Morgan Freeman – Moulin Rouge
Oscar winner Morgan Freeman lists Moulin Rouge from 2001 as one of his all time favorites. The story follows a poor English poet named Christian who falls for Satine, the Moulin Rouge cabaret star who also works as a courtesan.
Freeman described the film as possibly the best conceived and executed. He praised the cinematography, the performances, the singing, and the dancing, calling it a true feast for the senses.
Freeman also named Moby Dick from 1956, Life of Pi from 2012, High Noon from 1952, and Outlaw Josey Wales from 1976 among his picks.
Arnold Schwarzenegger – Alien
Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger selected the 1982 family film The Alien as his favorite. He noted that Steven Spielberg presents a tale about the unlikely friendship between a child and an alien who winds up on Earth, a story he believes resonates with viewers of all ages and genders.
Schwarzenegger credited Spielberg with delivering a film that appeals to everyone. The actor also listed The Sound of Music from 1965, The Godfather from 1972, Westworld from 1973, Unforgiven from 1992, and Titanic from 1997 as part of his broader favorite lineup.
Robert Pattinson – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
In 1975, Miloš Forman directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, an adaptation of a novel by Ken Kesey. The story unfolds in a psychiatric ward as Randle Patrick McMurphy defies the system and unites fellow patients. Pattinson has spoken highly of Jack Nicholson’s portrayal and has cited the film as a catalyst for personal courage during his youth.
He recalled being about 15 or 16 when the movie left a lasting impression, admiring the bold, rebellious spirit it depicted. Pattinson also highlighted other films in his favorites, including The Exorcist from 1973, The Name of Carmen from 1983, Ivan on the Ecstasy from 2000, and Special Agent Corky Romano from 2001.
Jennifer Lawrence – Midnight in Paris
Jennifer Lawrence, known for her role in The Hunger Games, has said Woody Allen is her favorite director and spoke fondly of the drama Midnight in Paris from 2011. She described watching the film as a surprisingly delightful experience and shared that it felt like a perfect blend of humor, imagination, wardrobe, and the inventive ideas of screenwriters. Owen Wilson added a touch of humor to the film that she found memorable.
In subsequent interviews, Lawrence expressed strong appreciation for Ari Aster’s horror movie Reincarnation, calling it a standout in modern horror with a lasting impact. She also includes Heartbreakers from 2004, Harold and Maude from 1971, The Big Lebowski from 1998, and Old School from 2002 in her list of favorites.
Daniel Radcliffe – 12 Angry Men
Sidney Lumet’s courtroom drama 12 Angry Men, released in 1957, remains a defining piece in Radcliffe’s memory. The film, based on a 1954 stage play by Reginald Rose, centers on a jury deliberating a murder case in New York City and was nominated for multiple Oscars in 1958, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Radcliffe has cited the film’s single-room focus as a major draw, explaining that the tension and dynamic between jurors keep viewers thoroughly engaged. He also notes Stairway to Heaven from 1946 and Dr. Argonauts from 1963 among his favorite works.
Richard Gere – Harvest Days
Richard Gere appears in two titles within the list of favorites, including Days of the Harvest from 1978 and Oppenheimer’s Strategy from 2016. The selections mark pivotal moments in Gere’s view of cinema and his own life, reflecting how certain titles influenced his career trajectory and personal growth.
He expressed that Days of Harvest stands out as his first film, with Oppenheimer’s Strategy offering a distinct, less obvious choice that nonetheless contributed to a meaningful experience. Gere also cites Babette’s Feast from 1987, The Bicycle Thieves from 1948, and Sunrise from 1927 as part of his favorites.
Nicolas Cage – Once Upon a Time in the West
Nicolas Cage finds a strong childhood connection with Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West from 1968. He recalls watching a related program on television and being captivated by the power of the hand to hand duel between Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson, a moment that deeply impressed him. Cage also appreciates the film’s direction and musical score.
His list also includes East of Eden from 1955, Apocalypse Now from 1979, Citizen Kane from 1941, and Enter the Dragon from 1973.
Tom Holland – Primal Fear
Tom Holland, famed for his role as Spider-Man, has named Gregory Hoblit’s Primal Fear from 1996 as his favorite debut film. He praised the collaboration between Richard Gere and Edward Norton and described Norton’s performance as something he has always wanted to emulate in his own acting. Holland also highlighted The Departed from 2006, Avatar from 2009, Saving Private Ryan from 1998, and My Cousin Vinny from 1992 as part of his broader list.