15 Famous People Revealed The Movies They Love Most
Everyone has a few movies they’ll defend forever, and it’s always fun when famous people share theirs.
Hearing an actor, musician, athlete, or comedian name a favorite film can feel revealing, showing what inspires them, what makes them laugh, or what hits them emotionally.
Sometimes the picks are exactly what you’d expect, and sometimes they come out of nowhere and instantly send fans searching for a rewatch.
Disclaimer: Each pairing comes from an on-the-record source where the person named a favorite film, including published interviews, Q&A features, reputable media profiles, and verified “favorites” lists (such as reading lists or culture picks released by official outlets). The list reflects what was publicly stated at the time of publication, and some people may have named different favorites in other interviews or at different points in their lives.
1. Taylor Swift – Love Actually
Yes, one of the world’s biggest pop stars loves curling up to watch a romantic comedy masterpiece.
Swift has publicly gushed about this 2003 British classic, which weaves together multiple love stories during the Christmas season.
The film’s ensemble cast and heartfelt storytelling clearly resonate with the singer-songwriter known for crafting emotional narratives.
Its themes of connection and vulnerability mirror Swift’s own artistic approach to relationships and human emotions in her music.
2. Barack Obama – Casablanca
A classic choice for a president known for his eloquence and sophistication!
Obama has praised this 1942 romantic drama set during World War II, calling it a timeless masterpiece of cinema.
Humphrey Bogart’s iconic performance and the film’s themes of sacrifice and moral courage clearly resonate with the former Commander-in-Chief.
Though Obama also adores The Godfather series, Casablanca represents his appreciation for Hollywood’s golden age and stories about doing what’s right despite personal cost.
3. Adele – Minari
A powerhouse vocalist with a tender heart chose this intimate family drama as her favorite.
Minari tells the story of Korean immigrants pursuing the American Dream in 1980s Arkansas, balancing hope with hardship.
The movie’s quiet strength and emotional depth align perfectly with the singer’s own approach to storytelling through her soul-stirring ballads about love and loss.
4. Jennifer Lawrence – Father of the Bride Part II
Who knew an Oscar winner’s comfort film would be a 90s comedy sequel?
Lawrence has shared her deep affection for this Steve Martin family comedy, which follows the chaotic joy of unexpected pregnancies.
The movie’s humor about family dynamics and life’s surprises speaks to Lawrence’s own down-to-earth personality.
5. Steven Spielberg – Lawrence of Arabia
One legendary director bows to another! Spielberg has repeatedly named David Lean’s 1962 epic as his ultimate inspiration for entering filmmaking.
The sweeping desert cinematography and Peter O’Toole’s mesmerizing performance showed young Spielberg what cinema could achieve.
This film’s influence appears throughout Spielberg’s own career, from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Schindler’s List, proving great artists learn from greatness.
6. Neil Tennant – The Servant
The Pet Shop Boys frontman chose a dark psychological thriller from 1963 as his cinematic obsession.
Joseph Losey’s film explores class warfare and manipulation through a sinister butler-master relationship.
Tennant appreciates the movie’s stylish cinematography and Dirk Bogarde’s chilling performance as the calculating servant.
The film’s themes of power dynamics and social hierarchy align with Tennant’s own lyrical explorations of British class structure.
7. Johnny Marr – The Servant
Great minds think alike! The legendary Smiths guitarist shares Neil Tennant’s fascination with this unsettling British masterpiece about class and corruption.
Marr has discussed how the film’s visual style and psychological depth influenced his own artistic sensibilities beyond music.
The movie’s exploration of power relationships and social pretense resonates with themes Marr explored in his songwriting with The Smiths.
8. Quentin Tarantino – Black Hawk Down
Surprising pick from cinema’s king of stylized violence! Tarantino has praised Ridley Scott’s 2001 war film about the Battle of Mogadishu for its intense realism and relentless pacing.
The film’s chaotic combat sequences and ensemble cast create visceral tension throughout its runtime.
Though known for his own unique style, Tarantino appreciates Scott’s documentary-like approach to modern warfare.
9. James Cameron – The Wizard of Oz
Before Titanic and Avatar, there was Dorothy and Toto! Cameron has cited this 1939 fantasy musical as a foundational influence on his filmmaking imagination.
The transition from black-and-white Kansas to technicolor Oz demonstrated cinema’s power to transport audiences to impossible worlds.
Judy Garland’s journey over the rainbow planted seeds for Cameron’s own explorations of fantastical realms through groundbreaking technology.
10. Sverrir Gudnason – The Deer Hunter
Swedish actor Gudnason chose one of cinema’s most powerful war dramas as his favorite. Michael Cimino’s 1978 epic follows Pennsylvania steelworkers before, during, and after Vietnam service.
The film’s harrowing Russian roulette scenes and exploration of trauma’s lasting effects showcase acting at its most raw and vulnerable.
The Deer Hunter’s emotional intensity and Robert De Niro’s quiet devastation create an unforgettable meditation on friendship and loss.
11. J.J. Abrams – Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Could there be a more perfect match? Abrams, who would later direct two Star Wars films himself, grew up mesmerized by George Lucas’s 1977 space opera.
Luke Skywalker’s hero journey and the film’s revolutionary special effects shaped Abrams’s entire creative worldview. He’s spoken about watching it repeatedly as a kid, memorizing every line and lightsaber duel.
When given the chance to helm The Force Awakens, Abrams fulfilled a childhood dream by contributing to the saga that made him fall in love with storytelling.
12. David Stratton – Singin’ in the Rain
Legendary Australian film critic Stratton picked the ultimate movie musical! This 1952 Gene Kelly classic celebrates Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies with unmatched joy.
Stratton has praised its perfect blend of comedy, romance, and spectacular dance numbers. Kelly’s iconic performance in the rain remains cinema’s most exuberant expression of happiness.
The film’s clever satire of movie-making and show business never loses its charm.
13. Matthew Kelly – Life of Brian
British actor Kelly chose Monty Python’s controversial 1979 religious satire as his comedy gold standard. The film follows Brian, an ordinary man mistaken for the Messiah in biblical times.
Kelly loves Python’s irreverent humor and clever wordplay that challenges sacred cows while remaining surprisingly thoughtful.
The “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” finale has become a cultural phenomenon.
14. Jay Duplass – Rocky
An indie filmmaker’s heart beats for Philadelphia’s favorite underdog! Duplass has shared how Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 boxing drama profoundly influenced his approach to authentic storytelling.
Rocky’s gritty realism and emotional honesty showed that great films don’t need huge budgets, just genuine characters and heart.
The film’s themes of perseverance against impossible odds resonate with Duplass’s own journey making independent films.
15. Jimmy Nesbitt – The Sting
Northern Irish actor Nesbitt picked a perfect caper! This 1973 con artist comedy starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford combines clever plotting with old-fashioned charm.
Nesbitt loves the film’s intricate twists and the chemistry between its legendary leads. The Sting’s ragtime soundtrack and Depression-era setting create a nostalgic atmosphere that never gets old.
