Biography
Paul Thomas Anderson (born June 26, 1970) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in Los Angeles, Anderson developed an interest in filmmaking from a young age. An alumnus of the Sundance Institute, Anderson is famous for making often epic psychological drama films which often take place in San Fernando Valley and deal with characters seeking after redemption, forgiveness or loss; they also use wide framing as well as realistic or gritty cinematography. Anderson made his f...
Known For
Complete Filmography
One Battle After Another
2025
Producer, Director, Director of Photography
When their evil nemesis resurfaces after 16 years, a band of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.
Napoleon
2023
Script Consultant
An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his add...
Art-House America: Austin Film Society
2023
as Self
Founded by Richard Linklater in 1985 as a screening series dedicated to bringing experimental and art cinema to the city of Austin, Texas, the Austin ...
Beau Is Afraid
2023
Thanks
Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odys...
"Sr."
2022
as Self (archive footage)
A portrait of the life and career of Robert Downey Sr. (1936-2021), the visionary and fearless US filmmaker — father of actor Robert Downey Jr. — who ...
Licorice Pizza
2021
Director of Photography, Writer, Director
The story of Gary Valentine and Alana Kane growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando V...
Anima
2019
Director, Producer
In a short musical film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Thom Yorke of Radiohead stars in a mind-bending visual piece. Best played loud.
The Dead Don't Die
2019
Thanks
In a small peaceful town, zombies suddenly rise to terrorize the town. Now three bespectacled police officers and a strange Scottish morgue expert mus...
Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh
2018
Additional Second Assistant Director
Adam Sandler takes his comical musical musings back out on the road, from comedy clubs to concert halls to one very unsuspecting subway station.
Waterlily Jaguar
2018
Executive Producer
A famous writer's obsession leaves his relationships and marriage in shambles.
Phantom Thread
2017
Director, Writer, Producer
In 1950s London, a renowned dressmaker's meticulous lifestyle begins drastically changing as his relationship with his young muse intensifies.
HAIM / Valentine
2017
Director
Three songs by American pop rock trio Haim, shot live at LA's Valentine Recording Studios, making the 2017 album 'Something to Tell You'.
A Christmas Eve Conversation With Quentin Tarantino & Paul Thomas Anderson
2015
as Self
Two great filmmakers discuss the evolution of film, 70mm and Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight".
Junun
2015
as Self (voice) (uncredited)
Paul Thomas Anderson joined his close friend and collaborator Jonny Greenwood on a trip to Rajasthan in northwest India, where they were hosted by the...
Junun
2015
Director, Camera Operator
Paul Thomas Anderson joined his close friend and collaborator Jonny Greenwood on a trip to Rajasthan in northwest India, where they were hosted by the...
Chryskylodon Blues
2015
as Self
On the set of Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice.
Inherent Vice
2014
Director, Producer, Writer
In Los Angeles at the turn of the 1970s, drug-fueled detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of an ex-girlfriend.
Altman
2014
as Self
Robert Altman's life and career contained multitudes. This father of American independent cinema left an indelible mark, not merely on the evolution o...
The Master
2012
Director, Writer, Producer
Freddie, a volatile, heavy-drinking veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto th...
There Will Be Blood
2007
Producer, Director, Writer
Ruthless silver miner, turned oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, moves to oil-rich California. Using his son to project a trustworthy, family-man image...
Mattress Man Commercial
2003
Director
Paul Thomas Anderson spoofs the famous 1980s Mattress Man commercial outtake using Dean Trumbell, the character played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in An...
Couch
2003
Director, Writer
A man goes shopping for a new couch.
Ballchewer
2002
Director
A short film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Part of Adam Sandler's 'Meatball Series'. Shot during the filming of 'Punch-Drunk Love'.
Punch-Drunk Love
2002
Director, Producer, Writer
A socially awkward and volatile small business owner meets the love of his life after being threatened by a gang of scammers.
Minority Report
2002
as Bus Passenger (uncredited)
John Anderton is a top 'Precrime' cop in the late-21st century, when technology can predict crimes before they're committed. But Anderton becomes the ...
Corky Romano
2001
Script Editor
Corky Romano is a bumbling, simpleton, veterinarian and the youngest, outcast son of an aging gangster, named Pops Romano, who calls upon Corky to inf...
That Moment: Magnolia Diary
2000
as Self
A very in-depth documentary that follows the very over-worked director Paul Thomas Anderson through a gruelling 80+ days of shooting for the film Magn...
Magnolia
1999
as Man Confiscating Sign (uncredited)
On one random day in the San Fernando Valley, a dying father, a young wife, a male caretaker, a famous lost son, a police officer in love, a boy geniu...
Magnolia
1999
Director, Producer, Writer
On one random day in the San Fernando Valley, a dying father, a young wife, a male caretaker, a famous lost son, a police officer in love, a boy geniu...
Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes
1999
as Self
Friends, enemies, acquaintances, and family of porn star John Holmes recall their experiences with him, from his childhood to his eventual death from ...
The Jon Brion Show
1999
Director
The concept of the show is that Brion will play accompaniment to his guest, sometimes inviting other performers on stage to assist. Like the regular F...
Flagpole Special
1998
Director, Writer
Two guys talk about a seminar where they learn how to pick up chicks, both are seen from the waist down only, one is playing acoustic guitar. Related ...
Boogie Nights
1997
Director, Producer, Writer
Set in 1977, back when sex was safe, pleasure was a business and business was booming, idealistic porn producer Jack Horner aspires to elevate his cra...
Hard Eight
1996
Director, Screenplay
A stranger mentors a young Reno gambler who weds a hooker and befriends a vulgar casino regular.
Cigarettes & Coffee
1993
Director, Writer
Cigarettes & Coffee tells the story of five people's lives all interconnected through a $20 bill.
Production Assistant
1992
as self
In 1992, Anderson was knee-deep at night in devising what would eventually become “Boogie Nights,” but during the day he worked as a production assist...
Production Assistant
1992
Director
In 1992, Anderson was knee-deep at night in devising what would eventually become “Boogie Nights,” but during the day he worked as a production assist...
The Dirk Diggler Story
1988
Director, Director of Photography, Writer
The Dirk Diggler Story is a 1988 mockumentary short film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. It follows the rise and fall of Dirk Diggler, a...