As Wes Anderson’s latest film makes its debut in cinemas, we have taken on the task of comparing some of the director’s most acclaimed works to determine which stands out as the best.
The newest addition to Anderson’s filmography, The Phoenician Scheme, showcases his signature talent for assembling a stellar cast, featuring some of Hollywood’s top actors.
Many of the performers in the film have collaborated with Anderson in the past, such as Bill Murray (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou) and Benedict Cumberbatch (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar). Additionally, Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson, who appeared in the 2023 film Asteroid City, are also part of the cast.
Following the release of Anderson’s new film, we posed the question to the Netflix Bangers’ audience: “Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme is out now! What’s his best movie ever?”
And here are the results…
Ranking in the top five is the 2018 film Isle of Dogs, which still holds a remarkable 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Set in a futuristic Japan where all pets are banished to Trash Island, this stop-motion animated film follows the journey of 12-year-old Atari as he embarks on a quest to find his dog, Spots.
True to Anderson’s style, Isle of Dogs features a star-studded voice cast, including Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), and Edward Norton (Fight Club).
Despite being several years old, Isle of Dogs continues to receive high praise. One person recently tweeted: “Currently watching the Isle of Dogs and this Wes Anderson guy sure knows how to make movies.”
“I love Isle of Dogs! Definitely gonna rewatch it soon,” commented another fan, with someone else describing the film as a ’10/10′.
Following its release, the beloved film was nominated for numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes.
The Royal Tenenbaums, released in 2001, continues to be a favorite among Anderson’s fans. The film starred the late Gene Hackman, who passed away with his wife at their Santa Fe home in February.
The film also features Bill Murray (Ghostbusters), Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man), Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers), Ben Stiller (Zoolander), and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon).
According to IMDb, the quirky comedy revolves around ‘eccentric members of a dysfunctional family’ who ‘reluctantly gather under the same roof for various reasons’.
More than two decades later, The Royal Tenenbaums holds an 89 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. One reviewer praised the film: “The Royal Tenenbaums isn’t just Wes Anderson’s best film, it’s one of the best films of all-time.”
“Tenenbaums is excellent in its own right but it also serves as a perfect entry point to anyone new to the quirk-filled world of Wes Anderson,” remarked another reviewer.
Moonrise Kingdom captured 11 percent of the vote, making it the third favorite Anderson film among fans.
The film tells the story of 12-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), who fall in love and decide to run away together.
Released in 2012, Moonrise Kingdom boasts one of Anderson’s most star-studded casts, featuring Bruce Willis (Die Hard), Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin), and Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri).
Mia Threapleton, Kate Winslet’s daughter, who stars in Anderson’s latest film The Phoenician Scheme, shared how Moonrise Kingdom inspired her to work with the acclaimed director.
During a recent press conference, Threapleton recalled a journal entry from 2013 where she wrote, as reported by Variety: “Watching Moonrise Kingdom again. Bloody love this film. Wish I could work with Wes Anderson one day.”
In the competitive world of animation dominated by Disney and Pixar, Anderson made his mark with the 2009 film Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Speaking about the film, one fan commented: “It’s clear that Wes’ beautiful brain goes in fresh directions when it comes to animation versus live action.”
Adapted from the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, the movie follows the adventures of Mr. Fox, a family man who reverts to his old ways of stealing, giving in to his animal instincts. Chaos ensues when three farmers plot to eliminate him and his kind.
George Clooney (Ocean’s Eleven) voices Mr. Fox, while Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building) lends her voice to Mrs. Fox.
Similar to Adam Sandler’s frequent collaborations with the same group of actors, Anderson once again worked with Bill Murray and Owen Wilson on this cult classic.
Fantastic Mr. Fox received 17 percent of the social media users’ votes.
The top spot goes to 2014’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, which emerged as the clear winner.
This film boasts an impressive ensemble cast of 17 actors, including Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter), Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Willem Dafoe (Nosferatu), Jeff Goldblum (Wicked), and Jude Law (The Holiday).
The adventure-comedy centers on Gustave H, a concierge at a famous European hotel who must prove his innocence after being framed for a murder.
The Grand Budapest Hotel was the undisputed winner in UNILAD RANKED’s Netflix Bangers poll, securing an impressive 53 percent of the vote.
The film holds a 92 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, and even 11 years after its release, fans say it still gives them ‘chills’.
“Who else is obsessed with old movies? I’m rewatching ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ for the fifth time and it still gives me chills,” shared one Twitter user.
“I absolutely love The Grand Budapest Hotel. I need more films like that,” added another.