Guy Ritchie’s top 10 movies ranked – Snatch is No. 4 | Films | Entertainment

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Guy Ritchie is most known for his gangster flicks (Image: Getty)

Guy Ritchie has long been one of British cinema’s most recognisable voices. Known for his tangled storylines, and stylised direction, Ritchie broke onto the scene in the late 1990s and quickly became a household name.

Though often associated with gritty London gangster flicks, Richie’s filmography spans a surprising range of genres: from period detective dramas to war thrillers and international espionage.

Ritchie’s signature style – rapid cuts, overlapping dialogue, dark humour, and eccentric characters – has remained consistent, even as he played around with varying genres.

Over the years, he’s collaborated with stars like Robert Downey Jr., Matthew McConaughey, Brad Pitt, and Jake Gyllenhaal, in stories that are as complex and raw as they are entertaining.

Below, we rank Guy Ritchie’s top 10 films by their Rotten Tomatoes critic score.

10. RocknRolla (2008) – 60%

After Swept Away and Revolver, Ritchie returned to familiar ground with RocknRolla – a layered, London-set crime story that reconnects with the world of real estate scams, underworld bosses, and street-level hustlers. Gerard Butler stars as a low-level gangster caught in a complex game involving a missing painting and a Russian property tycoon.

Critics Consensus: “Mixed reviews for Guy Ritchie’s return to his London-based cockney wideboy gangster movie roots, but most agree, it’s a step in the right direction following two major turkeys.”

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

Henry Cavill in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015) (Image: Sunday Mirror)

9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) – 60%

This sequel to 2009’s Sherlock Holmes brought back Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, this time pitted against Jared Harris as Professor Moriarty. With a larger scale and more globe-trotting than its previous instalment, the film leaned into action-heavy sequences while keeping the chemistry between Holmes and Watson in focus.

The movie earned over $500 million at the global box office but didn’t receive the same acclaim as the first instalment. Still, it solidified the Sherlock Holmes franchise as a commercial hit and proved Ritchie’s skill at handling big-budget projecst.

Critics Consensus: “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a good yarn thanks to its well-matched leading men but overall stumbles duplicating the well-oiled thrills of the original.”

8. Wrath of Man (2021) – 68%

Wrath of Man reunited Ritchie with Jason Statham in a darker revenge thriller. The plot follows a mysterious new employee at an armoured truck company who hides a violent past. The story unfolds in non-linear chapters, slowly revealing a web of betrayal and grief.

A departure from Ritchie’s usual banter-heavy tone, the film was praised for its grim atmosphere and tight pacing. Released during the pandemic, it found success on digital platforms and in international markets, helping reaffirm Ritchie’s range as a director beyond gangster titles.

Critics Consensus: “Wrestling just enough stakes out of its thin plot, Wrath of Man sees Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham reunite for a fun, action-packed ride.”

7. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) – 68%

Ritchie’s stylish reboot of the classic 1960s spy series starred Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer as a CIA agent and a KGB spy, respectively, forced to team up against a nuclear threat. Set during the Cold War, the film features slick visuals, vintage fashion, and a fun soundtrack.

Though not a massive hit right after its release, it has grown in popularity over time. The chemistry between the leads and Ritchie’s confident direction helped give the spy genre a modern, tongue-in-cheek twist.

Critics Consensus: “The Man from U.N.C.L.E. tries to distract from an unremarkable story with charismatic stars and fizzy set pieces, adding up to an uneven action thriller with just enough style to overcome its lack of substance.”

'Snatch' Movie Stills

Brad Pitt in Snatch (2000) (Image: Getty)

6. Sherlock Holmes (2009) – 69%

Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes reboot gave the iconic detective a cinematic adaptation. Robert Downey Jr. portrayed Holmes as a manic genius with martial arts skills, while Jude Law’s Watson brought military precision and more grounded support.

The film was a major box office hit and earned two Oscar nominations – for Best Art Direction and Best Original Score. Downey Jr. also won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Ritchie blended his signature style with Victorian flair, delivering one of the most successful Holmes adaptations to date.

Critics Consensus: “Guy Ritchie’s directorial style might not be quite the best fit for an update on the legendary detective, but Sherlock Holmes benefits from the elementary appeal of a strong performance by Robert Downey, Jr.”

5. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) – 68%

Inspired by real-life declassified files, this World War II action film tells the story of a covert British unit formed by Winston Churchill to carry out sabotage missions behind enemy lines. Henry Cavill leads a cast that includes Alan Ritchson, Eiza González, and Cary Elwes.

The film combines historical context with high energy action, allowing Ritchie to thrive in his familiar territory – explosions, banter, and loyalty. Though some critics found the plot to drown a bit under all the spectacle, the film got solid box office numbers upon release.

Critics Consensus: “Cranking up a true story of derring-do into a high-octane action flick that’s heavy on spectacle if not suspense, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is another solid entry into Guy Ritchie’s pantheon.”

4. Snatch (2000) – 74%

Right after the success of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Ritchie’s second-ever film brought him international acclaim. Snatch follows a series of interconnected characters – including a diamond thief, a bare-knuckle boxer, and various underworld figures – across a whirlwind plot full of betrayals, coincidences, and fast-paced humour.

Brad Pitt’s role as Irish traveller Mickey is a standout, and the ensemble cast (including Jason Statham and Benicio del Toro) keep the energy high. The film’s stylised editing and quotable dialogue turned it into a cult hit.

Critics Consensus: “Though perhaps a case of style over substance, Guy Ritchie’s second crime caper is full of snappy dialogue, dark comedy, and interesting characters.”

Los Angeles Premiere

Jake Gyllenhaal and Guy Ritche at the premiere of The Covenant (2023) (Image: Getty)

3. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) – 75%

Ritchie’s debut feature redefined British crime cinema. Made on a modest budget and starring mostly unknowns at the time – including Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones – the film combined a detailed plot with sharp dialogue, against an East End setting.

It was a breakout success, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film and winning an Empire Award for Best Newcomer. Its influence extended far beyond the UK, launching Ritchie’s career and inspiring a wave of imitators.

Critics Consensus: “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is a grimy, twisted, and funny twist on the Tarantino hip gangster formula.”

2. The Gentlemen (2019) – 75%

A return to Ritchie’s best form, The Gentlemen featured Matthew McConaughey as an American cannabis boss trying to exit the business – facing rival gangs and media giants.

The film’s success marked a critical comeback and was praised for its writing and cast – which included Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell, and Charlie Hunnam.

Critics Consensus: “It may not win writer-director Guy Ritchie many new converts, but for those already attuned to the filmmaker’s brash wavelength, The Gentlemen stands tall.”

1. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023) – 83%

A dramatic shift in tone, The Covenant follows a U.S. Army sergeant (Jake Gyllenhaal) who returns to Afghanistan to rescue his interpreter after he’s left behind. The film replaces Ritchie’s usual bravado with more emotional weight and moral clarity.

It became his most critically acclaimed film to date, praised for its sincerity. Though it didn’t dominate awards season, The Covenant earned nominations from several regional critics’ circles and was considered one of Ritchie’s most mature works.

Critics Consensus: “A satisfying, well-acted war thriller with surprising dramatic depths, Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant tells a solid story with impressive restraint.”



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