All films directed by Edgar Wright, rated by Rotten Tomatoes
The career of Edgar Wright, as unfortunately short as it still is, speaks for itself. The English writer/director/producer has a special cinematic language and identity that make him one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. He doesn’t limit himself to one genre and has widely proven his ability to tackle topics of any kind.
Wright only directs original screenplays (some written by himself, others co-written with other screenwriters), which guarantees that his films are most likely to have the story style that makes his films remarkable. The only thing we can criticize about him is that he is not more productive. We always want more.
He has always shown a special passion for cinema and knows the classics that were the model for modern cinema. In his filmography one recognizes the films that have influenced him from the beginning and draws inspiration from the careers of the directors he obviously admires. Wright lives the life that some of his colleagues wish they could: paying tribute to homages that highlight Wright’s balance in crafting original motion pictures while deftly using the techniques he learned from watching countless films.
His worst-rated film is at 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. This fuels the discussion about Wright’s best film. The beauty of his catalog is that everyone has a different favorite and there probably isn’t a best one. However, it’s hard to top Shaun of the Dead. Very, very difficult. Anyway, let’s take a look at how Rotten Tomatoes critics rate all the films he has directed so far.
7 Last Night in Soho (2021) – 75%
Edgar Wright’s latest feature film, Last night in Sohois his best attempt at creating psychological horror while maintaining the aesthetic that has always characterized him. The film looks great and the practical special effects are breathtaking.
However, the story is about a fashion designer who goes back in time and realizes she’s not as groovy as she looks, and it’s a bit difficult to get into. Audiences and critics let Wright know this. This definitely proves the guy has an eye for horror, and sometimes it’s just about following the rules.
6 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) – 82%
An epic film for Gen-Z, nerds and Wright fans. Scott Pilgrim vS. the world is a love story embedded in a fantasy land where anything can happen. In the film, Scott is a nerdy musician who falls in love with Ramona Flowers. However, in order to get the girl, he must first defeat her seven ex-girlfriends, all of whom are pretty evil. Here too, Wright’s artistic touch makes the film unique and anything but boring.
5 The End of the World (2013) – 89%
A key part of the Cornetto Trilogy (the mini-universe Wright created for three of his films), The end of the world tells the story of five friends who meet after a long time for a pub crawl. That same night, an alien invasion occurs and the five friends take it upon themselves to save the world from ugly-looking creatures.
This is a great comedy sci-fi film with state of the art visual effects. It stars joint collaborators Simon Pegg and Edgar Frost, as well as Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine and Eddie Marsan.
4 Hot Fuzz (2007) – 91%
Wright again with Pegg and Frost. This time Pegg plays Nicholas, a police officer who is very, very strict when it comes to the law. His superiors are upset and decide to transfer him to a rural town to become Frost’s Danny’s partner.
It’s not easy getting used to small town people, but it’s not entirely safe for Nicholas either. A series of murders has taken place and everyone seems to be a suspect. You’ll never stop laughing when you watch Hot Fuzz.
3 Baby Driver (2017) – 92%
With “2017,” Wright turns down the volume on comedy and turns it up in action Baby driver. The film stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, a getaway driver with a mathematical perception of reality whose talent attracts the attention of a crime boss. To save himself and his girl, Baby is forced to take part in a robbery that has no chance of success. It’s Wright’s most American film to date, but the film has his identity printed all over it.
2 Shaun of the Dead (2004) – 92%
Wright’s best film, Shaun of the Deadis a zombie comedy unlike anything you’ve ever seen in the genre and in cinema in general. It tells the story of Shaun, a total love loser who understands his girlfriend’s need to propose, but Shaun’s priorities lie elsewhere. He would rather spend a whole day playing video games with his buddy.
The day he decides to do something about it, a zombie epidemic sweeps the city and Shaun and his friends are forced to flee. The dynamic of the group of survivors is cinematic material that Wright uses very well to maintain the balance between the two genres.
1 The Sparks Brothers (2021) – 96%
A documentary about the music duo Sparks. The Sparks Brothers is Wright’s best attempt at a documentary that can encompass such a unique band. The result is an emotionally palpable chronicle about two men whose creativity can only be channeled through a certain style of music.
Wright respects his limitations and doesn’t impose any of his usual style on the film. However, considering how “square” the genre he tackles is, he really makes sure you know you’re watching one of his films.
