Siblings and actors Owen and Luke Wilson have both enjoyed success in individual ventures (mostly in the comedy genre). However, not many know that the two have another brother, Andrew Wilson, who is also an actor, having mostly appeared in comedies starring the former two, like Idiocracy, Zoolander, and Hall Pass.
In the initial phase of their career, all three brothers were also featured in regular collaborator Wes Anderson's films, including the likes of his debut, Bottle Rocket, as well as The Darjeeling Limited, and The Royal Tenenbaums. Currently, Andrew Wilson was last seen in Father Figures, while Luke Wilson has a main role in DC's Stargirl. As for Owen Wilson, he's set to appear in the upcoming Loki series.
Bottle Rocket - (Luke, Owen, & Andrew) - 7
Wes Anderson's debut film was a heist comedy starring Owen and Luke Wilson as a bunch of misfits who plan a failed robbery. The film offered the earliest hints of Anderson's mastery at his unique brand of deadpan humor while giving its leaders enough space for an engagingly eccentric bromance. Andrew Wilson also appears as Jon Mapplethorpe, the bully brother of Robert Musgrave's character.
Bottle Rocket might not match the legacy of its writer-director's later works, but the chemistry between the two leads makes it a must-watch for fans of the Wilsons.
Cars - (Owen Wilson) - 7.1
The two sequels to Cars might not have fared as well as other Pixar classics, but the first Cars film is a beloved animated classic from the 2000s. The familiar yet heartwarming story of Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) takes place in a world populated by anthropomorphic talking vehicles. After a downfall from his usual fame, former racing champion McQueen is forced to undergo hours of community service in a small town that changes his outlook on life.
Apart from Owen Wilson in the lead, the film's talented voice cast includes Larry the Cable Guy as Mater and the late Paul Newman as Doc Hudson.
Concussion - (Luke Wilson) - 7.1
Concussion is a biopic on Dr. Bennett Omalu, whose findings revealed the immense cerebral impact and trauma that professional football has on players in the National Football League (NFL). Naturally, due to his research, the pathologist faced scrutiny from the NFL and its sponsors.
While Will Smith stars as Omalu, Luke Wilson plays businessman and current NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell. Smith received rave reviews for his Golden Globe-nominated performance, while the role of Goodell found Wilson chartering more dramatic territory.
TIE: The Darjeeling Limited - (Owen Wilson) - 7.2
Apart from his visual trademarks, Wes Anderson bears a knack for portraying strained family relationships in his film. The Darjeeling Limited is no exception. Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrien Brody play three estranged brothers grieving the death of their father. As they embark on a journey aboard the titular Indian train, a series of misadventures follows bringing the siblings closer.
The film marked Anderson's transition to more mature and emotion-driven tones while also offering some memorable visuals. It also marked Wilson's last lead role in an Anderson film.
TIE: Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy - (Luke Wilson) - 7.2
The Will Ferrell-starring Anchorman is filled with memorable cameos that includes Luke Wilson, along with several other actors, like Vince Vaughn, Tim Robbins, and Ben Stiller. Each of these actors features as a broadcast newscaster representing his particular news channel. Wilson plays a Channel 2 News anchor called Frank Vitchard.
The subsequent over-the-top fight, along with the film's general premise, parodies the general workplace culture of the 1970s. The comedy proved to be a massive success for director Adam McKay and continues to harbor a cult following.
TIE: The Royal Tenenbaums - (Luke & Owen Wilson) - 7.6
The Royal Tenenbaums is another beloved dysfunctional family classic from Wes Anderson. The comedy-drama deals with the ups and lows of the Tenenbaums, each of whom is facing a personal issue of their own. For instance, Luke Wilson plays Richie Tenenbaum, a suicidal ex-tennis player who harbors romantic feelings for his adopted sister (Gwyneth Paltrow).
On the other hand, there's the carefree author Eli Cash. He's a friend of the family, but his enmeshment in the family and dysfunctional lifestyle ends up causing trouble. Apart from playing Eli, Owen Wilson also co-wrote the screenplay, earning himself an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
TIE: Rushmore - (Luke & Andrew Wilson) - 7.7
Rushmore is the coming-of-age story of a multi-talented high-schooler (Jason Schwartzman) and his unlikely friendship with a businessman (Bill Murray). However, an enmity develops when both start falling for an elementary school teacher named Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams). Luke Wilson shared a brief role as Rosemary's boyfriend, Dr. Peter Flynn. Andrew Wilson similarly appears as the school's sports coach.
Owen Wilson's photograph appears briefly as Rosemary's dead husband. He also wrote the screenplay, along with Wes Anderson.
Fantastic Mr. Fox - (Owen Wilson) - 7.9
Wes Anderson's foray into stop-motion animation began with an adaptation of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox. Featuring George Clooney in the titular role, the film is a bizarrely comical journey of a fox as he saves his family and peers from the clutches of three ruthless farmers. The animation, tone, and voice acting drew immense praise.
Owen Wilson is also a part of the ensemble, portraying the character Coach Skip, a river otter who serves as the sports teacher in Ash Fox's (Jason Schwartzman) school.
Wonder (Owen Wilson) - 8
In novelist Stephen Chbosky's sophomore film, Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts star as a married couple, while Jacob Tremblay plays their son. Tremblay steals the show as a boy with Treacher Collins Syndrome, who struggles to fit in with his classmates while forming new friendships. A bittersweet family drama, Wonder also brings out the dramatic potential of Wilson in one of his few relatively serious roles.
The film was critically acclaimed for its performances and faithfulness to the original novel, written by RJ Palacio.
The Grand Budapest Hotel - (Owen Wilson) - 8.1
Along with the hilarious premise of a period crime caper, The Grand Budapest Hotel showcases the peak of Wes Anderson's usual tropes. These range from symmetrical cinematography to a bright and detailed color palette. As is the norm, the filmmaker yet again reunites with his regular set of actors, albeit in the form of cameos.
Owen Wilson also makes a brief appearance as M.Chuck, the concierge for the Society of Crossed Keys. Other members of this Society include more of Anderson's regular cast members, namely Bill Murray and Waris Ahluwalia.