The 10 Best Wes Anderson Movies Ranked

The internet often oversimplifies Wes Anderson‘s films by focusing on a few superficial visual aspects or poorly made AI imitations. However, Anderson’s body of work is much more intricate than mere scenes of characters looking into the camera or vibrant sets. This filmmaker excels at many things, but he is exceptionally skillful at infusing whimsical imagery with deep explorations of life’s most profound struggles. His characters, whether they are a stop-motion fox or the Tenenbaum family, deal with genuine, heavy internal challenges like self-loathing, complex family relationships, or trauma from war. The distinctive visual quirks in his work imply that pain and anguish can be found anywhere, even in places as seemingly idyllic as “Isle of Dogs” or “Grand Budapest Hotel.

There are numerous ways to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of this director, such as finding redeeming qualities in even his “least favorite” films. However, one captivating approach is to watch his ten most impressive movies. Examining these ten films, listed from “least favorite” to best, reveals just how versatile he is as a filmmaker. Like any other auteur, Anderson’s work reflects recurring themes, visual motifs, and fascinations with pop culture. Yet, these ten exceptional films offer a unique perspective on why his body of work has captivated the world. If you prefer to accept the superficial image of Wes Anderson’s films that the internet presents, then by all means. But delving into his top ten movies will provide a far more intriguing exploration of what makes his filmography so mesmerizing.

10. Bottle Rocket

In Wes Anderson’s first full-length directorial effort, “Bottle Rocket,” it’s clear that his creative style was still finding its footing. This is evident just in the film’s production design, which is a far cry from the grandiose, vibrant sets that would become his signature in later works. Instead, we find ourselves in ordinary Dallas landscapes, a stark contrast to Anderson’s usual settings.

However, “Bottle Rocket” also showcases Wes Anderson’s early creative leanings. Notably, he had already identified some of the actors he would work with extensively. Owen Wilson, a mainstay in Anderson’s films, stars as one of the leads in “Bottle Rocket,” and recurring performer Luke Wilson plays another key character. In one of his finest screen performances, Owen Wilson delivers Dignan, a character that mirrors later Anderson protagonists with his meticulous adherence to schedules and precise interests.

The characteristic melancholy that’s apparent in Anderson’s films is clearly seen in “Bottle Rocket,” a movie depicting bumbling crooks who consistently find themselves in over their heads. Their dreams of heists and unattainable happiness span 75 years, but even by the end of the film, Dignan remains optimistic about criminal activities that will never be realized. Similar to his other works, “Bottle Rocket” offers a mix of bittersweet emotions with flashes of dark humor. Although his later films would be more refined, Anderson’s skill in setting tone, visual wit, and working with actors was already evident in the early days of “Bottle Rocket.

9. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More

2023 saw Wes Anderson fans not only enjoy “Asteroid City”, but also immerse themselves in a unique cinematic journey with Anderson’s quartet of Roald Dahl adaptations, collectively titled “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More” on Netflix. Within the span of an 88-minute anthology film, these four tales offer a captivating experience. The diversity in Anderson’s storytelling tone across all four productions is particularly striking. From the eerie atmosphere of “The Rat Catcher”, to the poignant sadness of “The Swan”, and the delightful whimsy of “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”, Anderson maintains his distinct style throughout, demonstrating remarkable versatility in these four projects. His skill is consistently impressive across all the productions.

In an anthology movie, it’s particularly awe-inspiring to observe the versatility of the actors that Anderson has brought together. Actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ralph Fiennes, and others seamlessly transition into numerous characters across the four stories, resulting in captivating performances. Fiennes, specifically, masterfully plays a welcoming and engaging narrator in “Henry Sugar” and then transforms into a chilling, unsettling character in “The Rat Catcher.” What a remarkable range of talent! Furthermore, it’s exhilarating to see directors like Ayoade step into the realm of Wes Anderson – 14 years after this filmmaker enchanted us with the big-screen adaptation of Dahl’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” he once again demonstrates his skill in adapting Dahl’s writing with “Henry Sugar’s” assorted tales.

8. Isle of Dogs

Nine years after “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” filmmaker Wes Anderson delved back into the realm of animated films, this time presenting an original tale titled “Isle of Dogs.” Unlike his adaptation of a Roald Dahl children’s book, Anderson chose to focus on a unique story about canines banished to a garbage-filled island in Japan. The narrative follows a motley crew of dogs, led by Chief (Bryan Cranston), as they traverse through this chaotic world and aid a 12-year-old named Atari in his quest to return home. While “Isle of Dogs” may not be Anderson’s most thought-provoking film, it certainly stands out as one of his most visually striking productions, featuring stunningly detailed sets and lifelike stop-motion dogs that seem almost tangible.

The development of Chief, from a solitary and bitter dog to embracing the concept of being Atari’s pet, offers an emotionally compelling narrative for this animal-focused tale, “Isle of Dogs.” Although it showcases Harvey Keitel as a weary dog, it delves into the poignant story of wounded spirits learning to reconnect with each other. These connections can surpass language or species boundaries, as Chief starts nurturing the lost Atari. The emotional depth is accentuated by an impressive ensemble of voice talents in “Isle of Dogs.” Notably, Jeff Goldblum lends a chatty canine character, Tilda Swinton voices a pug with a TV obsession, and Bryan Cranston delivers a compelling performance as Chief.

7. The French Dispatch

In October 2021, when “The French Dispatch” was released in theaters, it received a mix of positive comments and harsh criticisms for being repetitive work by Wes Anderson. However, these statements are hard to comprehend given the abundance of unique and thoughtfully crafted visuals that “The French Dispatch” showcases within its runtime. For instance, this film is one of Anderson’s most diverse productions in terms of imagery. Its stylistic influences span from stage plays, 1960s television programs, to French New Wave cinema, all interwoven seamlessly across the different segments that make up “The French Dispatch’s” anthology film structure. Additionally, there is a section of “French Dispatch” brought to life through hand-drawn animation! Just as various classic publications could feature a range of writing or entertainment, “The French Dispatch” boasts an assortment of spectacle in its eclectic presentation.

The French Dispatch” is a heartfelt story that shows us how art, particularly journalism, can survive even after its creators have passed away. The death of editor Arthur Howitzer (played by Bill Murray) serves as the catalyst for each segment in this collection of tales. These stories explore the members of the French Dispatch magazine dealing with Howitzer’s passing by recalling how the publication played a role in helping people find meaning and flourish. Beyond mere words on a page, journalism carries so much more significance, and “The French Dispatch” showcases this perfectly through its depiction of Howitzer’s legacy and influence on the writers. Plus, Jeffrey Wright delivers an iconic line, “silly goose,” which adds to its charm. What’s not to like?

6. The Royal Tenenbaums

the anxious Chris (Ben Stiller), the former tennis prodigy Richie (Luke Wilson), and the drifting Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). When Royal learns that his ex-wife is remarrying, it brings the troubled family together once more. The reunion presents a complex blend of emotions, especially concerning Royal Tenenbaum. Hackman delivers a compelling performance, keeping viewers guessing about Royal’s true intentions – is he genuinely expressing vulnerability or love for his children, or is he still manipulating the situation to serve his own interests?

In simpler terms, the movie “The Royal Tenenbaums,” directed by Wes Anderson, portrays the intricate struggles within the Tenenbaum family using a blend of witty humor and raw emotional depth. Characters like Chris and Eli Cash, particularly Wilson, deliver exceptional performances that resonate deeply with viewers, as seen in the popular internet meme “it’s been a rough year, dad.” This movie offers a creative exploration of the complexities involved in dealing with one’s own family, making even familiar actors deliver captivating performances in unexpected ways.

5. Moonrise Kingdom

In the movie “Moonrise Kingdom,” as it opens, things are far from perfect for the kids – 12-year-olds Sam (played by Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward). They have escaped their homes after developing a bond and falling in love through letters. This act sets off a whirlwind of chaos, with everyone from Suzy’s parents to Island Police Captain Duff Sharp (portrayed by Bruce Willis), now hot on the trail of these two youngsters.

Set in September 1965, “Moonrise Kingdom” skillfully employs an autumn-inspired color scheme, much like the backdrops seen in “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” The costumes and sets are meticulously designed, and characters such as Tilda Swinton’s Social Services stand out, clad in a striking purple outfit that accentuates the vibrant, bold visual style of “Moonrise Kingdom.

In the heart of its impressive aspects, Wes Anderson skillfully blends a nuanced tone in “Moonrise Kingdom.” The unexpected disappearance of Sam and Suzy sparks dark comedy as various adults bumble in their attempts to locate them. Yet, amidst all the laughter lies a sensitive, compassionate portrayal of Sam and Suzy exploring their first romance. The poignant scenes of Sam and Suzy journeying through the world alone don’t diminish due to humorous or emotionally raw scenes centered around Bill Murray and Frances McDormand’s characters, and vice versa. “Moonrise Kingdom” boasts numerous artistic advantages, but the mere inclusion of Edward Norton in Anderson’s acting company for the first time is enough to make it a timeless classic.

4. Asteroid City

Wes Anderson is captivated by aspects of life that we can’t control, such as our family backgrounds, the mysterious beauty of underwater worlds untouched by human surface dwellers, and how our children lead lives separate from us. His latest work, “Asteroid City,” pushes this recurring theme to even greater heights. Throughout most of the film, it’s easy to distinguish between the scripted scenes and actual reality (although each is portrayed using distinct visual styles). However, in one of the final scenes, the boundary between the fictional character Augie Steenbeck, played by Jason Schwartzman, and the real actor Jones Hall begins to blur. In this scene, Hall, stepping out of the production, addresses director Schubert Green (Adrien Brody) with questions like “Do I just keep going? Without knowing anything?” and “I still don’t understand the play.

“It doesn’t matter, keep telling the story,” Green replies.

As a gamer navigating the digital universe, I can relate to our shared quest for answers that often remain elusive. Yet, we’re not on this journey alone, and that brings some comfort. “Asteroid City,” in all its grandeur and visual ingenuity, mirrors those deep existential questions that keep us awake at night. It’s a cinematic marvel, brimming with visual creativity and performances that leave lasting memories. Liev Schreiber’s portrayal of a frustrated father stands out, as does Steve Carell’s wise hotel manager, not to mention Margot Robbie’s captivating single-scene cameo. It’s remarkable to think that such a profoundly thoughtful film like “Asteroid City” isn’t Anderson’s greatest artistic achievement yet.

3. The Grand Budapest Hotel

In Wes Anderson’s films, the shift between humor and emotional depth creates an intriguing contrast. A prime example is “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which combines deep introspection with laugh-out-loud moments like M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) fleeing from police in a single continuous shot or prisoners using miniature tools to escape jail, both of which are hilarious. Adrien Brody’s character adds to the comedic elements with his explosive outbursts, while Jeff Goldblum’s casual “did he just throw my cat out a window?” line turns a grim situation into something amusing. Lastly, the unexpected “moment of silence” scene where the two main characters stand in a snowy landscape is another humorous touch.

In essence, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” stands out as Anderson’s most comedic film, with moments that are hard to beat. Fittingly, the movie centers around a hotel manager who maintains the elegant ambiance of the titular establishment. Visually, this film is a treat, and the use of Academy Ratio for the first time in a feature-length Anderson movie adds a unique touch. The tight framing and blocking create captivating scenes throughout. Moreover, the way snow and exterior light filter into certain spaces is truly mesmerizing. From any angle you view it, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is undeniably a triumph of cinematic artistry.

2. Rushmore

It seems that Jason Schwartzman takes pleasure in the finer details of Wes Anderson films, as evidenced by their initial collaboration in “Rushmore.” In this movie, Schwartzman portrays Max Fischer, a character who boasts a wealth of pop culture and historical knowledge, yet remains a child at heart. He develops feelings for Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams), the elementary school teacher, at the same time she becomes involved with Fischer’s wealthy friend Herman Blume (Bill Murray). The story that unfolds is a humorous exploration of the complicated journey of growing up and accepting that life’s answers aren’t always clear-cut.

It’s not surprising that Anderson reportedly views the classic “Peanuts” comics and TV specials as one of his significant creative inspirations. Not just because Fisher, similar to Charlie Brown, has a barber for a dad, but also due to the way his dialogue mirrors the profound language often used by Charles M. Schulz’s characters. Like Schulz’s world, “Rushmore” isn’t afraid to explore the harsh realities and solitude of adolescence. Moreover, it shows that deep emotional struggles aren’t exclusive to teenagers; they persist even beyond the age of 18, as evidenced by the characters Blume and Cross. With his second feature film, Anderson delivered a deeply insightful work, rich in clever references like the use of “The Wind” by Cat Stevens. Anderson’s comedic touch is also evident here, notably in the Vietnam War-themed play put on by Fischer at school.

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Stop-motion animation is truly remarkable, an art form that demands immense dedication and intricate work, as evidenced by the stunning stop-motion films. The rewards of delving into this medium are immense. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” serves as a testament to the myriad artistic strengths of this animation style, being Wes Anderson’s first full-length animated movie. This film breathes life into various animals without adhering to visual realism, showcasing their unconventional movements. Despite this, the tactile textures and lived-in appearance, coupled with the uniquely expressive voice performances, make these characters seem more genuine than many live-action characters. Watching George Clooney’s Mr. Fox comfort his troubled son Ash (Schwartzman) can be quite emotional, as it feels like a heartfelt moment of fatherly love.

Not only does ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ boast captivating visual effects, from its autumnal color schemes to clever sight gags and enchanting animal costumes, but it also showcases the infinite potential of animation to bring dreamlike imagery and witty humor to life. Unlike other animated films that merely replicate reality, ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ pushes the boundaries of animation, making the impossible seem possible. To top it off, this film boasts one of Anderson’s strongest ensembles, with George Clooney delivering a stellar voice-over performance and Willem Dafoe devouring every bit of scenery as The Rat. Stop-animation truly is magical, and ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ serves as a testament to why Anderson’s work is equally enchanting.

2025-01-24 15:31