Over time,Wes Andersonhas developed a visual aesthetic that’s immediately recognizable by film fanatics around the globe. Having a penchant for emphasizing aesthetics over realism, Anderson’s films paint a dreamy picture with lush visuals, ubiquitous symmetry, and a deliberate use of color palettes.
Visual sensibilities aside, Wes Anderson is a lot more than a pretty pastel director, as his films are full of substance and depth. Anderson juxtaposes beautiful visuals with sensitive topics like familial disharmony, tragedy, and self-discovery, telling a realistic story wrapped in the framework of a fantasy. While Wes Anderson’s style and panache are nearly impossible to recreate, the following films are reminiscent of his work as they use stylistic elements that have over time been pioneered by Anderson’s films.
10Amarcord (1973)
Directed by one of the filmmaking greats in Federico Fellini, Wes Anderson’s love for the Italian master is evident throughout his filmography. InAmarcord,Fellini has a bunch of quirky characters garbed in bright costumes running around town, capturing the surreal essence of adolescence. While Fellini wasa master at surrealism, Anderson’s films tend to be tethered to reality, aiming to present real emotions in unreal settings.
Related:The Best Federico Fellini Films, Ranked
9Harold and Maude (1971)
A comedy and a tragedy in equal measure,Harold and Mauderevolves around a young man (Bud Cort) who’s obsessed with death until he meets an older woman (Ruth Gordon) who wants to live life to the fullest. Disregarding the social norms and taboos about an age gap in romantic relationships,Harold and Maude’s dark humor and tone had a significant impact on Anderson’s narrative sensibilities.
8Boy (2010)
Before he became a household name withJojo Rabbit,Taika Waititi made a criminally underrated film about a Michael Jackson-obsessed fanatic named Boy (James Rolleston). Set in New Zealand during the 1980s,Boyexplores the melancholy of family dynamics and the road to self-discovery. Waititi’s film isn’t aligned with Anderson’s films on visual aesthetics, but shares many thematic and narrative sensibilities with the latter’s work.
Related:Taika Waititi’s 5 Best Performances, Ranked
7Paddington (2014)
Based on a children’s book by Michael Bond, Paul King’sPaddingtonis very close to Anderson’s films, sharing many similarities withIsle of DogsandFantastic Mr. Fox, in particular. These similarities aren’t just on an animated level, as both films run closely parallel to each other in terms of familial dynamics and light-hearted humor.
Related:20 Animated Movies That Are Highly Rewatchable
6Somewhere (2010)
Directed by Sofia Coppola,Somewhereranks high among the Anderson-style movies that fans may not have heard about. Walking on the narrative tightropes ofa complicated parent-child relationshipand the outcomes of unrepairable actions, Coppola’s film is similar to Anderson’s work, as it is gorgeous by design, while dealing with themes of substance and sensitivity.
5Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
On a surface level, Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton’sLittle Miss Sunshinecould pass off as a Wes Anderson movie, with a similar visual landscape, an ensemble family, andan epic road tripfilled to the brim with dry humor and splashes of color. WhereLittle Miss Sunshinediffers from Wes Anderson’s work is it uses the framework of familial dynamics to bring to light the dark side of the competitive spirit and the cost it comes at.
4Submarine (2011)
Rich with observational humor,Submarineoffers a glimpseinto a rocky marriagefrom the POV of a child. With regard to characterization,Submarine’sOliver Tate is quite similar toRushmore’sMax, giving off a rebellious personality on the outside, while being heartbroken and solemn on the inside. With on OST from Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner,Submarine’srich, reminiscent tonehas a sophisticated and restrained aural feel to it, thanks to Turner’s talented musical prowess.
320th Century Women (2016)
Director Mike Mill’s film is loosely based on his own childhood, and it tells the heartwarming story of teenage angst and troubled parents. Revolving around a shy teenager who grows up with an outgoing mother and two other mother figures,20th Century Womenthrows light on the struggles of growing up and motherhood. Performances aside, Mike Mill’s film is heavily praised for its production design and catchy editing, making it quite similar to Anderson’s stylish family dramas.
2Captain Fantastic (2016)
Captain Fantastichas a very offbeat premise, reminiscent of Anderson’sMoonrise Kingdom,as it follows a man and his six children as they make their transition from living in a forest to life in modern-day civilization. Along with the plot,Captain Fantastic’svisual treatment and costume design is strikingly similar to Anderson’s sensibilities, making it a must-watch for all the fans of Wes Anderson’s cinema.
1Amelié (2001)
Amelié,is one of the closest films that embody Anderson’s cinematic sensibilities through and through. Right from the color-filled visuals to the feeling of alienation from the modern world,Ameliéis a coming-of-age story told against the backdrop of a rose-tinted town of Montmartre.
A delicious pastry of a movie, with great colors, amazing performances, and characters that would feel right at home in Wes Anderson’s universe,Ameliéis one film that even Anderson couldn’t have made better himself.
