Best Guy Ritchie Movies: 11 Top Guy Ritchie Films

Guy Ritchie is an English director, screenwriter and producer born in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, on 10 September 1968. After working as a film runner and directing commercials, he made the short The Hard Case (1995), which helped him secure financing for his first feature.

That debut, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), established his taste for intersecting criminal plots, fast dialogue and sharply timed visual jokes. His later work ranges from London gangster films to studio-scale adventures, including two Sherlock Holmes films, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Aladdin and The Covenant.

Best GUY Ritchie Movies

Who Is Guy Ritchie?

Guy Ritchie is a British film director, screenwriter, and producer.

He is best known for directing the films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Snatch (2000), RocknRolla (2008), and Revolver (2005).

His 2009 film Sherlock Holmes expanded that style into a period action mystery built around Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law's interpretation of Holmes and Watson.

Filmmaker quote

“If you're involved in filmmaking, you want to challenge yourself.”

Guy Ritchie is known for his fast-paced, kinetic style that reflects influences from both gangster films and martial arts flicks.

Guy Ritchie is a director who has made many movies in the past 20 years.

His films are mostly about criminals, gangsters, and other lawbreakers. Some of his most popular films are Sherlock Holmes (2009), Snatch (2000), and Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998).

These three movies all have similar themes such as violence, drugs, gambling, and crime.

The main characters in these movies do not always follow the law or even play by society’s rules.

Guy Ritchie does a great job with directing these types of stories because he understands how to capture this type of lifestyle on film without glorifying it too much for us viewers to enjoy watching.

He is a director who doesn’t discriminate between genres, which may be why he has had such success with so many of his films.

He has worked across action movies and romantic comedy; the only common thread that links all of his films together is their distinctive style.

One film-goer might find themselves in awe after seeing a Guy Ritchie movie while another might think it’s too flashy and not worth the price of admission.

What most people can agree on though, is that they are usually always interesting to watch!

If you like Guy Ritchie’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

All picks in one table

Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a crime comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie, in his feature film debut.

The film follows four friends – Eddy, Tom, Soap, and Bacon – who stake Eddy in a high-stakes card game against crime boss Hatchet Harry. Harry cheats, Eddy loses, and they owe him £500,000, so they rob the neighbours who are about to rob a cannabis farm.

However, their plans quickly spiral out of control as they get embroiled in a complex web of gangsters, thugs, and corrupt cops.

Ritchie’s direction is bold and innovative, featuring an inventive narrative structure that weaves together multiple storylines with humor, violence, and sharp dialogue.

The film is a stylistic tour de force, with dynamic camera work, quick cuts, and a pulsing soundtrack that perfectly captures the film’s fast-paced energy.

The ensemble cast is excellent, with standout performances from Nick Moran as Eddy, Jason Flemyng as Tom, Dexter Fletcher as Soap, and Jason Statham in his breakout role as Bacon.

The film also features memorable turns from veteran actors like Sting and P.H. Moriarty, as well as rising stars like Vinnie Jones.

At its core, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a film about the thrill of the chase and the risks and rewards of living on the edge.

It is a wild ride from start to finish, full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Overall, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a stylish and highly entertaining crime comedy that established Guy Ritchie as a major talent in the film industry.

Its unique blend of humor, action, and suspense has made it a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences today.

Snatch (2000)

Snatch is a film directed, produced, and written by Guy Ritchie.

The 2000 crime comedy intercuts two schemes: the search for an 86-carat stolen diamond and an unlicensed boxing match that local gangster Brick Top expects to be fixed.

Franky Four Fingers (Benicio Del Toro) brings the diamond to London, where competing thieves and Avi's fixer Bullet-Tooth Tony (Vinnie Jones) pursue it. Meanwhile, boxing promoters Turkish (Jason Statham) and Tommy (Stephen Graham) recruit Mickey O'Neil (Brad Pitt) after their original fighter is injured.

When Mickey refuses to follow the planned result, Turkish and Tommy are left indebted to the ruthless Brick Top. Ritchie brings the two plots together through a chain of botched jobs, double-crosses and coincidences, with the temperamental dog serving as more than a running joke.

This film has been praised for its originality and unique twist on typical mob movies.

The actors were all praised for their performances, especially Brad Pitt who played Mickey O’Neil.

The Gentlemen (2020)

The Gentlemen is a crime action film directed by Guy Ritchie, who returns to the genre that made him famous with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch.

The film follows the story of Mickey Pearson, a wealthy drug lord who is looking to sell his empire and retire.

However, when word gets out about his plans, a series of plots and schemes are set in motion by various characters in the criminal underworld, leading to a tense and violent showdown.

Ritchie’s direction is as stylish and energetic as ever, with a witty script full of sharp dialogue, clever twists, and dark humor.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Pearson, Charlie Hunnam as his loyal right-hand man, and Hugh Grant in a scene-stealing performance as a sleazy private investigator.

The film’s structure is intricate and complex, with multiple storylines and characters interweaving in unexpected ways.

However, the pacing is fast and engaging, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.

The action scenes are well-staged and thrilling, with Ritchie’s signature kinetic style and use of slow motion adding to the excitement.

The film also features a memorable soundtrack that adds to the film’s atmosphere and energy.

At its core, The Gentlemen is a film about power, greed, and the lengths that people will go to in order to get what they want.

It is a stylish and entertaining crime caper that showcases Ritchie’s talents as a filmmaker and storyteller.

Overall, The Gentlemen is a fun and engaging crime film that will satisfy fans of Ritchie’s previous work as well as those looking for a thrilling and entertaining ride.

It is a stylish and well-crafted film that showcases the talents of its impressive cast and crew.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (2011)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is Guy Ritchie’s 2011 sequel to his 2009 Sherlock Holmes. Robert Downey Jr. returns as Holmes opposite Jude Law’s Watson, racing Jared Harris’s Professor Moriarty across Europe.

The story follows Sherlock as he investigates a series of bombings that seem to be connected to the mysterious Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris).

Along the way, he and Watson are joined by a gypsy fortune teller named Simza (Noomi Rapace) who is also searching for Moriarty, and they all embark on a dangerous journey across Europe to stop the evil mastermind’s plans.

The film features stunning cinematography and dynamic action sequences, as well as the signature wit and humor that has made the Sherlock Holmes character so enduring.

Downey Jr. and Law have excellent chemistry as Holmes and Watson, and Harris is a worthy adversary as Moriarty.

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

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a spy action-comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie and based on the 1960s TV series of the same name.

Set during the height of the Cold War, the film follows CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) as they reluctantly team up to stop a global criminal organization from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Ritchie’s direction is stylish and energetic, with a witty script full of clever banter and a catchy soundtrack that adds to the film’s retro-cool vibe.

The film’s 1960s setting is also brought to life through the colorful production design and costumes.

The chemistry between Cavill and Hammer is a highlight of the film, with their characters’ initially adversarial relationship developing into a begrudging respect and even a bit of friendship.

Alicia Vikander also shines as Gaby, a mechanic who becomes caught up in the spy intrigue and becomes an unexpected asset to the team.

The action scenes are well-staged and thrilling, with Ritchie’s signature kinetic style adding to the excitement.

The film also features some inventive and creative set pieces, such as a high-speed boat chase down a winding canal.

At its core, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a fun and entertaining spy caper that pays homage to the original TV series while also standing on its own as a modern action film.

It strikes a balance between humor and thrills, with a cast of charismatic characters and a plot that keeps the audience engaged.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

The first of Ritchie's two Holmes films pits the detective against Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), who appears to rise from the grave after his execution and uses that apparent supernatural power to terrorise London.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Holmes and Jude Law's Dr. Watson investigate how Blackwood engineered the illusion, while Rachel McAdams's Irene Adler pursues an agenda connected to an unseen Professor Moriarty.

Blackwood's scheme combines staged occult spectacle with industrial technology, giving Holmes a case that can be solved through observation even when it appears supernatural.

Ritchie visualises Holmes's reasoning through rapid previews of movements that the action then executes or disrupts. That device makes deduction physical without discarding the clues, disguises and competing explanations central to the character.

The strongest through-line is the argumentative partnership between Holmes and Watson. Watson's impending marriage gives their investigation a personal deadline and prevents the film from becoming only a chain of elaborate set pieces.

Swept Away (2002)

Directed by Guy Ritchie and starring his then-wife Madonna, Swept Away is a romantic comedy-drama that follows wealthy socialite Amber (Madonna) and her hired deckhand Giuseppe (Adriano Giannini) as they become stranded on a deserted island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Initially, Amber treats Giuseppe with disdain and entitlement, but as they spend more time together on the island, their relationship begins to shift.

As they struggle to survive in the wilderness, the power dynamic between them changes and they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other.

While the premise of the film is intriguing, with the potential for a thrilling survival story and an exploration of class dynamics, the execution falls short.

Madonna’s acting is criticized by many as wooden and unconvincing, and the chemistry between the two leads is lacking.

The film also faced controversy for its depiction of class differences and power dynamics, with some critics arguing that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes.

Overall, Swept Away is a disappointing entry in Guy Ritchie’s filmography and a forgettable romantic comedy-drama.

Revolver (2005)

Revolver is a crime thriller directed by Guy Ritchie, known for his stylish and gritty films.

Starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, and André Benjamin, the film explores themes of deception, self-discovery, and the power of the mind.

The story follows Jake Green (Statham), a hotshot gambler who is released from prison and seeks revenge against his former boss, Dorothy Macha (Liotta), who he believes set him up.

However, when Jake crosses paths with two enigmatic con men, Zach (Vincent Pastore) and Avi (André Benjamin), he realizes that his problems go far beyond Macha.

As the plot unfolds, the lines between reality and perception blur, and the characters are forced to confront their own inner demons.

With Ritchie’s signature visual style, the film is a gritty and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

While Revolver received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following among fans of Ritchie’s work.

Its nonlinear storytelling, complex characters, and themes of psychological manipulation and self-discovery make it a unique addition to the crime thriller genre.

King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword (2017)

Directed by Guy Ritchie, King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword is a retelling of the classic story of King Arthur and the sword in the stone.

The film stars Charlie Hunnam as Arthur, a streetwise young man who grows up unaware of his royal heritage until he pulls the magical sword Excalibur from its resting place.

With the help of Bedivere's resistance and an unnamed Mage played by Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, Arthur must learn to control Excalibur and confront the tyrannical Vortigern. Jude Law plays Vortigern, who murdered Arthur's parents and seized the crown; he does not play Merlin.

While the film boasts stunning visuals, epic battle scenes, and an impressive cast, including the likes of Eric Bana, Djimon Hounsou, and Aidan Gillen, it received mixed reviews from critics and was a box office disappointment.

Some criticized the film for its convoluted plot and excessive reliance on special effects, while others found it to be an entertaining and fresh take on the classic tale.

Despite its flaws, King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword is an action-packed adventure that offers a unique spin on the beloved Arthurian legend, and is sure to please fans of Guy Ritchie’s signature style.

Aladdin (2019)

Directed by Guy Ritchie, Aladdin is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic 1992 animated film of the same name.

The story follows a young street thief named Aladdin (Mena Massoud) who falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and embarks on a magical adventure to win her heart and save Agrabah from the sorcerer Jafar (Marwan Kenzari).

One of the standout elements of this film is the casting, particularly Massoud as Aladdin and Scott as Jasmine.

Their chemistry is palpable, and they bring a fresh energy to these iconic characters. Will Smith also delivers a noteworthy performance as the Genie, putting his own spin on the character made famous by the late Robin Williams.

Visually, the film is stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate set pieces that transport the audience to the fictional land of Agrabah.

The musical numbers, including classics like A Whole New World and Friend Like Me, are all expertly choreographed and sung, adding to the film’s overall magic and charm.

However, some fans of the original animated film may find fault with the film’s changes to the story and certain characterizations.

Additionally, some of the CGI elements, particularly in regards to the Genie, may not land with all viewers.

Rocknrolla (2008)

RocknRolla is a crime comedy-drama film directed by Guy Ritchie, known for his fast-paced and stylish movies.

The film revolves around the London criminal underworld, where a bunch of small-time crooks and a Russian mobster collide in a series of interconnected heists and schemes.

The main character of the movie is Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson), a mob boss who runs the criminal empire in London with the help of his loyal associate, Archy (Mark Strong).

The story kicks off when a Russian billionaire named Uri Omovich (Karel Roden) pays Lenny to push through a fixed London property deal.

Lenny sees this as a perfect opportunity to expand his operation, but things quickly spiral out of control when Uri’s accountant has the payoff stolen.

As Lenny tries to track down the missing funds, he crosses paths with a band of thieves led by One Two (Gerard Butler) and Mumbles (Idris Elba), who take the money.

Meanwhile, that accountant, Stella (Thandie Newton), gets involved with One Two and double-crosses Uri.

RocknRolla is a frenetic, stylish, and darkly comedic crime movie that is full of twists and turns.

The film’s cast is outstanding, with standout performances from Mark Strong as the morally ambiguous Archy and Tom Hardy as Handsome Bob, one of One Two’s crew.

The film also features some of Guy Ritchie’s signature touches, including his use of rapid-fire editing, witty dialogue, and stylish cinematography.

Set in London, this crime thriller takes viewers on a wild ride through the underworld where anything can happen.

It is a British crime comedy film.

It was released on September 5th, 2008 in the UK and October 8th, 2008 in the US. Directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, and Thandie Newton.

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