Alexander Payne, the American director known for his sharp satires and dark comedies, has an impressive filmography that resonates with both critics and audiences. Below is a list of the ten best Alexander Payne movies, according to IMDb ratings.

1.Sideways (2004) – 7.5/10  

This comedy-drama follows two middle-aged men on a wine tour, diving into themes of friendship, regret, and love. With its clever script and poignant moments, “Sideways” garnered critical acclaim.

2.Election (1999) – 7.2/10  

A high school teacher’s life becomes complicated when he decides to sabotage a driven student’s campaign for school president. The biting political satire features sharp wit and memorable performances.

3.The Descendants (2011) – 7.3/10  

In this touching family drama, George Clooney stars as a Hawaiian land baron who tries to reconnect with his daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident.

4.Nebraska (2013) – 7.7/10  

Shot in black and white, “Nebraska” tells the story of an aging father who thinks he’s won a million-dollar mail-in sweepstakes, and sets out to claim his fortune.

5.About Schmidt (2002) – 7.1/10  

Jack Nicholson plays Warren Schmidt, a man facing retirement and questioning his past choices in life just as he embarks on a journey to stop his daughter’s wedding.

6.Downsizing (2017) – 5.7/10  

This social satire explores what might happen if humans had the option to shrink themselves as a solution to over-population and environmental issues.

7.Citizen Ruth (1996) – 7.0/10  

Payne’s directorial debut is a comedy-drama following Ruth Stoops, a pregnant drug addict who unintentionally becomes the center of the abortion debate.

8.Paris, je t’aime (2006) – 7.2/10  

Contributing to a collection of 18 short films set in different neighborhoods of Paris, Payne’s segment “14th arrondissement” is highly praised for its tender portrayal of an American tourist.

9.I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) – 5.9/10  

Although not directed by Payne, he contributed as a screenwriter on this comedy where two straight firefighters pose as a gay couple to receive domestic partnership benefits.

10.The Holdovers (Unreleased)  

While details are scarce about this unreleased film by Alexander Payne, it is one to watch for given Payne’s distinguished career.

Please note that IMDb ratings are subject to change and can vary over time; this list reflects their ratings at the time of writing the article.