Paul Thomas Anderson has returned after a four-year hiatus with the release of One Battle After Another, a film that has captivated critics and audiences alike despite lacking major box office success. This new entry underscores the brilliance found throughout Paul Thomas Anderson movies, inviting viewers to revisit his extensive and varied filmography.
One Battle After Another debuted in theaters recently, telling the story of Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary turned drug addict who lives in hiding with his daughter. When their past catches up and she is taken, Bob struggles to recall his carefully planned steps to ensure their safety. The movie’s powerful mix of humor, shock, and poignancy has connected strongly with contemporary viewers.
A Detailed Look at Anderson’s Films, From the Least to Most Acclaimed
‘Inherent Vice’ – A Crime Comedy With Mixed Reception
Ranking lower among Paul Thomas Anderson movies on IMDb, Inherent Vice holds a 6.6 score. Released in 2014, the film adapts Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 novel about an easygoing private investigator, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who investigates the disappearance of a former lover. Despite Phoenix’s strong performance and Anderson’s signature directing style, the film was divisive and underperformed financially. However, it still earned two Academy Award nominations, highlighting its artistic merit.
‘Hard Eight’ – A Promising Debut Filled with Subtle Genius
Anderson’s first feature, Hard Eight (1996), resonates with a 7.1 IMDb rating. The story follows John Finnegan (John C. Reilly), a down-on-his-luck man supported by a seasoned gambler named Sydney (Philip Baker Hall). The narrative deepens as John’s romance with Clementine (Gwyneth Paltrow) complicates their lives. Made with limited resources, the film reveals Anderson’s early talent and features standout performances, especially from Hall, making it among the most underrated works in his repertoire.
‘Licorice Pizza’ – A Controversial Yet Tender Romance
Also rated 7.1, Anderson’s 2021 film Licorice Pizza tells a story centered in the San Fernando Valley, focusing on the romance between teenager Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) and 25-year-old Alana Kane (Alana Haim). The age difference sparked debate, but Anderson managed to craft a sensitive portrayal that earned both critical acclaim and three Academy Award nominations. It remains favored by many theatergoers despite its divisive theme.
‘The Master’ – A Powerful Drama of Influence and Vulnerability
The Master (2012), also with a 7.1 IMDb rating, explores the psychological journey of Freddie (Joaquin Phoenix), a World War II veteran drawn into the orbit of cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman). The film showcases outstanding performances by Phoenix, Hoffman, and Amy Adams, all of whom earned Academy Award nods. Its intense exploration of human frailty and control has secured it a firm place in Anderson’s collection.
‘Punch-Drunk Love’ – A Bold Fusion of Comedy and Emotion
At a 7.3 IMDb score, Punch-Drunk Love (2002) changed perceptions about Adam Sandler’s acting, revealing unexpected depth in his portrayal of Barry, a businessman caught in a chaotic spiral after contacting a phone-sex line. The blend of humor and heartfelt drama marked a departure from typical romantic films, earning Sandler a Golden Globe nomination and proving Anderson’s willingness to take creative risks with his leads.
‘Phantom Thread’ – An Artistic Exploration of Love and Control
With a 7.4 score, Phantom Thread (2017) pairs Paul Thomas Anderson with Daniel Day-Lewis once again. The film focuses on Reynolds Woodcock, a meticulous London dressmaker whose life changes with the arrival of a strong-willed waitress, Alma (Vicky Krieps). Praised for its artistry and emotional subtlety, the film won an Academy Award for costume design. Its accessible yet complex narrative resonated with both critics and audiences.
‘Boogie Nights’ – A Defining Portrait of the 1970s Adult Film Industry
Boogie Nights (1997), which holds a 7.9 IMDb score, is often hailed as Anderson’s finest work. Centered on porn producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) discovering newcomer Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg), the film features a stellar ensemble including Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle, and William H. Macy. Blending chaotic moments with emotional depth, the movie captures its era vividly and remains essential viewing for fans of Anderson’s storytelling.
‘Magnolia’ – An Interwoven Tale of Lives and Secrets
Rated 8.0, Magnolia (1999) is set in the San Fernando Valley and presents multiple characters whose stories intertwine over a single day. Notably, Tom Cruise delivers one of his career-best performances as Frank T.J. Mackey, earning a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination. The film’s complex narrative structure and rich character studies make it a remarkable piece in Anderson’s film collection.
‘There Will Be Blood’ – A Cinematic Masterpiece of Ambition and Power
Boasting an 8.2 rating, There Will Be Blood (2007) stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a man driven by greed amid California’s early oil boom. Widely acclaimed as one of the century’s greatest films, it combines Day-Lewis’s unforgettable performance with breathtaking cinematography by Robert Elswit. Despite receiving eight Academy Award nominations, including for Anderson’s direction, it took home just two awards, yet remains a towering achievement in cinema.
‘One Battle After Another’ – Anderson’s Latest and Highest-Rated Film
Currently the most highly rated of Paul Thomas Anderson movies on IMDb, One Battle After Another commands an 8.3 score. Featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, this story of a former revolutionary fighting to protect his daughter has been praised as a
“masterfully crafted work that speaks to our present as a defining work of what it was like to live in our present era,”
according to Collider’s Ross Bonaime. The film captures audiences with its mix of humor, heart, and urgency, positioning Anderson favorably for his first Best Director Oscar win in the upcoming awards ceremony.
Core Cast and the Next Steps for Anderson’s Career
Alongside Leonardo DiCaprio’s compelling lead, the cast includes Sean Penn as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, adding to the film’s gritty authenticity. As this new film sweeps through theaters and festivals, it not only highlights Anderson’s lasting impact but also hints at future projects that could continue to challenge and engage his audiences.
