6 Top Anthology Films as Rated by Roger Ebert

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Anthology films are a unique and often overlooked genre, typically consisting of three or more standalone stories connected by a common theme. The origins of this format can be traced back to the 1910s when D.W. Griffith experimented with parallel storytelling in his film Intolerance, showcasing multiple narratives from various historical contexts. However, it was in the 1940s that the anthology film truly began to flourish, notably with the release of Dead of Night. Since then, many filmmakers have occasionally explored this eclectic genre.

In light of this rich history, which anthology films stand out as must-sees? Renowned critic Roger Ebert assessed numerous entries in this category during his career. While he often approached anthology films with a critical lens—considering the diverse tones and styles within them—it is likely he would have appreciated Wild Tales, had it been released during his lifetime. Unfortunately, that encounter never materialized.

This article highlights anthology films that received two out of four stars or higher from Roger Ebert.

6 ‘Four Rooms’ (1995)

Ebert’s Score: Two Out of Four Stars

Release Date
December 9, 1995

Runtime
98 minutes

Producers
Lawrence Bender

Four Rooms is a collaborative black comedy anthology co-directed by notable filmmakers Quentin Tarantino, Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, and Robert Rodriguez. Set in the fictional Hotel Mon Signor on New Year’s Eve, the film intricately weaves four distinct stories that revolve around various hotel guests: witches attempting to resurrect a deity, a man ensnared in a hostage role-play, kids causing mischief while their parents celebrate, and a deadly game afoot involving finger severing.

Partly Funny

The film boasts memorable performances from actors such as Antonio Banderas, Marisa Tomei, and Tim Roth. However, Madonna’s role attracted criticism, earning her a Razzie for the Worst Supporting Cast. Ebert found the humor in Four Rooms to be hit or miss, noting that Rodriguez’s segment, “The Misbehavers,” was the highlight. Despite Tarantino’s acclaim from his earlier work, Ebert felt his segment, “The Man from Hollywood,” fell flat: “Though he aimed to satirize himself, he didn’t capture his own comedic essence.”

5 ‘Twilight Zone: The Movie’ (1983)

Ebert’s Score: Two Out of Four Stars

Based on Rod Serling’s beloved anthology television series, Twilight Zone: The Movie features four distinct stories directed by John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller. Uniquely, Landis contributes an original tale, while the others adapt episodes from the series.

Landis’s narrative follows a bigot as he navigates through time, experiencing oppression firsthand. Spielberg’s segment plays on nostalgic childhood games among the elderly, Dante introduces a boy who manipulates reality, and Miller’s conclusion showcases a man’s paranoia about a gremlin on a plane.

A Shaky but Palatable Remake

Ebert pointed out that the film’s standout segments came from the lesser-known directors of horror and action backgrounds—highlighting that Spielberg and Landis struggled compared to their peers. Although the concept of a Twilight Zone film was not in high demand, the involvement of these directors made it a project that many were keen to see, albeit with mixed results.

4 ‘New York Stories’ (1989)

Ebert’s Score: Two and a Half Out of Four Stars

New York Stories features segments from cinematic legends Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, along with a contribution from Woody Allen. Scorsese’s entry focuses on a troubled painter’s obsession with his assistant, while Coppola’s piece explores a wealthy girl’s experiences in a Manhattan hotel. Allen’s narrative, “Oedipus Wrecks,” delves into the complex relationship between a neurotic man and his intrusive mother.

Scorsese to the Rescue

Despite being screened outside of competition at Cannes, this anthology deserved acclaim. Ebert praised Scorsese’s segment as the strongest, stating, “Among the three films, one excels while the others falter.” He noted that while Allen’s piece began well, it eventually lost its way.

3 ‘New York, I Love You’ (2009)

Ebert’s Score: Three Out of Four Stars

New York, I Love You presents eleven short narratives from various directors, each exploring themes of love in New York City. The stories include a diverse range of characters, from artists to elderly couples, all linked by a videographer documenting their lives.

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