Chloe's Not Scared

Are the movies of Guillermo del Toro classified as “horror?” While most people associate the Guadalajara-born director with fantasy, I believe callbacks to the Universal Monsters and Gothic literature sneak into each and every one of his films. Mixing dark fairy tales, horror, and mystery, it’s clear that del Toro is the master of his craft. Originally interested in special effects, GDT sees cinema as an artform, placing his monsters alongside works of art in his museum-like residence Bleak House. I certainly gushed about how much his films captivate the imagination over the years on a new podcast episode from  Director’s Club.

12. Nightmare Alley (2021)

Not my favorite GDT movie, though I think it taps into a very vintage noir story that we have not seen on the big screen for many years. Even his “not great” movies are still working for some. Cate Blanchett is immaculate.

11. Hellboy II (2008)

While it’s not my favorite GDT movie, it does have my favorite monster: the Angel of Death. This movie also veers into a fantasy genre much more than the first Hellboy movie and the rest of GDT’s repertoire. I very much enjoyed the creatures, especially in the market scene.

10. Blade II (2002)

Blade is such an amazing figure in comic book history. I love how Guillermo is drawn to these superheroes who have a complex backstory- like daywalkers or a demon from hell born to do good. This badass sequel has such good baddies (their faces opening like a flower), making it easily one of GDT’s best action films.

9. Pacific Rim (2013)

Billed originally as a superhero movie, this is a kaiju movie with a straightforward sci-fi premise and some comedic relief from Charlie Day. The soundtrack is great and the special effects, of course, are incredible. Truly blew me away when I saw it in theaters.

8. Hellboy (2004)

One of the best comic book adaptations ever created. Ron Perlman was made for Hellboy, the sarcastic paranormal creature with a heart of gold. Selma Blair’s portrayal as his gf rings hollow, but everything else is spot-on. Lots of fun action sequences in the subways and Doug Jones rules as Abe Sapien.

7. Mimic (1997)

It’s so interesting to see the influence of the studio and the time in which it was made within this (and other) GDT films. Of course, del Toro has pretty much disowned this movie due to the production company and interference, but I can still see some of his fingerprints on it. Anything having to do with exploring the bowels of the New York subway system (again- in the subways!) is a win in my book.

6. Pinocchio (2022)

The best animated film of the 21st century (there! I said it!). The film follows Pinocchio (y’know, the innocent little wooden boy) as he makes mistakes, lives his life, and generally has a hell of a time. A classic tale spun into an anti-fascist fable, and I’m glad GDT was at the helm of it. 

5. Cronos (1992)

A lot of people’s favorite, but not mine. However, I do really enjoy having a senior citizen inside of a vampire tale, even if we don’t know much about the lore behind the medallion. A visually stunning debut, reminiscent of the films of Cronenberg and Jeunet. 

4. The Shape of Water (2017)

I don’t know if this movie is “Best Picture” worthy, but I sure enjoy it and I’m glad that our bro GDT was finally recognized for cinematic achievements. This tale of Other-ness and found family captivated and warmed hearts around the world. Sally Hawkins + Gill Man forever.

3. Crimson Peak (2015)

Ghosts are real; this much I know. And Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite directors; this much I know. This movie surprised me out of all of the picks. It’s a perfect tribute to Gothic romance literature as well as classic films like Rebecca and more campier films from Hammer Horror. 

2. The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

While there is a ghost in this movie, I don’t think it’s entirely “horror.” Sure, there is the horror of war, and you know an explosion will happen, but the supernatural is not a threat here– at least, not for the children at this haunted boys school. Even the villains of the movie have a touch of humanity about them.

1. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

A perfect movie doesn’t exi-. Wait. Hold up. Pan’s Labyrinth, tho. This dark fairy tale tells a heartbreaking story of the Nazi invasion in Spain through the eyes of a child. Perfect creatures like the faun and the pale man, mixing scary real-life elements with scary fairytale elements. For lovers of labyrinths, Grimm’s, fantasy and historical epics.

Guillermo del Toro has also produced a few films like The Orphanage, Julia’s Eyes, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Mama. While some are better than others, I also know that the monsters are top tier. I have a hunch that he just inserts himself as a monster consultant and then poof! *disappears* He has also created a Netflix horror anthology show called Cabinet of Curiosities and though he seems a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera acting as a Rod Sterling or Robert Stack, he loves spotlighting emerging creators. The man just seems like an overall nice dude, a passionate creator, a good cat-sitter, and a critical thinker who hates Hollywood because he loves it so much and wants it to be better.

So, what’s next for Guillermo? After wrapping Frankenstein in Scotland (where he stayed at a haunted hotel), GDT has been on the record stating that he is only going to do animated movies from now on. Considering how awesome Pinnochio was, I’m totally down to see any GDT animated films.

If you’d like to listen to more of my takes on GDT, check out my episode on the Director’s Club podcast hosted by my friend Jim Laczkowski. And please consider subscribing to his Substack, 5 Years where he talks about movies and music!