Alex Garland’s Films Ranked: From Flops to Masterpieces

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or only vaguely aware of his name, Alex Garland has carved out a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary science fiction. His work, often daring and contemplative, has drawn audiences in with its maturity and willingness to challenge expectations. Garland’s path through the industry has been anything but conventional: novelist, then screenwriter, and eventually director. With another film on the horizon, it’s a fitting moment to revisit his body of work and see how each effort stacks up.

Missteps and Mainstream Turns

Garland’s 2022 effort, Men, stands out as the rare stumble in his career. While the intention was to dissect misogyny and toxic masculinity through a horror lens, the result is muddled. Jessie Buckley’s performance anchors the film, but the message never digs beneath the surface, leaving the social commentary feeling repetitive. The unsettling atmosphere and memorable finale can’t quite compensate for the lack of depth.

Then there’s Civil War (2024), a more commercial outing for Garland. The film blends blockbuster spectacle with his trademark bleakness, offering a relentless barrage of violence and unease. As the narrative unfolds, hope drains away, and Garland refuses to offer easy explanations or comfort. The discomfort is the point, reflecting a world already fractured and fearful. It’s a tough watch, but perhaps a necessary one.

Sharper Scripts and Sci-Fi Ambitions

With Dredd (2012), Garland’s role as screenwriter (and, some say, unofficial director) resulted in a lean, focused action film. Karl Urban’s Judge Dredd is all business, dispensing justice in a corrupt future city. The film forgoes the comic’s satirical edge in favour of tight pacing and visceral action, mostly confined to a single high-rise. It’s a smart move, even if some of the source material’s bite is lost.

Warfare (2025), co-directed with Ray Mendoza, plunges viewers into the chaos of combat in real time. The film’s slow burn and refusal to sugar-coat the horrors of war make for a harrowing experience. There’s no respite—no swelling music, no narrative shortcuts—just the relentless reality faced by those on the front lines. It’s both a tribute and a warning, unflinching in its honesty.

Emotional Resonance and Genre Innovation

Garland’s script for Never Let Me Go (2010) adapts Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel into a quiet, sorrowful film. The performances are strong, but the emotional impact is muted compared to the book. The story of three friends confronting their grim fate is moving, but the film never quite delivers the gut punch it promises.

Sunshine (2007) nearly achieves greatness as a science fiction film. The first half is contemplative, the second more action-driven, and the transition isn’t always seamless. Still, Garland’s collaboration with Danny Boyle yields a gripping tale of astronauts on a desperate mission to reignite the sun. The film grapples with questions of faith, science, and humanity’s limits, lingering in the mind long after the credits roll.

Defining Works and Lasting Impact

With Ex Machina (2014), Garland made a striking directorial debut. The film’s confined setting—a sleek, high-tech home—becomes a pressure cooker for questions about artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. The story, centred on a modern Turing test, is chillingly relevant in an age of AI. Smart writing, compelling performances, and impressive visual effects mark this as a standout.

28 Years Later (2025) revisits the world of the infected, this time focusing on the emotional scars and generational trauma left in the wake of catastrophe. Garland’s script, paired with Danny Boyle’s direction, explores whether mere survival is enough, or if something essential is lost along the way. The film balances action with deeper themes, making it one of Garland’s most reflective works.

Annihilation (2018) sees Garland at his most audacious. Inspired by Jeff VanderMeer’s novel, the film delves into grief, mutation, and self-destruction, crafting a dreamlike journey that’s as beautiful as it is unsettling. The narrative resists easy interpretation, but that’s precisely its strength.

Finally, 28 Days Later (2002) remains Garland’s crowning achievement. The film redefined the zombie genre, focusing on the human element rather than just the monsters. Danny Boyle’s direction injects energy, but it’s Garland’s script that gives the story its heart. The result is a lean, urgent, and deeply affecting film that set a new standard for the genre.