Wes Anderson Movies
Bottle Rocket - 1996
Bottle Rocket is Wes Anderson's debut film, following three misfit friends—Dignan, Anthony, and Bob—as they bungle their way through small-time heists. Their amateurish crime spree leads them to a bigger scheme with a mysterious criminal, Mr. Henry. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and dreams unfold in quirky, heartfelt ways.
Rushmore - 1998
Rushmore follows Max Fischer, an eccentric teenager at Rushmore Academy, whose obsession with extracurriculars leads to academic failure. He befriends a wealthy industrialist, Herman Blume, but their bond fractures when they both fall for teacher Rosemary Cross. The film explores ambition, rivalry, and redemption with Anderson's signature style.
The Royal Tenenbaums - 2001
The Royal Tenenbaums follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family, including eccentric siblings once deemed prodigies. Their estranged father, Royal, fakes a terminal illness to reconnect with them, causing chaos and revelations. The film explores themes of family, regret, and redemption with quirky humor and signature visual style.
The Life Aquatic – 2004
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou follows eccentric oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) as he embarks on a whimsical quest to hunt the elusive "jaguar shark" that killed his partner. Alongside his quirky crew, including a potential son (Owen Wilson), he faces personal challenges, absurd adventures, and profound introspection.
The Squid & The Whale - 2005
The Squid and the Whale is a poignant drama exploring the impact of divorce on a Brooklyn family. It follows two boys, Walt and Frank, as they navigate the emotional fallout of their parents' separation. Their father’s ego and mother’s newfound independence create tension, shaping their relationships and personal identities.
The Darjeeling Limited - 2007
The Darjeeling Limited follows three estranged brothers—Francis, Peter, and Jack—who reunite for a train journey across India, hoping to heal their fractured relationship. Along the way, their plans unravel, leading to unexpected encounters, self-discovery, and reconciliation. Blending humor and poignancy, Wes Anderson explores themes of family, loss, and personal growth.
Fantastic Mr. Fox - 2009
Fantastic Mr. Fox follows the clever Mr. Fox, who battles three ruthless farmers—Boggis, Bunce, and Bean—after stealing from them to provide for his family. Faced with retaliation, Mr. Fox rallies his woodland friends to outsmart the farmers, embracing teamwork, creativity, and resilience in this quirky, stop-motion adventure.
Moonrise Kingdom - 2012
Moonrise Kingdom is a quirky, heartfelt tale set in 1965 about two young misfits, Sam and Suzy, who fall in love and run away together on a remote New England island. Their adventure sparks a search involving eccentric adults, revealing themes of love, freedom, and individuality.
The Grand Budapest Hotel - 2014
The Grand Budapest Hotel follows the adventures of Gustave H., a charismatic concierge, and Zero, a loyal lobby boy, at a prestigious European hotel. Set against political turmoil, they navigate a stolen painting, a family inheritance feud, and murder. The whimsical, visually striking tale blends humor, intrigue, and nostalgia.
She's Funny That Way – 2014
She's Funny That Way, directed by Peter Bogdanovich and co-written with Louise Stratten, features Wes Anderson as an executive producer. The screwball comedy follows Broadway director Arnold (Owen Wilson), who complicates lives by financially assisting call girl-turned-actress Isabella (Imogen Poots). Chaos ensues as relationships, careers, and secrets hilariously intertwine.
Isle of Dogs - 2018
Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion animated film directed by Wes Anderson, set in a dystopian future where all dogs are exiled to an island due to a canine flu outbreak. A young boy embarks on a journey to rescue his dog, sparking an adventure filled with loyalty, friendship, and quirky humor.
The French Dispatch - 2021
The French Dispatch is a visually distinctive anthology film set in a fictional French town, following the final issue of an American magazine. The movie consists of three quirky stories, showcasing the magazine's eccentric journalists. It blends humor, tragedy, and nostalgia with Anderson's signature style and meticulous detail.
Asteroid City - 2023
Asteroid City is a whimsical, visually striking film set in a fictional desert town during a 1955 youth science competition. The story unfolds through a play within a play, blending reality and fiction. Themes of love, loss, and existentialism are explored with Anderson's signature quirky style and vibrant set design.
Short films
Bottle Rocket – 1993
Bottle Rocket is Wes Anderson's debut short film, focusing on three friends—Anthony, Dignan, and Bob—who are involved in a series of small-time heists. The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and disillusionment, with quirky characters and Anderson's signature visual style, setting the tone for his later works.
Hotel Chevalier – 2007
Hotel Chevalier is a short film by Wes Anderson that serves as a prequel to his feature The Darjeeling Limited. Set in a Paris hotel room, it centers on a troubled reunion between Jack, played by Jason Schwartzman, and his ex-girlfriend, played by Natalie Portman, exploring themes of love and loss.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar – 2023
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a Wes Anderson short film about a wealthy man named Henry Sugar who discovers the secret of seeing through objects through intense meditation. Using this ability, he attempts to cheat at gambling, ultimately realizing the consequences of his actions. The film blends whimsical narration, vivid visuals, and themes of transformation.
The Swan – 2023
The Swan is a Wes Anderson short film that explores themes of social class, adolescence, and self-discovery. Set in a lavish, isolated mansion, the story follows a group of young girls at a finishing school who encounter a transformative experience when they meet a peculiar boy.
The Rat Catcher - 2023
The Rat Catcher is a whimsical Wes Anderson short about a man tasked with capturing rats in a small town. His interactions with eccentric townsfolk reveal the absurdity of his role, blending quirky humor and visual stylization. Themes of isolation and identity emerge in Anderson's signature style.
Poison - 2023
Poison is a short film by Wes Anderson, set in a tropical hotel. It revolves around a mysterious, venomous snake bite incident, with quirky characters and comedic dialogue. Anderson's signature style, including symmetrical shots and vivid color palettes, enhances the tension and absurdity of the situation.