Luca Guadagnino is steadily making a name for himself in Hollywood with numerous buzz-worthy titles being added to his filmography. While not all are great, they are still impressive and unique works of art that many will as some of cinema's most fascinating stories. As seen in the critically acclaimed Challengers starring Zendaya in an Oscar-worthy performance, Guadagnino has demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture the essence of unfulfilled desire, transforming it into tangible tension on screen.

Equally notable is his energetic and expressive approach behind the camera, which complements the subtleties of his chosen material. Although Guadagnino rarely takes part in shaping the screenplays of his projects, his distinctive touch is evident in each of his works. At a time when Italian cinema has lost its once-dominant position in the art cinema scene, Guadagnino stands as a beacon, embracing the transnational realities of Western cinema and leaving his mark on various corners of the Western world, with his films reflecting this diversity of vision.

9 Melissa P. (2005)

Starring Mariá Valverde and Letizia Ciampa

Melissa P. is a perplexing and ultimately unsatisfying attempt at exploring the complexities of a young girl's sexual awakening. The film's jarring juxtaposition of soap opera-like aesthetics and mature themes creates a discordant viewing experience that fails to engage on either a serious or satirical level.

Guadagnino is, unfortunately, unable to find a consistent tone, which leaves the narrative feeling disted and lacking in coherence. The director's decision to combine elements of teen drama with darker, more provocative subject matter results in a film that feels both superficial and uncomfortably voyeuristic.

The lead actress's performance, while commendable given the challenging material, is not enough to salvage the film's shortcomings. Melissa P. ultimately becomes a cautionary tale of how a promising premise can be undermined by a lack of clear vision and a misguided approach to sensitive topics.

8 The Protagonists (1999)

Starring Tilda Swinton and Fabrizia Sacchi

In his directorial debut The Protagonists, Luca Guadagnino ambitiously attempts to blend the mockumentary format with elements of horror and mystery, resulting in a film that, while commendable for its experimentation, ultimately fails to leave a lasting impact. The narrative follows an Italian film crew, led by the always spectacular Tilda Swinton, as they endeavor to document and recreate a real-life murder.

The Protagonists does showcase the director's willingness to take risks and explore unconventional storytelling methods.

While the premise is intriguing, Guadagnino struggles to effectively balance the various genres and tones, leading to a somewhat forgettable experience. Despite its shortcomings, The Protagonists does showcase the director's willingness to take risks and explore unconventional storytelling methods.

While it’s a trait the director would later become known for, the execution falls short of its ambitious goals. The film's most noteworthy aspect is the introduction of the collaborative relationship between Guadagnino and Swinton, which would go on to produce far more impressive works in the future.

7 A Bigger Splash (2015)

Starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes

A Bigger Splash showcases Luca Guadagnino's penchant for exploring the complexities of desire and jealousy, this time through a lens of conversation rather than explicit sexual encounters. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, and Dakota Johnson, all of whom navigate the intricacies of their characters' relationships against the picturesque backdrop of the Italian seaside.

Guadagnino's signature theme of life-altering summer vacations is on full display as the characters grapple with the weight of past decisions and the allure of what might have been. While the privileged status of the protagonists may make it challenging to fully empathize with their romantic dilemmas, Guadagnino's handling of the subject matter ensures that the film remains engaging throughout.

A Bigger Splash is a compelling exploration of the various facets of love and the consequences of our choices. Its portrayal of intertwined relationships against the backdrop of scenic landscapes adds depth to the narrative, making it a visually captivating experience.

6 Queer (2024)

Starring Daniel Craig And Drew Starkey

In the same year that Guadagnino delivered the critical hit Challengers, he once again showcased what a prolific and versatile filmmaker he is by also releasing the intimate drama Queer. Based on a novella by William S. Burroughs, Queer stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, an American expatriate living in Mexico City in the 1950s. Living a lonely life in the city, he meets a young former soldier named Eugene (Drew Starkey) and forms a strong connection.

Juxtaposed with the fast-paced and energetic Challengers, Guadagnino leans into something totally different with a surreal and dream-like drama that will not be for everyone. However, it is a captivating experience, with Guadagnino once again luring the audience in with the lush imagery and intimate feeling of the story. Queer is also elevated by a career-best performance from Craig who is funny, charming, and heartbreaking in the lead role.

5 Suspiria (2018)

Starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Dakota Johnson

Luca Guadagnino's bold reimagining of Suspiria deviates from the original movie by Dario Argento in a manner that exemplifies the hallmarks of a successful remake. Rather than attempting to recreate the source material verbatim, Guadagnino strips away the vibrant colors and discordant soundscape that defined Argento's vision. He instead crafts a deeply unsettling exploration of unbridled ion and fanaticism.

While some may argue that removing the excessive elements undermines its appeal, Guadagnino updates his predecessor's work by desaturating the visual palette. This distinction allows the remake to maintain an atmosphere of unease without relying on the same stylistic flourishes. Anchored by powerful performances, particularly from the versatile Tilda Swinton, Guadagnino's Suspiria emerges as a captivating horror film that fearlessly embraces its polarizing nature, demonstrating the director's commitment to his singular vision.

4 Bones And All (2022)

Starring Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell

In Bones and All, Luca Guadagnino reunites with Timothée Chalamet to explore a poignant and unconventional romance, adding a touch of cannibalism to the mix. The film follows Chalamet and Taylor Russell as two runaway cannibals who find comfort and understanding in each other's company, their shared affliction serving as a binding force.

Guadagnino's skilled handling of genre-blending is on full display, a stark contrast to the tonal inconsistencies of his earlier works. The director's ability to maintain the delicate balance between the tender romance and the unsettling subject is perhaps the film's greatest strength.

Through nuanced performances and a carefully crafted atmosphere, Bones and All manages to evoke a sense of longing for human connection, even in the face of the characters' disturbing desires. It is a testament to Guadagnino's growth as a filmmaker, delivering a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is provocative.

3 I Am Love (2009)

Starring Tilda Swinton and Flavio Parenti

I Am Love marks a triumphant return for the collaborative duo of Luca Guadagnino and Tilda Swinton, a decade after their initial partnership. This ethereal exploration of unfulfilled desire and the consequences of pursuing carnal fulfillment showcases the director's confident mastery of his signature aesthetic.

The film follows a Russian woman, portrayed by Swinton, who finds herself questioning her marriage to a member of a prominent Italian family, contemplating the potential cost of seeking true ion. Considered one of Tilda Swinton’s best movies, her performance is a tour de force, with rumors circulating that the British actor learned both Italian and Russian to authentically portray her character's linguistic background (via The Guardian).

This dedication aligns perfectly with Swinton's reputation as a transformative and committed performer. I Am Love stands as a shining example of the creative synergy between Guadagnino and Swinton, their collaborative efforts yielding a film that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally powerful.

2 Challengers (2024)

Starring Zendaya and Mike Faist

Luca Guadagnino focuses on the complex interplay of obsession and repulsion, a recurring theme in his exploration of the human form. Challengers follows three tennis players entangled in a web of sexual tension and professional rivalry, with Guadagnino fearlessly navigating the murky waters of character likability.

Challengers emerges as a prime example of the director's energetic and thought-provoking approach to storytelling, solidifying its position as one of his most captivating works to date.

Through audacious and captivating cinematography, the director frames the central trio in a manner that simultaneously highlights their physical allure and exposes the underhanded tactics they employ to derive maximum gratification from one another. The impressive cast of Challengers possesses a magnetic presence on screen that renders it impossible to look away.

Guadagnino's direction of the constantly shifting dynamics between the protagonists showcases his ability to create a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually arresting. Challengers emerges as a prime example of the director's energetic and thought-provoking approach to storytelling, solidifying its position as one of his most captivating works to date.

1 Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer

Call Me by Your Name is a prime example of Luca Guadagnino's mastery in depicting unrequited and emotionally charged romances, establishing him as a visionary in the realm of sensual period pieces. Adapted from André Aciman's novel by the acclaimed James Ivory, the film revels in the unspoken, the unexplored, and the unseen.

It traces the ill-fated affections between teenage Elio and Oliver, his father's American summer research intern, in the idyllic Italian countryside. Timothée Chalamet delivers a revelatory performance, encapsulating the essence of Guadagnino's storytelling. It’s a poignant blend of yearning romance, introspection, and the looming realization that the very thing that liberates you from your repressed burdens may ultimately weigh you down.

Call Me By Your Name serves as a powerful meditation on the risks inherent in the pursuit of love, suggesting that the anguish endured might be a price worth paying for the fleeting moments of pure bliss. Luca Guadagnino's commitment to exploring the depths of human emotion ensures that audiences will continue to be drawn to his works.