Alex Garland's Complete Filmography Ranked From Worst to Best
From his early screenwriting days to his latest directorial ventures, we break down every Alex Garland project and determine which films showcase his unique vision most effectively.
Alex Garland stands as one of modern cinema's most distinctive voices in science fiction. His career trajectory reads like a masterclass in creative evolution: novelist turned screenwriter turned director. Each transition brought fresh perspectives to storytelling that feels both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant.
With his latest project hitting theaters, now seems like the perfect moment to examine his complete body of work. From early missteps to genre-defining masterpieces, Garland's filmography reveals an artist constantly pushing boundaries.
The Bottom Tier: Ambitious Swings That Missed
Men (2022) represents Garland's most polarizing effort. The horror film tackles toxic masculinity with Jessie Buckley delivering a committed performance surrounded by disturbing male archetypes. Yet the social commentary never penetrates beyond surface-level observations about problematic behavior.
The film succeeds as atmospheric horror. Its final act delivers genuinely shocking imagery that lingers long after viewing. But strong visuals can't compensate for shallow thematic exploration.
Civil War (2024) finds Garland working in mainstream territory while maintaining his signature bleakness. The war film follows photojournalists documenting America's collapse, creating an experience that mirrors endless social media scrolling. Violence becomes numbing. Hope disappears gradually.
Mid-Career Experiments and Collaborations
Dredd (2012) showcases Garland's screenwriting skills in pure action mode. Though officially credited only as writer, many consider this his unofficial directorial debut. Karl Urban's Judge Dredd operates with cold efficiency in the violent Mega-City One.
The script wisely confines most action to a single high-rise building. This creates focused tension while streamlining the narrative. The film loses some of the source material's satirical edge but compensates with tight pacing.
Warfare (2025) co-directed with Iraq veteran Ray Mendoza, presents war in real time. The anti-war message hits hard through its unflinching portrayal of combat's psychological toll. No musical score softens the impact. No time jumps provide relief.
Never Let Me Go (2010) adapts Kazuo Ishiguro's powerful novel about three friends discovering their tragic destiny. Garland's screenplay struggles to match the book's emotional devastation. The performances feel genuine, but the adaptation holds back when it should hurt most.
Science Fiction Mastery
Sunshine (2007) nearly achieves greatness despite tonal inconsistencies. The first half explores philosophical questions about humanity's survival. The second half shifts into thriller territory. Cillian Murphy leads astronauts on a mission to restart the dying sun.
Garland's writing tackles faith, science, and humanity's role in cosmic events. The film asks profound questions without providing easy answers. Despite structural flaws, Sunshine haunts viewers long after the credits roll.
Ex Machina (2014) marked Garland's confident directorial debut. The low-budget thriller transforms a tech mansion into a psychological prison. The modern Turing test story blurs lines between human and artificial intelligence.
Watching it now, during our AI-dominated era, the film feels prophetic. Ava may be an android, but the story constantly questions what defines humanity. Smart writing combines with Oscar-winning visual effects to create something genuinely unsettling.
The Pinnacle Works
28 Years Later (2025) revives the infected world with emotional depth. Garland's script explores generational trauma and survival's true cost. Unlike the original's rage-fueled chaos, this sequel examines exhaustion and psychological scars left by decades of violence.
The film balances visceral action with deeper themes about hope, loss, and moral compromise. It feels both reflective and disturbing, asking whether mere survival justifies the sacrifices required.
Annihilation (2018) represents Garland at his most fearless. Despite poor marketing and quick streaming release, the film eventually found its audience. Based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel, it transforms grief, mental illness, and self-destruction into a dreamlike journey.
The plot resists easy interpretation. This risk makes Annihilation powerful. It stands as a modern sci-fi classic that rewards multiple viewings.
28 Days Later (2002) remains Garland's greatest achievement. His screenplay revolutionized zombie cinema, influencing countless films that followed. Danny Boyle's direction provides energy, but Garland's script supplies the backbone.
The story focuses on human connections rather than just monsters. Every moment feels urgent and alive. The lean, scary narrative never overcomplicates its central themes. While Garland has grown more ambitious over time, he's never topped this perfectly balanced masterpiece.