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Best Wes Ball Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Get ready to journey into the visually stunning and action-packed world of Wes Ball! Known for his distinct style and captivating storytelling, Ball has crafted a filmography that's consistently impressed audiences with its creative world-building and thrilling narratives. From post-apocalyptic landscapes to intricate maze-like challenges, Ball's films push the boundaries of imagination and offer a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Prepare to revisit some of his most beloved works and consider what makes each one a standout. This list compiles some of Wes Ball's most impactful films, showcasing his evolution as a filmmaker. Now it's your turn to weigh in! Using the drag-and-drop feature, customize this ranking to reflect your personal favorites and arrange the titles in order of your preference. Do you think the order presented is spot on, or would you rearrange things entirely? Let the debate begin and share your unique Wes Ball movie hierarchy!
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#2.
The Maze Runner (2014)
2/10
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"The Maze Runner" (2014) plunges viewers into a dystopian world where young Thomas awakens with amnesia in a mysterious Glade, a community of boys surrounded by a massive, ever-changing maze. He quickly discovers that he and the other Gladers are trapped, their only hope for escape lying in navigating the treacherous labyrinth that holds deadly secrets. Setting the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful adventure, Thomas must join forces with the brave "runners" to decipher the maze's patterns and uncover the truth behind their imprisonment, all while battling monstrous creatures and the fading remnants of his own forgotten past. "The Maze Runner" rightfully earns its place on any list of "Best Wes Ball Movies" not just for its captivating dystopian setting and pulse-pounding action, but for its innovative visual style and masterful pacing. Ball's direction flawlessly captures the claustrophobia and desperation of the Glade, while simultaneously conveying the epic scale and unpredictable nature of the maze itself. He expertly balances the thrilling adventure aspects with compelling character development, making the audience genuinely invested in Thomas's journey and the fate of his fellow Gladers. The film's success is a testament to Ball's talent for bringing complex worlds to life with stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, setting a high bar for the subsequent films in the series and solidifying his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
#11.0While Wes Ball's filmography may be relatively short, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" undeniably earns its place among his best works. The film showcases Ball's mastery of visual spectacle, evident in the breathtaking ape cityscapes and the immersive, overgrown environments. He seamlessly blends CGI and practical effects to create a believable and engaging world, pushing the boundaries of motion-capture technology and bringing the ape characters to life with nuanced performances. More than just a visual feast, the film also highlights Ball's ability to handle large-scale narratives, delivering a compelling story of power, evolution, and the struggle for dominance. Beyond its technical achievements, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" demonstrates Ball's growth as a storyteller. He expertly builds upon the established lore of the franchise while introducing compelling new characters and exploring complex themes of legacy and the interpretation of history. The film avoids simplistic good vs. evil tropes, presenting a morally ambiguous world where the lines between civilization and savagery are blurred. This sophisticated approach to storytelling, coupled with the film's impressive visuals and engaging characters, firmly solidifies "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" as a standout entry in Ball's filmography and a testament to his potential as a visionary director.
The Maze Runner (2014)
#22.0"The Maze Runner" (2014) plunges viewers into a dystopian world where young Thomas awakens with amnesia in a mysterious Glade, a community of boys surrounded by a massive, ever-changing maze. He quickly discovers that he and the other Gladers are trapped, their only hope for escape lying in navigating the treacherous labyrinth that holds deadly secrets. Setting the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful adventure, Thomas must join forces with the brave "runners" to decipher the maze's patterns and uncover the truth behind their imprisonment, all while battling monstrous creatures and the fading remnants of his own forgotten past. "The Maze Runner" rightfully earns its place on any list of "Best Wes Ball Movies" not just for its captivating dystopian setting and pulse-pounding action, but for its innovative visual style and masterful pacing. Ball's direction flawlessly captures the claustrophobia and desperation of the Glade, while simultaneously conveying the epic scale and unpredictable nature of the maze itself. He expertly balances the thrilling adventure aspects with compelling character development, making the audience genuinely invested in Thomas's journey and the fate of his fellow Gladers. The film's success is a testament to Ball's talent for bringing complex worlds to life with stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, setting a high bar for the subsequent films in the series and solidifying his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
#33.0"Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" plunges Thomas and his Glader companions into a brutal, post-apocalyptic world far beyond the confines of the Maze. They're forced to confront the harsh realities of the Scorch, a treacherous wasteland riddled with Crank-infested cities and unimaginable dangers. Their mission: uncover the truth behind WCKD, the enigmatic organization pulling the strings, and hopefully find a safe haven. This relentless search for answers leads them to forge alliances with resistance fighters and ultimately confront WCKD's vastly superior forces, revealing the organization's disturbing plans for the Gladers and the true extent of their control. This sequel solidifies its place amongst Wes Ball's best works due to his continued mastery of visual spectacle and pulse-pounding action. While the narrative shifts from the claustrophobic mystery of the first film, Ball expertly translates the frantic energy and sense of desperate survival to a much larger, more visually striking environment. He utilizes practical effects and stunning landscapes to create a believable and terrifying post-apocalyptic world, successfully raising the stakes and pushing the characters to their physical and emotional limits, ultimately delivering a compelling and thrilling continuation of the Maze Runner saga.
Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
#44.0While "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" isn't universally beloved, its inclusion on a list of Wes Ball's best works is undeniable. As the culmination of the "Maze Runner" trilogy, Ball skillfully delivers a visually stunning and action-packed finale. He masterfully orchestrates large-scale set pieces, from thrilling chase sequences through collapsing cities to intense confrontations within the WICKED headquarters. The film demonstrates his consistent ability to create a believable and immersive dystopian world, populated with compelling characters facing impossible odds. Furthermore, "The Death Cure" showcases Ball's knack for emotional storytelling, effectively wrapping up the character arcs and providing closure for the dedicated fanbase. Beyond the spectacle, "The Death Cure" highlights Ball's strengths as a director, demonstrating his capacity to handle a complex narrative and a large ensemble cast. He manages to balance the demands of adapting a popular book series with his own creative vision, resulting in a visually captivating and ultimately satisfying conclusion. Despite some narrative criticisms, the film undeniably solidifies Ball's directorial prowess, showcasing his talent for action, visual effects, and his ability to create a captivating cinematic experience, making it a noteworthy entry in his filmography.
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
#55.0"The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August," while not technically a Wes Ball film *yet*, earns its place on a list of "Best Wes Ball Movies" based purely on potential. This novel, brimming with complex concepts of cyclical time, memory, and the burden of knowledge, perfectly aligns with Ball's established visual flair and narrative ambition. Imagine his signature sweeping shots bringing to life the shifting landscapes of Harry's many lives, the gritty realism of his early worlds juxtaposed with the sleek futurism hinted at in the book's later developments. More importantly, consider Ball's proven ability to build compelling characters in extraordinary circumstances, as seen in *The Maze Runner* trilogy; he's primed to handle the emotionally challenging journey of a man forced to confront the weight of countless pasts and the moral complexities of altering history. The adaptation of "Harry August" presents a unique opportunity for Ball to elevate his storytelling beyond YA action. The novel's dense plot, filled with intricate conspiracies and philosophical dilemmas, begs for a director who can balance grand scale with intimate character moments. Ball's understanding of world-building, coupled with his demonstrated ability to create tension and suspense, positions him perfectly to translate the novel's core themes of predestination versus free will to the screen. This potential masterpiece promises a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience, making its inclusion on a list of the "Best Wes Ball Movies" less a reflection of past achievements and more an anticipation of future greatness.
The Time Runner
#66.0"The Time Runner," while not an actual film directed by Wes Ball (as he's primarily known for the *Maze Runner* trilogy), embodies the very visual flair and compelling world-building that define his directorial style and make him a fan-favorite. Imagine a time-traveling thriller, sleek and futuristic, with the same vibrant color palettes and dynamic camera work seen in the glade. Picture complex puzzles woven into the narrative, characters fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds within the constraints of time itself, creating a high-stakes, visually dazzling race against the clock – hallmarks of Ball's ability to craft engaging and suspenseful action sequences. If "The Time Runner" were a Wes Ball project, it would undoubtedly feature the same themes of survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit that are central to his work. Think intricate set designs that blend seamlessly with cutting-edge technology, creating a believable and immersive dystopian future. Add a cast of relatable characters, grappling with moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices as they try to rewrite their own history. With its blend of breathtaking visuals, intense action, and compelling storytelling, a hypothetical "Time Runner" movie under Ball's direction would cement his reputation as a master of the science fiction thriller, firmly deserving a spot amongst his "best" films.
Ruin
#77.0While "Ruin" is technically a short film, not a feature, its inclusion in any "Best Wes Ball Movies" list is absolutely warranted. This post-apocalyptic proof-of-concept drips with the visual flair and world-building prowess that would later define Ball's "Maze Runner" trilogy. The animation is stunning, showcasing a desolate jungle reclaimed by nature where advanced technology rusts and decays. The action sequences are tight and thrilling, featuring a lone survivor battling futuristic drones in a desperate fight for survival. "Ruin" serves as a potent glimpse into the director's potential, highlighting his talent for crafting immersive environments and compelling narratives even within a limited timeframe. Beyond its technical brilliance, "Ruin" offers a thematic resonance that aligns with Ball's larger body of work. Like the "Maze Runner" films, it explores themes of survival against overwhelming odds, the decay of technology, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the protagonist and the enigmatic nature of the drones hint at a larger, untold story, leaving the viewer captivated and yearning for more. "Ruin" isn't just a well-executed short; it's a microcosm of Ball's directorial vision, a testament to his ability to create captivating cinematic experiences, making it a crucial piece in understanding his career trajectory.
Ruiner
#88.0While Wes Ball's filmography is still blossoming, a hypothetical entry "Ruiner" firmly secures its place on a "Best Wes Ball Movies" list, despite currently being a theoretical project. Ball's signature style, a blend of kinetic action sequences, visually stunning set pieces, and a gritty, dystopian aesthetic, perfectly aligns with the potential of "Ruiner." The game's cyberpunk world, dripping with neon-drenched grime and populated by augmented individuals engaged in visceral combat, provides the perfect canvas for Ball's strengths. Imagine his masterful camera work and pacing, seen in *Maze Runner*, applied to "Ruiner's" relentless, top-down brutality – a visual symphony of carnage elevated by Ball's penchant for impactful character moments. Furthermore, the thematic depth present in "Ruiner," concerning control, identity, and the dehumanizing effects of technology, offers a narrative space for Ball to explore beyond pure spectacle. His ability to balance high-octane action with moments of genuine emotional resonance, as demonstrated in *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*, suggests he could elevate "Ruiner" from a stylish action flick to a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in a technologically advanced dystopia. The potential for stunning visual effects, combined with the game's already compelling narrative, positions "Ruiner," in Ball's hands, as a strong contender for his best work. It would be a visually arresting and thematically rich adaptation, solidifying his reputation as a visionary director with a knack for bringing compelling worlds to life.
Fall of Gods
#99.0While "Fall of Gods" remains unreleased, its inclusion on a list of "Best Wes Ball Movies" is based purely on the immense potential gleaned from its pre-production buzz and the inherent qualities Ball brings to the genre. Knowing Ball's proven ability to craft visually stunning and conceptually rich worlds, as evidenced by his work on the Maze Runner trilogy, anticipation is high that "Fall of Gods" will deliver a similarly compelling experience. The promise of a Viking fantasy world brought to life with cutting-edge visual effects and a mature, character-driven narrative suggests a significant leap forward for Ball, potentially solidifying his reputation as a visionary filmmaker capable of blending epic scope with intimate storytelling. The reasoning behind its inclusion is speculative, but based on Ball's established style and the genre's inherent opportunities, "Fall of Gods" holds the potential to be a career-defining work. Ball's strength lies in world-building, creating immersive environments where characters are tested by extraordinary circumstances. A Viking saga, with its rich mythology and inherent themes of honor, sacrifice, and the clash of gods and mortals, offers the perfect canvas for Ball to showcase his talents. If "Fall of Gods" delivers on its promise, it will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark fantasy film and a deserving addition to any list celebrating Wes Ball's best work.
Mouse Guard
#1010.0"Mouse Guard," while unfortunately never seeing the light of day, earns its place on a list of Best Wes Ball Movies because it showcases his visionary talent for world-building and visual spectacle. Ball, fresh off the success of "The Maze Runner" trilogy, was poised to bring David Petersen's beloved comic book series to life with a level of detail and cinematic scope that would have been groundbreaking. Concept art and early footage revealed a breathtakingly realistic yet fantastical world, populated by anthropomorphic mice facing perilous adventures, all rendered with Ball's signature visual flair and cutting-edge technology. Despite its cancellation, "Mouse Guard" represents a significant, albeit unrealized, milestone in Ball's career and serves as a testament to his ambition and potential to craft immersive and visually stunning narratives. The project's cancellation due to Disney's acquisition of Fox was a major blow to fans and undoubtedly impacted Ball's trajectory. However, the glimpses we did get demonstrated a clear understanding and passion for the source material. Ball planned to utilize performance capture technology to bring the mice characters to life in a way that balanced realism and emotional depth. The potential for epic battle sequences, intimate character moments, and a compelling narrative, all set within a beautifully realized world, made "Mouse Guard" a project brimming with promise. Even in its unfinished state, it deserves recognition as a high-water mark for Wes Ball's creative vision and a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been one of his most ambitious and visually arresting films.
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