On September 27, I checked out of work and went to a movie theater to watch One Battle After Another, an incredible film by filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. Before watching the film, I had only seen two other of his films. Now as I write this article, I have seen all but one, that being his directorial debut, Hard Eight. After seeing all these films, I have compiled the five that I believe to be his greatest.

His fifth-best film, in my opinion, is Punch-Drunk Love. Punch-Drunk Love is Anderson’s fourth feature film, starring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson in a quirky rom-com. The film follows Sandler’s character, Barry Egan, at his lowest, being scammed and falling in love with Watson’s character, Lena Leanord. While the film is extremely funny, it also has a lot of heart and sadness. Sandler, for example, puts on an amazing performance as an awkward salesman with mental issues. The film also has an amazing supporting performance from Luis Guzman, who plays excellently off the comedy of Sandler. If you have enjoyed the recent success of Tim Robinson and his very odd humor (I Think You Should Leave, Friendship), there’s a good chance this film will resonate with you.

His fourth-best film, in my opinion, is Boogie Nights. Boogie Nights is Anderson’s second feature film with a huge ensemble cast, but it mainly stars Mark Wahlberg and Julianne Moore. The film focuses on the adult film industry during the late 70s and early 80s and how the industry was truly devastating to people’s lives during that time. Wahlberg’s character, Eddie Adams, enters the industry after a director approaches him during his work shift at a club. We watch as Adams slowly loses his identity and becomes Dirk Diggler. Every performance makes you absolutely hate the characters, yet somehow love them by the end of the film. Couple this with the hilarious comedy thrown throughout the film, and you have one of the greatest comedies of the 90s. 

His third best film, in my opinion, is One Battle After Another. One Battle After Another is Anderson’s tenth and most recent film, which was released in September of this year. The film stars manA-list actors, from Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro to one of my favorite performances of the year from Chase Infiniti in her film debut. The film follows a revolutionary group who is hunted down by Sean Penn’s character, Steven J. Lockjaw. Every part of this film is simply incredible, from the writing to the cinematography to the humor to the climax. One Battle After Another seems to be one of the big heavy hitters of the year, and I hope you were able to enjoy it on the big screen.

His second-best film, in my opinion, is Magnolia. Magnolia is Anderson’s third feature film. Coming off of Boogie Nights, Anderson had to have an impressive film and he delivered. Magnolia follows around ten characters and how all of their separate lives affect each other with one of the most awesome, yet out-of-nowhere endings of all-time. The film also has an all time great performance from Tom Cruise, who delivers such a toxic and yet saddening performance that he was later nominated for an Oscar. All in all, this movie is a rollercoaster of a ride that I hope you watch soon.

His best film, in my opinion, is Phantom Thread. Phantom Thread is a romantic drama that stars Daniel Day Lewis and Vicky Krieps, as two people who fight for power in their relationship. Lewis plays a dressmaker who falls in love with a waitress played by Krieps and they both are incredible. There are many times throughout the movie that make you laugh and other times that make you cry. Even the ending, which is very simple, may be one of the deepest and most heartwarming moments that I’ve ever seen. If you are able to see any of these great films, I highly recommend them.