I am only making this thread because I couldn't see that one was made before, and I believe he's prominent enough a filmmaker/made enough movies to warrant his own thread.

You may pick your favourite three.

I have allowed re-voting because, well, his career isn't over, and because our favourites may change over time.

I just realized looking at that list I'm not that huge a fan. But my pick is Boogie Nights.

He is a great performances director, a lot of arguable career bests in there like DDL, Phoenix, Cruise, Sandler, PSH, etc. throw in some like Reynolds, Dano and Wahlberg too. Maybe Leo is set for an epic role for him.

The stretch of There Will Be Blood, The Master and Inherent Vice is peak kino.

I remember really liking Punch Drunk Love , but saw it so long ago that I don't remember why. Licorice Pizza is weird, but brilliant. Boogie Nights is amazing during the first half, yet I find myself getting bored as the film gets near the end. Phantom Thread has great performances and productions, just not my type of movie and if not for PTA I probably never would have seen it. Hard Eight is a great start, though its still always strange to think that John C Reilly was once a dramatic actor with that face of his.

Magnolia is the only one I didn't really like. Just felt like it went on forever and I was beyond checked out by the time the frogs started falling.

I'm not a fan at all. I wouldn't see a film of his on his name alone. I feel he is a director that film snobs like to throw out there to distance themselves from the rest of us and make themselves feel unique.

I think having a true uncompromising auteur is compelling at least.

I've only watched Licorice Pizza, so its my favorite by default.

Boogie Nights is a lot of fun, Punch Drunk Love and There will be Love have incredible performances that elevate the weak plots. That's about it, still think it's funny that he is married to Maya Rudolph.

One thing that stands out to me looking at his filmography—besides There Will Be Blood (which I watched twice), I haven’t ever rewatched anything he’s made. I appreciate most his films when I see them but the rewatchability factor is very low.

Top 3 or 4

Magnolia
There Will Be Blood
Boogie Nights
Punch Drunk Love

edit: actually voted for the top 2 + Licorice Pizza

That seems to be common among awardsy or prestigious directors, particularly ones that release movies during awards season. Viewers are in an artsy, elitist mode for that short period and wax lyrical about the quality of the options but they're not the films people watch for enjoyment, just appreciation and to feel part of the 'in' crowd.

Prob Boogie Nights.

I like parts of TWBB but PTA is just not for me. In fact i hated Punch Drunk Love when i saw it. Magnolia has its moments and may be worth a rewatch now that im not in my early 20s but i recall it being a bit of a chore to get through.