Ranking Every Alex Garland Film: From Flops to Masterpieces

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just hearing his name for the first time, Alex Garland has carved out a unique place in contemporary science fiction. His films are known for their daring concepts, mature storytelling, and the kind of depth that keeps audiences coming back for more. With another highly anticipated release on the horizon, it ’s the perfect time to revisit Garland’s journey from novelist to acclaimed director and screenwriter—and see how each of his movies stacks up.

Early Missteps and Mainstream Experiments

Garland’s only real stumble came with Men (2022), a horror film that aimed to tackle themes of misogyny and toxic masculinity. Despite Jessie Buckley’s compelling performance, the movie ’s message got lost in its own confusion, never digging deeper than the surface. While the unsettling atmosphere and shocking finale left an impression, the film’s social commentary felt repetitive and shallow.

His 2024 project, Civil War, marked a shift toward a broader audience. Blending blockbuster action with Garland’s signature storytelling, the film delivered relentless violence and a sense of growing numbness. As the narrative unfolded, hope faded, leaving viewers with a discomfort that was both intentional and hard to shake. Garland refused to offer easy answers, instead holding up a mirror to a divided, anxious world.

Finding His Voice: Action, Drama, and Sci-Fi

With Dredd (2012), Garland took on the role of screenwriter and, according to many, unofficial director. The film’s tight focus and smart action sequences set it apart, even if it lost some of the comic’s original satire. Warfare (2025 ), co-directed with Ray Mendoza, plunged viewers into the chaos of combat, offering a raw, unflinching look at the realities of war. The film’s real-time pacing and refusal to sugarcoat the horrors of battle made it both a tribute to soldiers and a stark warning.

Garland’s script for Never Let Me Go (2010) adapted Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel into a quiet, emotional drama. While the performances were strong, the film struggled to capture the novel’s devastating impact, resulting in a story that moved but didn’t quite devastate. Sunshine (2007), a collaboration with Danny Boyle, came close to greatness. The film’s first half was thoughtful and moving, while the second half leaned into action, sometimes at the expense of cohesion. Still, Garland’s writing shone through, exploring big questions about faith, science, and humanity’s place in the universe.

Breakthroughs and Modern Classics

Garland’s directorial debut, Ex Machina (2014), was a game-changer. With a limited budget and a single, sleek setting, the film explored artificial intelligence and the blurred line between human and machine. The story’s modern take on the Turing test, combined with sharp writing and Oscar- winning effects, made it a standout in the genre.

28 Years Later (2025) brought Garland back to the world of the infected, this time focusing on the emotional scars and generational trauma left by decades of survival. The film balanced intense action with deeper themes of hope, loss, and the cost of staying alive, making it one of his most reflective works.

Defining Achievements

Annihilation (2018) showcased Garland at his most fearless. Inspired by Jeff VanderMeer’s novel, the film delved into grief, mutation, and self-destruction, creating a haunting, dreamlike experience. Its open-ended narrative and refusal to simplify complex ideas cemented its status as a modern sci-fi classic.

But it’s 28 Days Later (2002) that stands as Garland’s crowning achievement. The film revolutionized the zombie genre with its raw energy and focus on human survival. Danny Boyle’s direction brought the story to life, but it was Garland’s lean, powerful script that gave the film its heart. By keeping the story simple and urgent, he created a film that remains unmatched in its impact and influence.