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Best Ryan Murphy Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Ryan Murphy, the prolific creator of television hits like *American Horror Story* and *Glee*, has also made a significant impact on the world of film. From dark comedies to poignant dramas, Murphy's cinematic offerings often feature a signature blend of stylized visuals, sharp writing, and memorable performances. This list celebrates the very best of his filmography, showcasing the projects that have resonated most with audiences and critics alike. Now it's your turn! Scroll through the list below and cast your vote for your favorite Ryan Murphy movies. Consider everything: the stories, the acting, the direction, and the overall impact. Feel free to weigh in on whether you think *Scream Queens* should have been included. Every vote helps shape the definitive ranking of Ryan Murphy's best film achievements. Let's see which films emerge as the true fan favorites!
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#1.
Running with Scissors (2006)
1/3
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"Running with Scissors" (2006) paints a vivid, often darkly humorous portrait of a young man's unconventional coming-of-age. Young Augusten Burroughs absorbs experiences that could make for a shocking memoir: the son of an alcoholic father and an unstable mother, he's handed off to his mother's therapist, Dr. Finch, and spends his adolescent years as a member of Finch's bizarre extended family. The film, based on Burroughs' memoir of the same name, follows his journey through a childhood marked by emotional neglect and the eccentricities of a deeply dysfunctional, yet strangely captivating, collection of characters. This adaptation expertly captures the unsettling blend of trauma and absurdity that shapes Augusten's formative years. Although "Running with Scissors" was not directed by Ryan Murphy, it earns a place among the "Best Ryan Murphy Movies" based on its thematic resonance and style. Murphy's work often delves into the lives of outsiders, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, mental health struggles, and societal norms through a lens of both dark comedy and dramatic intensity. "Running with Scissors" shares these sensibilities, with its focus on unconventional characters, a heightened aesthetic, and unflinching examination of the human condition. The film's embrace of camp, its exploration of unconventional family structures, and its unflinching portrayal of the strange and the beautiful align with Murphy's signature directorial style, making it a thematic cousin to his more well-known works.
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#1.
Running with Scissors (2006)
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"Running with Scissors" (2006) paints a vivid, often darkly humorous portrait of a young man's unconventional coming-of-age. Young Augusten Burroughs absorbs experiences that could make for a shocking memoir: the son of an alcoholic father and an unstable mother, he's handed off to his mother's therapist, Dr. Finch, and spends his adolescent years as a member of Finch's bizarre extended family. The film, based on Burroughs' memoir of the same name, follows his journey through a childhood marked by emotional neglect and the eccentricities of a deeply dysfunctional, yet strangely captivating, collection of characters. This adaptation expertly captures the unsettling blend of trauma and absurdity that shapes Augusten's formative years. Although "Running with Scissors" was not directed by Ryan Murphy, it earns a place among the "Best Ryan Murphy Movies" based on its thematic resonance and style. Murphy's work often delves into the lives of outsiders, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, mental health struggles, and societal norms through a lens of both dark comedy and dramatic intensity. "Running with Scissors" shares these sensibilities, with its focus on unconventional characters, a heightened aesthetic, and unflinching examination of the human condition. The film's embrace of camp, its exploration of unconventional family structures, and its unflinching portrayal of the strange and the beautiful align with Murphy's signature directorial style, making it a thematic cousin to his more well-known works.
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Running with Scissors (2006)
"Running with Scissors" (2006) paints a vivid, often darkly humorous portrait of a young man's unconventional coming-of-age. Young Augusten Burroughs absorbs experiences that could make for a shocking memoir: the son of an alcoholic father and an unstable mother, he's handed off to his mother's therapist, Dr. Finch, and spends his adolescent years as a member of Finch's bizarre extended family. The film, based on Burroughs' memoir of the same name, follows his journey through a childhood marked by emotional neglect and the eccentricities of a deeply dysfunctional, yet strangely captivating, collection of characters. This adaptation expertly captures the unsettling blend of trauma and absurdity that shapes Augusten's formative years. Although "Running with Scissors" was not directed by Ryan Murphy, it earns a place among the "Best Ryan Murphy Movies" based on its thematic resonance and style. Murphy's work often delves into the lives of outsiders, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, mental health struggles, and societal norms through a lens of both dark comedy and dramatic intensity. "Running with Scissors" shares these sensibilities, with its focus on unconventional characters, a heightened aesthetic, and unflinching examination of the human condition. The film's embrace of camp, its exploration of unconventional family structures, and its unflinching portrayal of the strange and the beautiful align with Murphy's signature directorial style, making it a thematic cousin to his more well-known works.
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The Prom (2020)
"The Prom (2020)" firmly belongs on a list of the best Ryan Murphy movies, embodying his signature blend of flamboyant storytelling, social commentary, and unapologetic celebration of the underdog. The film bursts with the vibrant energy and stylistic flair that defines Murphy's work, showcasing his ability to assemble a star-studded cast and craft a world that's both delightfully theatrical and deeply empathetic. The musical numbers, a staple of Murphy's productions, are expertly woven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact and providing a joyous platform for the film's core message of inclusivity and acceptance. Beyond the glitz and glamour, "The Prom" tackles important themes of prejudice, homophobia, and the power of self-acceptance with Murphy's characteristic boldness. It's a film that champions diversity, highlights the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, and ultimately promotes a message of hope and unity. Its willingness to confront difficult issues while simultaneously entertaining audiences with its infectious energy and heartwarming moments solidifies its place as a quintessential Ryan Murphy film, reflecting his commitment to using his platform to spark conversation and foster understanding.
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Eat Pray Love (2010)
"Eat Pray Love" (2010) follows Liz Gilbert, a woman who seemingly has it all, yet feels profoundly unfulfilled. Newly divorced and craving a life change, she embarks on a transformative journey across the globe. She leaves behind the comfort and expectations of her former life, seeking self-discovery and a deeper understanding of happiness. Her travels take her to Italy, where she indulges in the pleasures of food; India, where she explores spirituality through prayer and meditation; and finally, Bali, where she ultimately finds inner peace and a surprising encounter with love. While "Eat Pray Love" is not a Ryan Murphy film in the traditional sense (he didn't write, direct, or produce it), its inclusion on a "Best Ryan Murphy Movies" list could be justified through a connection to its themes of self-discovery, embracing individuality, and often a queer subtext or exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, which are signature elements of Murphy's work. While not explicitly queer in its primary storyline, the film's focus on personal growth, breaking free from societal expectations, and exploring diverse cultures aligns with Murphy's consistent artistic engagement with marginalized communities and celebrating difference, a thematic core that permeates his most prominent and influential work.
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