Wes Anderson’s complete filmography ranked worst to best showcases the evolution of a director who has transitioned from an indie film phenomenon to a celebrated Oscar contender over just a couple of decades. From visually arresting narratives to collaborations with celebrated actors like Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Jason Schwartzman, Anderson’s movies have consistently left an impression on audiences and critics alike.
Since debuting with “Bottle Rocket” in 1996 at age 27, Wes Anderson has amassed twelve distinct feature films, several Academy Award nominations, and finally his first Oscar win in 2024 for the short film
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.”
This ranking explores his unique cinematic worlds, influences, and storytelling innovations, presenting each film from his earliest to his most recent releases, including “Asteroid City” and “The Phoenician Scheme.”
Anderson’s Path: Early Career and Oscar Journey
Wes Anderson’s filmmaking journey began with “Bottle Rocket,” a film that immediately displayed his quirky sensibility and visual attention to detail. Five years later, “The Royal Tenenbaums” secured him his first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, in collaboration with Owen Wilson. Over time, Anderson embraced animation, as seen in “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” which earned him a nod for Best Animated Feature in 2009. The pattern continued, with “Moonrise Kingdom” in 2012 gathering another screenwriting nomination, before “The Grand Budapest Hotel” positioned Anderson for Academy Award recognition in several prestigious categories, though awards went to Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “Birdman.”
With “Isle of Dogs,” Anderson again entered the animated feature race, teaming up with frequent collaborators and employing his trademark humor. The ensemble casts of his movies bring together talents like Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Anjelica Huston, and Jeffrey Wright. In 2023, “Asteroid City” gathered many of these key actors, giving Anderson another high-profile canvas for his creativity.
The Arrival of “The Phoenician Scheme” and Recognizing New Talent
In 2025, Anderson presented “The Phoenician Scheme,” a story featuring Benicio del Toro as arms dealer Zsa-Zsa Korda, Mia Threapleton as his devoted daughter, and Michael Cera as a mysterious tutor. The movie boasts Anderson’s signature array of guest appearances—many familiar faces, but Cera’s addition stood out as the film’s most memorable new presence. Despite a narrative focused on the tension between familial and financial obligations, some critics noted the main characters lacked the vibrant appeal found in Anderson’s best work.
Top 12: Wes Anderson’s Movies Ranked From Worst to Best
This detailed ranking examines each of Anderson’s twelve feature films, delving into their visual style, narrative innovations, and lasting impact. Each film is discussed with respect to its place in the director’s oeuvre, thematic depth, and its collaborative cast.
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12. The Darjeeling Limited (2007): Journey of Three Brothers
Set against the backdrop of India, “The Darjeeling Limited” follows three estranged brothers—portrayed by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman—as they travel by train one year after their father‘s funeral. Director of photography Robert D. Yeoman brings the landscape alive, while production designer Mark Friedberg constructs a richly detailed train interior filled with Anderson’s typical eccentricities.
The film leans on the chemistry between its lead actors and features standout moments, such as Bill Murray’s memorable cameo. Though sometimes described as a minor entry among Anderson’s movies due to its meandering story, “The Darjeeling Limited” maintains a quirky and heartfelt tone, providing warmth and charm through its exploration of family bonds, tension, and personal healing.
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11. The French Dispatch (2021): A Love Letter to Journalism
“The French Dispatch” offers a sprawling collection of short stories, split across three major chapters. The movie’s all-star ensemble features longtime Anderson collaborators such as Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, Frances McDormand, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, together with new faces like Timothée Chalamet, Elisabeth Moss, Henry Winkler, Cecile de France, and Lyna Khoudri.
Set in the fictional French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé, the film takes inspiration from vintage journalism and periodicals. Each segment provides a distinct atmosphere, from tales of revolution to the dedication of culinary reporting, making the work stand out through its elaborate production design and affectionate storytelling, even if the narrative cohesion is sometimes sacrificed in favor of playful vignettes.
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10. The Phoenician Scheme (2025): Secrets and Identity
The twelfth feature in Anderson’s catalog, “The Phoenician Scheme,” focuses on a wealthy arms dealer Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro), his daughter about to enter a convent (Mia Threapleton), and her enigmatic tutor (Michael Cera). The tension revolves around Zsa-Zsa’s attempts to mend financial issues, masking the real challenge—reconnecting with his family.
While the draw of frequent Anderson guests continues, Michael Cera’s addition emerges as a highlight. Critics noted that while the central arc is coherent, the character depth here doesn’t quite match earlier classics. Even so, the film demonstrates Anderson’s knack for combining new talent with his loyal troupe, and offers moments of the director’s trademark visual wit and eccentric narrative turns.
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9. Isle of Dogs (2018): Animated Canine Adventure
Returning to stop-motion animation, “Isle of Dogs” represents Anderson’s homage to Japanese cinema, especially Akira Kurosawa’s legacy. The story unfolds in a near-future Japan where dogs, stricken by an incurable flu, are exiled to a remote island. Key canine characters, voiced by Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum, band together to help a determined boy (Koyu Rankin) find his missing pet, Spots (Liev Schreiber).
The film is noted for its intricate details, expressive models, and a music score that enhances its homage to Rankin/Bass productions. The narrative’s heart—loyalty and friendship—shines, as a rich supporting cast (including Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig, and Tilda Swinton) brings depth to Anderson’s animated universe, making “Isle of Dogs” a visually and emotionally inventive addition to his body of work.
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8. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004): Idiosyncratic Deep-Sea Adventure
Blending adventure, whimsy, and artistic style,
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
follows Bill Murray as Steve Zissou, a disillusioned oceanographer seeking revenge for his partner’s loss to a mythical shark. Accompanied by his estranged son (Owen Wilson), a pregnant journalist (Cate Blanchett), and quirky shipmates like Willem Dafoe’s German seaman, Zissou’s crew embarks on a rambling maritime quest.
Anderson crafts a visual spectacle—the ship’s cross-section, candy-colored props, and underwater set pieces. The story, though sometimes accused of lacking narrative focus, is filled with moments of comedic absurdity and melancholy. Despite an “adrift” storyline, “The Life Aquatic” endures as a memorable showcase for Bill Murray’s dry wit and Anderson’s flair for combining heartfelt drama with stylized playfulness.
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
—Bill Murray, Steve Zissou
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7. Bottle Rocket (1996): A Humble Debut with Lasting Impact
Launching Wes Anderson’s directing career, “Bottle Rocket” is a caper about three small-time criminals: Anthony (Luke Wilson), Dignan (Owen Wilson), and Bob (Robert Musgrave). Their ill-fated bookstore heist and subsequent hideout in a seedy motel reflect the comedic quirks and offbeat sensibility that Anderson would come to refine in later works.
Though rough around the edges, “Bottle Rocket” features the director’s early signature elements—visual symmetry, an eclectic soundtrack, and a blend of innocence and absurdity. Owen Wilson’s portrayal of Dignan stands out as a prototype of Anderson’s endearing but inept dreamer. The inclusion of supporting performances by James Caan and Lumi Cavazos, along with the story’s emotional core, cements the film as a cult favorite and a pivotal starting point for one of cinema’s most distinctive voices.
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6. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Animated Mischief with Roald Dahl’s Spirit
This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tale sees Anderson teaming up with George Clooney (as Mr. Fox), Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray. Stop-motion animation plays to Anderson’s strengths, allowing him to exaggerate visual precision and dynamic color palettes.
Mr. Fox’s struggle to outwit three mean-spirited farmers brings together themes of family, identity, and clever subversion. Thanks to a witty script, sharp dialogue, and inventive visuals, the movie earned critical praise and two Oscar nominations (Best Animated Feature and Score). The voice cast delivers memorable performances, with Anderson’s idiosyncratic humor and eye for detail rendering “Fantastic Mr. Fox” one of the most accomplished animated comedies of its decade.
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5. Rushmore (1998): A Quirky Coming-of-Age Tale
“Rushmore” introduces Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman)—a prodigiously talented but academically neglectful prep-school student—who falls for his teacher (Olivia Williams) and enters a rivalry with a wealthy industrialist (Bill Murray). The comedic drama navigates through eccentric friendships, unrequited love, and school theatrics, including charming in-story plays staged by Max’s Max Fischer Players.
The film’s distinctive blend of screwball comedy and underlying cynicism cements it as a classic Anderson composition. Bill Murray’s performance as the wealthy benefactor adds gravitas and comedic timing, while Anderson and Owen Wilson’s collaborative script features witty exchanges and memorable set pieces, highlighting Anderson’s gift for blending emotional resonance with unconventional narratives.
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4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012): Innocence and Adventure on a New England Island
Set on a fictitious New England island, “Moonrise Kingdom” tells of two twelve-year-olds (Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) who escape their homes to forge a life together. As adult characters—played by Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Frances McDormand—search for the runaway duo, the narrative explores childhood discovery and adolescent longing.
With Roman Coppola joining Anderson on the script, the film’s poetic treatment of adolescent angst and affection is counterbalanced by sardonic humor and nostalgic atmosphere. Anderson’s visually composed frames and heartfelt storytelling won acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The convergence of sentiment and satire marks “Moonrise Kingdom” as a unique entry devoted to the beauty and pains of growing up.
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3. Asteroid City (2023): Humanity at the Heart of Quirk
“Asteroid City” rebuts the perception that Anderson’s movies are style over substance. In this layered story set in a desert town of the 1950s, characters grapple with profound loneliness and the desire for authentic connection. Jason Schwartzman plays Augie, a war photographer, while Scarlett Johansson portrays Midge, a reclusive movie star; their interactions, often from neighboring cabins, give the movie an intimate center.
The film relishes Anderson’s visual and storytelling trademarks—animation, split screens, deadpan dialogue—but also introduces a rare depth of emotional connection. Bryn Cranston, Tilda Swinton, Tom Hanks, and Jeffrey Wright appear alongside the main cast, solidifying the ensemble tradition. “Asteroid City” leaves a lasting impression as a meditation on isolation, hope, and the enduring search for companionship.
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2. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Dysfunction, Genius, and Redemption
In “The Royal Tenenbaums,” Anderson crafts a loving yet critical portrait of a fractured upper-class family. Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) and his wife Etheline (Anjelica Huston) raise three prodigies—Chas (Ben Stiller), Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Richie (Luke Wilson)—each marked by personal trauma and disappointment. The film’s ornate set design, especially the Tenenbaum home created by David Wasco, is as integral as the script or performances.
The blend of absurdity, warm humor, and genuine emotion—felt through supporting characters like Eli Cash (Owen Wilson) and the presence of Danny Glover and Bill Murray—earned the movie an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Anderson’s empathy, his exploration of how genius and dysfunction shape identity, and the film’s meticulously composed visuals combine for a poignant, hilarious masterpiece.
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1. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): A Visual and Narrative Triumph
Topping the ranking is “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” renowned for its lavish design, backdrop of 1930s Eastern Europe, and a comedic yet melancholic storyline. Ralph Fiennes stars as Gustav H., the legendary concierge wrongfully accused of murder who, alongside his loyal staff, must clear his name. Joining him are recurring Anderson actors Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Saoirse Ronan, and Adrien Brody—each bringing a distinct energy to the ensemble.
The film is celebrated for its dazzling visuals, dynamic set pieces, and bittersweet nostalgia for lost elegance. The movie picked up multiple Oscar nominations—including Best Picture, Director, and Original Screenplay—but lost to Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “Birdman.” Nevertheless, its international cast, careful production by Hugo Guinness, and Anderson’s astounding attention to period detail, cement “The Grand Budapest Hotel” as his most memorable cinematic achievement.
Wes Anderson’s Ongoing Influence and What Lies Ahead
From the humble beginnings of “Bottle Rocket” to his immersive animated worlds and recent ventures like “Asteroid City” and “The Phoenician Scheme,” Wes Anderson continues to chart new territory in filmmaking. His distinctive style—instantly recognizable through carefully composed frames and colorful palettes—has reshaped the expectations for visual storytelling in modern cinema.
With each new project, Anderson explores themes of family, friendship, and the quirks that define his characters, often in collaboration with an elite group of actors. Having finally secured an Academy Award with
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,”
the director’s influence on world cinema and popular culture remains substantial, with audiences and critics eager to see where his inventive vision will take him next.
