5 Best Films Directed By Wes Anderson

Everyone adores offbeat heroes, clever plot twists, and gorgeous imagery, and this is why Wes Anderson is one of the most loved and talked about filmmakers of his time.

In addition, Anderson’s films are often teeming with signature close-up shots, bold color choices, elaborate sets, and witty dialogues that we rarely get to see anywhere. With that being said, here are the five best films of Wes Anderson.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

The film is based in the makeshift European nation of Zubrowka in 1932, where Gustave, a charming miscreant, is famous for his impeccable taste and skill at seducing wealthy, mature, and lonely women who visit his hotel. However, Gustave’s life takes a turn when Madame D, one of his paramours, is found dead in her bedroom, and Gustave and his apprentice Zero have no choice but to escape to exonerate themselves from the crime.

When it came out, the film gathered praise for its set design, which is a striking amalgamation of contemporary art and pre-war aesthetics. In addition, Wes also incorporated figurines and CGI that lend the film a fairy tale ambiance. The film’s cast is also gold, including the likes of Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, and Willem Dafoe.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

“The Royal Tenenbaums,” starring Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller, puts the audience into the shoes of an atypical and broken Tenenbaum household consisting of three siblings. The trio includes the ex-tennis star Richie, his struggling sister Margot, and the entrepreneur and aspiring businessman Chas. The film picks up speed when their estranged father tries to reenter his children’s lives with a personal agenda.

Drama, comedy, and sadness all come together in amazing ways in The Royal Tenenbaums. This mashup of genres makes it hard to tell whether you should be laughing, crying, or experiencing all three and instead creates an uncomfortable gray area. However, this is not a negative thing but Wes Anderson’s original purpose.

Hotel Chevalier (2007)

Released in 2007, “Hotel Chevalier” is a short film that takes place before the events of Wes’ other film, “The Darjeeling Limited.” The movie features the likes of Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman in the lead roles and unfolds entirely inside Jack’s Parisian hotel room. When Jack’s former girlfriend unexpectedly knocks on his door, they spend the night talking and reflecting on their complicated past and uncertain future.

With an intimate setting and world-class performances, this Wes Anderson film becomes a beautiful exploration of love, longing, and human relationships. These themes are conveyed not only through Jack and his girlfriend’s exchanges but also by the loss of words, just like in every other Wes Anderson film.

Rushmore (1998)

Okay! Regardless of what critics say, this Wes Anderson movie is, without a doubt, a masterpiece that people will never stop talking about. In “Rushmore,” starring Bill Murray, the story revolves around the relationship that develops between Max, Herman, and Rosemary. Max, who is a student at Rushmore Academy, finds himself pulled in two directions by Herman and Rosemary.

On one hand, there’s Herman, who is a wealthy industrialist and Max’s mentor and emotional support. On the other hand, there’s Rosemary, a beautiful and intelligent teacher with whom Max falls in love with.

“Rushmore” never breaks the equilibrium between laughter and drama, while playing with heavy themes like loss, rejection, and loneliness. Like all the other Wes Anderson characters, Max is relatable and will make you root for him.

The French Dispatch (2021)

“The French Dispatch,” starring Bill Murray and Timothée Chalamet is about the eccentric posse of the made-up French daily and their coverage of events in the made-up French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé. The movie is structured as three storylines that all take place at the same time yet feature different characters. In the first story, a handful of convicts who are also painters publish an annual while they are behind bars. A student uprising in Ennui-sur-Blasé is the focus of the following story, while the final one tells the audience about a cook preparing a farewell supper for a legendary musician who had died recently.

Anderson’s storytelling is quirky yet heartfelt, and The French Dispatch is no exception. Inspired by real-life magazines, this film is a love letter to those who love to write. Even though it is a standout, it might be too soon to call it his best work.