A Year of Wes Anderson Movies

I’ll never forget my first Wes Anderson film. The Darjeeling Limited called to me from the Blockbuster shelf. This delightful movie was my indie-film awakening. From Francis’s mismatched shoes to Peter’s ill-fitting glasses, the quirks, characterization, symmetry, color pallet, and tone had me hooked. Through this movie, I realized that cinematography is my favorite element of cinematic storytelling.

Wes Anderson has reigned as my favorite filmmaker ever since. I was overjoyed to dive into his catalogue and discover gems like Rushmore, Bottle Rocket, and The Royal Tenenbaums. With the recent release of The Phoenician Scheme, he now has twelve feature films, precisely the number to fill each month with one of his masterpieces. I am delighted to share my calendar of Wes Anderson Movies, which will keep me company this year and beyond.

January - Rushmore (1998)

Although most of the film takes place during Max’s fall semester, the January ending lingers with me. The final scene, complete with sparklers and dancing, leaves me with a happy, hopeful feeling. And despite all the mistakes of our main trio, Rushmore’s final note reminds us that they have another chance to do better this time around.

February - The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

The pink overtones, snowy backdrop, and star appearance of extravagant chocolates are nothing to the sweet love story at the heart of this story, all solidifying this film as my February pick. Amidst fascism, murder, and imprisonment, we see Agatha and Zero find each other, and prevail against the odds. To me, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a love story.

March - The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Throughout this adventure story, the brightness and warmth of India contrasts with the theme of death, symbolized by water. This juxtaposition reminds me of the unpredictability of March. The way Francis, Peter, and Jack clash and connect delights me! They perfectly embody both of March’s Zodiac signs: sensitive Pisces and passionate Aries. The Darjeeling Limited is forever my favorite.

April - Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

I must confess, my teenage self could not finish watching this one the first time I tried. But I had the dvd and so a few years later, I gave this underwater expedition another shot. I am glad I did! The years gave me enough maturity to appreciate the story, the humor, the themes, and the quirks. So much so, that Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou became my favorite for a time and maintains a special place in my heart and on my shelf.

May - Asteroid City (2023)

Asteroid City is another one I liked more on my second watch. This play within a play within a movie within a movie took me a revisit to wrap my head around. Of course there were beautiful sets, performances, and cinematography. But what stood out to me was the drive to understand, the longing for answers that lingered beyond the movie’s end. For the characters and for me.

June - Bottle Rocket (1996)

The kids-are-out-of-school-and-up-to-no-good vibes are strong with this one. The only thing I love more than noticing the elements that would come to define Anderson woven throughout this film, is just how endearing Luke Wilson is. Watching the Wilson brothers’ breakout performances in Bottle Rocket, is like watching an egg hatch. I know what is being born, but excited to behold it none-the-less.

July - Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

I still remember going to see Moonrise Kingdom at the Midtown Arts Cinema my senior year in college. In addition to being incredibly sweet, I cherish Bruce Willis’ performance in this. It reminded me of watching “The Kid” when I was young, which was my introduction to Willis. Give me a grump whose heart is melted by a quirky, rejected kid any day.

August - Isle of Dogs (2018)

While I am a cat person, this story is so endearing, it easily won me over. And Isle of Dogs features one of my all-time favorite voice acting performances: Bryan Cranston as Chief. This is definitely a feel-good watch for me.

September - The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

His most recent addition, The Phoenician Scheme, delivered something stylish, interesting, funny, and original. I will never not love Anderson’s exploration of the broken patriarch who seeks meaning in his relationships.

October - Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

The apple cider, the autumnal colors, the general harvest vibes, Fantastic Mr. Fox dominates all things October. There is so much to love about this film. And how fun to cast George Clooney as a mastermind fox orchestrating a heist. It is (dare I say it?) fantastic.

November - The French Dispatch (2021)

Another one I saw for the first time in theaters, The French Dispatch delivered a beautiful, funny, and sometimes sad collection of vignettes. I loved the Franciscan architecture, the nostalgia for smoking, the homage to writers, and the soft-spot for art. But I keep coming back for the wardrobe, filled with the texture, color, and silhouettes of fall.

December - The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Although there are no explicit holiday scenes, Christmastime is Here plays prominently in the soundtrack. This is enough to create a strong association of this film to Christmas for me. Not to mention, tenenbaum is German for pine tree. Add the dysfunctional family returning to the childhood home, and The Royal Tenenbaums being my December pick is a no-brainer.