in modern history.
The Lasting Influence of Gunn’s Film Selection
By naming these titles, James Gunn not only reveals his cinephilic side but also shares a personal roadmap to understanding the artistry and entertainment he values most. Through his admiration for filmmakers like Stephen Chow, Robert Altman, Bong Joon-ho, Francis Ford Coppola, and Paul Mazursky, Gunn encourages audiences to look beyond mainstream hits and discover the diversity of voices that shape cinematic history. His declaration of these films as being
“as close to perfect as humanly possible”
demonstrates the power of movies to inspire, entertain, and challenge viewers across generations.
Gunn’s selection stands as both a recommendation and a tribute to film as an evolving art form, offering insight into the standards that drive his own creative process. These six movies each present unique perspectives, reminding audiences of the endless possibilities of cinema and the mastery that can emerge when filmmakers are fearless in their vision.
