As his latest film Nouvelle Vague hits Netflix, we rank the director’s top five movies—from Before Sunrise to Boyhood—based on their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

The filmography of richard linklater's movies offers the perfect, thoughtful films to balance the holiday bustle. from the acclaimed Before trilogy to the groundbreaking Boyhood, his collection of introspective, character-driven stories is ideal for a quiet Christmas respite. With his latest film, Nouvelle vague, a love letter to French cinema about the making of Breathless, now streaming on Netflix, there's no better time to explore his most celebrated works. Here are Richard Linklater's top five films, ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes scores, that are perfect to stream this season.

1. Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

This documentary explores the real-life friendship between Linklater and the late experimental filmmaker James Benning. A meditative piece, it was praised as a "valuable introduction" to both artists' work and an "invitation to stare" at the ordinary, making it a unique entry in Linklater's filmography that offers a glimpse into his creative influences and philosophy.

2. Before Sunrise (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

The film that launched one of cinema's most beloved trilogies, Before Sunrise, follows American traveler Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and French student Céline (Julie Delpy) as they spend one magical night wandering Vienna. Celebrated for its perfect balance of "poetry and the everyday" and the "incredible," palpable chemistry between its leads, it remains a timeless romance.

3. J.R. 'Bob' Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

A deep dive into a satirical "parody religion" born in Texas, this documentary showcases Linklater's enduring fascination with subcultures and idiosyncratic American life. Critics called it a "colorful piece of weird-Texas history" that offers surprisingly sharp commentary on society, ideal for viewers seeking something offbeat.

4. Before Midnight (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

The third chapter in the Before series finds Jesse and Céline, now a middle-aged couple, grappling with the realities of long-term commitment during a summer in Greece. Hailed as a "refreshing counterpoint to Hollywood’s typical happily ever after," the film is a raw, brilliant, and cathartic exploration of love, time, and choice.

5. Boyhood (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

A landmark cinematic achievement, Boyhood was filmed incrementally over 12 years with the same cast, following a boy named Mason (Ellar Coltrane) from childhood to college. Praised for capturing "the fundamental grief of the parenting experience" and the subtle milestones of life, it is a profoundly moving epic of ordinary existence.

Whether you're in the mood for romantic dialogue, philosophical documentary, or a groundbreaking portrait of life, Linklater's top films provide thoughtful solace and captivating storytelling for the holiday season.

Source: 

Rotten Tomatoes scores and composite critic reviews.