Wes Anderson: Ranked
Completing a favourite director’s filmography on Letterboxd is any cinephile’s goal. In anticipation of Wes Anderson’s upcoming release, The Phoenician Scheme, what better way to celebrate his filmography than the gruelling task of deciding his best film. And his worst (if you could argue he has one).
At the time of writing, this is my ranking of every full-length Anderson film (ask me again in a couple months, and I can guarantee I will have changed my mind).
Without further ado, it’s time to pain-stakingly choose a favourite child Anderson film.
11. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Although I am a huge fan of stop-motion animation - trust me, I loved the visuals in this film - Isle of Dogs didn't quite hit the spot. Perhaps it was sleep deprivation. Maybe I should give it another chance. 3/5 stars.
10. Bottle Rocket (1996)
Wes' very first full length film is a sweet introduction to his style. Glimpses peek through both of cinematography and storyline. But if you're going to watch one of his films for his infamous stylisation then Bottle Rocket would not be my first choice. 3/5 stars.
9. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
I'll admit I need to rewatch The Life Aquatic. It didn't stick with me massively at the time, however hindsight grants a lot more love than I gave it. A dynamic story juxtaposes sad tales and beautiful colours. 3/5 stars.
8. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
I'm guilty of also having watched this film while tired however the sweet story still shines through. I just want to give Edward Norton a hug, that's all. 4/5 stars.
7. Rushmore (1998)
Sweet, silly, Schwartzmann. 4/5 stars.
6. The Royal Tenenbaums (2002)
A precious film, painted with family trauma, loss, and humour. Tenenbaums takes a deep stab at your emotions, rather unexpectedly; we are usually spoilt with bright colours and cheerful moments. Each character is just as important as the others and they each have their own quirks, storyline, and character development to show they are still special. 4.5/5 stars.
5. The French Dispatch (2021)
I had to leave it a few months and come back to rewatch, ending up with one of my most in-depth Letterboxd reviews and a glowing 5 stars. I think there is a beauty and intention to not fully understanding Wes Anderson films. The French Dispatch is a crash course in Anderson’s technique, from details, colour, aspect ratios, freeze frames, circular structure… I could go on. Plus it has Timothée Chalamet rocking a moustache, if you haven’t been convinced already. 5/5 stars.
4. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
It was a privilege to see Darjeeling on 35mm at WSC. My favourite director at my favourite cinema. A bittersweet story of 3 formerly-estranged brothers stuffed full of charming characters, not ignoring their quirks and personal struggles. The film stands stronger when you watch Hotel Chevalier beforehand. 5/5 stars.
3. Asteroid City (2023)
“Everything’s connected but nothing’s working”
One of the first few films I saw at WSC was Asteroid City, sat with my friend completely baffled by whatever was going on. It’s a confusing film, agreed. Having rewatched the film a few months later (after finding the DVD in HMV for a fiver - a win!) I’ve begun to grasp it. But the thing that makes Asteroid City so great is that it is just so Wes Anderson. From the storyline, to the colour palette, the stop-motion to the sound design. 5/5 stars.
2. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
This film holds a special place in my heart, as a longstanding childhood favourite, which also features my local cinema back home! Shoutout to the Little Theatre Cinema. As a huge stop-motion animation fan I could not let myself leave Fantastic Mr. Fox outside of the top 3. 5/5 stars.
1. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2013)
I described The Grand Budapest Hotel as the Bohemian Rhapsody of Wes Anderson. It may not always be your favourite, but it is undeniably his masterpiece, and a firm fan favourite. Grand Budapest is thoroughly enjoyable and visually stunning, as to be expected, and I have developed a greater appreciation for the film after having seen the making of short film. There’s also a sassy lift operator so I’m not really sure what else you want. 5/5 stars.