When you interface with Wes Anderson’s cinema for the first time, you experience multiple feelings and sensations. It almost seems to be inside a colorful illustrated fairy tale, in which every single color has the natural ability to arouse one or more feelings. His eccentric cinema made up of colors, adventures and characters has managed to conquer audiences and critics.

The director, born in 1969, managed to define a unique and immediately recognizable aesthetic. The field of investigation in many of Anderson’s films is the family: absent fathers, extremely reserved children, and reorganized families.

niood lists the top 5 movies of Wes Anderson you absolutely need to watch:

1. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

R 2001, Comedy/Drama, 1h 48m

Rotten Tomatoes AUDIENCE SCORE: 89% (250,000+ Ratings)

Storyline

Royal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline had three children and then they separated. All three children are extraordinary — all geniuses. Virtually all memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums was subsequently erased by two decades of betrayal, failure, and disaster. Most of this was generally considered to be their father’s fault. “The Royal Tenenbaums” is the story of the family’s sudden, unexpected reunion one recent winter.

Why we love it

The Royal Tenenbaums, a 2001 film directed by Wes Anderson, is beloved by many for its unique and quirky style, memorable characters, and touching story. The film follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family as they attempt to navigate the complexities of their relationships and the challenges of adulthood. The film’s highly stylized visuals, eccentric characters, and wry humor have become hallmarks of Anderson’s filmmaking style, and have made The Royal Tenenbaums a cult classic.

One of the reasons why we love The Royal Tenenbaums is its memorable cast of characters. From the aloof Margot to the brilliant but troubled Richie, the Tenenbaum family members are all unique and interesting in their own ways. The film’s exploration of their relationships and their struggles with mental illness, addiction, and loss is both poignant and relatable, and has resonated with audiences around the world. Additionally, the film’s clever use of music, cinematography, and production design has helped to create a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality, adding to the film’s enduring appeal.

2. Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

R 2014, Comedy/Drama, 1h 39m

Rotten Tomatoes AUDIENCE SCORE: 86% (50,000+ Ratings)

Storyline

In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a popular European ski resort, presided over by concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s friend and protege. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel’s guests, including satisfying the sexual needs of the many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustave’s lovers dies mysteriously, Gustave finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in her murder.

Why we love it

Grand Budapest Hotel, a 2014 film directed by Wes Anderson, is beloved by many for its whimsical storytelling, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. The film tells the story of Gustave H., a legendary concierge at a famous hotel in a fictional Eastern European country, and his protégé Zero Moustafa, as they become embroiled in a series of bizarre and dangerous adventures. The film’s combination of slapstick humor, thrilling action, and touching moments of pathos has captivated audiences and cemented the film’s status as a modern classic.

One reason why we love Grand Budapest Hotel is its meticulously crafted world. Anderson’s signature style is on full display in the film’s stunning production design, which features a vivid color palette, ornate costumes, and intricate sets that transport viewers to a fantastical version of pre-war Europe. The film’s use of miniatures and practical effects adds to its charm and whimsy, creating a sense of magic and wonder that is rarely seen in contemporary cinema. Additionally, the film’s all-star cast, which includes Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, and Jeff Goldblum, delivers standout performances that bring Anderson’s vision to life and make the characters feel fully realized and unforgettable.

3. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

PG-13 2012, Comedy/Romance, 1h 34m

Rotten Tomatoes AUDIENCE SCORE: 86% (100,000+ Ratings)

Storyline

The year is 1965, and the residents of New Penzance, an island off the coast of New England, inhabit a community that seems untouched by some of the bad things going on in the rest of the world. Twelve-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have fallen in love and decide to run away. But a violent storm is approaching the island, forcing a group of quirky adults (Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray) to mobilize a search party and find the youths before calamity strikes.

Why we love it

The film’s exploration of childhood innocence, first love, and the pains of growing up has resonated with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless classic.

One reason why we love Moonrise Kingdom is its charming and idiosyncratic visual style. Anderson’s signature use of bold colors, intricate sets, and striking compositions creates a whimsical and fantastical world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The film’s use of practical effects and miniatures, as well as its carefully chosen soundtrack, adds to its sense of magic and wonder, creating a sense of nostalgia that is hard to resist. Additionally, the film’s standout cast, which includes Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, and Bill Murray, delivers nuanced and heartfelt performances that add depth and emotion to the film’s touching story.

4. Isle of Dogs (2018)

PG-13 2018, Comedy/Adventure, 1h 41m

Rotten Tomatoes AUDIENCE SCORE: 87% (5,000+ Ratings)

Storyline

When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.

Why we love it

The film’s combination of humor, adventure, and heart has made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.

One reason why we love Isle of Dogs is its inventive and beautifully crafted animation. Anderson’s signature style is on full display in the film’s intricately detailed sets, which are brought to life through stop-motion animation. The film’s use of symmetry, color, and composition creates a visual feast that is both stunning and memorable. Additionally, the film’s all-star cast, which includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Scarlett Johansson, delivers standout performances that bring the dogs to life and make them feel like fully realized characters.

Another reason why we love Isle of Dogs is its heartfelt message about the importance of loyalty and friendship. The film’s exploration of the bond between humans and animals, as well as the theme of standing up for what is right, has resonated with audiences around the world. The film’s whimsical and playful tone, coupled with its deeper themes, makes it a moving and thought-provoking experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.

5. Rushmore (1998)

R 1998, Comedy, 1h 33m

Rotten Tomatoes AUDIENCE SCORE: 91% (100,000+ Ratings)

Storyline

When a beautiful first-grade teacher (Olivia Williams) arrives at a prep school, she soon attracts the attention of an ambitious teenager named Max (Jason Schwartzman), who quickly falls in love with her. Max turns to the father (Bill Murray) of two of his schoolmates for advice on how to woo the teacher. However, the situation soon gets complicated when Max’s new friend becomes involved with her, setting the two pals against one another in a war for her attention.

Why we love it

One reason why we love Rushmore is its sharp and witty writing. Anderson’s signature dry humor is on full display in the film’s quirky and memorable characters, who often find themselves in absurd and hilarious situations. The film’s clever and insightful script is both humorous and heartfelt, delivering moments of both laughter and poignancy. Additionally, the film’s standout cast, which includes Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Olivia Williams, delivers nuanced and compelling performances that bring the characters to life.

Another reason why we love Rushmore is its relatable portrayal of adolescence. The film’s exploration of the challenges and joys of growing up, and the complicated emotions that come with adolescence, has resonated with viewers around the world. The film’s themes of friendship, first love, and the search for identity are universal, making it a film that speaks to viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Rushmore is a charming and endearing film that captures the essence of youth and the human experience in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening.