The other night, I was standing in the Century City mall, next to a poster for The Phoenician Scheme, debating what Wes Anderson's best movie was with my circle of friends.

If that sounds like paradise to you, then I bet we would be friends, too.

See, I find Wes Anderson to be one of the most fascinating auteurs out there working. His movies all speak to different people in different ways. One person's favorite may be another person's least favorite, and so on.

Today, I want to go through my favorites with you.

Let's dive in.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

To me, this is Anderson's magnum opus. I remember walking into this film and just being so moved by its power, and then laughing so hard at its humor. I was putty in Anderson's hands, molded into one of his wonderful worlds.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

I saw this in theaters. It was my first introduction to Anderson, and I felt completely swept away by how whimsical and deep his characters felt. This movie is celebrated for its memorable ensemble cast, sharp wit, and exploration of a dysfunctional but endearing family.

Rushmore (1998)

When I was a kid, this played so often on Comedy Central that I probably saw it ten times before I even knew who Wes Anderson was. In retrospect, it was a great glimpse into what he could do as a director and established a lot of actors he would use again and again.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

I love stop motion animation, and it seemed to go hand in hand with Anderson's whimsical filmmaking style. Here, he weaves a world where he can control every single aspect. It makes the visuals sumptuous and adds another level of humor and wit that is so deep.

The French Dispatch (2021)

I was obsessed with this anthology film when it came out. I thought it was mature and resonant. It's structured as a series of stories from a fictional American magazine in France; it's a visual feast and a love letter to journalism.

Bottle Rocket (1996)

Anderson's debut feature, while perhaps less polished than his later works, is appreciated for its charmingly lo-fi quality and the introduction of his collaborative relationships with actors Owen and Luke Wilson. It's an ovie that has a magic to it that you can see led to people wanting to work with him.

Asteroid City (2023)

Anderson studies humanity in ways I never thought possible from a guy who is so centered on his visuals. But this movie is all about pulling apart human beings and seeing what's inside their hearts...all while an alien possibly lands.

The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

I was lucky enough to see this movie early, and I think it is a roaringly fun romp. It has a lot of quick charm, and at some points, you are watching, wondering how anyone else could have made this movie, which is the mark of watching an auteur. It bears repeated viewing.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

This whimsical tale of young love and adventure was praised for its heartfelt storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances from its young leads and veteran actors. To me, it captured the heart of what it means to love as a kid, while also capturing what it means to be in love as an adult. Those two juxtaposed were a very powerful thing.

Isle of Dogs (2018)

It's weird to make these lists because I love this movie and I'm talking about it so late in the game. I genuinely think it has a lot ot say about humans and dogs and our relationship with one another. Its stunning animation and ambitious storytelling are among Anderson's best.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (2024)

These movies are all shorts on Netflix that got a release as one longer film as an anthology compilation of Anderson's short films released in 2023, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison. Each I think have some really important bits and functions best when viewed and analyzed on their own.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

I would call this a divisive movie that has cultivated a strong cult following over the years. Its unique aesthetic, melancholic humor, and Bill Murray's central performance are often highlighted.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

This movie has some of the coolest visuals in any Anderson work. It's zany, wacky, but also philosophical. The story of three estranged brothers on a spiritual journey through India is one of those movies you have to just watch and watch and watch to really get at its heart.

Summing It All Up 

This is my ranking, which means it's subject to me only. If you have a different one, I want to hear about it. Like I said in the opening, his movies hit people in different ways, and that's what makes them special.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

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