James L. Brooks has been one of the most beloved filmmakers due to his unique sensibilities, as his movies explore deep and complex characters, relatable emotional themes, and sharp humor. In his illustrious career, he has won three Oscars and 22 Emmy Awards.
After 15 years of absence, he is back on the big screen with a new original dramedy film titled Ella McCay, which focuses on an idealistic young woman who juggles her family and work life amidst a political landscape. It stars Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis.
To celebrate the return of Brooks and the release of his new work, here is a list of some of his best movies that you can watch.
Terms of Endearment
Terms of Endearment follows widow Aurora Greenway, who juggles her own struggles with a new romantic interest while trying to sort out the emotional problems of her daughter, who's married to a philandering husband.
This marks Brooks' directorial debut, and he managed to win three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, a rare achievement for a first-time director. To this day, it is still hailed as one of the best drama films of the '80s.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Broadcast News
Broadcast News focuses on a high-strung news producer who finds herself in a love triangle between a talented but self-doubting reporter and a charming new anchor, who embodies the growing trivialization of news that she is determined to fight against.
This is another '80s classic that is still beloved by many movie fans to this day due to its sharp satirical take on the broadcast news industry, complex characters, and the hilarious love triangle dynamic of the main characters.
Where You Can Stream: Hulu
I'll Do Anything
In I'll Do Anything, an aspiring actor's life gets upended when his ex-wife dumps their bossy, wild little daughter into his custody.
The film skewers the movie industry and the chaotic relationships that happen around it. While this doesn't have the same reputation as the previous films, it is still an entry in Brooks' filmography that is worth watching due to the satirical tone alone.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
As Good as It Gets
As Good as It Gets follows a single mother and waitress, a misanthropic author, and a gay artist who form an unlikely friendship after the artist is assaulted in a robbery.
The film managed to win Oscars for Best Actor and Best Actress for stars Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. This has become a beloved romantic comedy from the '90s due to the unexpected good chemistry of the leads and sharp dialogue.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
The Simpsons Movie
In The Simpsons Movie, after Homer pollutes the town's water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA, and the Simpsons are declared fugitives.
While Brooks did not direct the film, he was heavily involved as producer and co-writer, given that he is also one of the creators of the series. They managed to translate their TV success into a big-screen box office success as well. A sequel is currently in development for a 2027 release that will bring back the beloved TV family to the big screen.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
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