Yorgos Lanthimos Ranked: Every Film by Metascore

Quick Summary

• Yorgos Lanthimos stands out for his unique blend of surrealism, dark comedy, and strict visual symmetry.
• Poor Things tops his career with a massive Metascore following its Oscar success in 2024.
• His early Greek work differs significantly from his later Hollywood-backed projects with A24.
• Consistent collaboration with actors like Emma Stone, Colin Farrell, and Nicole Kidman elevates critical reception.
• The ranking below uses verified Metascores to determine the strongest entry points for new viewers.

If you have ever watched The Lobster and felt confused by the rules of the hotel, you know exactly who we are talking about. Yorgos Lanthimos is a Greek film director and screenwriter known for creating unsettling, surreal narratives with distinct visual styles. His films do not behave like standard blockbusters. They demand your attention and often challenge your perception of reality. By March 2026, his body of work has solidified into a modern canon of weird cinema. With every new release, the question remains: which one should you watch first?

Critical consensus plays a huge role here. We are looking at Metascore ratings, which aggregate reviews from professional publications. This isn't about IMDb ratings where casual fans might vote based on enjoyment alone. These scores reflect how critics view his technical growth and storytelling ambition. Let's break down his entire filmography from worst to best according to these numbers.

The Complete Rankings

Note: While The Favourite had a slightly higher initial launch score, Poor Things cemented itself as the definitive masterpiece after the awards season sweep in early 2024. Some sources may fluctuate between 89 and 93 depending on updated reviews, but The Favourite remains historically high.

The Peak: Hollywood Perfection

It makes sense that his highest-scoring works come from his partnership with production company A24. When Lanthimos got access to larger budgets without losing his artistic edge, the quality jumped. Poor Things is the obvious winner. It’s a sci-fi fairy tale about a woman brought back to life. The chemistry between Emma Stone an actress known for her versatility and physical performance style and Lanthimos created magic. She actually won the Best Actress Oscar for this role. Critics adored the world-building. It wasn't just weird; it was emotionally resonant.

The Favourite came before this, and it almost feels like the blueprint. Set in Queen Anne's court, it stripped away historical drama tropes for something raw and messy. Olivia Colman and Emma Stone played rivals with sharp dialogue written by Tony McNamara. The cinematography by Robbie Ryan used handheld cameras that followed characters closely, creating a claustrophobic feeling even in large rooms. The score by Thea Musgrave (original) mixed with Clint Mansell added to the tension. This film proved Lanthimos could tackle period pieces while keeping his signature uncanny valley vibe.

The Dark Middle Period

Between Dogtooth and The Favourite, Lanthimos explored darker psychological horror. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a heavy one. Colin Farrell plays a surgeon whose family faces supernatural retribution for an unfulfilled promise. It follows Keanu Reeves... wait, Keanu is not in that. It follows Farrell's character struggling against a boy named Martin who seems possessed. The score by Johnny Marr creates an uneasy atmosphere.

Why does it rank lower than the others? Perhaps because the ending leaves things unresolved. Critics appreciated the tension but found the moral ambiguity difficult to stomach compared to the joy found in Poor Things. Similarly, The Lobster introduced the concept of being turned into an animal if you didn't find love in forty-five days. Rachel Weisz delivered a stunning performance, but the rigid plot rules were divisive among some reviewers. Still, it established Lanthimos as a global force, winning prizes at Cannes.

The Greek Origins

You cannot talk about his influence without mentioning Dogtooth. Released in 2009, this was his breakout hit internationally. Three children grow up isolated in a house controlled by their parents. They think the outside world doesn't exist. It's terrifying because it exposes how easily families can be indoctrinated. Although it ranks near the bottom of the "highs," an 82 Metascore for a debut feature is incredible. It won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes and opened doors for Lanthimos in Europe.

Attenberg and Alps are lesser-known gems. Attenberg features Ariane Labed as a young girl discovering sexual identity and the wider world. It shares the same DNA as Dogtooth regarding isolation. Alps explores a grief support group where a member claims another person has died just to get paid. These earlier films are grittier. They lack the polished sheen of the A24 productions. If you want to see the roots of his strangeness, start here.

Recurring Collaborators and Style

One reason the scores stay consistent is the cast. Lanthimos returns to actors who understand his method. Colin Farrell appeared in Blue Valentine... no, wait, Farrell was in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Lobster. He trusts Lanthimos completely. Barry Keoghan appeared in both The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Poor Things. This repetition builds trust with the audience. We know these actors are willing to push their bodies to strange limits.

Visual symmetry is another key attribute. Cinematographers usually shoot wide angles to capture awkward staging. Characters stand perfectly still while acting. It creates a music video-like aesthetic. Sound design is equally important. Dialogue is often deadpan, lacking emotional inflection, which contrasts with the violent or absurd actions taking place. This juxtaposition is the core of his appeal.

Viewing Order Recommendations

If you are watching his movies for the first time, chronological order is usually boring. The jump from Greek subtitled films to English language A24 films can be jarring. Instead, try this path:

1. Start with The Lobster: It offers the perfect balance of weirdness and accessibility. The premise is easy to grasp immediately.
2. Move to The Favourite: Once you understand the style, the period setting feels fresh and funny.
3. Finish with Poor Things: Save the magnum opus for last. After seeing his evolution, you will appreciate the full scope of his vision.
4. Bonus: Watch Dogtooth if you want to see the darker side of his psychology.

Avoid watching everything back-to-back. His films induce a state of dissociation. You need time to process the imagery between sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions