Guillermo del Toro is a critically acclaimed filmmaker and Academy Award-winning writer, director, and producer who has written, directed and produced a wide range of films – from independent Spanish-language short films to massive Hollywood productions. His movies have been praised for their intricate visual universe, unique blend of genres, and themes of childhood innocence and monsters, among other elements. Here, we rank the filmmaker’s best films over the years.
1) Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
At the top of the list is without a doubt, “Pan’s Labyrinth.” This 2006 fantasy drama is set in the context of war-torn Spain in 1944 and mixes traditional horror with fairytale elements. Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography, it tells the story of a young girl who travels to a magical labyrinth and has adventures of both the supernatural and real-life variety. “Pan’s Labyrinth” is full of del Toro’s own personal style, and for that reason, it’s considered one of his best ever works.
2) The Shape of Water (2017)
This 2017 film was even more successful at the Academy Awards than ‘Pan’s Labyrinth.’ “The Shape of Water” won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. This time, the filmmaker tells us a story about a mute woman named Elisa and her mission to save a beaten-down creature from a secret government laboratory. The story blends romance and science fiction, a combination which obviously pays off, considering the film’s success.
3) Hellboy (2004)
It was “Hellboy” (2004) which really put del Toro on the map as a director; it was his first Hollywood feature. The movie stars Ron Perlman as the demon child Hellboy, sent to Earth to fight against supernatural evil forces. The film brought del Toro’s personal aesthetic for creature design, gothic visuals and action-packed sequences all together, forming an intense and entertaining whole, and that’s why it’s widely considered one of his best works.
4) Crimson Peak (2015)
The filmmaker’s 2015 gothic romance flick, “Crimson Peak,” is a stunning masterpiece starring Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Jessica Chastain. The movie tells us the tale of a young woman, who marries a rich but mysterious Baron living in a huge Victorian mansion where there is something sinister going on. If you like creepy locations and del Toro’s mastery of visual storytelling, this one is a must-watch.
5) Pacific Rim (2013)
“Pacific Rim” is the filmmaker’s ambitious 2013 sci-fi epic. The movie follows two pilots who are given the task to save the world by driving monsters back where they came from. It’s a stunning visual spectacle featuring some of the best CGI effects out there and a kickass action set pieces. It’s a real treat to watch and one of del Toro’s most ambitious projects to date.
6) The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
The 2001 Spanish movie, “The Devil’s Backbone,” is another highlight in del Toros filmography. This atmospheric horror mystery follows a young boy who goes to a remote Spanish orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. It’s an intriguing horror piece which blends supernatural elements with a story of innocence, loss and violence. It also shows the filmmaker’s fascination with haunted locations and ghostly figures.
7) Mimic (1997)
“Mimic” (1997) is another solid work from del Toro. Featuring Mira Sorvino, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Northam and Charles S. Dutton, this one follows two entomologists as they navigate a city plagued by giant mutated insects which were created as a result of a medical experiment gone wrong. This film shows us del Toro’s unique singing style and his passion for creature design at its very best.
8) Cronos (1993)
The award-winning “Cronos” (1993) is the ultimate proof of del Toro’s chops as a storyteller. This Spanish-language movie is a blend of horror and fantasy which follows an aging man’s drive to stay alive against all odds. It was del Toro’s first feature film and it gave us a glimpse of his unique style which we’ve grown to love over the years.
9) Blade II (2002)
“Blade II” (2002) is one of del Toro’s most successful Hollywood projects. It’s the sequel to the 1998 hit superhero flick, directed by Stephen Norrington. After the first movie was released, del Toro was called upon to take the director’s seat for this installment, as Norrington exited. The film follows Blade (Wesley Snipes), and a team of vampires as they try to contain a virus that has been released by a new breed of vampires. It features some of the best action and martial arts fighting in the entire Blade trilogy.
10) Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)
We’re concluding this ranked list with “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” (2010), a horror movie remake of the 1973 television film of the same name. It’s a spooky supernatural thriller which follows newly moved in Sally Hurst, who faces a satanic terror at her family’s mansion. It’s not one of del Toro’s best movies but still, it’s proof of the director’s skills to scare and entertain.
To sum up, Guillermo del Toro is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers out there, and his movies have explored a wide range of topics and emotions. To this day, he continues to bring us stunning visual universes and has solidified his place among the best filmmakers in the industry. Whether you’re a fan of his horror, romantic, fantasy or action/sci-fi movies, there’s something for everyone in his filmography. Here, we’ve ranked some of his best cinematic ventures to date, from the 2006’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” to the 2010’s “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.”