Best Coen Brothers Movies: 18 Amazing Coen Brothers Films That You Should Watch

The Coen Brothers are fantastic filmmakers who have brought many brilliant films to screens all over the world. In this article, we list what we believe to be the best Coen Brothers movies.

The Coen Brothers have produced screen magic with The Big Lebowski, Fargo, and No Country For Old Men, among many others.

His cinematic canon is wide and deep and we believe this list demonstrates that.

So whether you’re doing research on them, or ready to sit down and watch one of these movies tonight, this list of the top Coen Brothers movies will be just what you need!

It should be noted that we’ve included the films in rough ranking order. But with a duo of filmmakers like the Coen Brothers, the work is so good that it’s really hard to form an exact order.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in and list the best Coen Brothers films!

The Best Coen Brothers Movies

Let’s start off with an absolute cinema classic, Fargo.

Fargo (1996)

“Fargo” is a black comedy-crime film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 1996.

The film stars Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson, a pregnant police chief who investigates a series of vicious murders in Fargo, North Dakota.

The film begins with a kidnapping scheme gone wrong, which leads to a series of murders that are orchestrated by a car salesman named Jerry Lundegaard (played by William H. Macy) and carried out by two bumbling criminals, Carl Showalter (played by Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (played by Peter Stormare).

McDormand’s performance as Marge Gunderson is a standout, as she brings a quirky charm and a relentless determination to the role. Her character serves as the heart and soul of the film, and her interactions with the other characters add a touch of humor to the otherwise dark and suspenseful story.

The Coen brothers are known for their quirky and offbeat films, and “Fargo” is no exception. The film is a masterclass in tonal balance, as the Coens seamlessly blend humor and violence to create a film that is both darkly funny and genuinely suspenseful.

The film’s cinematography and score also contribute to its distinct style, creating a visual and auditory experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

In conclusion, “Fargo” is a brilliant film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

With its memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and masterful storytelling, “Fargo” is a must-watch for fans of the crime genre and fans of the Coen brothers’ unique brand of cinema.

 

The Big Lebowski (1998)

“The Big Lebowski” is a quirky and eccentric crime-comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 1998.

The film stars Jeff Bridges as “The Dude,” a slacker and avid bowler who becomes embroiled in a kidnapping scheme after a case of mistaken identity.

The film is set in Los Angeles, and the Coen brothers use the city as a backdrop to create a unique and offbeat world that is equal parts funny and surreal.

Bridges’ performance as The Dude is a standout, as he brings a laid-back and humorous demeanor to the role. The Dude is the epitome of a slacker, and Bridges’ performance is both hilarious and endearing.

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The film is populated by a cast of eccentric characters, including Walter Sobchak (played by John Goodman), a Vietnam veteran and The Dude’s best friend; Donny (played by Steve Buscemi), a bumbling sidekick; and Maude Lebowski (played by Julianne Moore), a feminist artist and the daughter of the wealthy businessman for whom The Dude is mistaken.

The Coen brothers are known for their quirky and offbeat films, and “The Big Lebowski” is no exception. The film is a masterclass in tonal balance, as the Coens seamlessly blend humor and suspense to create a film that is both darkly funny and genuinely thrilling.

The film’s cinematography and score also contribute to its distinct style, creating a visual and auditory experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

 

 

 

 

Miller’s Crossing (1990)

“Miller’s Crossing” is a gangster film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 1990. The film is set during the Prohibition era and follows Tom Reagan (played by Gabriel Byrne), the right-hand man of an Irish gangster named Leo (played by Albert Finney), as he navigates the treacherous and complex world of organized crime.

The film is a complex and nuanced exploration of loyalty, morality, and the criminal underworld. Byrne’s performance as Tom Reagan is a standout, as he brings a calm and reserved demeanor to the role.

He is a man caught between two worlds, torn between his loyalty to Leo and his sense of right and wrong.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including John Turturro as Bernie Bernbaum, a small-time crook who becomes embroiled in the power struggle between Leo and a rival gangster named Johnny Caspar (played by Jon Polito); and Marcia Gay Harden as Verna Bernbaum, Bernie’s sister and Tom’s love interest.

The Coen brothers are known for their quirky and offbeat films, and “Miller’s Crossing” is no exception. The film is a masterclass in tonal balance, as the Coens seamlessly blend humor and violence to create a film that is both darkly funny and genuinely suspenseful.

The film’s cinematography and score also contribute to its distinct style, creating a visual and auditory experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

In conclusion, “Miller’s Crossing” is a brilliant film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. With its complex characters, sharp dialogue, and masterful storytelling, “Miller’s Crossing” is a must-watch for fans of the gangster genre and fans of the Coen brothers’ unique brand of cinema. The film is considered by many to be one of the greatest films of the 1990s and is a classic of the gangster genre.

 

No Country For Old Men (2007)

“No Country for Old Men” is a crime-thriller film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 2007.

The film stars Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, who is on the trail of a mysterious and ruthless killer named Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem) as he wreaks havoc across the Texas landscape. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy.

Bardem’s performance as Anton Chigurh is a standout, as he brings a menacing and unpredictable energy to the role.

Chigurh is a formidable and chilling character, and Bardem’s performance is both unsettling and unforgettable.

Jones is also excellent as Sheriff Bell, bringing a weary and introspective quality to the role as he grapples with the evil he encounters.

The film is a meditation on morality, violence, and the human condition. The Coen brothers use the story of Sheriff Bell and Anton Chigurh to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche, as well as the limits of justice and the concept of fate.

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Texas landscape and adding to the film’s haunting atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

Barton Fink (1991)

“Barton Fink” is a dark comedy-drama film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 1991.

The film stars John Turturro as Barton Fink, a successful New York playwright who moves to Hollywood in the 1940s to write for the movies.

Once there, he finds himself struggling with writer’s block and increasingly bizarre and unsettling experiences in his hotel room.

Turturro is excellent in the lead role, bringing a charming and nerdy quality to Barton that makes him both endearing and relatable.

The film also features standout performances from John Goodman as Charlie Meadows, Barton’s larger-than-life and mysterious neighbor, and John Mahoney as Jack Lipnick, a gruff and demanding Hollywood executive.

The film is a satirical take on the Hollywood machine, as well as a meditation on the creative process and the nature of reality.

The Coen brothers use the strange and surreal events in Barton’s hotel room to explore the themes of identity, delusion, and the shifting boundaries between reality and imagination.

The film’s cinematography and score are also noteworthy, creating a visual and auditory experience that is both disorienting and captivating.

 

 

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” is a western-comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 2018. The film is an anthology, consisting of six short stories set in the American frontier, each with its own unique tone and style.

The film stars Tim Blake Nelson as the titular character, Buster Scruggs, a cheerful and talented singing cowboy who roams the frontier, spreading joy and mayhem wherever he goes.

The film is a love letter to the classic western genre, with each of the six stories paying homage to different sub-genres of the western, such as the singing cowboy, the shoot-out, and the stagecoach adventure.

The film is also a showcase for the Coen brothers’ unique brand of humor, with each of the stories featuring its own brand of off-kilter and often dark humor.

The film’s all-star cast, including James Franco, Liam Neeson, Tom Waits, and Zoe Kazan, deliver standout performances, bringing the Coen brothers’ eccentric and lovable characters to life.

The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the beauty and grandeur of the American frontier with breathtaking landscapes and stunning vistas.

 

 

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

“Inside Llewyn Davis” is a musical-drama film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 2013.

The film stars Oscar Isaac as Llewyn Davis, a struggling folk singer in the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 1960s.

The film follows Llewyn as he tries to make a name for himself in the music industry, while also dealing with personal problems, including the disappearance of his musical partner and the unexpected arrival of a baby he is tasked with caring for.

Isaac delivers a standout performance as Llewyn, capturing the character’s wry sense of humor and his deep passion for music.

The film also features memorable performances from Carey Mulligan as Jean Berkey, a fellow folk singer and former flame of Llewyn’s, and John Goodman as Roland Turner, a larger-than-life jazz musician who is one of the many colorful characters in Llewyn’s life.

The film’s musical numbers, which were performed live on-set by the cast, are a highlight of the film, with Isaac delivering powerful and soulful renditions of classic folk songs.

The film’s cinematography, by Bruno Delbonnel, is also noteworthy, capturing the moody and atmospheric quality of the Greenwich Village scene and its accompanying music.

In conclusion, “Inside Llewyn Davis” is a must-watch for fans of the musical-drama genre and fans of the Coen brothers’ unique brand of cinema.

The film is a deeply affecting and emotionally resonant exploration of the struggles and triumphs of the artistic life, and it features memorable performances, beautiful music, and stunning cinematography.

 

 

A Serious Man (2009)

“A Serious Man” is a black comedy-drama film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 2009.

The film is a period piece, set in 1967 and tells the story of Larry Gopnik, a physics professor in a Minneapolis suburb who is going through a mid-life crisis.

As Larry tries to make sense of the various challenges he faces, including his wife’s request for a divorce, the disappearance of his wallet, and the growing misbehavior of his children, he turns to several different sources for guidance, including his brother, a series of rabbis, and even a mysterious stranger who seems to have all the answers.

The film is a masterful blend of humor and pathos, as it explores the themes of identity, morality, and the meaning of life.

The film’s cast, which includes Michael Stuhlbarg as Larry, Richard Kind as his brother Arthur, Sari Lennick as his wife Judith, and Adam Arkin as Sy Ableman, delivers standout performances, bringing the Coen brothers’ quirky and lovable characters to life.

The film’s cinematography, by Roger Deakins, is also noteworthy, capturing the look and feel of the 1960s suburban Midwest, while also highlighting the film’s themes of isolation and alienation.

The film’s musical score, which features a mix of classical and traditional Jewish music, is also a highlight, adding an additional layer of atmosphere and emotion to the film’s narrative.

 

 

The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)

“The Man Who Wasn’t There” is a black and white neo-noir film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 2001.

The film stars Billy Bob Thornton as Ed Crane, a barber in a small California town in the late 1940s, who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder after he decides to invest in a dry-cleaning business.

As Ed tries to navigate the dangerous waters of the criminal underworld, he must also contend with his wife’s infidelity, a mysterious stranger who seems to be following him, and a series of cryptic dreams that seem to offer a glimpse into the future.

The film is a masterful blend of noir and black comedy, as it explores the themes of fate, guilt, and the search for meaning.

Thornton delivers a standout performance as Ed, capturing the character’s quiet demeanor and his inner turmoil, while also bringing the Coen brothers’ quirky and lovable characters to life.

The film’s cinematography, by Roger Deakins, is also noteworthy, capturing the look and feel of the 1940s California, while also highlighting the film’s themes of isolation and alienation.

The film’s musical score, which features a mix of classical and traditional Americana music, is also a highlight, adding an additional layer of atmosphere and emotion to the film’s narrative.

 

 

Blood Simple (1984)

“Blood Simple” is the first feature film by Joel and Ethan Coen, and it was released in 1984. This dark, neo-noir crime thriller tells the story of a Texas bar owner, Marty (Dan Hedaya), who hires a private detective, Loren Visser (M. Emmet Walsh), to kill his wife and her lover.

However, things quickly spiral out of control as Visser, who is both cunning and ruthless, begins to manipulate Marty and turn the situation to his advantage.

The film is notable for its intricate and twisting storyline, as well as its stylish, black-and-white cinematography, which creates a stark, atmospheric mood that perfectly captures the film’s themes of paranoia, deceit, and violence.

The film also features strong performances, particularly by Walsh, who is both terrifying and entertaining as the sleazy and unpredictable detective, and by Frances McDormand, who is equally effective as the hard-drinking, tough-as-nails wife.

The film’s musical score, by Carter Burwell, is also a standout, adding an additional layer of tension and unease to the film’s already intense and suspenseful narrative.

The film’s use of sound, particularly its subtle and effective use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, also contributes to the film’s overall mood and atmosphere.

Burn After Reading (2008)

“Burn After Reading” is a dark comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and released in 2008.

The film follows a cast of quirky and dysfunctional characters in the Washington, D.C. area, including a fired CIA analyst (John Malkovich), a health club employee (Frances McDormand), a gym member (George Clooney), and two dim-witted personal trainers (Brad Pitt and Richard Jenkins).

The film’s plot revolves around a disk containing the analyst’s memoirs, which goes missing and sets off a chain of events that involves blackmail, espionage, and murder.

The film is a classic Coen brothers’ comedy, filled with witty dialog, absurd situations, and unpredictable twists and turns.

The film’s ensemble cast is excellent, with standout performances by Clooney, McDormand, and Pitt, who bring the film’s eccentric characters to life with their deadpan delivery and impeccable comedic timing.

The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the bleak and sterile environment of the Washington, D.C. area and contributing to the film’s overall mood of cynicism and absurdity.

The film’s musical score, by Carter Burwell, is also noteworthy, adding an additional layer of humor and absurdity to the film’s already quirky and offbeat narrative.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

“The Hudsucker Proxy” is a 1994 comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and stars Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

The film is set in 1958 and takes place in the fictional city of Hudsucker, which is known for its towering skyscrapers and thriving business culture.

The film follows the story of Norville Barnes (Robbins), a naive but ambitious young man who rises from a mailroom clerk to the top executive of Hudsucker Industries.

However, Barnes is secretly being used by the company’s board of directors, led by the corrupt Sidney J. Mussburger (Newman), to devalue the company’s stock and take over the business.

Meanwhile, a scrappy and determined journalist (Leigh) sets out to uncover the truth about Barnes and his connection to the Hudsucker Industries.

“The Hudsucker Proxy” is a quirky and imaginative film that is filled with humor, heart, and style. The film’s writing is sharp, with plenty of witty dialog and clever references to classic Hollywood films.

The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the energy and excitement of the 1950s and contributing to the film’s overall mood of optimism and possibility.

The film’s musical score, by Carter Burwell, is also noteworthy, adding an additional layer of charm and whimsy to the film’s already delightful narrative.

The film’s cast is also excellent, with standout performances by Robbins, Newman, and Leigh, who bring their characters to life with their engaging and endearing performances.

The film’s ensemble cast also includes a roster of talented supporting actors, including John Mahoney, Bill Cobbs, and Jim True-Frost, who help to flesh out the film’s world and bring its quirky and eccentric characters to life.

 

 

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is a 2000 comedy-adventure film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and stars George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson.

The film is a loose retelling of Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” and is set during the Great Depression in Mississippi.

The film follows the story of three escaped convicts, Everett (Clooney), Pete (Turturro), and Delmar (Nelson), who set out on a journey to recover a hidden treasure that is said to be buried in a remote location.

Along the way, the trio encounter a series of bizarre and humorous obstacles, including a one-eyed Bible salesman (John Goodman), a blues musician (Chris Thomas King), and a beautiful and mysterious siren (Marah Carey).

“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is a delightful and quirky film that is filled with humor, heart, and adventure. The film’s writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of clever references to classical literature and popular culture.

The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the beauty and majesty of the Mississippi landscape and contributing to the film’s overall mood of magic and possibility.

The film’s musical score, which features a mix of blues, bluegrass, and gospel music, is also noteworthy, adding an additional layer of charm and whimsy to the film’s already delightful narrative.

The film’s cast is also excellent, with standout performances by Clooney, Turturro, and Nelson, who bring their characters to life with their engaging and endearing performances.

The film’s ensemble cast also includes a roster of talented supporting actors, including Goodman, King, and Carey, who help to flesh out the film’s world and bring its quirky and eccentric characters to life.

 

 

Hail, Caesar! (2016)

“Hail, Caesar!” is a comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and stars Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Channing Tatum.

The film is set in the 1950s and revolves around the film studio system in Hollywood during that time.

The film follows the story of Eddie Mannix (Brolin), a fixer at Capitol Pictures, who is tasked with keeping the studio’s stars in line and fixing any problems that arise.

When the studio’s biggest star, Baird Whitlock (Clooney), is kidnapped, Mannix is forced to navigate a series of seemingly unrelated events and deal with a cast of quirky characters to get him back.

“Hail, Caesar!” is a clever and inventive film that is filled with humor, satire, and plenty of Hollywood insider jokes.

The film’s writing is sharp and witty, and the directors’ signature style is on full display in this film.

The film’s cast is also excellent, with standout performances by Brolin, Clooney, Ehrenreich, Hill, and Tatum, who bring their characters to life with their engaging and humorous performances.

The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the glamour and style of 1950s Hollywood and contributing to the film’s overall mood of nostalgia and whimsy.

The film’s musical score is also noteworthy, adding an additional layer of charm and whimsy to the film’s already delightful narrative.

 

 

True Grit (2010)

“True Grit” is a 2010 Western film directed by the Coen brothers and stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld.

The film is a retelling of the 1968 novel by Charles Portis and is set in the late 1800s in the American West.

The film follows the story of a young girl named Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) who hires a U.S. Marshal named Rooster Cogburn (Bridges) to help her track down the man who killed her father.

Along the way, they are joined by a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Damon) and together, they journey across the rugged and dangerous terrain of the American West to bring the killer to justice.

“True Grit” is a well-crafted film that features stunning cinematography, a strong cast of characters, and a captivating story.

The film’s attention to detail, from the costumes and sets to the dialogue and characterizations, is impressive, and the Coen brothers’ signature style is evident throughout the film.

The film’s cast is also excellent, with standout performances by Bridges, Damon, and Steinfeld. Bridges delivers a standout performance as Rooster Cogburn, and his gruff, no-nonsense demeanor adds a level of authenticity to the film.

Steinfeld is equally impressive in her role as Mattie Ross, and her strong and determined portrayal of the character is a standout aspect of the film.

 

 

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Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

Intolerable Cruelty is a romantic comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.

The film stars George Clooney as Miles Massey, a successful divorce attorney, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Marylin Rexroth, a gold-digging client who becomes Miles’ latest adversary.

The film follows Miles as he takes on Marylin’s latest husband in a high-stakes divorce case, only to fall for her himself.

The film is filled with witty one-liners and over-the-top comedic moments, with Clooney and Zeta-Jones delivering strong performances.

Intolerable Cruelty showcases the Coen brothers’ trademark dark humor and irreverent approach to storytelling.

The film is a clever commentary on the absurdities of love and relationships, with a cast of quirky and exaggerated characters.

The film also features a fantastic supporting cast, including Billy Bob Thornton, Cedric the Entertainer, and Geoffrey Rush, who add to the film’s comedic energy.

 

Raising Arizona (1987)

Raising Arizona is a comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.

The film stars Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter as H.I. and Ed, a couple living in Arizona who are unable to have children of their own.

After a string of failed adoptions, H.I. and Ed decide to take matters into their own hands and steal one of quintuplets born to a wealthy furniture magnate.

The film follows the couple as they navigate life as parents, while also dealing with the consequences of their crime.

Raising Arizona is a hilarious and quirky film that is filled with the Coen brothers’ signature dark humor.

Nicolas Cage gives a standout performance as the bumbling and endearing H.I., and Holly Hunter is equally impressive as the tough and determined Ed.

The film also features a fantastic supporting cast, including John Goodman, Frances McDormand, and Sam McMurray, who add to the film’s comedic energy.

The film is a perfect showcase of the Coen brothers’ unique style and sense of humor, and is a must-watch for fans of the duo’s work.

The film is a classic comedy that is sure to make audiences laugh and is a testament to the Coen brothers’ talent as filmmakers.

 

The Ladykillers (2004)

The Ladykillers is a black comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.

The film stars Tom Hanks as Professor G.H. Dorr, a criminal mastermind who assembles a team of eccentric criminals to carry out a heist.

The team takes up residence in the home of a kindly and unsuspecting old woman, Mrs. Marva Munson, played by Irma P. Hall, who rents out rooms in her home.

As the team goes about their plan, they are repeatedly thwarted by the unexpected intervention of Mrs. Munson.

The Ladykillers is a quirky and darkly funny film that is typical of the Coen brothers’ style. Tom Hanks delivers a standout performance as the suave and cunning Professor Dorr, and Irma P. Hall is equally impressive as the feisty and determined Mrs. Munson.

The film also features a talented supporting cast, including J.K. Simmons, Marlon Wayans, and Ryan Hurst, who add to the film’s comedic energy.

The film’s writing is sharp and filled with the Coen brothers’ signature wit and humor, making it a standout comedy that is sure to entertain audiences.

The film is a retelling of the 1955 classic of the same name and is a fitting tribute to the original film.

The Best Coen Brothers Movies – Wrapping Up

So there you have it. The top Coen Brothers films. As you can see, he’s been responsible for some classics of cinema history and it’s clear to see why they’re considered all-time greats.

If you’re sitting down to watch one of these tonight, we envy you. You’re in for a real treat!

We hope this list of the best Coen Brothers movies has been helpful. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
 

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