Richard Linklater is a shining example of an indie filmmaker who has successfully navigated the transition to mainstream success while remaining true to his artistic vision. With a remarkable five Oscar nominations under his belt, Linklater has demonstrated his versatility by exploring a range of genres, from coming-of-age tales like Dazed and Confused to studio comedies like School of Rock. However, it’s his original material that showcases his unique voice and artistic perspective.
By revisiting his characters across different stages of their lives, Linklater has crafted a series of films that explore the complexities of aging, such as the highly-acclaimed “Before” trilogy. This approach allows him to delve into profound themes and emotions, resulting in some of the most critically acclaimed and beloved films of the past few decades. Despite his commercial success, Linklater has remained committed to his indie roots, continuing to produce innovative and groundbreaking work that resonates with audiences worldwide. So, as he gears up to wow audiences again with Netflix’s Hit Man, here are Richard Linklater’s 5 best films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
5. Before Sunset (2004) – 94 % Rotten Tomatoes Score
Before Sunset is the middle film in Richard Linklater’s trilogy, serving as a poignant and introspective sequel to Before Sunrise. The film takes place nine years after the events of the first film, with Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) reuniting in Paris, where Jesse has just published a book inspired by their night together. As they embark on a walk through the city, Linklater employs his signature extended dialogue scenes to allow the audience to catch up with the characters and delve into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The result is a deeply personal and intimate portrayal of two people at a different stage of their lives, grappling with the complexities of relationships, identity, and mortality.
As the film’s title suggests, Before Sunset is a poignant exploration of the passing of time, as Jesse and Celine confront the uncertainty of their future together. This style of filmmaking has become a hallmark of Linklater’s work, earning his films the nickname “hangout movies.” To that, Before Sunset stands as one of the best hangout movies, with its romantic and enduring themes making it a standout in the trilogy.
Watch Before Sunset on Apple TV+
4. Hit Man (2024) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Hit Man marks a major career swerve for Richard Linklater, delving into the crime genre. Ahead of the movie landing on Netflix on June 7, 2024, the reviews flew in thick and fast, with the majority being positive. The story follows Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a professor who moonlights as a hit man for his local police department. However, his secret risks exposure when he falls for a mysterious woman who enlists his services. Blending crime, action and comedy, Hit Man has been lauded for its meta-commentary, crime noir feel and playful comedy, with a gleaming review from Roger Ebert. What’s more, the movie is led masterfully by Glen Powell, who The Hollywood Reporter are touting as one of the next Hollywood A-Listers.
3. Boyhood (2014) – 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Boyhood is a cinematic event that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of storytelling. What appears to be a simple tale of a boy growing up and entering adulthood is, in fact, the result of a revolutionary filmmaking approach. Over the course of 12 years, Linklater and his cast and crew made it a point to return to the set every year to film a few scenes, following the same actor, Ellar Coltrane, as he grew up before their eyes. The result is an unparalleled level of realism, as we witness the nuances of childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood unfold with unprecedented intimacy.
The dedication required to bring this project to life is staggering, with the cast and crew returning to the set year after year, often without knowing what their roles would be or what scenes they would be filming. The payoff is well worth the effort, as Boyhood presents a breathtakingly honest and authentic portrayal of growing up in America. Boyhood was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture. Patricia Arquette took home the gold for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
2. Before Midnight (2013) – 98% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Before Midnight, the final installment of Richard Linklater’s trilogy, brings back the iconic couple, Jesse and Celine, nine years after their reunion in Paris. The film follows the doting duo as they take a vacation to Greece, where they revisit their past and confront the realities of their present. As they navigate the complexities of middle age, the couple faces new challenges and struggles, including parenting, career pressures, and the inevitable passage of time.
Before Midnight received widespread critical acclaim, garnering Linklater, Hawke, and Delpy an Oscar-nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. This continuation proved to be just as resonant all these years later, with many praising the film’s nuanced exploration of relationships and its ability to capture the intricacies of adult life. The movie’s poignant and introspective portrayal of Jesse and Celine’s story has resonated with audiences, who have followed their journey over the course of two decades. Linklater’s revisiting of his characters has proven to be a masterstroke, allowing audiences to witness the growth and evolution of his characters as they tackle life’s struggles and triumphs.
Watch Before Midnight on Prime Video
1. Before Sunrise (1995) – 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score
According to Rotten Tomatoes, Before Sunrise, the movie that kickstarted the “Before” trilogy, remains the most lauded to this day, with a perfect 100% score. Richard Linklater’s early career was marked by a bold departure from traditional filmmaking conventions. His 1991 film Slacker, made on a shoestring budget of just $23,000, defied expectations and gained a cult following for its loose, improvisational style and its exploration of the aimless, post-college generation. But it was his 1995 film Before Sunrise that truly showcased Linklater’s ability to craft compelling, character-driven storytelling on a small scale.
With a famously simple plot – two strangers meet on a train and spend one night walking and talking through Vienna – Linklater relied on the power of dialogue to elevate his material and deliver some of the most nuanced and relatable character development in cinema history. The film’s success was a testament to Linklater’s ability to tap into the human experience and bring his characters to life in a way that felt both authentic and universal. Want to read more Before Sunrise’s lead star? Here are 9 things you didn’t know about Ethan Hawke.
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