Last Updated on February 25, 2024
Wesley Wales Anderson, who most of you might know as Wes Anderson, is a popular American filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter.
The critically acclaimed filmmaker was born and raised in Texas. He experienced his parents’ divorce as a young child and described it as the most pivotal event for him and his brothers growing up.
Anderson’s work is unique, quirky, and unreplaceable. You can instantly recognize his films because of their unconventional storytelling, memorable soundtracks, symmetric sets, and distinct color palettes.
Wes’s movies showcase witty comedy, melancholy, dysfunctional families, and elaborate plots. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and talented filmmakers of his generation. His films have amassed a devoted fan base worldwide.
This write-up will be all about some of Wes Anderson’s best work that makes the filmmaker so unique and popular.
But before we get started, here’s a video of why Wes Anderson movies always have a unique look and feel to them!
1. Rushmore (1998)
Rushmore was only Wes Anderson’s second outing in filmmaking; it was very well received by the audience and is still one of his top movies. This movie was what truly established Wes Anderson as a filmmaker.
The movie depicts a precocious 15-year-old young boy named Max Fischer, played by Jason Schwartzman. Max is shown to be a highly ambitious, eccentric, yet academically underachieving student in a private academy named Rushmore.
On the other hand, Bill Murray plays the role of a wealthy businessman named Herman Blume, the father of one of Max’s friends at the academy.
Max and Herman develop an unlikely friendship that eventually turns into rivalry when both of them find themselves in love with Miss Cross, a teacher at Rushmore.
This inter-generation love triangle turns ugly when Max Fischer is expelled, and Herman starts dating Miss Cross.
The movie revolves around Max and how he navigates through this unfortunate mess he finds himself in.
Rushmore is one of Wes Anderson’s finest works and surely a film for the history books that one can rewatch over and over.
2. Bottle Rocket (1996)
Bottle Rocket was Wes Anderson’s debut feature film. It was his first proper take on filmmaking, and the experimentation was evident throughout the film.
The film follows three friends, Dignan, Anthony, and Bob, as they plan and execute a series of increasingly elaborate heists.
Dignan is the mastermind behind the group and is convinced that he is destined for greatness. Anthony is a timid and insecure young man who is drawn into Dignan’s schemes despite his reservations. Bob is a kind-hearted man who is drawn into the group due to his loyalty to Anthony.
As the three friends embark on their crime spree, they are pursued by a group of bumbling law enforcement officers and a mysterious and formidable crime boss named Mr Henry. Despite their misadventures and setbacks, the group remains determined to succeed and prove their worth.
With strong performances from Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Robert Musgrave, the film is a delightful and memorable debut that showcases Anderson’s unique visual style and quirky humour.
Bottle Rocket is a funny and charming exploration of friendship and the importance of following one’s dreams. Although the movie isn’t Anderson’s finest work, it is what started his journey and introduced the world to Wes Anderson’s take on films.
3. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The Grand Budapest Hotel is regarded as Wes Anderson’s best work to date. The film showcases Anderson’s talent and how he maintained his identity while stepping out of his comfort zone.
The movie is everything a Wes Anderson movie ought to be: humorous, melancholic, sad, and whimsical all at the same time.
The film is set in the fictional European country of Zubrowka in the 1930s. It follows the adventures of Monsieur Gustave H., the concierge at the titular hotel, and his loyal lobby boy, Zero Moustafa.
Gustave is a charming and eccentric figure who is well-respected by the guests of the Grand Budapest Hotel. When one of his wealthy and elderly lovers, Madame D., dies under mysterious circumstances, Gustave is accused of murdering her and stealing a valuable painting from her estate.
Along with Zero, Gustave embarks on a thrilling and dangerous journey to clear his name and uncover the truth behind Madame D.’s death.
With a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, and Adrien Brody, the film is a funny and poignant exploration of friendship and the importance of standing up for oneself in the face of adversity.
4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Moonrise Kingdom is another one of Wes Anderson’s masterpieces. It is a coming-of-age movie set on the imaginary Island of New Penzance in the 1960s.
The story depicts two young adolescents who are outcasts in their own community. Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop fall in love and decide to run away together. The film follows the two young lovers as they embark on this journey together.
Sam is an orphan who is a member of a group of young scouts. Suzy is a troubled and isolated young girl who is struggling to find her place in the world. Despite their obstacles and dangers, the two are drawn together by their shared sense of loneliness and isolation.
Along the way, they encounter several fascinating characters who help them on their journey and teach them valuable lessons about love and friendship.
With exceptional performances from its young leads, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, the film is a funny and moving exploration of young love and its experiences.
5. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
The Darjeeling Limited is a tale of three brothers who embark on a spiritual journey through India in an effort to reconnect following the tragic death of their father and their mother’s disappearance. The film follows Francis, Peter, and Jack, trying to find meaning in their lives.
Francis is the oldest and most responsible of the three brothers. He is the one who organized the trip and is determined to bring the brothers back together.
Peter is the middle brother and is struggling with fatherhood responsibilities and his marriage’s difficulties.
Jack is the youngest and most carefree of the brothers, but he is also struggling with his own issues and insecurities.
Later on in the film, Francis reveals the real reason for their trip is to visit their mother. The movie is all about the brothers trying to sort out their differences and learn powerful lessons about forgiveness and family.
Despite strong performances from Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, the film isn’t considered to be Wes Anderson’s best work.
6. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a comedy-drama film that revolves around Steve Zissou, an eccentric oceanographer and documentarian. He sets out on a mission to hunt down the mysterious “jaguar shark” that killed his partner.
Accompanied by a diverse crew of supporters and skeptics, Steve embarks on a journey that takes him from the waters off the coast of South America to the frozen wastes of the Arctic.
Along the way, he is aided by a young man named Ned, who may or may not be his son, and a journalist named Jane.
As they search for the elusive jaguar shark, Steve and his crew must confront their personal demons and deal with the challenges of life at sea.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a funny and touching exploration of love and loss.
With a star-studded cast including Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Cate Blanchett, the film is a delightful and imaginative tale that showcases Anderson’s unique visual style and sense of humor.
7. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion animated film set in a dystopian future where all dogs have been banished to Trash Island, which houses all the byproducts of technology.
The city’s mayor is a cat-loving and canine-hating authoritarian who uses the ‘canine flu’ as an excuse to banish these dogs.
The film follows a group of loyal canines who are aided by a young boy named Atari, who also happens to be the mayor’s nephew, as they search for his missing dog, Spots.
As they journey across the island, the dogs uncover a sinister plot to rid the city of all dogs and must fight to save their species from extinction.
The film was criticised for its cultural appropriation and poor portrayal of Japanese culture.
Isle of Dogs is a heartwarming and visually stunning tale that showcases Anderson’s love for animals. With an all-star voice cast including Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, and Bill Murray, the film is a funny exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of standing up against tyranny.
8. The Royal Tenenbaum’s (2001)
The Royal Tenenbaum’s is renowned as a masterpiece of filmmaking and direction. It is a film that truly captures Wes Anderson’s signature style of film.
The movie revolves around the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family; the group of talented family members is brought back together after their father, Royal, announces that he is dying.
The family consists of Royal’s wife, Etheline, and their three children: Chas, a successful businessman; Margot, an adopted daughter with a talent for playwriting; and Richie, a former tennis prodigy.
As the family reunites, they must confront their own personal demons and the ways in which they have let one another down over the years.
Despite their differences, the Tenenbaums are eventually able to come together and support one another as they try to find their place in the world.
The movie is a humorous and heartfelt exploration of the ties that bind us to our families and the ways in which we struggle to connect with one another.
The Royal Tenenbaum’s boasts a star-studded cast including Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, and Ben Stiller. The movie is a piece of art visually and emotionally and remains one of Wes Anderson’s top products.
9. The Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
The Fantastic Mr Fox is Wes Anderson’s first take on a stop-motion animated film. It is Anderson’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s popular book that has the same title.
The story is based around Mr Fox, who tries to outsmart a group of farmers who are determined to catch him and his family.
Mr Fox lands himself, his family, and his friends in a world of trouble after reverting back to his thieving habits. Now Mr Fox has to find a way out of the mess he’s created and keep his loved ones safe.
Wes Anderson expanded upon the children’s tale and transformed it into a story of the intricacies of family relationships in the face of adversity.
With an all-star voice cast including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, the film is a heartwarming and imaginative exploration of the importance of family and the bonds of friendship, especially during adverse times.
10. The French Dispatch (2021)
The French Dispatch is Wes Anderson’s latest project and is as creative and visually vibrant as any of his other films.
The movie is set in an imaginary French city inside the office of a local magazine, The French Dispatch.
Following the death of its editor Arthur, the magazine had to shut down its operation as he had ordered for it to close down following his death. However, before that, they have to release the final issue of the French Dispatch with three unique stories followed by an obituary.
The story has multiple mini-stories within the film as the magazines journalist work together to get the magazine’s special edition out.
Like any other Wes Anderson movie, the movie is full of imaginative 2D visuals, vibrant colours, and a star-studded cast.
The FAQ Section: Ask Away
What are some common themes in Wes Anderson movies?
Wes Anderson is an imaginative and unique director, and most of his movies revolve around family dynamics and the complexity of these relationships. The characters are often misfits who struggle to find their identity and place in the world.
His movies are humorous, melancholic, and sometimes absurd, all at the same time.
What was Wes Anderson’s most successful film?
It is difficult to name one movie. However, if we judge based on accolades, The Grand Budapest Hotel was Wes Anderson’s most successful film.
The movie was released in 2014 and grossed over $175 million at the box office. It was a highly successful film and 4 Academy Awards, 5 BAFTA Awards, and 1 Golden Globe Award.
Hence, it is safe to say that The Grand Budapest Hotel was Wes Anderson’s best-performing film to date.