5 Best Wes Anderson Movies, Ranked by IMDb

Wes Anderson is the favorite director of self-proclaimed cinephiles. They love to analyze every little detail of a movie and catch even the slightest change in tone or standard. Anderson made sure that each of his films is unique yet still clearly identifiable as his signature style.

Whether it's stop-motion animation or tales of eccentric families, his films are instantly recognizable and consistently celebrated. And here are five of his best movies, ranked by their IMDb scores.

1. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014)

• IMDb score: 8.1/10.

At the top of the list is The Grand Budapest Hotel, a visually stunning and complex comedy-drama that has become a hallmark of Anderson's cinematic vision. Set in a fictional European country, the story revolves around legendary concierge Gustave H. and his devoted lobby boy, Zero Moustafa.

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a blend of murder mystery, political satire and of course the beloved fast-paced adventure, all presented through Anderson’s signature use of symmetrical frames and pastel color palettes. The film received nine Academy Award nominations and won four, including Best Production Design and Best Original Score.

2. 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' (2009)

• IMDb score: 7.9/10.

Wes Anderson's first foray into stop-motion animation, Fantastic Mr. Fox, is a witty adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book of the same name. Featuring the voice talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, the film follows Mr. Fox as he battles three mean farmers while trying to maintain his domestic responsibilities.

Despite being an animated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox strikes an emotional chord with adult viewers thanks to its dialogue and complex plot twists.

3. 'Moonrise Kingdom' (2012)

• IMDb score: 7.8/10.

Moonrise Kingdom is a nostalgic tale of young love set on a New England island in the 1960s. It tells the story of Sam and Suzy, two misfit children who run away together, prompting a quirky search party of adults to look for them.

With a stellar cast including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, and Bill Murray, the film finds the perfect balance between lightheartedness and melancholy.

“Moonrise Kingdom is a masterpiece!I know Wes Anderson gets a ton of praise here but this movie I feel is one of his best! The whole setting, the isolated island with no paved roads and a mail plane was amazing. The chemistry between Sam and Suzy was great and the music was amazing!” Redditor Itsfish20 said.

4. 'Isle of Dogs' (2018)

• IMDb score: 7.8/10.

Returning to stop-motion animation, Anderson presented Isle of Dogs, a visually stunning film set in a dystopian Japan where all dogs are exiled to Trash Island due to a mysterious canine flu. The story centers on a young boy, Atari, who sets out to find his beloved dog, Spots, and enlists the help of a ragtag group of exiled pups.

Featuring voice performances by Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeff Goldblum, Isle of Dogs received two Oscar nominations, further solidifying Anderson’s talent for pushing cinematic boundaries while still maintaining heartfelt stories.

5 .'The Royal Tenenbaums' (2001)

• IMDb score: 7.6/10.

Rounding out the list is The Royal Tenenbaums, which is often considered a cornerstone of Anderson’s early career. The film tells the story of a dysfunctional family of former child prodigies who are reunited under strained circumstances years later. The Royal Tenenbaums explores themes often associated with familial bonds: failure and redemption.