All 6 Gareth Evans Movies, Ranked
Gareth Evans, hailing from Wales, has earned recognition primarily for his work on the “The Raid” series, demonstrating daring and innovative skills as an action movie director. He’s renowned for his inventive cinematography and graceful fight choreography, a trait that is evident in nearly all of his full-length films. Despite uncertainty about the future of the “The Raid” franchise, Evans persists in creating intriguing projects that challenge him to venture beyond his familiar territory. His 2025 action flick, “Havoc”, exemplifies this boldness.
Havoc” is another bold, harsh action movie that relies heavily on grand stunts and intense violence to captivate its viewers. Although it hasn’t received as much acclaim as films like “The Raid”, it demonstrates that Evans still has his knack for directing action sequences, a skill that few directors possess. Evans is exceptional at orchestrating intricate fight scenes or elaborate stunts, a talent that shines throughout his entire body of work. Tom Hardy, the lead actor in “Havoc”, has even commended Evans’ filmmaking, underscoring him as one of the top talents in the action genre.
| Gareth Evans Movie | Rotten Tomatoes Scores |
|---|---|
| Footsteps (2006) | No Critic Score / 29% Audience Score |
| Merantau (2009) | No Critic Score / 62% Audience Score |
| The Raid: Redemption (2011) | 87% Critic Score / 87% Audience Score |
| The Raid 2 (2014) | 83% Critic Score / 87% Audience Score |
| Apostle (2018) | 79% Critic Score / 53% Audience Score |
| Havoc (2025) | 66% Critic Score / 39% Audience Score |
6. Footsteps (2006)
Starring Nicholas Bool & Mads Koudal
Gareth Evans’ initial movie, which is less recognized among his works, showcases a daring and disquieting atmosphere that undeniably leaves an impact, albeit not consistently for the better. The plot revolves around an individual named Andrew who crosses paths with a menacing figure referred to as the Cameraman, infamous for capturing on film people being attacked in a dim underpass. This movie, carrying a striking and unsettling vibe , undeniably etches its narrative deeply, yet not always in a positive manner.
Evans’ film Footsteps stands out markedly from his other works, which might explain its frequent negative reviews. Fans of action-packed films like The Raid and Apostle might find this slow-paced, low-budget horror less appealing. At times it can be challenging to watch, but the intentional sense of discomfort is always present. The film also delves into an intriguing exploration of the connection between crime and entertainment, even if it doesn’t always offer a satisfying resolution to the questions it poses.
5. Merantau (2009)
Starring Iko Uwais & Sisca Jessica
In a less familiar addition to Gareth Evans’ filmography, the movie titled “Merantau” doesn’t have widespread recognition, but it certainly possesses more commendable aspects compared to “Footsteps“. Critical reception for Gareth Evans’ films is typically diverse, and “Merantau ” perfectly embodies this diversity. While some spectators may be utterly captivated by the over-the-top stylistic flair and visually daring narrative of this action-packed thriller, others are likely to find its distinctive aesthetic tiresome.
The narrative centers around an accomplished martial artist who ventures to Jakarta with the aim of instructing youngsters in the art of combat. However, during his travels, he encounters a menacing gang of criminals, forcing him to utilize his own fighting abilities. In essence, this movie is a fast-paced, gritty action flick that seldom slows down – it’s perfect for adrenaline junkies seeking uninterrupted action; however, it tends to take on more than it can handle in terms of its overall quality.
4. Havoc (2025)
Starring Tom Hardy & Timothy Olyphant
In a decade since his last action-packed film, Gareth Evans is back with “Havoc” – another high-energy, flashy production featuring significant conflicts and grandiose sequences. Unlike “Merantau”, this project understands the importance of taking pauses to let viewers empathize with the characters. Additionally, Tom Hardy’s powerful yet sensitive portrayal in the lead role adds a layer of authenticity that was previously lacking in Evans’ earlier productions.
While Havoc may not reach the heights of Gareth Evans’ top films, there’s still a lot to appreciate in this pulse-pounding thriller. The plot revolves around a weary detective who is assigned to delve into the dark corners of an anonymous American metropolis, aiming to find the missing son of a powerful figure. Though it might fall short on deep narrative themes, Havoc compensates with intricate characters, exhilarating action sequences, and enough raw masculinity to balance out the decade-long wait.
3. The Raid 2 (2014)
Starring Iko Uwais & Julie Estelle
Gareth Evans’ “The Raid” series is frequently recognized as his greatest work, and “The Raid 2” skillfully maintains the high standards set by its predecessor. The director masterfully combines a careful approach to filmmaking with raw action, which is exactly what viewers expect from these films. However, it’s the complex storyline and engaging characters that distinguish this project from Evans’ other action movies. It offers more than just an exciting collection of action scenes it’s known for.
The Raid 2 continues shortly after the stunning ending of the initial movie, where our hero, Rama, assumes the identity of a menacing inmate named Yuda to penetrate the ranks of corrupt police officers. These officers have exploited their power, enabling crime syndicates to dominate the city’s streets. The Raid 2, one of the outstanding action films from the 2010s, offers a thrilling pace, compelling characters, and action sequences that challenge the limits of cinematic possibilities. However, its plot might be slightly less intricate and more predictable compared to its predecessor.
2. Apostle (2018)
Starring Dan Stevens & Lucy Boynton
Although it might not be his top-rated work according to critics, “Apostle” stands out as Gareth Evans’ most underestimated endeavor so far. This film deviates significantly from Evans’ previous works, such as “The Raid” and “Merantau,” by abandoning the high-octane action in favor of a chilling gothic folk horror that is eerily captivating and methodically paced. The movie is filled with haunting visuals and disquieting production design, creating an atmosphere of dread rather than relying solely on action to keep viewers engaged.
The movie titled “Apostle” narrates the tale of Thomas Richardson, a young man braving a perilous trek, motivated by his desire to rescue his sister from a secluded Welsh village rumored to be under the rule of a mad religious sect. With its backdrop set in the early 1900s, the film draws heavily on the eerie, supernatural atmosphere that is characteristic of many gothic novels from the Victorian era. The movie “Apostle” presents an audacious departure from Evans’ usual style, making it hard not to be impressed by this creative decision.
1. The Raid (2011)
Starring Iko Uwais & Yayan Ruhian
Throughout his career, Evans has starred in numerous action films, yet many agree that The Raid stands out as his best – and they’re absolutely correct. This movie is a daring and innovative demonstration of how to advance the action genre, subtly so that viewers may not even realize; it features intricate cinematography and clever editing techniques that are hard to pinpoint, but ultimately, it boils down to the film’s exceptional craftsmanship.
The narrative is straightforward: “The Raid” revolves around a band of police officers who breach the stronghold of a ruthless drug kingpin, only to find themselves pinned down inside. To stay alive until they can capture their target, they must navigate through this perilous situation. It’s a simple yet effective survival-thriller. There are whispers about “The Raid 3” being in the works, and if Gareth Evans wants to revisit the gritty, unconventional action filmmaking that made him renowned, making another installment seems like the wisest choice.
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2025-05-03 16:21