When the New York Times dropped its first-ever list of the best movies of the 21st century back in 2017, one director’s picks really stood out — Sofia Coppola. Unlike many other directors who leaned heavily into arthouse or critically acclaimed heavy hitters, Coppola sprinkled in some real surprises. Sure, she picked some indie favorites like Ruben Östlund’s Force Majeure and Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin. But most memorably, she threw in Daddy’s Home — the 2015 Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg comedy about a stepdad’s hilarious turf war with his wife’s charismatic ex.
Now, here’s the kicker: Coppola called Daddy’s Home “the only film my kids and I equally enjoy together.” And honestly, that line hits even harder today, especially with her daughter Romy Mars adding an extra layer of fun to the family vibe. That unexpected nod to a raunchy comedy amidst art films captures what makes these celebrity-curated lists so entertaining and relatable.
Why Celebrity Movie Lists Are So Fascinating
The appeal of these lists—whether from the New York Times, Sight & Sound, Letterboxd’s Four Favorites, or the Criterion Closet—isn’t about the final rankings. The fact that the New York Times now ranks Everything Everywhere All at Once over Tree of Life? Honestly, that says more about current trends and recency bias than anything else. What really makes these lists captivating is the individual ballots.
These are personal, quirky, and often unexpected windows into what movies resonate with actors, directors, writers, and other creatives. We want to see what they’re watching and, just as importantly, why. After all, movies reflect culture, personality, and taste — and when a celebrity shares their favorites, it feels like an invitation into their world.
Take, for instance, crime novelist Dennis Lehane’s choice of Inside Out — yes, the Pixar animated film! You might scratch your head at first, but it’s a reminder that great storytelling transcends genres and target audiences. That choice speaks volumes about the emotional impact the film had on him, even if it doesn’t seem like the obvious pick for a crime writer.
Cool Celebrity Quirks on Their Lists
It’s fun to dig into the meta-details of these ballots. Which stars sneak their own movies onto the list? Chiwetel Ejiofor included 12 Years a Slave, Rachel Zegler went with West Side Story, and Vicky Krieps picked Phantom Thread. Others find clever workarounds — like Celine Song voting for her husband’s film Queer, or Gia Coppola honoring her sister Sofia’s The Virgin Suicides.
Despite some studios having weaker recent outputs, early 2000s Pixar movies still hold a special place. For example, Oscar-winning cinematographer Eric Messerschmidt chose Up, while Succession star Arian Moayed picked Toy Story 3. Tony Hale, beloved for voicing Forky in Toy Story 4, also voted for Inside Out. But even so, no animated film quite matches the lasting magic of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, which is a favorite on many lists — including those of Bryce Dallas Howard, Molly Ringwald, and John Turturro.
Noticeable Patterns and Hollywood Biases
Of course, no list is without its quirks and biases. A clear Hollywood-centric lens colors many ballots, though there’s a healthy representation of international auteurs like Bong Joon Ho, Park Chan-wook, and Alejandro González Iñárritu. You’ll also see the dependable “classics” — movies you can watch anytime, anywhere — like The Social Network, There Will Be Blood, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
At the same time, some oddball picks add freshness to the mix: June Squibb’s fondness for Wicked Little Letters or Naomie Harris highlighting the quietly powerful Emilia Pérez show that individual taste can really shake up the expected. Among cinephile lists, Will Sharpe’s standout ballot includes a majority of foreign-language films, while Lesley Manville’s list nods heavily to her longtime collaborators Paul Thomas Anderson and Luca Guadagnino.
The Wild Card: Nicholas Sparks’ List
If you want pure unpredictability, Nicholas Sparks’ list takes the cake. The bestselling romantic novelist — whose books inspired plenty of tearjerker movies — surprises with a mix of crowd-pleasers and critically panned films. On his list, you’ll find Avatar, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Dark Knight, Inception, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, and Toy Story 3.
This mix might seem like a hodgepodge, but it perfectly reflects Sparks’ heart-first approach to movies. It’s less about highbrow critique and more about emotional connection and fun. And honestly, that’s what makes a great individual ballot — it reveals something deeply personal about the person behind it.
Why These Lists Matter More Than You Think
At the end of the day, these celebrity movie lists aren’t about proving who’s the ultimate cinephile or establishing some definitive hierarchy. They’re about projecting the celebrity’s public image — whether it’s serious, quirky, funny, or even a little goofy.
Like when Sofia Coppola included Daddy’s Home in her 2017 list, it felt refreshingly out of left field, turning it into an iconic moment that we still talk about. Or Brian Cox choosing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — that pick instantly aligns with his complex, layered screen persona.
Lists Spark Joy, Arguments, and Empathy
Once the New York Times released its latest batch of top movies, the internet buzzed as everyone jumped in to craft their own lists. Why? Because there’s something deeply satisfying about debating which 40 or so films belong on your personal top list — and in what order.
Whether you’re a hardcore cinephile or just love chatting with friends, these debates make life richer. Picking between a Studio Ghibli classic or a Paul Thomas Anderson masterpiece isn’t easy when your thumbs hover over the ballot screen. Maybe the real value in making these lists isn’t about cultural status — it’s about empathy.
It takes guts for celebrities to put their own tastes out there for public scrutiny. Sharing your favorite films means opening a small window into who you are, and that vulnerability makes these lists so human and endlessly fascinating.
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