There are so many new films being pumped out by Hollywood these days, but who said the consumers liked them? You know that feeling you get while leaving a theatre after watching a movie that just resonates with you on a different level? When’s the last time you got the chance to feel that way? The movies we see these days are always the same thing.

It can all become such a big blur as the plots of each one seem to be the same: Boy meets girl, the hero defeats the villain, and the world is saved. Most of our own lives are already built on some sort of pattern. Wake up, eat, go to work, go home, sleep. So any slight variation we see instantly becomes appealing. But what if I told you that there was someone out there trying to change this? A director who has his own unique narrative style that keeps your attention the entire length of each movie, Films that keep you wondering way after their runtime. That person is Wesley Wales Anderson.

Wes Anderson is an American filmmaker born in Houston, TX. Before becoming a film director, he was an archaeologist and then a realtor. Neither of these jobs don’t have much to do with creating films, but since he was a child, Anderson enjoyed filming silent movies on an expensive camera owned by his father.

He is an outstanding director and all of the people who have acted under him seem to agree, each one of his films are captivating which is all the more reason why you, dear reader, should spend some time watching his movies. 

Wes Anderson has 12 feature films, ranging from 1996 all the way to 2025, so you won’t be limited by options when choosing the right one for you. But if you need help, here are a few of my favorites:

The Phoenician Scheme

If you’re looking for something new, this is definitely the right movie for you. From outstanding visuals to an in-depth script that keeps you on your toes, The Phoenician Scheme definitely hits all the marks in the eyes of the Rotten Tomatoes audience.

The story focuses on the wealthy business owner Zsa-Zsa Korda, who wishes to appoint his daughter, who happens to be a nun, as the sole heir to his assets and estate rather than his nine adopted sons. Together they go on a long journey, being chased by assassins and strange dilemmas.

If you’re looking for something fresh and not done before, I highly suggest watching this film. This movie received a 6.7/10 on IMDb with the majority of viewers rating it a 7, paying compliments to the overall cinematography with user Pythonesque Madness stating, “An incredible cast of actors is reduced to a series of bit-part cameos, which should be annoying, but I couldn’t help thinking that it was probably enormous fun to make. And Bill Murray as God is without doubt one of my favourite ever bits of casting.” All of Wes Andersons films will surprise you with a familiar face. 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

When this movie comes to mind, all I can think about is its brilliance. It’s innovative, visually stunning and often considered to be Wes Anderson’s greatest film to date.

Critics at Rotten Tomatoes cannot seem to express enough praise for this movie. Critic Stephen A. Russell writes, “There’s a tantalising darkness just beneath the surface of Anderson’s trademark whacky whimsy in his latest offering, The Grand Budapest Hotel, making it one of the year’s most unforgettable films.”

The Grand Budapest Hotel is focused on the story of a very popular European ski resort overseen by a man named Gustave H. who later befriends the new lobby boy, Zero. Gustave holds many relationships with guests residing in the hotel until one of them is found dead. Gustave finds himself to be the number one suspect and also a part of her will. While dealing with serious topics, Wes Anderson is still able to keep the audience engaged in the story with light humor throughout. 

Moonrise Kingdom 

Finally, Moonrise Kingdom is a movie like no other. Although it’s focused on a girl-meets-boy type of plot, it completely redefines that meaning, giving the movie its own little quirky twist to a familiar, heartwarming story line but this time with child protagonists. It’s a bittersweet film that grabs your attention rather quickly with its usual Wes Anderson color schemes.

With a 7.8/10 on IMDb, this heartwarming film is filled with nothing but whimsy as it follows two 12-year-olds who decide they’ve had enough of their lives and choose to run away together to build a life for themselves with the end goal of escaping the conformity of the adults around them. 

I won’t stop you from watching the new movies that keep coming out but if you’re ready to jump off the mainstream, films made by director Wes Anderson is a great place to start.