Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American superhero film based on theMarvel Comics superhero team of the same name, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the tenth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film was directed by James Gunn, who wrote the screenplay with Nicole Perlman, and features anensemble cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel,Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou,John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro. In Guardians of the Galaxy,Peter Quill forms an uneasy alliance with a group of extraterrestrial misfits who are on the run after stealing a coveted orb.

Screenwriter Nicole Perlman began working on the screenplay in 2009. Producer Kevin Feige first publicly mentioned Guardians of the Galaxy as a potential film in 2010, and Marvel Studios announced that the film was in active development at the San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2012. Gunn was hired to write and direct the film that September. In February 2013, Pratt was hired to play Peter Quill / Star-Lord, and the supporting cast was filled out over the next several months. Filming began in July 2013 atShepperton Studios, England, with filming continuing in London beforewrapping in October 2013. Post-production finished on July 7, 2014.

Guardians of the Galaxy premiered in Hollywood on July 21, 2014. It was released in theaters August 1, 2014 in the United States in 3D and IMAX 3D. The film became a critical and financial success, having grossed over $705 million worldwide. Much of the praise went to the film's light-hearted humor and nostalgic soundtrack, Gunn's direction, and the performances of the cast. A sequel has been announced and is scheduled to be released on July 28, 2017.