The highly anticipated One Battle After Another is out this week. It’s the latest from iconic director Paul Thomas Anderson. In honor of its release, this week’s binge is a look at my five favorite films from Anderson. Films appear in ascending order.

No. 5: Hard Eight (1996)
About: This is one of Anderson’s early films, following a gambler played by Phillip Baker Hall. I like the cast and the way this is shot. This isn’t his most heralded film, but I’ve always enjoyed it.

No. 4: Inherent Vice (2014)
About: This is an adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon novel. Joaquin Phoenix is great in the lead role, but it’s the style of the film. It’s a faithful adaptation of the source material, but Anderson brings it to life in a really moving and interesting way. I love the style of this film.

No. 3: Licorice Pizza (2021)
About: This one was polarizing. I get the issues that cause some people concern, and I don’t think it’s a perfect film. But I really enjoyed Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim in this. I also really liked Bradley Cooper here. This film worked for me.

No. 2: Phantom Thread (2017)
About: This is an intense film. Anderson’s partnership on screen with Daniel Day Lewis bore incredible fruit. This was their second film together and it is magnificent. The look, the style, and the performances are great. The story is also really engaging.

No. 1: There Will Be Blood (2007)
About: A decade earlier, Lewis was Daniel Plainview in a film that is nothing short of a masterpiece. In many years, this would have won Best Picture. The writing, the acting, and the directing is superb. This is a great film.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.