One Battle After Another Kicks Off: A Deep Dive into Paul Thomas Anderson’s Past Filmography
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The release of One Battle After Another on September 8, 2025, has sparked fresh excitement around Paul Thomas Anderson’s illustrious career, making it the perfect moment to revisit his filmography through the lens of Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
Known for his bold narratives and distinctive style, Anderson has delivered a range of critically acclaimed works. With his latest dark comedy action thriller topping the charts, let’s rank all his films from highest to lowest Rotten Tomatoes scores, celebrating his evolution as a filmmaker.
Junun: The Perfect 100% Documentary Gem
Leading the pack is Junun, Anderson’s 2015 documentary capturing a musical collaboration in Rajasthan, India. With a flawless 100% rating based on 24 reviews, this short film highlights his versatility beyond narrative features. Critics praised its raw cultural insight, marking it as a unique entry in his catalog.
One Battle After Another: A Career-High 96% Triumph
Anderson’s newest release, One Battle After Another, debuts with an impressive 96% rating from 278 reviews, as updated on Rotten Tomatoes on September 26, 2025. This dark comedy action thriller, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, opened to $22 million, per The Guardian.
Its success underscores his ability to blend action with thematic depth.
There Will Be Blood: A 91% Epic Masterpiece
Released in 2007, There Will Be Blood earned a 91% rating from 286 reviews, driven by Daniel Day-Lewis’s towering performance. This sprawling drama about ambition and greed solidified Anderson’s reputation as a visionary, earning multiple Oscar nominations.
The Master and Phantom Thread: Tied at 89% Excellence
The Master, a 2012 psychological drama with Joaquin Phoenix, holds an 89% rating from 285 reviews, celebrated for its intense character study. Tied with it is Phantom Thread, the 2017 period piece featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, which also scored 89% from 369 reviews.
Both showcase Anderson’s skill in crafting complex narratives.
Boogie Nights: An 88% Breakthrough
Anderson’s 1997 breakout, Boogie Nights, explores the porn industry with an 88% rating from 95 reviews. This film marked his arrival as a major talent, blending humor and drama to critical acclaim.
Inherent Vice: An 82% Quirky Adventure
The 2014 adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel, Inherent Vice, earned an 82% rating from 260 reviews. Its offbeat humor and dense plot divided some critics but earned praise for its originality.
Punch-Drunk Love: A 79% Romantic Experiment
Punch-Drunk Love, Anderson’s 2002 film with Adam Sandler, received a 79% rating from 206 reviews. This lighter, romantic comedy showcased his range, though it polarized audiences with its unique tone.
Hard Eight: A 78% Modest Start
Anderson’s 1996 debut, Hard Eight, holds a 78% rating from 49 reviews. This low-key crime drama hinted at his potential, laying the groundwork for his future successes.
Licorice Pizza: A 77% Nostalgic Close
Rounding out the list is Licorice Pizza, Anderson’s 2021 coming-of-age tale, with a 77% score from 357 reviews. Its nostalgic charm received mixed reactions, reflecting his willingness to experiment late in his career.
Some Closing Thoughts
One Battle After Another not only tops Anderson’s Rotten Tomatoes rankings but also reaffirms his status as a cinematic innovator.
From a 100% documentary to a 77% nostalgic drama, his filmography reflects a journey of risk and reward.
As fans celebrate his latest hit, the anticipation builds for what he’ll create next, promising more to add to this rich legacy.
