Bottle Rocket (1996)
Wes Anderson's feature debut — a warmly absurd tale of two misfit friends chasing a life of crime they were never cut out for.
Bottle Rocket - Movie Information
- Original Title: Bottle Rocket
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Wes Anderson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 30, 1996 (Australia - M), January 10, 1997 (Germany), April 25, 2018 (France)
- Alternative Titles: 瓶装火箭 (CN), Pura Adrenalina (BR), (O)organiserad kriminalitet (SE), Бутылочная ракета (RU), Bottle Rocket (US), Շշե Հրթիռ (AM)
- Production Companies: Gracie Films, Columbia Pictures, Boyle-Taylor Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Bottle Rocket - Plot
Upon his release from a mental hospital following a nervous breakdown, the directionless Anthony joins his friend Dignan, who seems far less sane than the former. Dignan has hatched a harebrained scheme for an as-yet-unspecified crime spree that somehow involves his former boss, the (supposedly) legendary Mr. Henry.
Bottle Rocket - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Dignan's grand criminal ambitions unfold:
They're not really criminals, but everyone's got to have a dream.
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Bottle Rocket - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wes Anderson
Main Cast
- Luke Wilson
- Owen Wilson
- Robert Musgrave
- Lumi Cavazos
- James Caan
- Andrew Wilson
- Teddy Wilson
- Donny Caicedo
- Ned Dowd
- Jenni Tooley
Writers
- Owen Wilson
- Wes Anderson
Producers
- Cynthia Hargrave
- Polly Platt
Bottle Rocket - FAQs
Is Bottle Rocket Wes Anderson's first feature film?
Yes, Bottle Rocket is Wes Anderson's directorial debut as a feature film, released in 1996. It was expanded from a 1994 short film of the same name, also co-written by Anderson and Owen Wilson. The film introduced many of the quirky, deadpan stylistic traits that would define Anderson's later career.
Who are the main actors in Bottle Rocket?
The film stars Luke Wilson as the gentle, directionless Anthony, and Owen Wilson as the wildly optimistic Dignan. Robert Musgrave plays their reluctant getaway driver Bob, while James Caan appears as the enigmatic Mr. Henry. It also marks the first major screen collaboration between the Wilson brothers.
What is Bottle Rocket about?
Bottle Rocket follows Anthony, freshly released from a psychiatric facility, who gets swept up in his best friend Dignan's elaborate — and utterly absurd — plan for a life of crime. Their bumbling heist spree, loosely tied to the mysterious Mr. Henry, is equal parts tender and hilariously misguided.
Where can I watch Bottle Rocket online?
You can rent or buy Bottle Rocket on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so finding a copy to watch at home is pretty straightforward whichever service you prefer.
Is Bottle Rocket based on a short film?
Bottle Rocket originated as a 13-minute black-and-white short film made in 1994, also directed by Wes Anderson and co-written with Owen Wilson. Producer James L. Brooks saw the short and helped secure funding to expand it into a full-length feature, which Columbia Pictures released in 1996.
What is the age rating for Bottle Rocket?
Bottle Rocket is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects some language and mild thematic content, though the film is generally light in tone compared to many R-rated features. It's a quirky, character-driven comedy-crime story rather than anything particularly intense or graphic.
How was Bottle Rocket received by critics?
Bottle Rocket earned warm critical praise for its offbeat charm and the natural chemistry between Luke and Owen Wilson, though it was a box office disappointment on release. Over time it has grown into a beloved cult classic, widely regarded as an essential early entry in Wes Anderson's distinctive filmography.
What are some movies similar to Bottle Rocket?
If you enjoyed Bottle Rocket, you might love Blindspotting, The Delinquents, Breaking News in Yuba County, or Wild Men — all films that blend crime with offbeat humor and rich character dynamics. For something with a similarly absurdist spirit, Four Against the Bank and Get the Grift are also worth a look.
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