Ranking Every Edgar Wright Movie From Worst to Best

Edgar Wright. The name alone conjures images of rapid-fire editing, quirky humor, and a genuine love for genre cinema. From his early days with Spaced to his blockbuster successes, Wright has consistently delivered films that are both visually stunning and deeply entertaining. His unique directorial style, characterized by its energetic pacing and meticulous attention to detail, has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Ranking his films is a daunting task, as each offers something unique and memorable. However, we’ll attempt to navigate his filmography and present a definitive (yet subjective) ranking of every Edgar Wright movie, from worst to best, analyzing what makes each film tick and why it holds its place in his impressive oeuvre.

Table of Contents

A Director’s Distinct Style

Before diving into the ranking, it’s important to understand what constitutes an “Edgar Wright film.” Several key elements consistently appear across his work:

Visual Comedy: Wright masterfully uses visual gags and slapstick humor to enhance his storytelling.
Rapid-Fire Editing: His signature editing style creates a frenetic pace that keeps viewers constantly engaged.
Genre Savvy: Wright possesses a deep understanding of genre conventions, which he often subverts or satirizes.
Soundtrack Integration: Music plays a crucial role in his films, often synchronized with the action on screen.
Recurring Actors: He frequently collaborates with a core group of actors, creating a sense of familiarity and camaraderie.

The Ranking: From Good to Great

6. A Fistful of Fingers (1995)

Wright’s debut feature, A Fistful of Fingers, is a low-budget Western parody that showcases his early potential. While undeniably rough around the edges, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a young filmmaker finding his voice. The film suffers from its limited resources and amateur acting, but the seeds of Wright’s signature style are clearly visible. The humor is often broad and silly, and the plot is predictably absurd. Despite its flaws, it’s a testament to Wright’s dedication and passion for filmmaking, even with significant constraints. Ultimately, it’s more of a curiosity for die-hard fans than a genuinely great film.

5. Last Night in Soho (2021)

Last Night in Soho marks a departure for Wright, venturing into psychological horror territory. The film follows Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), a young fashion student who mysteriously travels back in time to 1960s London, inhabiting the life of a glamorous singer named Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy). While visually stunning and boasting strong performances, the film’s narrative falters in its later stages. The initial mystery and intrigue give way to a somewhat convoluted and predictable plot. The themes of nostalgia, exploitation, and the dark side of show business are explored, but the execution feels somewhat heavy-handed compared to Wright’s usual subtlety. Despite its flaws, Last Night in Soho is a visually arresting and ambitious film that demonstrates Wright’s willingness to experiment with different genres.

4. The World’s End (2013)

The final installment in the “Cornetto Trilogy,” The World’s End is a sci-fi comedy that blends the familiar buddy-comedy dynamic with an alien invasion plot. The film reunites Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as Gary King, a man-child determined to recreate an epic pub crawl from his youth, and Andy Knightley, his reluctant best friend. As the night progresses, they discover that their hometown has been taken over by robotic aliens. While the film features Wright’s signature humor and action sequences, it also delves into more serious themes of addiction, growing up, and the challenges of maintaining friendships. Some argue that the tonal shift towards the dramatic is not entirely successful, but the film’s emotional core and strong performances make it a worthwhile conclusion to the trilogy. The action sequences are creative and the humor is consistently sharp, making it a solid entry in Wright’s filmography. However, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the other two Cornetto films.

3. Baby Driver (2017)

Baby Driver is a stylish and exhilarating action-comedy centered around a young getaway driver named Baby (Ansel Elgort), who suffers from tinnitus and relies on music to drown out the ringing in his ears. Wright choreographs the action sequences to the beat of the soundtrack, creating a visually stunning and aurally captivating experience. The film is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with every shot and edit perfectly timed to the music. The supporting cast, including Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and Jon Hamm, delivers strong performances. While the plot is relatively straightforward, the execution is what sets Baby Driver apart. The film’s energy is infectious, and its unique blend of action, comedy, and romance makes it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. However, some critics argue that the film prioritizes style over substance, and the characters lack depth. Despite these criticisms, Baby Driver remains a popular and critically acclaimed film that showcases Wright’s mastery of visual and auditory storytelling.

2. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

The film that launched Wright into the mainstream, Shaun of the Dead is a hilarious and heartfelt zombie comedy that perfectly balances horror and humor. Simon Pegg stars as Shaun, an unambitious electronics salesman who must protect his friends and family from a zombie apocalypse. The film is a loving homage to George A. Romero’s zombie films, while also being a clever satire of British suburban life. Wright’s signature editing style and visual gags are on full display, and the film is packed with memorable moments. The supporting cast, including Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, and Dylan Moran, is excellent. Shaun of the Dead is not only a great comedy but also a surprisingly effective zombie film, with genuine moments of suspense and horror. The film’s success paved the way for Wright’s future projects and solidified his reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker. It’s a genre-bending masterpiece that continues to delight audiences years after its release.

1. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Widely considered Wright’s masterpiece, Hot Fuzz is a brilliant action-comedy that satirizes the tropes of Hollywood action films while also being a genuinely thrilling and entertaining film in its own right. Simon Pegg stars as Nicholas Angel, a highly skilled London police officer who is transferred to a seemingly idyllic village in the countryside. He soon discovers that the village is hiding a dark secret, and he must team up with his bumbling partner, Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), to uncover the truth. Hot Fuzz is packed with hilarious jokes, memorable characters, and expertly choreographed action sequences. The film’s plot is intricate and well-paced, and it features a satisfying twist ending. Wright’s attention to detail is evident in every scene, and the film is filled with subtle references and in-jokes that reward repeat viewings. Hot Fuzz is not only a hilarious comedy but also a sharp satire of small-town mentality and the glorification of violence in action films. The chemistry between Pegg and Frost is electric, and the supporting cast is equally excellent. It’s a near-perfect film that showcases Wright’s unique talent for blending genres and creating films that are both smart and entertaining.

Ranking Edgar Wright’s films is a difficult endeavor, as each possesses its own unique charm and merits. While A Fistful of Fingers offers a glimpse into his early potential, films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz demonstrate his mastery of genre blending and comedic timing. Baby Driver showcases his innovative use of music and action, and Last Night in Soho reveals his willingness to experiment with different genres. Ultimately, Edgar Wright remains a singular voice in contemporary cinema, consistently delivering films that are both visually stunning and deeply entertaining. His dedication to detail and passion for filmmaking shine through in every project, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting and innovative directors working today.