Paul Thomas Anderson films stand out as some of modern Hollywood‘s most distinctive and compelling works, blending intense character studies with thoughtful storytelling. Known for his upbringing in the San Fernando Valley, Anderson’s perspective on America informs his films, which span various genres while consistently showcasing his unique voice as a filmmaker.
Even in his less celebrated projects, Anderson injects familiar genres with his signature chaotic energy and charm. His strongest films, including the recent One Battle After Another, feature thematically rich narratives that pit layered protagonists against deeply crafted adversaries. Presented here is a comprehensive ranking of every Paul Thomas Anderson film, revealing the scope and depth of his career.
10. Licorice Pizza: A Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Tale
Among Paul Thomas Anderson’s works, Licorice Pizza (2021) emerges as perhaps the most gentle and heartwarming, yet simultaneously his least impressive by his standards. The film explores a coming-of-age romance set in 1973, focusing on the evolving relationship between Alana, portrayed by Alana Haim, and Gary, brought to life by Cooper Hoffman. Their connection unfolds across the nostalgic backdrop of the San Fernando Valley.
With Anderson’s keen directorial eye for casting, Cooper Hoffman steps into the limelight, carrying forward his late father’s legacy with a portrayal that is quietly captivating, blending charm and complexity in the classic young protagonist mold. Alana Haim matches his energy, maintaining the audience’s attention alongside standout supporting performances from Bradley Cooper, Tom Waits, and Benny Safdie.
Licorice Pizza serves as both a time capsule and a tribute to an era, capturing the universal emotions of youth and first love. However, its lighter tone and straightforward narrative don’t quite reach the creative heights of Anderson’s other films. Still, its position at the bottom of this list underscores the overall impressive quality of Anderson’s storytelling abilities.
9. Phantom Thread: A Reserved Exploration of Power and Desire
Phantom Thread (2017) delivers a slow-burning, elegant romance set in the 1950s haute couture world, centering on the relationship between Reynolds Woodcock, a meticulous dressmaker played by Daniel Day-Lewis, and Alma Elson, portrayed by Vicky Krieps. This film reflects Anderson’s thematic fascination with power dynamics and desire, conveyed through an old-Hollywood aesthetic.
Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps embody the film’s delicate tone, capturing a bygone era’s civility while revealing complex, prickly characters beneath the surface. The film’s reserved pacing and understated tension distinguish it from Anderson’s typically more chaotic works, making it less immediately accessible but no less artistically accomplished.
Its craftsmanship shines not only through the performances but also in its sumptuous costume design and evocative score, demonstrating Anderson’s attention to detail and artistic precision.
8. Hard Eight: An Impressive Debut Focused on Emotional Depth
Anderson’s feature film debut, Hard Eight (1996), introduces his craftsmanship in storytelling with a tightly woven narrative. The story follows Sydney Brown, a seasoned gambler played by Philip Baker Hall, who mentors a younger man, John Finnegan, portrayed by John C. Reilly. Anderson’s talent for extracting nuanced performances and creating naturalistic dialogue is immediately apparent.
Supported by a talented ensemble including Samuel L. Jackson and Gwyneth Paltrow, the movie blends typical crime thriller elements with a softer, emotional core. The evolving relationship between Hall and Reilly’s characters is marked by subtlety and charm, lending warmth to the film’s criminal undertones.
Throughout Hard Eight, Anderson’s thematic preoccupations with society and morality surface, especially as Sydney faces difficult choices, adding layers to the straightforward narrative and introducing hallmarks that would define his later works.
7. Inherent Vice: A Hilarious and Unpredictable Detective Story
Known as Anderson’s most overtly comedic film, Inherent Vice (2014) adapts Thomas Pynchon’s novel into an eccentric mystery comedy. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Larry “Doc” Sportello, a hapless private investigator navigating a labyrinthine case throughout 1970 Los Angeles.
The film thrives on its intentionally convoluted plot and quirky, unpredictable characters, merging the styles of iconic films like Chinatown and The Big Lebowski. Despite its complexity, the movie delivers many of Anderson’s most entertaining and memorable sequences.
While occasionally meandering and losing steam, the film’s overall energy and humor outweigh its shortcomings, distinguishing it as a unique and lively entry in Anderson’s filmography.
6. Magnolia: An Ambitious Tapestry of Intersecting Lives
Magnolia (1999) represents one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s most ambitious projects, weaving together multiple storylines that converge across the San Fernando Valley. The film explores a diverse array of characters struggling with emotional turmoil, creating a multifaceted narrative full of highs and lows.
Some character arcs resonate more strongly than others, but the strength of the ensemble cast—including Julianne Moore, Philip Baker Hall, Felicity Huffman, and a standout performance from Tom Cruise—maintains audience engagement throughout. Anderson’s ability to ground absurd or surreal moments in authentic emotion is especially evident here.
The film’s hypnotic and unconventional style, paired with Aimee Mann’s evocative music, transforms potentially disjointed storytelling into a captivating experience, setting Magnolia apart from many other ensemble dramas.
5. The Master: A Dark Study of Control and Cult Dynamics
The Master (2012) highlights Anderson’s expertise in directing actors, offering a profound character study centered on a WWII veteran drawn into a cult known as The Cause. Joaquin Phoenix leads with a raw performance, but the film’s true standouts are Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams, who portray Lancaster Dodd and his wife Peggy with nuanced complexity.
The Dodds are unsettling yet magnetic figures, embodying themes of dominance and manipulation within toxic relationships. The film’s dark and intense tone demands viewer investment, exposing the disturbing depths of human vulnerabilities.
The Master may challenge some viewers with its difficult subject matter and layered portrayal of psychological unraveling, but it remains a powerful and engrossing examination of power and dependency.
4. Punch-Drunk Love: A Unique Blend of Romance and Dark Comedy
Paul Thomas Anderson showcases a different facet of his directorial skills in Punch-Drunk Love (2002), propelled by Adam Sandler’s breakout, emotionally rich performance as Barry Egan. The film redefines romantic comedy conventions by integrating elements of crime drama and surreal humor.
This film stands as a testament to Anderson’s ability to nurture nuanced performances, granting Sandler the space to reveal a depth not always seen in his roles. While some viewers expecting Anderson’s more narrative experimentation might find the film’s structure conventional, its heartfelt core and distinctive tone offer a refreshing departure.
By blending whimsy with intensity, Punch-Drunk Love captures an unconventional love story with sincerity and charm.
3. One Battle After Another: A Politically Charged and Emotionally Resonant Epic
Anderson’s most recent film, One Battle After Another (2025), stands as a bold and ambitious achievement, marked by its mix of emotional depth and absurdist humor. The plot follows the aftermath of a resistance group called the French 75, focusing chiefly on a former member and his teenage daughter as they evade capture 16 years after going underground.
The film distinguishes itself as Anderson’s most explicitly political work, avoiding direct commentary on contemporary figures or policies while urging resistance against injustice. It also addresses the human flaws fueling conflict on all sides, offering a balanced and nuanced viewpoint.
The movie’s action sequences complement rather than overshadow the diverse and compelling cast, which includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, and breakout star Chase Infiniti. One Battle After Another is widely regarded as a significant milestone in Anderson’s career and a must-see entry.
2. Boogie Nights: A Rich Period Drama About Family and Change
Boogie Nights (1997) explores the adult film industry of the 1970s and 1980s through the lens of a found family, balancing humor, tragedy, and inspiration. Anderson’s second feature helped launch Mark Wahlberg as a movie star and reaffirmed Burt Reynolds’ status as a screen icon. The film also boasts impressive supporting roles from Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Heather Graham, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The script courageously embraces moments of heartbreak without losing its overall hopefulness. This tonal balance crafts one of the 1990s’ premier character-driven dramas, which remains a definitive highlight in Paul Thomas Anderson’s oeuvre nearly three decades later.
1. There Will Be Blood: A Masterpiece of Ambition and Tension
Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood (2007) is widely regarded as his finest work and one of the most powerful films of the 21st century. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an unforgettable performance as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman whose relentless pursuit of wealth reveals the corrosive nature of ambition and greed.
Framed as a western epic, the film offers a stark and intense critique of the American Dream, exploring themes of compromise and corruption with unflinching honesty. Anderson maintains tension throughout, often using dialogue alone to escalate stakes and deepen character conflict.
The film is also a technical triumph, featuring some of the most stunning visual compositions of recent decades. Its enduring impact confirms There Will Be Blood as not only the pinnacle of Paul Thomas Anderson’s career but also a landmark of contemporary cinema.
