All the movies of Paul Thomas Anderson, ranked from worst to best

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It’s easy to get caught up in analyzing Paul Thomas Anderson‘s films for personal meaning – searching for connections to his own life, like the father figures in “Magnolia” and “The Master,” or the relationships in “Phantom Thread” and his latest work. However, two things really make his films stand out. First, he’s a master craftsman, giving each movie a distinct style and look. Second, his films are deeply humanistic – they show a genuine affection for people, flaws and all.

As a film buff, I’ve always been a bit baffled that Wes Anderson hasn’t *won* an Oscar yet, despite eleven nominations! Honestly, his work is so consistently brilliant that you could shuffle around a list of his films any way you like and still have a perfectly reasonable – maybe even interestingly different – ranking. Seriously, even his ‘least’ good films are still fantastic. There’s just nobody making movies quite like Wes Anderson, and that’s what makes him so special.

Movies

Paul Thomas Anderson, the filmmaker behind acclaimed movies like “Boogie Nights” and “There Will Be Blood,” is back with a powerful and intense new film exploring American protest and rebellion, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland.”

Wes Anderson’s distinctive filmmaking style, particularly from the 1990s, is instantly recognizable thanks to his brilliant use of music – think of the immersive soundtracks of ‘Boogie Nights’ or his continued work with Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. To further highlight this connection, we’ve included a favorite song from each of his films, and you might be surprised how well those songs capture the essence of the stories.

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10. ‘Licorice Pizza’ (2021)

Okay, let’s be real, we all did some weird stuff during the pandemic, so I can totally get why Paul Thomas Anderson made this really sweet, nostalgic movie about growing up in the San Fernando Valley in the 70s. There’s a lot to love – it’s a charming story about a teenage boy trying to start a business and the older woman who helps him, and their relationship is really interesting. But honestly, compared to some of Anderson’s other recent masterpieces, “Licorice Pizza” just doesn’t quite hit the same way. It feels a little…slack, not just relaxed. What *does* really shine is the chemistry between the two leads, Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim – both amazing in their first movie roles! And Bradley Cooper as producer Jon Peters? Seriously, his performance almost makes the whole movie worth watching on its own.

Featured songs this week include “Stumblin’ In” by Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro, and “Let Me Roll It” by Paul McCartney and Wings.

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9. ‘Punch Drunk Love’ (2002)

“Punch-Drunk Love” marked a turning point for director Paul Thomas Anderson, helping him move beyond the edgy style of his earlier films. While it successfully blends romance, comedy, and quirky charm, the film now feels a bit forced, as if Anderson was consciously trying to create something lighthearted. Despite this, the movie contains truly magical moments – like a simple walk down a street with the two main characters (Adam Sandler and Emily Watson) becoming unexpectedly moving thanks to clever lighting. Sandler’s performance, which helped launch his career into more complex roles, perfectly embodies the hopeful change that drives the entire film.

Needle drop: Shelley Duvall, “He Needs Me”

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8. ‘Hard Eight’ (1996)

You know, looking back at Paul Thomas Anderson’s early work, “Hard Eight” sometimes gets overshadowed by the masterpieces he made later. But honestly, for almost any other director, this would be a career highlight. It came out right after the “Pulp Fiction” boom, but it’s less about flashy thrills and more about really getting to know the characters. You can already see how amazing he is at directing actors – John C. Reilly and Gwyneth Paltrow are both fantastic, and there’s even a small but unforgettable appearance by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Originally, the movie was going to be named after Philip Baker Hall’s character, Sydney, and it’s so fitting – he’s incredible in the rare lead role, playing this old-school, quietly dangerous guy. Anderson really captures the world of small-time gamblers, and he shows a surprising amount of empathy for these people just trying to get by.

Needle drop: Brenton Wood, “Love Is Free”

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7. ‘The Master’ (2012)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” showcases phenomenal performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix. Hoffman plays Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic but ultimately flawed leader of a new philosophical group, while Phoenix embodies Freddie Quell, a troubled WWII veteran struggling with alcoholism and searching for meaning. The film delves into the conflict between acting on impulse and using reason, but maintains a certain emotional distance. Though initially expected to be a direct commentary on the origins of Scientology (and drawing inspiration from the life of L. Ron Hubbard), “The Master” ultimately forges its own unique path, being both informed by and independent from that narrative.

Needle drops: Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Slow Boat to China”; Helen Forrest, “Changing Partners”

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6. ‘Boogie Nights’ (1997)

When “Boogie Nights” came out, director Paul Thomas Anderson was just 27, and the film felt like a huge accomplishment. It’s a sprawling story about the porn industry in Los Angeles during the transition from the 1970s to the 1980s. Mark Wahlberg, with some convincing special effects, plays a young man entering this world, and the film explores what happens when someone gives everything they have to the industry. While some of the film’s style now feels a little over-the-top, it remains remarkable for its emotional depth and how thoughtfully it portrays even minor characters. “Boogie Nights” was a cultural sensation, spawning two soundtrack albums and earning Anderson his first Oscar nomination for the screenplay, solidifying his reputation as a major filmmaking talent.

Needle drops: The Commodores, “Machine Gun”; Electric Light Orchestra, “Livin’ Thing”

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5. ‘Magnolia’ (1999)

Following the bold and energetic “Boogie Nights,” Anderson delivered an even more emotionally raw film, unafraid to be vulnerable and explore deep unhappiness. “Magnolia” takes everything to the extreme, which is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness. This creates a powerful momentum as the film connects the lives of various Los Angeles residents, all linked to a long-running TV game show. Tom Cruise gives one of his most memorable performances as a flawed self-help expert. Anderson also cast several veteran actors admired by filmmakers he looked up to – Jonathan Demme and Robert Altman – seemingly using their work as a way to define his own voice, both as a director and as an individual.

Needle drops: Aimee Mann, “Wise Up”; Supertramp, “Goodbye Stranger”

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4. ‘Phantom Thread’ (2017)

Wes Anderson’s films are now known for being shrouded in mystery, often leaving audiences unsure of the plot beforehand. Before “Phantom Thread” was released, rumors suggested it was based on the life of fashion designer Charles James and involved a ghostly romance. However, the film turned out to be a delightful and quirky romantic comedy. It centers on Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis), a meticulous English designer whose carefully ordered life is disrupted by Alma Elson (Vicky Krieps), a spirited and independent European immigrant. The film possesses a subtle elegance, mirroring the intricate craftsmanship of fine tailoring. It’s a poignant, mysterious, and frequently funny movie, beautifully showcasing the dynamic between a relatively unknown Vicky Krieps and the commanding presence of Daniel Day-Lewis.

Needle drops: Oscar Peterson, “My Foolish Heart”; Jonny Greenwood, “For the Hungry Boy”

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3. ‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s films often reveal new layers with each viewing, and this one has the potential to climb in ranking over time. While loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland,” the film primarily captures a similar feeling: the difficulty of finding purpose when you feel stuck. Anderson uses techniques from his previous work to create a striking, almost dreamlike vision of a troubled present. “Battle” is a unique blend of anger and hope, despair and optimism, and follows Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio, in a manic and vulnerable performance), a former activist who is drawn back into conflict when his daughter is threatened by figures from his past. It’s a satirical action-comedy that also explores themes of family, and boasts a fantastic cast including Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and newcomer Chase Infiniti. Ultimately, “One Battle After Another” is a bold and confident film that tackles relevant issues head-on.

Needle drops: Gil Scott-Heron, “Revolution Will Not Be Televised”; Steely Dan, “Dirty Work”

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2. ‘Inherent Vice’ (2014)

“Inherent Vice” is a relatively direct and true-to-the-source adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel. It’s both humorous and melancholic, following the journey of Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix), a laid-back detective, as he gets caught up in a complicated world of power and corruption in Los Angeles after the Manson murders. Still harboring feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Shasta Fay, Doc takes on her case, which quickly becomes emotionally tangled. The film explores the end of the 1960s and the disillusioning realization that money and power will always win. Director Paul Thomas Anderson skillfully manages a large ensemble cast – including Josh Brolin, Katherine Waterston, Jeannie Berlin, Hong Chau, Reese Witherspoon, and Martin Short – and keeps the potentially chaotic story focused and purposeful. The film unfolds gradually, revealing its secrets layer by layer, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

Needle drops: Can, “Vitamin C”; Neil Young, “Journey Through the Past”

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1. ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

Inspired by Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” marks a significant step forward for the director. Moving beyond the playful style of his earlier work, Anderson delivers a serious and ambitious film that explores the dark side of the American dream. The movie reimagines the history of California’s oil boom as a story of ruthless expansion, powerfully brought to life by Daniel Day-Lewis’s unforgettable performance as Daniel Plainview. We see Plainview rise from humble beginnings to become a powerful and unforgiving oil tycoon, driven by an insatiable desire for wealth. Despite its serious tone, the film retains Anderson’s signature wit, exemplified by the now-iconic “milkshake” scene in the climactic confrontation between Plainview and a manipulative preacher, played by Paul Dano. “There Will Be Blood” signaled Anderson’s arrival as a mature filmmaker, and he’s continued to create bold and innovative work ever since.

Needle drop: Johannes Brahms, “Violin Concerto in D Major”

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2025-09-29 13:33