In the last two decades, Guillermo Del Toro has created some of the most unique and imaginative movies.
From his Oscar-winning film Pan’s Labyrinth to The Shape of Water, he has always been able to bring a story to life in an enchanting way.
Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican film director, screenwriter, producer, and novelist. He has been nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three times.
Del Toro’s movies are characterized by his unique style of fantasy storytelling with influences including horror, science fiction, and thriller genres.
As a fan of Guillermo Del Toro’s movies and TV shows, I want to share my thoughts on his work.
As he is one of the most famous directors in Hollywood, his work has made an impact on many people.
Best Guillermo Del Toro Movies
We have compiled a list of what we think are the top ten Guillermo Del Toro movies so far that you should watch before the premiere of his latest movie.
He has a unique style that is often called “magical realism”, with influences from German Expressionism or Gothic. His films are characterized by their darkness as well as their strong focus on the beauty in humanity.
Due to this, he has amassed a large following of fans who appreciate his movies for all they offer; both the dark and light aspects.
The Guillermo Del Toro movies are some of the best because they can be enjoyed by people who like horror or drama.
Please read on for our list of top favorite Guillermo Del Toro Movies.
The Shape of Water (2017)
The Shape of Water is a visually stunning and emotionally captivating film that is sure to leave you breathless.
del Toro’s direction is masterful, and the performances from Sally Hawkins, Richard Jenkins, and Michael Shannon are nothing short of phenomenal.
The story follows Elisa, a mute janitor at a government facility, as she discovers and falls in love with an amphibious creature that is being held captive for experimentation.
The relationship between Elisa and the creature is beautifully portrayed, and the film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the power of connection.
The cinematography is breathtaking, with each shot meticulously crafted to convey the emotions of the characters and the beauty of the underwater world.
The production design is also exceptional, with the sets and costumes transporting you to 1960s Baltimore.
The Shape of Water is a modern fairy tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, and it is a testament to del Toro’s talent as a storyteller.
It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates great filmmaking and a beautiful story.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins (Actors)
- Guillermo Del Toro (Director) - Guillermo del Toro (Writer) - Guillermo del Toro (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
“The Devil’s Backbone” is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece from the mind of Guillermo del Toro.
Set in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, the film tells the story of a young boy named Carlos who is left at a haunted orphanage.
The cinematography and set design are breathtaking, with the crumbling orphanage providing a chilling backdrop to the supernatural events that unfold.
The performances are fantastic, particularly from Fernando Tielve as Carlos and Eduardo Noriega as the sinister caretaker, Jacinto.
But it’s the ghostly presence of the orphanage’s former resident, Santi, that truly steals the show. The special effects used to bring him to life are both eerie and stunning.
Del Toro’s signature blend of horror, fantasy, and politics is on full display here, with the film tackling themes of war, loss, and the human desire for power. “The Devil’s Backbone” is a tragic and deeply moving film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
A must-watch for any fan of del Toro’s work or for those who appreciate beautifully crafted storytelling.
![The Devil's Backbone (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vPMPyDKmL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Federico Luppi (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Pan’s Labyrinth is a stunning masterpiece by the visionary director Guillermo del Toro. This dark and fantastical tale is a beautiful and haunting blend of horror, fantasy, and drama that will leave you breathless.
The film tells the story of Ofelia, a young girl who is drawn into a magical and dangerous world of creatures and monsters.
The film’s visuals are breathtaking, with stunningly crafted creatures and landscapes that transport you to another world.
The film’s use of symbolism and metaphor is also masterful, with themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice woven throughout.
The performances in Pan’s Labyrinth are also outstanding, particularly Ivana Baquero as Ofelia and Sergi López as the terrifying Captain Vidal.
The film’s emotional depth and complexity are enhanced by the excellent performances of the entire cast.
Pan’s Labyrinth is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a beautiful and haunting masterpiece that deserves to be seen by everyone who loves great cinema.
Guillermo del Toro has crafted a truly magical and unforgettable experience with this film, and it is not to be missed.
![Pan's Labyrinth (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZSJ4IZcNL.jpg)
- Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Doug Jones (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Mimic (1997)
Mimic is a thrilling and suspenseful horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The film follows a group of scientists who genetically engineer a new species of insect to eradicate cockroaches that are spreading a deadly disease in New York City.
However, the experiment goes horribly wrong when the new species begins to evolve and mimic human behavior, posing a grave threat to the city’s population.
The film is expertly directed by Guillermo del Toro, who infuses the story with his signature style and attention to detail.
The cinematography is stunning, showcasing the dark and eerie underground tunnels of the city, as well as the creepy and claustrophobic spaces where the insects reside.
The performances are also top-notch, with Mira Sorvino delivering a standout performance as Dr. Susan Tyler, the lead scientist who is determined to stop the insects before it’s too late.
![Mimic: The Director's Cut [Blu-ray + Digital HD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KttcvIeYL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Charles S. Dutton, Mira Sorvino, Jeremy Northam (Actors)
- J J Authors (Director) - B.J. Rack (Producer)
- Spanish, English (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
Blade II (2002)
Blade II is a thrilling and action-packed sequel to the original vampire-hunting film.
Director Guillermo del Toro brings his style and imagination to this dark and intense world, creating a visually stunning and terrifying experience.
The film follows Blade (Wesley Snipes) as he teams up with a group of vampires, known as the Bloodpack, to take down a new breed of super-vampires that threaten both humans and vampires alike.
The action is non-stop, with incredible fight scenes and intense battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The cast is phenomenal, with Snipes delivering a powerful performance as the stoic and deadly Blade, and Ron Perlman stealing scenes as the brutish and unpredictable Bloodpack member, Reinhardt.
The visual effects are also top-notch, with the super-vampires being particularly creepy and menacing.
![Blade II [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VMLu8ZTyL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director) - David S. Goyer (Writer) - Lynn Harris (Producer)
- Spanish, English (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
BEST GUILLERMO DEL TORO MOVIES
Who Is Guillermo del Toro?
Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican film director, screenwriter, producer, and novelist. Del Toro has had a prolific career of nearly 25 years in filmmaking.
He’s been nominated for four Academy Awards in the categories Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
Del Toro has also won three Saturn Awards and two BAFTA awards among others.
Hellboy (2004)
Hellboy is a visually stunning adaptation of the comic book series by Mike Mignola.
The film is a perfect example of del Toro’s unique vision and style, with intricate creature designs and impressive practical effects.
The action scenes are intense and thrilling, with Hellboy wielding his massive stone right hand to devastating effect.
Perlman gives a fantastic performance as the gruff and sarcastic Hellboy, bringing humor and heart to the character.
The supporting cast, including Selma Blair as the pyrokinetic Liz Sherman and Doug Jones as the aquatic Abe Sapien, add depth and dimension to the film.
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of action, humor, and drama. The film explores themes of identity and acceptance, as Hellboy struggles with his demon heritage and his place in the world.
![Hellboy [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51v6AFHOqLL.jpg)
- Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, David Harbour (Actors)
- Neil Marshall (Director) - Mike Richardson (Producer)
- Spanish (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Pacific Rim (2013)
Pacific Rim is a thrilling, action-packed film that delivers on its promise of giant robots fighting giant monsters.
The film takes place in a future where massive creatures known as Kaiju have emerged from the depths of the Pacific Ocean and are wreaking havoc on cities across the globe.
To combat this threat, humans have developed Jaegers, massive robots piloted by two people who are able to synchronize their minds and control the machines.
The action sequences in Pacific Rim are truly breathtaking, with the Jaegers and Kaiju battling it out in epic fashion.
The special effects are top-notch, and the sound design is particularly impressive, immersing the audience in the chaos and destruction of the battles.
But what sets Pacific Rim apart from other blockbuster action films is its heart. The relationships between the pilots of the Jaegers are explored in depth, adding a layer of emotional depth to the film.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director) - Travis Beacham (Writer) - Thomas Tull (Producer)
- Spanish (Playback Language)
- Spanish (Subtitle)
Cronos (1993)
Cronos is a visually stunning and thought-provoking horror film that explores the themes of immortality and the price we pay to achieve it.
The film follows an elderly antiques dealer named Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi), who discovers an ancient device that promises eternal life but comes with a deadly price.
As Jesus becomes more and more obsessed with the device, he starts to transform into a creature unlike anything he’s ever seen before.
Luppi’s performance is outstanding, and he brings a depth and emotional complexity to the character of Jesus that is rare in horror films.
Ron Perlman also shines as the ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the device, adding an extra layer of tension to an already gripping story.
The film’s visuals are stunning, with del Toro’s signature use of vivid colors and Gothic imagery creating a world that is both beautiful and terrifying.
The special effects are also top-notch, with the transformation scenes being particularly impressive.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman, Claudio Brook (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director) - Guillermo del Toro (Writer) - Bertha Navarro (Producer)
- (Playback Language)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Crimson Peak (2015)
Crimson Peak is a visually stunning gothic horror film that will leave you mesmerized by its haunting beauty.
Directed by the masterful del Toro, the film tells the story of a young aspiring writer, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), who falls in love with the charming and enigmatic Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston).
However, as she moves into his family’s decaying mansion in England, she uncovers a dark and twisted past that threatens to consume her.
The cinematography in Crimson Peak is absolutely breathtaking, with every shot meticulously crafted to create a sense of foreboding and unease.
The use of color, particularly the deep shades of red and the contrasting white snow, adds an extra layer of visual depth to the film.
The haunting and ethereal score by Fernando Velázquez complements the visuals perfectly, making for a truly immersive experience.
![Crimson Peak [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61dD3GzCLcL.jpg)
- Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a visually stunning and action-packed fantasy film that will take you on a wild ride through a fantastical world of mythical creatures and epic battles.
The film follows the story of Hellboy (Ron Perlman), a supernatural being who works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, as he battles against the evil Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) who seeks to awaken the Golden Army, a powerful army of mechanical soldiers created by the elves to destroy humanity.
The film’s standout feature is its incredible visual effects and stunning creature design. The attention to detail in every aspect of the film’s production is simply breathtaking, and it’s clear that the filmmakers poured their hearts and souls into creating this vivid, fantastical world.
![Hellboy II: The Golden Army [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Tyq86bBvL.jpg)
- Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones (Actors)
- Guillermo del Toro (Director) - Guillermo del Toro (Writer) - Lawrence Gordon (Producer)
- Portuguese, French, Japanese, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
TV Series Created By Guillermo Del Toro
Guillermo Del Toro, the man behind some of your favorite movies like Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, has created a TV series called Trollhunters.
This new show is aimed at children who are interested in spooky stories and adventure.
Trollhunters follows Jim Lake Jr., played by Anton Yelchin, as he discovers that his hometown is inhabited by trolls with intentions to keep their existence a secret from humans.
The show will be aired on Netflix starting December 23rd, 2016. I’m sure many people are excited about this new Guillermo Del Torro creation!
Guillermo Del Toro’s Color Palette
The colors in Guillermo del Toro’s films are often muted and bleak, especially in his work with Spanish horror. Del Toro uses color to symbolize the mood of a scene or set the tone of a film.
Del Toro’s use of color is best seen through his most recent project Crimson Peak, where he used deep reds and blacks to create an atmosphere that was both eerie and beautiful.
In Pacific Rim, for example, the contrast between light blue oceans and dark skies creates a sense of hopelessness among viewers.
In The Shape of Water, del Toro utilizes an aquatic blue tone, which makes audiences feel calm and serene.
Critics of the color palette in Guillermo del Toro’s films often accuse him of being too dark.
He also employs a lot of greens throughout his work to evoke feelings of nature and life.
The colors are not just aesthetically pleasing; they serve an important purpose by complementing each other to create moods or emphasize certain moments within the film (e.g., juxtaposing red with blue).
I analyzed all of del Toro’s films from 1993-2017 and then categorized them into four groups: blue tones, green tones, reds/oranges tones, and browns/grays. This shows that he has a preference for greens or blues as he never uses both at the same time.
He also doesn’t like to mix any other colors with these two because it would make it too difficult on the eye for people watching his movies.
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