5 Underrated Wes Anderson Movies

Wes Anderson’s latest cinematic outing, The Phoenician Scheme, dropped this past month and has quickly become a fan favorite. Praised for its whimsical aesthetic, sharp dialogue, and emotional undercurrents, the film marks another win in Anderson’s distinct and ever-evolving filmography. Naturally, the buzz has reignited discussions around the director’s most iconic works: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, and Fantastic Mr. Fox often make top the list. But what about Anderson's other movies that flew under the radar? It turns out, he has a catalogue of underrated films.

Over nearly three decades, Anderson has built a catalog full of stylistic precision and emotional nuance, but not every project has received its due. While some films have achieved cult status only in retrospect, others still remain overshadowed by his more commercially successful films.

Now, as The Phoenician Scheme draws both longtime fans and new viewers into Anderson's world, it’s the perfect time to give some of his more overlooked titles the recognition they deserve. These films may not have had the same splashy release or critical acclaim at the time, but they offer everything we’ve come to love about Anderson: melancholic characters, detailed world-building, and visual storytelling like no other.

Below, five Wes Anderson movies that are thoroughly underrated and worth a watch, especially for those newer to his work.

Underrated Wes Anderson Movies Worth a Watch

Bottle Rocket (1996)

Anderson’s directorial debut might not have made waves at the box office, but Bottle Rocket set the tone for his quirky cinematic style. Featuring early performances from Owen and Luke Wilson, the film is a quiet, oddball gem about small-time criminals with big dreams.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Wes Anderson’s 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums is a bittersweet mix of melancholy and deadpan wit. Centered on a dysfunctional family of former child prodigies reunited by their estranged father’s sudden return, the film blends Anderson’s signature visual stylings (think meticulous symmetry and vintage palettes) with an offbeat narrative about failure, forgiveness, and the weight of potential. With standout performances by Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, and Gene Hackman, The Royal Tenenbaums remains one of Anderson’s most iconic and emotionally resonant works.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) 

This nautical adventure was initially met with mixed reviews, but over time, it’s become a cult favorite. Bill Murray’s portrayal of the melancholic oceanographer Zissou is one of his most memorable. The film’s surreal humor and pastel color palette have only aged better.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007) 

This introspective journey through India didn’t make as big a splash as Anderson’s other works, but its exploration of grief, brotherhood, and reconciliation remains one of his most emotionally rich stories.

The French Dispatch (2021)

A love letter to journalism, The French Dispatch is Anderson at his most stylistically ambitious. While it flew under the radar for some, it's a masterclass in world-building and narrative experimentation.