The past year has had its share of show-stopping moments when it comes to cinema, but if you ask us, few recent films have had the same impact as Sean Baker's work. His latest film, Anora, put Baker's unflinching commitment to honest storytelling firmly on the world's radar, cementing him as one of the most exciting and important voices in contemporary cinema in the process. But while Anora might be Baker's first Oscar-winning work it’s far from the only film worth watching in his impressive repertoire.

Over the years, Baker has continuously proven that there is power in stories often left untold. His approach is marked by a deep empathy for his characters and a storytelling style that mixes humour and heartbreak in perfect proportion. So, in honour of Sean Baker’s incredible contribution to cinema, we’ve rounded up the Sean Baker films worth watching next. Start prepping your watch list.

1. Tangerine (2015)

The impact of Tangerine truly can't be overstated. Shot entirely on an iPhone (yes, really), the film follows two transgender sex workers one Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. The rawness of its narrative and the honesty of its performances are matched only by its vibrant, energetic cinematography. Tangerine is a perfect example of Baker’s gift for finding humour and humanity in moments where they aren't always obvious, and spotlighting stories often overlooked by mainstream cinema. It’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking — no small feat, considering the entire budget for the film was around US$100,000.

2. The Florida Project (2017)

Until Anora came along, The Florida Project was perhaps Baker’s most widely acclaimed film. It takes viewers into the lives of residents living at a budget motel, following a precocious young girl, her single mother, and the community of struggling families that surrounds them. With an iconic lead performance by Brooklynn Prince (who was just seven years old at the time of filming) and Willem Dafoe in the main supporting role, The Florida Project is one of those rare films that finds a way to balance devastating realism with a sense of childlike wonder. It’s a poignant reminder that the people living on the outskirts of our society deserve their stories told.

3. Red Rocket (2021)

Another example of Baker’s unique lens on the American experience, Red Rocket follows a newly-retired adult film star who returns to his small Texas hometown and wreaks havoc on the lives of those around him. It's laden with the kind of raw, uncomfortable humour Baker has become known for, and takes aim at ambition, fame, and failure. The often unlikeable protagonist only adds to this layered story, with each twist and turn only complicating our feelings — and how deeply we feel them.

4. Starlet (2012)

Produced back in 2012, Starlet was an early indicator of Baker's unique style. The film follows a 21-year-old adult film actress who strikes up an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman, laying the groundwork for an honest exploration of isolation and friendship. Starlet is a contemplative film that proves Baker’s ability to tell deeply emotional stories without veering into cliché.

5. Prince of Broadway (2008)

Before his more recent success, Baker caught our attention with Prince of Broadway, a look at the world of New York City’s immigrant population through the eyes of a Ghanaian street vendor.  Like many of his films, Prince of Broadway is a tender portrayal of life on the margins, showcasing the resilience of those trying to make their way in the world.

6. Take Out (2004)

A little like Prince of Broadway, Take Out paints a portrait of a Chinese immigrant living in New York City and working as a delivery driver for a Chinese restaurant. The film focuses on his struggles to pay off a dangerous debt, and the moral dilemmas that arise as he navigates a world that is often indifferent to his existence. Shot in a gritty, documentary style, Take Out doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities of immigrant life, and marked the early days of Baker's journey as a filmmaker.

Feature image via IMDb.