guy ritchie movies | PINKVILLA

Guy Ritchie is a renowned director known for his crime films, which have garnered him a huge following since the start of his impressive career. His debut film, “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels,” was a thrilling success in the ’90s, captivating audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with its stylish and gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld. Following this triumph, he elevated his style even further with “Snatch,” a movie that showcased an international flair.

Recently, in 2023, Ritchie’s film “The Covenant” received high praise, becoming his highest-rated movie to date. His career has seen its ups and downs, but his distinctive style and approach to crime films have always resonated with his loyal fan base. Here’s his career broken down from his worst features to his best.

1. Swept Away (2002)

• Genre: Romance/Comedy
• Star Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Madonna, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Beattie, Jeanne Tripplehorn, David Thornton, Yorgo Voyagis, Ricardo Perna.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 29m
• Year of release: 2002
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 3.6/10

Swept Away, directed by Guy Ritchie, stands as his only attempt at a romantic film – a failed attempt, indeed. Madonna and Adriano Giannini’s lackluster acting and the tragically comical script make it a disaster. The story follows Amber Leighton, a wealthy, self-absorbed woman, and Giuseppe Esposito, a poor Italian sailor, stranded on a deserted island after a boating mishap. Forced to rely on each other, their relationship changes, but real-life challenges await. Sadly, there’s no redemption for this movie, earning its place among the worst movies ever made.

2. Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

• Genre: Action/Comedy
• Star Cast: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Hugh Grant, Josh Hartnett 
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 54m
• Year of release: 2023
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Ritchie and Jason Statham reunite for their fifth collaboration in this playful nod to James Bond and Mission: Impossible, but it falls short of both. Statham portrays a wine-loving British superspy who assembles a skilled team to retrieve a stolen doohickey capable of crashing the world economy. The crew includes the suave Cary Elwes as his handler, the mismatched Aubrey Plaza as tech support, and Josh Hartnett as an unwilling American actor, reluctantly embarking on their wild escapades. Hugh Grant added flair, donning a Cockney accent and clearly enjoying himself. However, lacking the trademark Ritchie style, the movie struggles to find its footing, wavering between action and comedy. Operation Fortune lands in the middle, leaving viewers undecided on its ultimate impact.

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

• Genre: Mystery/Adventure
• Star Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Rachel McAdams, Jared Harris, Stephen Fry, Paul Anderson, Kelly Reilly.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 2h 9m
• Year of release: 2011
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.4/10

In the second movie, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law) team up again to stop a cunning criminal mastermind plotting a massive terrorist attack on Europe and America. With Holmes’ unmatched detection skills, they must unveil the villain’s true identity and prevent the impending catastrophe. Though not as well-received as the first film, the sequel’s star-studded cast, including Stephen Fry, Rachel McAdams, and Richard Harris, ensured strong commercial success. However, it couldn’t escape comparisons to the BBC’s Benedict Cumberbatch-led Sherlock, which many consider the superior Moriarty storyline.

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

• Genre: Fantasy/Drama
• Star Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana, Aidan Gillen, Freddie Fox, Craig McGinlay.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 2h 6m
• Year of release: 2017
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Charlie Hunnam had a shot at A-lister status with 2017’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Unfortunately, the movie flopped, leading Warner Bros. to scrap plans for a six-film franchise. The star-studded cast included Jude Law, Aiden Gillen, Eric Bana, and Djimon Hounsou, with a peculiar cameo from David Beckham. The film follows Arthur’s journey from a deprived youth to realizing his true destiny as a legendary leader, all tied to the mystical Excalibur sword. But the movie’s jumbled plot and edgy approach to the King Arthur legend might not make it your top choice for a Ritchie film.

5. Revolver (2005)

• Genre: Crime/Action
• Star Cast: Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, Terence Maynard, Andrew Howard, Mark Strong, Francesca Annis.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 55m
• Year of release: 2005
• OTT Platform: NA
• IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Revolver stars Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, and Andre Benjamin. The plot follows Jake Green (Statham), a skilled gambler and con artist, released after a seven-year prison stint. He reenters the criminal world, facing the ruthless casino owner and mobster, Dorothy Macha (Liotta). The film’s complex, non-linear storytelling delves into fate, destiny, and reality. It’s praised for its stylish action and eclectic soundtrack, but criticized for its convoluted plot. Revolver is decent, but not among Ritchie’s top-tier films.

6. RocknRolla (2008)

• Genre: Action/Crime
• Star Cast: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandiwe Newton, Mark Strong, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Karel Roden, Toby Kebbell.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 54m
• Year of release: 2008
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.2/10

In RocknRolla, Ritchie takes us into London’s criminal underworld, following One Two and Mumbles, two small-time crooks. They get tangled up with powerful crime boss Lenny Cole, aiming to profit from a rundown neighborhood’s redevelopment. The job? Steal a painting from Russian mobster Uri Omovich, but it goes awry when the painting ends up with an eccentric art collector, Stella. Uri seeks revenge and kidnaps Lenny’s son, Johnny Quid, a troubled rock star. As the story weaves through various characters, their paths collide in a thrilling finale. Though not a standout, RocknRolla offers an entertaining watch.

7. Aladdin (2019)

• Genre: Fantasy/Musical
• Star Cast: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, Billy Magnussen, Jordan A. Nash.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 2h 8m
• Year of release: 2019
• OTT Platform: Hotstar
• IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Aladdin, the 2019 live-action adaptation, stands out as one of Guy Ritchie’s oddest entries. Surprisingly, it deviates from his signature dark palette, violence, and eccentric characters—except for Will Smith’s fast-talking Genie. Despite soaring past $1 billion worldwide, it garnered mixed reviews from both fans and critics. While it adds a sprinkle of novelty compared to the 1992 animated classic, it still blends in with other Disney live-action remakes. Remaining true to the tale of a luckless thief in Agrabah finding a genie and fulfilling his wishes and love dreams. Notably, Mena Masoud and Naomi Scott shine, solidifying them as rising talents to keep an eye on.

8. Wrath of Man (2021)

• Genre: Action/Crime
• Star Cast: Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Rocci Boy Williams, Josh Hartnett, Jeffrey Donovan, Scott Eastwood, Andy Garcia, Deobia Oparei.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 59m
• Year of release: 2021
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham reunite in “Wrath of Man,” a thrilling remake of the 2004 French film “Cash Truck.” Statham shines as Patrick, a formidable new cash truck driver in L.A. who becomes a formidable threat to robbers during a heist. As his coworkers start questioning his true identity and origins, the tension escalates. The movie boasts intense action scenes and a gripping four-act structure that keeps you hooked. If you’re craving Statham’s signature ass-kicking style, “Wrath of Man” delivers in spades.

9. The Gentleman (2019)

• Genre: Crime/Comedy
• Star Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Lyne Renée, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, Tom Wu.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 53m
• Year of release: 2019
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Ritchie’s crime comedy-drama, “The Gentlemen,” revolves around London’s criminal underworld battling for control of the marijuana trade. The story follows Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), a successful marijuana tycoon seeking to sell his empire to the highest bidder. But this attracts rival gangs and criminal organizations eager for his lucrative business. Starring Hollywood’s finest, like Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, and Michelle Dockery, the film received glowing reviews as Ritchie’s triumphant return to form. The film’s suave take on crime earned it rave reviews and a spin-off is now coming to Netflix, starring Theo James from “The White Lotus.

10. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

• Genre: Mystery/Mystery
• Star Cast: Robert Downey Jr. Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 2h 9m
• Year of release: 2009
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Sherlock Holmes has been adapted many times, but Guy Ritchie’s version, starring Robert Downey Jr., won over fans and critics alike. The movie reimagined the classic stories with a modern, action-packed twist. Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law) solve a series of murders linked to a sinister occult society led by the villain Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong). They uncover a larger conspiracy involving the British government. With its unique style and Downey Jr.’s Golden Globe-winning performance, this film became a must-see for audiences.

11. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

• Genre: Crime/Comedy
• Star Cast: Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Nicholas Rowe, Nick Marcq, Charles Forbes.
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 46m
• Year of release: 1998
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a darkly funny, sharp dialogue-driven gem in Ritchie’s filmography. This cult classic was a hit with both critics and audiences, thanks to its brilliant characters. The plot revolves around Eddy (Nick Moran) and his pals, amateur card players, venturing into a high-stakes three-card brag game. To fund the game, Eddy borrows big money from crime boss Harry (played by Paddy Considine). Trouble brews when they lose and can’t repay the debt. Meanwhile, a parallel story unfolds with “Bacon” (Jason Statham) and his crew plotting to steal marijuana from dangerous gangsters. A perfect comfort film for fans of old-fashioned caper movies.

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

• Genre: Action/Adventure
• Star Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Luca Calvani
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 56m
• Year of release: 2015
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.2/10

In another life, this film could have sparked an epic new franchise. Starring Henry Cavill, Alicia Vikander, Armie Hammer, Elizabeth Debecki, and Hugh Grant, it was based on a 1964 TV show. Marketed as a spy flick, the action-adventure hit theaters in 2015, receiving mixed reviews and failing to excel at the box office.

Despite the rumors of a sequel, nothing materialized, especially with the complications surrounding Armie Hammer. Sadly, it’s doubtful a follow-up will happen soon. Nevertheless, the movie, centered on an unlikely CIA-KGB alliance, delivered flair, outstanding performances, and thrilling action, leaving us longing for its return to the screen.

13. Snatch (2000)

• Genre: Crime/Comedy
• Star Cast: Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones, Ade
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writer: Guy Ritchie
• Run time: 1h 42m
• Year of release: 2000
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Released in 2000, “Snatch” remains Ritchie’s magnum opus—a British crime thriller and comedy set in London. The film follows low-level criminals entangled in a high-stakes heist for a valuable diamond, leading to intense double-crosses. The ensemble cast includes Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, and Brad Pitt, delivering fast-paced dialogue, dark humor, and stylish visuals. Ritchie’s brilliance lies in crafting two captivating storylines: one centered around London criminals chasing the stolen diamond, and the other following bare-knuckle boxers competing in an illegal tournament. As they outsmart and maneuver each other, both storylines eventually converge in the epic finale. With an all-star cast and an ever-improving plot, “Snatch” is the ultimate crime comedy to rewatch, even after two decades.

Also read: 20 Best Spy Movies of all time, According to IMDb rating