Every Wes Anderson Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - June 13th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped asteroid city — 13. Asteroid City (2023)

*Asteroid City* is a visually stunning yet polarizing entry in Wes Anderson’s filmography. Set in a 1950s desert town designed for stargazers and science buffs, the film explores existentialism through a layered narrative that blurs the lines between play, film, and real life. The ensemble cast – featuring Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, and Tilda Swinton – delivers deeply mannered performances that resonate with longtime fans of Anderson’s distinct style. Despite its gorgeous production design and meticulous symmetry, some critics found its emotional core lacking compared to his more grounded works. Still, it remains a fascinating artifact of Anderson’s cinematic universe, brimming with pastel tones and quirky surrealism. *Asteroid City* reinforces Anderson’s obsession with storytelling as a medium itself, even if the message gets slightly lost in the atmosphere. | © American Empirical Pictures

Cropped bottle rocket 1996 — 12. Bottle Rocket (1996)

*Bottle Rocket* may be rough around the edges, but it’s a charming glimpse into the signature style Wes Anderson would later perfect. This low-budget caper follows three aimless friends – played by real-life brothers Owen and Luke Wilson – as they attempt a string of laughably inept heists. Produced by James L. Brooks and based on Anderson’s earlier short film of the same name, *Bottle Rocket* introduces audiences to themes of misfit brotherhood and idealistic delusion. Though it was a box-office disappointment upon release, it has since become a cult classic, largely due to its offbeat humor and sincere character dynamics. The film’s minimalism, DIY aesthetic, and deadpan delivery laid the foundation for what would become Anderson’s cinematic hallmark. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped the french dispatch 2021 — 11. The French Dispatch (2021)

*The French Dispatch* is arguably Wes Anderson’s most Andersonian film – a cinematic love letter to journalism, French culture, and storytelling itself. Structured as an anthology inspired by *The New Yorker*, it features three distinct narratives and a framing story anchored by Bill Murray as the magazine’s eccentric editor. With an all-star cast including Timothée Chalamet, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Benicio del Toro, and Léa Seydoux, the film showcases meticulous production design and rapid-fire dialogue that demands repeat viewing. Each segment brings its own tone and texture, from political rebellion to artistic obsession. While some critics felt overwhelmed by its density and detachment, others praised its formal ingenuity and affectionate pastiche. It’s a film that rewards cinephiles who delight in detail. | © Indian Paintbrush

Cropped the wonderful story of henry sugar — 10. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Other Shorts (2023)

The Netflix series adapts four Roald Dahl stories into meticulously staged short films, showcasing Wes Anderson’s unmatched control over style and tone. The title short stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the wealthy gambler who learns to see without using his eyes, while supporting roles are filled by Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, and Ben Kingsley – all embracing Anderson’s signature theatricality. These vignettes, presented with storybook narration and stage-like sets, capture the magic and menace of Dahl’s prose with poetic precision. Anderson’s decision to break the fourth wall and involve actors as storytellers enriches the meta-textual experience, blurring fiction and performance. Though brief, the shorts offer a condensed yet powerful display of Anderson’s artistry. | © Netflix

Cropped the darjeeling limited 2007 — 9. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

*The Darjeeling Limited* is a deeply personal and spiritual journey that follows three estranged brothers – played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman – on a train ride across India in an attempt to reconnect. The film marks one of Wes Anderson’s most introspective works, tackling themes of grief, sibling rivalry, and cultural immersion with both poignancy and humor. Rich in vibrant color palettes and infused with Indian musical motifs, the film is as emotionally layered as it is visually textured. Although it faced criticism for cultural appropriation and its portrayal of India through a Western lens, others praised it for its earnestness and exploration of reconciliation. The film also includes a touching short prelude, *Hotel Chevalier*, co-starring Natalie Portman. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped the phoenician scheme 2025 — 8. The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

*The Phoenician Scheme* marks a bold new turn for Wes Anderson, blending espionage intrigue with the director’s signature visual flair. Benicio del Toro leads the cast as Zsa‑sa Korda, an arms dealer who survives an assassination attempt and sets off on a surreal journey with his estranged daughter, played by Mia Threapleton. Michael Cera brings his trademark oddball charm to the role of Bjørn, an insect-obsessed tutor with a mysterious past. The film’s expansive ensemble includes Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Richard Ayoade, and Benedict Cumberbatch, each fitting seamlessly into Anderson’s stylized 1950s world. With themes of faith, legacy, and identity woven through bursts of absurdist humor and slapstick violence, the film balances spectacle with introspection. Alexandre Desplat’s score once again elevates the emotional rhythms beneath Anderson’s meticulously crafted visuals. | © Indian Paintbrush & American Empirical Pictures

Cropped rushmore 1998 — 7. Rushmore (1998)

Jason Schwartzman burst onto the scene as Max Fischer, the overachieving, underperforming teenager at the heart of *Rushmore*, a film that defined Wes Anderson’s early voice. His deadpan delivery and misplaced confidence are matched beautifully by Bill Murray’s subdued turn as a disillusioned industrialist. Their oddball mentor-rival dynamic is both hilarious and unexpectedly touching. The story's tone is whimsical yet grounded, exploring themes of obsession, ambition, and emotional maturity in a way that feels universal. With a British Invasion soundtrack and a script co-written with Owen Wilson, *Rushmore* established Anderson's visual language and heart-on-sleeve storytelling. It remains a defining entry in the American indie film canon. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped moonrise kingdom 2012 — 6. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Love takes center stage in *Moonrise Kingdom*, a tender and artfully stylized look at two misfit kids who run away together on a fictional New England island. With Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward leading the story, the film is supported by standout performances from Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, and Frances McDormand, each adding depth to Anderson’s eccentric universe. What makes this film so memorable is its combination of nostalgic innocence and visual sophistication, painted in earthy pastels and punctuated by Alexandre Desplat’s whimsical score. As the island braces for a storm, the young lovers become a symbol of unshakable connection in a world of broken adults. This is one of Anderson’s most heartfelt creations, filled with quiet truths wrapped in playful storytelling. | © Indian Paintbrush

Cropped The Fantastic Mr Fox 2009 — 5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Bringing stop-motion animation to dazzling life, *The Fantastic Mr. Fox* is both a faithful Roald Dahl adaptation and a uniquely Wes Anderson experience. George Clooney voices the dapper and slightly reckless Mr. Fox, with Meryl Streep as his quietly formidable wife. Their dynamic – warm, witty, and strained – anchors a story that’s as much about family responsibility as it is about cunning chicken theft. The voice cast includes Anderson regulars like Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray, each infusing their characters with dry humor and charm. Rich with tactile textures, tiny sets, and clever dialogue, this animated tale manages to feel alive and handcrafted in every frame. It’s a film for kids and adults alike, blending mischief with meaning. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped the life aquatic with steve zissou 2004 — 4. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)

Few Anderson films capture the blend of absurdity and sadness quite like *The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou*. Bill Murray plays the washed-up oceanographer on a quest to avenge his best friend’s death by hunting a mythical jaguar shark. It’s a fantastical and melancholic odyssey, with unforgettable turns from Cate Blanchett, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, and Jeff Goldblum. The visuals are both surreal and symmetrical – think glowing jellyfish and model submarines – while Seu Jorge’s acoustic David Bowie covers give the film a dreamy resonance. Initially misunderstood, it has since become a cult favorite, celebrated for its emotional undercurrents and playful world-building. Anderson’s sea-bound tale is a true oddball gem. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped isle of dogs 2018 — 3. Isle of Dogs (2018)

Set in a dystopian Japan where dogs have been exiled due to a virus outbreak, *Isle of Dogs* showcases Wes Anderson’s return to stop-motion with a tale that's both politically charged and emotionally poignant. The voice cast is stacked: Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, and Greta Gerwig each contribute to the film’s unique tone. The story of a boy searching for his dog on Trash Island is a moving parable about loyalty, resistance, and friendship, all wrapped in Anderson’s signature visual precision. While the film sparked debate over its cultural references, its craft and heart remain undeniable. The production design is nothing short of astonishing – every speck of garbage and strand of fur is composed with purpose. | © Indian Paintbrush

Cropped the royal tenenbaums 2001 — 2. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

One of Anderson’s most iconic works, *The Royal Tenenbaums* chronicles a brilliant but broken family trying – and often failing – to reconnect. Gene Hackman delivers a career-defining performance as Royal, the manipulative patriarch seeking redemption. Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, and Anjelica Huston round out the eccentric Tenenbaum clan, each weighed down by past glories and personal grief. Narrated by Alec Baldwin and structured like a storybook, the film blends deadpan humor with deep emotional resonance. From the uniformly pink bedrooms to Margot’s fur coat and wooden finger, every detail is infused with meaning. This bittersweet tale of failure, forgiveness, and family dysfunction helped cement Anderson’s legacy as a master of melancholic comedy. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped the grand budapest hotel 2014 — 1. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Capping off the list is *The Grand Budapest Hotel*, a dazzling feat of storytelling, design, and performance. Ralph Fiennes is magnetic as Monsieur Gustave, the charming and fastidious concierge whose escapades through war, murder, and pastry theft are nothing short of legendary. The ensemble – featuring Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Tony Revolori, Tilda Swinton, and more – inhabits a fictional European world that’s both nostalgic and eerily prescient. Layered narratives, shifting aspect ratios, and a meticulous visual palette make this film a technical marvel. Yet beneath the ornate façades lies a poignant elegy to a lost world, and to the civility and beauty that once held it together. Winner of four Academy Awards, *The Grand Budapest Hotel* is the crown jewel in Anderson’s career. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Wes Anderson has built a legacy as one of cinema’s most visually inventive and emotionally resonant directors. Known for his symmetrical shots, offbeat humor, and unforgettable ensembles, each of his films offers a unique blend of style and storytelling. With the release of his latest movie, The Phoenician Scheme, Anderson continues to expand his whimsical yet thought-provoking universe. In this article, we take a comprehensive look at every Wes Anderson movie – ranking them all from worst to best. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or curious about where The Phoenician Scheme stands, this guide is your go-to resource for all things Wes Anderson.