Wes Anderson is one of those auteurs whose filmography contains multiple classics and generation-defining films. His impact on the film industry has been praised immensely over the last 3 decades, however at times his career still feels underrated. Criterion’s Wes Anderson Archive is a prized possession of mine so this was no easy feat.
Here’s my ordered ranking of Wes Anderson’s 12 feature films.
Note: Short films are not included, so no Henry Sugar.
12. The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun
Simply put, The French Dispatch did not connect with me the way many of his films do. That is not to say that it is by any means a bad film, just not one that I desire to return to. Visually stunning (as usual), however, the anthological format leaves multiple stories out of sync. After “The Concrete Masterpiece” I find the film’s pace falls rather slow, and once we get to “The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner” I start to lose my interest in both its changing of formats and dialogue. The ensemble is top notch and I will always appreciate its devout compassion towards journalism.
11. Asteroid City
Definitely the most ambitious Anderson has gotten from a conceptual standpoint. Retro-futuristic quiet alien discovery film? Not exactly a niche Wes has tapped into before, and the payoff is not exactly rewarding. The high concept leads to a slow-burn where the reveals feel disconnecting. It’s like the film is reaching for something it just can’t get to or not spending enough time in any direction. The characters feel drawn out and frankly not as compelling. Augie’s obvious grief is consistent with other films in the catalogue, however, this time around it feels over done. The meta play inside a play inside a film idea is pretty sweet and Asteroid City is one of my favorite settings of any Anderson film. The empty desert town breeds stark imagery in the best way. Cast is prime and cool to see Hanks’ first foray into Anderson. Maybe my criticism will be expunged on a closer, more attentive rewatch.
10. The Phoenician Scheme
Convenient how the bottom 3 films are his most recent. Nonetheless, The Phoenician Scheme is a fun time. Benicio del Toro was my favorite part of The French Dispatch, and happy to say that he continues with that menacing charm here. The film is funnier than his last, and the expected quirkiness is ever-present. My first go around, I couldn’t believe Michael Cera hadn’t already been in another Anderson film. His awkward dead-pan vulnerability is ripe for this filmography, thus, he does a great job here. Cutting things short, this is the first film on the list I can comfortably say I enjoy.
9. Isle of Dogs
Wes Anderson’s second animated feature, and while it doesn’t improve on its predecessor, it is still a fun time. The animation is tidy and polished, the Japanese setting seems to come from a place of passion. Solid emotional core, however, less accessible due to the sly mature subtext. The Japanese cultural dynamics and heavier political allegory at times feel blurry. Naturally feels closer in tone to Wes’ recent outings, but he got all his boys to play dogs. That’s pretty neat.
8. Bottle Rocket
Yes, it doesn’t look like an Anderson film.. It’s not stylized in the way we have become so used to. Everyone who watches Bottle Rocket says this, honestly it’s become a cliché. Funny how he tends to be defined mostly by his visuals, when the writing works in tandem. This debut is full of charm, quirk, cleverness, and well defined comedic writing. Dignan is one of Wes + Wilson’s greatest characters, very quotable and endearing. The start to a great career and it’s clear the O.G. writing duo was destined to do great things.
7. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
A love letter to Jacques Cousteau. Somehow the most polarizing Anderson, The Life Aquatic is beautifully inspired. Bill Murray gets to do the Murray thing (be depressed), and his relationship to his son has become a common thinking point in my head. He’s the kind of actor you either appreciate wholeheartedly or find dispiriting (I am 100% the former). After watching, I found the Portuguese David Bowie covers to be the most memorable aspect for me. The costumes look great and the ship may be the most well designed set-piece. Where The Life Aquatic lacks is its pacing. Oftentimes slow, meandering, and the angsty material feels a little over the top. Trust me, it gets better the more you think of it.
6. The Darjeeling Limited
Could you believe Family Guy said this was the worst Wes Anderson film? Nowhere close, not at all. Easily the most well balanced cast put to screen. Wilson, Brody, and Schwartzman bring not only a believable brotherhood, but are able to bounce vulnerability and sensitivity off each other, creating a wonderful, grieved sensibility. The themes (while not exactly new to Anderson) of masculinity, grief, purpose etc. connect with me on a profound level, growing up with an at times disconnected family. The Darjeeling Limited can move India up your travel bucket list in just one watch.
5. The Grand Budapest Hotel
First time around, I was not impressed. To be fair, it was one of the first Wes movies, and while that is also the case for many, I could not buy into the story or heart. Upon a second watch.. BOY was I wrong. Upon my fourth watch..how could I have been so naive? Ralph Fiennes brings an all time performance, fully embodying all of Gustave’s passion and desire. Every time he is on screen, he commands your attention. His fatherly love for his lobby boy is a top tier relationship, one that pulls on every heartstring. That being said, after my latest watch, I found F. Murray Abraham’s performance to be my favorite. The nostalgia and melancholy brought to screen just gets to me. He truly feels like a man inspired, and those flashes to 1968 are incredible in all of its quietness. The last Anderson film so far that feels decade defining. Grandiose and clever, heartwarming and proud.
4. Moonrise Kingdom
A low-key, tour de force. Embodies both innocence and the loss of it, growing up troubled and how love defines who we become. Amazing group of newcomers to the cast, and remarkably funny. Every frame feels perfect for a storybook, and takes a risk telling a tale about children most wouldn’t. Not exactly his most popular, but one I recommend highly.
3. Rushmore
What can be said about Rushmore that hasn’t already been discussed? I’ll make it short. Arguably the most autobiographical Anderson has ever gotten, and Max Fischer is his greatest character, brought to screen epically by Schwartzman. Classic Bill Murray, classic love triangle, classic soundtrack, the list goes on and on. The comedic writing is at the top of its game, and showed us who Wes Anderson is. Defined a decade, and brought forth the legacy of one of cinema’s greatest living filmmakers. Endlessly rewatchable, much like the rest of the films on the list.
2. Fantastic Mr. Fox
The defining stop-motion family film. The level of detail brought to these puppets is immeasurable. The colors so warm and nostalgic, one of the only films that really FEELS like a children’s book come to life. Being Wes’ first and only children’s film, he not only brings his elegance but polishes it, i.e. the score, lighting, and family dynamics. These characters are lovable and quotable. Clooney’s voice will be forever tied to the character for me. All this to say, the greatest aspect of Fantastic Mr. Fox is that you can show any generation this film and they can enjoy it all the same. That can’t be said for many movies, or any media for that matter.
- The Royal Tenenbaums
The ultimate Wes Anderson film. Every single time, I find something I loved more. Whether it’s Hackman’s performance as an asshole learning to be something better, or Margot’s quiet evolution into her own person, Richie’s acceptance of his love, or Chaz’s newfound freedom from the past, etc., these characters speak to me more than any film has. Every character has an arc, and how it tackles it all in its runtime, I don’t believe it. From the second the film starts, I’m captivated. The Baldwin narration, the “Hey Jude” instrumental, Mordecai flying, it all just floors me. I love everything about it, it’s peak Anderson + Wilson writing. It’s one of the greatest films ever made. Time to watch it again.