#5 – Blood Simple (1984)

How’s this for a debut? Proving right away that a couple of rookie filmmakers can run with the herd, Joel and Ethan crafted a seemingly simple tale of adultery into an intricately woven tapestry of crime fiction. A testament to the power of low budget film making and a benchmark regarding their ability to make classic film noir – a mark they would surpass at least once each over the next two decades.

#4 – Raising Arizona (1987)

So how did the brothers Coen follow up their stellar debut? By completely reinventing themselves. Raising Arizona is wildly hilarious, full of live-action cartoon characters, and the first showcase for their quirky trademark humor. It cemented their versatility and, for better or worse, introduced the world to Nicolas Cage as a leading man.

#3 – No Country for Old Men (2007)

If the Academy had to pick a moment to finally recognize the Coens with a Best Director award, this was as good a time as any. In their near flawless adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, they gave us not only one of the best screen villains in recent memory, but one of the finest pictures they have ever made. It’s placement on this list is only hampered by the tenure of its existence. As time wears on, NCfOM could easily climb into one of the top two spots.

#2 – The Big Lebowski (1998)

Arguably holding the widest appeal of any Coen brothers film to date, this film is a staple on college campuses due to its iconic leading characters and their choice of recreation. It is bizarre enough for the casual comedy fans, but to those familiar with the Coens' work, it is a foray into yet another strange and fascinating world created by the brothers. I am even more impressed that this is the film they chose to follow up their previously released Oscar-nominated film, which was…

#1 – Fargo (1996)

A return to their low budget roots, Fargo is the Coen brothers’ masterpiece. It is the perfect mix of every style they ever used to get to this point. It works as a crime drama. It works as a comedy. It is as dark, hilarious and tragic as it is classic. The only thing the Coen brothers did wrong was release it the same year the Academy lost their collective minds and gave the Oscar for Best Picture to the disgustingly overrated (and inferior) film The English Patient. In a weird way, I think that adds to the films appeal.