Matt Johnson, the creative force behind the cult web series Nirvanna the Band the Show, has quietly built one of the most exciting filmographies in modern independent cinema. With a signature pseudo-documentary style and an irresistible charm, the Canadian filmmaker has gone from niche favorite to a name that cinephiles can't stop talking about. Though he's only directed five features, each one showcases his knack for blending humor, heart, and a refreshingly honest look at human folly.
Ranking Johnson's movies is no easy task—every entry has its own devoted fans and unique strengths. But if we're looking at overall impact, cultural resonance, and sheer filmmaking craft, a clear order emerges. Here's our take on every Matt Johnson movie, from the bottom of the barrel to the very top.
5. Operation Avalanche (2016)
It feels almost unfair to call Operation Avalanche Johnson's weakest film, because it's still a wildly underrated thriller. Set in 1967, it follows a group of CIA agents who pose as documentary filmmakers to investigate NASA—and inadvertently stumble into the conspiracy that the moon landing was faked. The film starts as a lighthearted, almost goofy romp in classic Johnson fashion, then slowly tightens into something darker and more paranoid.
What makes it work is the low-budget, renegade energy that Johnson pulls off so well. But it's also the film that most relies on viewers already being familiar with his style to fully appreciate. If you're new to his work, it might not hit as hard. Still, it's a testament to his ability to make a lot out of very little.
4. Tony (2026)
Johnson's latest, Tony, is a departure in almost every way—it's his only film where he doesn't appear on screen, and it abandons the handheld, documentary look that defined his earlier work. Instead, it's a more traditional biopic about the late Anthony Bourdain, but it's anything but conventional. Rather than a Wikipedia-style recap of Bourdain's life, Johnson focuses on the messy, egotistical, and often foolish journey of a young man finding his purpose.
The result is a coming-of-age story that stands on its own, even if you know nothing about the famous chef. It's a promising sign that Johnson can adapt his voice to a more polished style without losing what makes him special. For fans of coming-of-age stories, this is a must-watch.
3. BlackBerry (2023)
Before Tony, Johnson delivered BlackBerry, the best of the 2023 brand biopics. It tells the rise and fall of the once-dominant smartphone company, and it does so with Johnson's signature fly-on-the-wall approach. Instead of a glossy corporate tribute, we get a raw, often hilarious look at the egos and missteps that doomed the company.
The film also marked Johnson's first collaboration with bigger-name actors like Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, and Cary Elwes, and they all shine. BlackBerry became a breakout moment for Johnson, earning a record number of Canadian Screen Award nominations and wins. It's a smart, sharp, and surprisingly human take on a story we thought we knew.
2. The Dirties (2013)
Johnson's debut feature, The Dirties, remains one of the most striking high school films ever made. It follows two best friends who are making a movie about bullying—until their project takes a disturbingly dark turn. Shot in a documentary style that feels incredibly ahead of its time, the film balances hilarious banter with a gut-punch of a finale that stays with you long after the credits roll.
It's a bold, uncomfortable, and deeply affecting piece of work that announced Johnson as a major talent. Even now, it's a film that feels more relevant than ever, tackling themes of alienation and violence with a rawness that's rare in cinema. For anyone looking to understand Johnson's appeal, this is the perfect starting point.
1. Nirvanna the Band the Show (2017-2023)
Okay, technically this is a TV series, not a movie—but it's impossible to talk about Johnson's best work without mentioning it. Nirvanna the Band the Show is a hilarious, boundary-pushing comedy that follows two hapless friends trying to get their band famous by any means necessary. It's a masterclass in improvisation, meta-humor, and sheer audacity, and it's the project that made Johnson a cult hero.
While it's not a feature film, it's the purest expression of Johnson's comedic genius and his willingness to take risks. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out. It's the kind of show that makes you wonder why more people aren't talking about it.
So there you have it—every Matt Johnson movie, ranked. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering his work, there's something to love in each of these films. And with Tony already earning buzz, it's clear Johnson is just getting started.
