10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to *The French Dispatch* (2021)

Description: Wes Anderson's debut feature, 'Bottle Rocket,' shares the same offbeat humor and character-driven storytelling as 'The French Dispatch.' Both films feature misfit characters embarking on unconventional adventures. The DIY aesthetic and the focus on personal relationships in 'Bottle Rocket' are themes that Anderson continues to explore in his later works, including 'The French Dispatch.'

Fact: The film was based on a short film of the same name. Owen and Luke Wilson co-wrote the screenplay with Anderson. Despite initial box office failure, it gained a cult following over the years.

Description: As Wes Anderson's second feature film, 'Rushmore' lays the groundwork for the stylistic and thematic elements seen in 'The French Dispatch.' Both films feature eccentric protagonists, detailed production design, and a blend of humor and melancholy. The narrative focus on a precocious young individual navigating complex social structures is a recurring theme in Anderson's work, including 'The French Dispatch.'

Fact: Bill Murray's role in 'Rushmore' marked the beginning of his long collaboration with Wes Anderson. The film was partially inspired by Anderson's own experiences at a private school in Houston. Jason Schwartzman made his acting debut as Max Fischer.

Description: While not a Wes Anderson film, 'Amélie' shares the same whimsical, visually rich storytelling as 'The French Dispatch.' Both films feature quirky protagonists and a love for small, magical details in everyday life. The use of vibrant colors and a nostalgic tone in 'Amélie' resonates with the aesthetic of 'The French Dispatch.'

Fact: The film was a massive international success, earning over $170 million worldwide. Audrey Tautou's performance as Amélie became iconic. The film's director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, initially considered Emily Watson for the lead role.

Description: This Wes Anderson film, like 'The French Dispatch,' features an ensemble cast and a non-linear narrative structure. Both films delve into themes of family, genius, and failure, wrapped in Anderson's trademark visual style. The detailed, almost theatrical set designs and the use of title cards in 'The Royal Tenenbaums' are stylistic choices that resonate with the journalistic framing of 'The French Dispatch.'

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Gene Hackman came out of retirement to play Royal Tenenbaum. The distinctive red tracksuits worn by the Tenenbaum children became iconic.

Description: This Wes Anderson film, like 'The French Dispatch,' features a larger-than-life protagonist and a blend of humor and pathos. Both films are visually rich, with detailed sets and a distinctive color palette. The themes of creativity, legacy, and the quirks of human nature are central to both stories.

Fact: The film was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's documentaries. The underwater scenes were filmed using stop-motion animation. The soundtrack features David Bowie songs performed in Portuguese by Seu Jorge.

Description: Another stop-motion masterpiece by Wes Anderson, 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' shares the same whimsical storytelling and visual precision as 'The French Dispatch.' Both films celebrate eccentric characters and feature a blend of humor and heart. The use of a distinctive color palette and detailed sets in 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' mirrors the aesthetic choices in 'The French Dispatch.'

Fact: The film is based on Roald Dahl's children's book of the same name. George Clooney and Meryl Streep provided the voices for Mr. and Mrs. Fox. The animation required over 500 puppets and 80 sets.

Description: This Wes Anderson film, like 'The French Dispatch,' explores themes of travel, family, and self-discovery. Both films feature a journey—physical in 'The Darjeeling Limited' and narrative in 'The French Dispatch'—as a central motif. The visual style, with its vibrant colors and carefully composed shots, is a hallmark of Anderson's work that connects both films.

Fact: The film was shot in India, primarily in the state of Rajasthan. The brothers' luggage was custom-designed by Louis Vuitton. The soundtrack features music from Indian films and The Kinks.

Description: Another Wes Anderson creation, 'Moonrise Kingdom' shares the director's signature style with 'The French Dispatch,' including vibrant colors, precise framing, and a nostalgic tone. Both films explore themes of young love, rebellion, and the quirks of human nature. The narrative structure, with its episodic storytelling in 'The French Dispatch,' mirrors the segmented, almost storybook-like progression of 'Moonrise Kingdom.'

Fact: The film's young leads, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, were first-time actors. The fictional island of New Penzance was filmed in Rhode Island. The soundtrack features Benjamin Britten's classical music, enhancing the film's whimsical feel.

Description: Directed by Wes Anderson, like 'The French Dispatch,' this film shares a similar visual aesthetic with meticulously composed frames, symmetrical shots, and a pastel color palette. Both films also feature ensemble casts and intertwining narratives, with a strong emphasis on quirky characters and whimsical storytelling. The themes of nostalgia, journalism (in 'The French Dispatch') versus hotel management (here), and the love for detailed, fictional worlds are prominent in both.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score. Ralph Fiennes' performance as M. Gustave was highly praised. The fictional Republic of Zubrowka was inspired by various Eastern European countries.

Description: Wes Anderson's stop-motion animated film shares the same meticulous attention to detail and visual symmetry as 'The French Dispatch.' Both films feature intricate world-building and a love for storytelling through multiple perspectives. The themes of exile, loyalty, and political satire in 'Isle of Dogs' echo the layered narratives and social commentary found in 'The French Dispatch.'

Fact: The film was inspired by Japanese cinema and culture, particularly Akira Kurosawa's works. It took over four years to complete the stop-motion animation. The voice cast includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, and Bill Murray.