In addition to Moonrise Kingdom, I’ve selected four other films that are a little different from your typical rom-com. If you liked Moonrise Kingdom, you’ll love these other titles, which range from well-known to less well-known.
With a unique style all its own, Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom was a big hit when it came out in 2012. According to critics, it’s a “eccentric pubescent love story,” and it appeared on many “best films of 2012” lists.
In order to compile this list for those of you who enjoy the more unusual aspects of life, I combed through dozens of other quirky romantic comedies.
‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ (Wes Anderson, 2001)
The search for films like Moonrise Kingdom led me to this one, which proved Wes Anderson to be a true artist!
After their father’s death, the film follows the lives of three talented siblings (Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson) as they struggle with their disappointing situations and distant romantic endeavors (Gene Hackman).
A family drama, The Tenenbaums solidified Anderson’s eccentric and distinct view of family and relationships in the audience.
‘Lawn Dogs’ (John Duigan, 1997)
Sam Rockwell plays a landscaper who lives in a trailer on the outskirts of town and makes friends with a 10-year-old girl (Mischa Barton). While their friendship grows, the girl’s family and the town view him with suspicion.
While Moonrise Kingdom focuses on the loss of innocence, Lawn Dogs depicts a touching and genuine friendship that is shunned by the rest of society.
‘Black Jack’ (Ken Loach, 1979)
Wes Anderson has cited this film as an inspiration for Moonrise Kingdom multiple times in interviews.
As this children’s adventure story explores the dark and complicated side of life, with traveling fairs, murder, and an insane asylum, it’s easy to see why.
This isn’t your typical family movie.
‘500 Days of Summer’ (Marc Webb, 2009)
500 Days of Summer, a smash hit at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009, tells the story of Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn through a non-linear narrative (Zooey Deschanel).
The film jumps around in time to different points in their 500-day relationship, highlighting significant events along the way.
