The best of the Coen Brothers: Five films every movie fan should watch

Subscribe to our newsletter here!

* Required field

E-mail *

Name *

Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, known as the Coen Brothers, are celebrated for their unique brand of filmmaking that combines dark humour, gripping suspense, and unforgettable characters. The duo's work spans numerous genres, often twisting traditional narratives with wit, irony, and meticulous attention to detail. Their films feature a blend of complex storytelling, memorable dialogue, and moments of absurdity.

Today we would like to explore their top five films, ranked from fifth to first. So let's not waste any more time. Here's what we consider to be the best of the Coen Brothers.

5. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Loosely based on Homer's Odyssey, O Brother, Where Art Thou? follows three escaped convicts, Everett (George Clooney), Pete (John Turturro), and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson), as they embark on a surreal journey across the Depression-era South in search of hidden treasure. Along the way, they encounter a host of strange characters, from sirens to bank robbers.

With its eccentric characters, quirky humour, and infectious bluegrass soundtrack, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of friendship, resilience, and the American South. The Coens capture the feel of the 1930s with a visually stylised sepia tone, and the film's mix of comedy and mythology creates a story that's both timeless and distinctly Coen-esque. Themes of destiny and redemption are woven into the characters' misadventures, making this a funny, musical romp that also has a surprising depth.

4. True Grit (2010)

True Grit follows the determined young Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who enlists the help of grizzled U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down her father's killer. Their pursuit takes them deep into the Wild West, where they encounter outlaws, danger, and a surprising bond that grows despite their differences.

In their adaptation of Charles Portis's novel, the Coen Brothers bring a fresh perspective to the classic Western genre, blending grit with a touch of humour and pathos. The film explores themes of justice, vengeance, and the innocence of youth facing the harshness of the adult world. Bridges' portrayal of Rooster Cogburn, a character with both hard edges and unexpected tenderness, is unforgettable, while Steinfeld's Mattie brings resilience and intelligence to the story. True Grit is both a homage to and a reinvention of the Western, showcasing the Coens' ability to bring out the humanity in even the toughest of characters.

3. Fargo (1996)

Fargo follows Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a financially desperate car salesman who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife in order to collect a hefty ransom from her wealthy father. But the scheme spirals out of control, attracting the attention of the calm and relentless pregnant police chief, Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand).

With its pitch-perfect balance of humour and horror, Fargo is a darkly funny tale about greed, crime, and the unpredictable consequences of human folly. Marge's down-to-earth nature contrasts sharply with the chaotic violence surrounding her, highlighting the absurdity of people's worst impulses. The Coens capture the cold, vast landscapes of Minnesota, which add to the bleak atmosphere and sense of isolation that defines the film. Fargo is an exploration of moral simplicity and complexity alike, with a hero who finds lightness and warmth amid the cold, dark actions of others.

2. The Big Lebowski (1998)

In The Big Lebowski, Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name and gets pulled into a kidnapping scheme. Joined by his eccentric bowling buddies, Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi), The Dude's search for answers becomes an absurd, stoner detective story set in the heart of Los Angeles.

The Coens crafted a cult classic in The Big Lebowski, a film about the quest for meaning—or lack thereof—in the modern world. Through The Dude's laid-back attitude and Walter's bombastic approach to every problem, the film explores themes of identity, absurdity, and the randomness of life. The film's quotable dialogue, surreal dream sequences, and unforgettable characters make it one of the Coen Brothers' most beloved films. At its heart, it's a funny, subversive look at a man who just wants to go bowling, but it also slyly comments on the absurd nature of human ambition and conflict.

1. No Country for Old Men (2007)

No Country for Old Men, based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, is a tense thriller set in the stark landscapes of West Texas. The film follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), who stumbles upon a suitcase of drug money, triggering a deadly game of cat and mouse with the ruthless hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) and the weary Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones).

This Academy Award-winning film is a powerful meditation on fate, violence, and the shifting nature of morality. With its quiet intensity, No Country for Old Men examines the thin line between order and chaos, embodied in Bardem's haunting portrayal of Chigurh—a character as unforgettable as he is terrifying. The Coens' use of minimal dialogue, atmospheric tension, and stunning cinematography makes the film both beautiful and unsettling. Sheriff Bell's reflections on a changing world bring a deep sense of melancholy, raising questions about the struggle for meaning in a world that often seems indifferent to justice. This film is a masterpiece that cements the Coens' place in cinema history, blending suspense with existential weight in a way that few films manage.

And that's all for today! The Coen Brothers have an unparalleled ability to create worlds that feel both familiar and surreal, blending dark humour with profound observations on life, morality, and human nature. From the bleak, unforgiving landscapes of No Country for Old Men to the bizarre misadventures of The Big Lebowski, their films explore a wide range of characters and emotions with a distinctive style. Their stories, filled with irony, eccentricity, and moral complexity, invite us to look at the world through a lens that's simultaneously funny and deeply reflective. The Coen Brothers' legacy in cinema is a testament to their creativity, wit, and enduring fascination with the quirks of the human condition.

Now we would love to hear about your experiences with the Coen Brothers' work! Which of their films do you consider the best? Would you rearrange the list or add any others? We can't wait to read your thoughts in the comments!