9 best Paul Thomas Anderson movies ranked as One Battle After Another arrives in theatres

Paul Thomas Anderson has built a career creating bold, emotional films. From gritty cop dramas to big epics and tender rom-coms, his movies have challenged the limits of modern-day filmmaking.

Now, with the release of One Battle After Another, fans are reminded of Anderson’s ability to surprise audiences while maintaining his vision. Anderson’s films are praised by critics and audiences for memorable characters, strong visuals, and clear themes.

As anticipation grows, let us first look back at his remarkable filmography. Presented below are the nine best Paul Thomas Anderson movies, ranked, each establishing why he is one of today's greatest filmmakers.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

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9 best Paul Thomas Anderson movies, ranked, as One Battle After Another hits theatres

1) There Will Be Blood

Paul Thomas Anderson's magnum opus, There Will Be Blood, is one of the finest films of the 21st century. Featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, the film explores greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of oil in America's early industrial boom. Daniel Plainview is both repellent and mesmerizing, illustrating how far a man will go for achievement. Jonny Greenwood's score and the cinematography enhance the film's impact.

It was recently revisited by many critics, who referred to it as more relevant to current debates on capitalism and exploitation. It is commonly cited as Anderson's finest work and continues to impact newer filmmakers.

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2) Phantom Thread

Phantom Thread is a 1950s fashion-world romantic drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis in his last film appearance. It follows Reynolds Woodcock, a perfectionist fashion designer whose life is interrupted by love. The movie marries elegance and obsession, depicting how relationships can be tender as well as destructive. Phantom Thread was nominated for six Academy Awards and won Best Costume Design.

Fashion historians have acknowledged its accuracy in depicting couture culture of the era. The film's unobtrusive intensity, coupled with Jonny Greenwood's beautiful score, has seen it grow in stature, particularly among admirers of psychological storytelling.

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3) Boogie Nights

Anderson's breakout film, Boogie Nights, explores the porno industry of the 1970s and ’80s. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, and Burt Reynolds, the film captures both the flash and the ugliness behind fame. It is commonly cited for its complex character studies and unflinching storytelling.

Recently, with renewed discussions on Hollywood's evolving standards, Boogie Nights has been revisited as a commentary on exploitation in the entertainment world. Its energetic vibe, music, and offbeat viewpoint still draw new audiences decades after its release.

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4) Magnolia

Magnolia is one of Paul Thomas Anderson's most sweeping films, interweaving several storylines into a single emotional tapestry. Featuring an all-star cast including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the film touches on regret, forgiveness, and coincidence. Famous for its bold storytelling and unforgettable scenes, including the dreamlike "rain of frogs," it is a daring work of cinema.

Its three-hour length might appear daunting, but viewers who return to it frequently find new depths. It is Anderson's most ambitious assertion of human connection.

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5) The Master

The Master is a cerebral film featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It follows Freddie Quell, a disturbed World War II veteran who falls under the spell of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new spiritual movement. Although many interpret it as being about Scientology, Anderson developed it as a profound examination of human weakness and power relations.

The film's stunning 70mm cinematography and intense performances make it unforgettable. Film scholars have singled out The Master as one of Paul Thomas Anderson's most difficult and rewarding works. It remains a study in control, faith, and personal freedom.

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6) Licorice Pizza

Released in 2021, Licorice Pizza is a period coming-of-age drama set in the San Fernando Valley of the 1970s. Starring Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim, it embodies youthful energy, clumsy love, and grand aspirations. Paul Thomas Anderson included real Hollywood stars of the era, giving the film an authentic period feel. Nominated for three Academy Awards, it renewed mainstream attention for Anderson.

The film has been praised for introducing new talent like Alana Haim, who received multiple newcomer awards. The mix of romance and comedy highlights Anderson's lighter side and makes it one of his more charming films.

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7) Punch-Drunk Love

Punch-Drunk Love took viewers aback by featuring Adam Sandler in a dramatic role. As Barry Egan, a neurotic and angry loner, Sandler delivers one of his best performances. Punch-Drunk Love combines offbeat romance with more sinister undertones, illustrating the unforeseen healing that love can create. Initially, critics had conflicting responses to it, but it subsequently became a cult classic.

It was recently revisited as one of Paul Thomas Anderson's most groundbreaking films, particularly for its visionary use of color and music. The film demonstrated that Anderson could handle both big epics and small-scale stories, and it remains a highlight of his career.

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8) Hard Eight

Paul Thomas Anderson's first feature, Hard Eight, is a crime drama that follows a gambler as he mentors a protégé in Reno's casino scene. Starring Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, and Gwyneth Paltrow, it marked the beginning of Anderson's career. Although not as well known as his subsequent films, it demonstrates his initial talent for character-driven narratives.

Critics recently revisited Hard Eight to show how Paul Thomas Anderson's style was already evident in his debut feature. The film has gained further appreciation over the years, particularly among fans interested in tracing the early stages of master directors' careers.

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9) Inherent Vice

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and based on Thomas Pynchon's novel, Inherent Vice is a psychedelic noir set in 1970s California. Joaquin Phoenix plays Doc Sportello, a stoner detective caught in a web of conspiracies and mystery. The film blurs humor, paranoia, and dreamlike sequences. Although some viewers found it perplexing, it has gained a cult following.

It was praised for capturing Pynchon's chaotic style, which many thought would be hard to adapt. Its vibrant tone, fine performances, and idiosyncratic mood set it apart from other Paul Thomas Anderson films. It is an unsettling but intriguing addition to his filmography.

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Paul Thomas Anderson's films go beyond simple drama, making a strong impression on audiences. The rough intensity of There Will Be Blood, the delicate poetry of Phantom Thread, or the warm nostalgia of Licorice Pizza are a testament to Anderson's stellar artistry married with emotion.

With One Battle After Another arriving in theaters, Paul Thomas Anderson continues to influence modern filmmaking. These nine films show why he remains one of the most influential directors and a standard-setter in modern cinema.