Robert Rodriguez’s 11 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
Robert Rodriguez has established himself as a filmmaker with a unique vision, often blending action, science fiction, and a touch of humor. While critics have had varied responses to his work over the years, some of his movies have stood out more than others according to Rotten Tomatoes scores. Here are Robert Rodriguez’s 11 best movies, ranked according to their Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
1.”Sin City” (2005) – 77%
“Sin City” is a gritty neo-noir film that brings Frank Miller’s graphic novel to life with stunning visuals and an ensemble cast. The intertwining stories and stylized violence make it one of Rodriguez’s most critically acclaimed films.
2.”Spy Kids” (2001) – 93%
“Spy Kids,” a family-oriented adventure, surpasses expectations with its inventive story and playful special effects. Its high score reflects its appeal to both children and adults.
3.”El Mariachi” (1993) – 91%
This low-budget action film won acclaim for its storytelling and innovative use of budget constraints, kickstarting Rodriguez’s career and leading to two sequels in a trilogy.
4.”Desperado” (1995) – 63%
As the sequel to “El Mariachi,” “Desperado” brings Antonio Banderas into the lead role for a stylish and more polished action-packed film that managed to charm the critics.
5.”From Dusk Till Dawn” (1996) – 63%
Rodriguez teams up with Quentin Tarantino for this horror crime thriller that turned into a cult classic due in part to its over-the-top style and memorable characters.
6.”The Faculty” (1998) – 54%
This teen sci-fi horror film pits high school students against their alien-infected teachers, delivering a mixture of ’90s nostalgia and sci-fi horror that appealed to many reviewers.
7.”Once Upon a Time in Mexico” (2003) – 66%
Concluding the El Mariachi trilogy, this movie features an impressive cast and bigger action sequences but received mixed reviews compared to its predecessors.
8.”Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams” (2002) – 75%
The Spy Kids sequel proved Rodriguez’s ability to sustain his vision for fun family entertainment while exploring imaginative new settings.
9.”Machete Kills” (2013) – 29%
Although it did not fare well critically, “Machete Kills,” the second in the Machete series known for its exploitation-style action, still has its fans who enjoy the film’s outrageousness.
10.”Alita: Battle Angel” (2019) – 61%
This cyberpunk action film caught attention for its visual effects and ambitious storytelling, making it relatively well-received among critics given its complex source material.
11.”Planet Terror” (2007) – 74%
Part of the Grindhouse double feature with Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” “Planet Terror” is a throwback to ’70s horror flicks with an over-the-top approach that resonated with Rotten Tomatoes critics enough to garner positive ratings.
Rodriguez’s films often polarize critics but no doubt have made an impact across various genres, from kids’ movies to violent thrillers — all of which bear his distinctive style and demonstrate his range as a director.